The Hoop Group: DMV Exposure Tour Standouts

Colby Giacubeno

March 19, 2023 @ 07:54 AM

On Saturday The Hoop Group hosted their Exposure Tour event in the DMV on the campus of Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C. It's a chance for prospects of all classes to play in a showcase format event just weeks (and for some only days) following the conclusion of their high school season. Prep Hoops popped by for the second half of the day to take in some game action and from the couple of hours, we wanted to spotlight some names that stood out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114068' first='Liech' last='Kong'] | Rock Creek Christian '23   There weren't as many seniors in attendance as I originally thought there would be, so guys like Kong who stand 6'7, have experience of physical play in the post and have participated in similar events throughout their high school careers looked very comfortable. Kong stood out with his efficiency around the basket, his consistency in running the floor and his intent on controlling the defensive glass for his team.   Hasaan Nelson | DuVal '25   Nelson caught my eye in the regional championship game against Parkville where DuVal would end up losing a hard fought matchup. The 6'2 sophomore loves to get downhill and attack the rim. As the defense rotates, he has creativity and counters within his approach to keep his goal in mind. Often times in these sort of events, the help side defense isn't exactly a thing, so Nelson had his fair share of quick drive and finishes that caught attention.   Demarcus Daniel Jr. | Gwynn Park '24   Daniel Jr. had a productive junior season for a loaded Gwynn Park squad with a lot of names the local hoops scene is very familiar with. Daniel has good size at 6'4, a confident shooting stroke and proved yesterday that he can finish with consistency on the break even as defenders are heavily contesting him.   Andre Stewart | Mt. Zion Prep '23   I didn't have a chance to watch Stewart for too long, but when I did he was impactful getting to his spots off the dribble in the mid-range and using his strong 6'4 frame to create some shooting space. He plays with decent balance and has to tighten up his handle a bit, but his blend of size, shooting touch and wiggle were all something of note.   Jadyss Fifer | Northeast '24   Fifer ignited the gym in the last game of the day as he threw down a powerful dunk in transition. He's 6'4, an active floor-runner and seems to be a versatile defender with ability to keep shifty guards at bay or use leverage in the post against bigger matchups.   Ben Vaughn | Woodberry Forest '25   While many kids think making the right, simple basketball play won't stand out in this sort of setting, it actually does more than ever. Vaughn made several plays of this variety in simple drive-and-kick situations, quick ball reversals when he probably could've taken a shot or advance passes in transition. The 6'2 sophomore also cashed in on a few shots from three and the ball always seemed to find him after sprinting the floor for layups.   Amari Buchanan | Arundel Christian '23   Buchanan is a strong, intense lead guard with good size at 6'3. He's shifty in quick isolation scenarios and beat his matchup off the bounce with regularity. Buchanan made crisp passes on fast breaks where he hit streaking teammates in stride and did a nice job of picking up the opposing ball-handler each possession at half court.

On Saturday The Hoop Group hosted their Exposure Tour event in the DMV on the campus of Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C. It's a chance for prospects of all classes to play in a showcase format event just weeks (and for some only days) following the conclusion of their high school season. Prep Hoops popped by for the second half of the day to take in some game action and from the couple of hours, we wanted to spotlight some names that stood out.