Top 250 Expo: Difference-Makers
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There was a multitude of game-changing players on the floor this past weekend at the Top 250 Expo. Below are a handful of talented players that made their presence felt in multiple games. Trae Smith Trae Smith 6'0" | PG…
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Continue ReadingThere was a multitude of game-changing players on the floor this past weekend at the Top 250 Expo. Below are a handful of talented players that made their presence felt in multiple games.
Trae Smith Trae Smith 6'0" | PG Cedar Hill | 2026 TX
Trae Smith Trae Smith 6'0" | PG Cedar Hill | 2026 TX
Trae was the prettiest shooter I saw all day. The rotation he gets on his jump shot is impressive and consistent. But he’s not just a shooter, he’s got incredible footwork and hustles on defense as well. He’s swift on the fast break and uses his speed to set his teammates up for easy buckets. He’s got a great ability to finish in transition and can whip a one-handed pass across the court with ease. A complete point guard that knows how to lead the charge for his team.
Jackson Kochalka Jackson Kochalka 5'11" | PG Frisco Emerson | 2025 TX
Jackson Kochalka Jackson Kochalka 5'11" | PG Frisco Emerson | 2025 TX
I swear when I first heard Jackson’s voice carrying across the court I thought he was one of the coaches on the sideline. The most vocal player I saw on the day by far, he communicates efficiently and effectively with his teammates on both ends of the floor. You can tell how passionate he is, that he likely lives and breathes basketball. He was involved on every play and never stopped hustling throughout his games. An excellent shooter who knows how to get to his spots and isn’t afraid to drive the lane with intensity. He’s skilled at getting around his defenders with his speed and has a beautiful arc shot when he goes up against bigger opponents.
Jaylen Mayo Jaylen Mayo 5'10" | CG Lake Dallas | 2025 TX
Jaylen Mayo Jaylen Mayo 5'10" | CG Lake Dallas | 2025 TX
Coaches long for guys like Mayo. You need players like Jaylen if you’re going to build a winning, elite team. I would call him a “glue guy”, but he’s not only good at the details, he’s extremely skilled. He just handles those details very well – first guy on the floor for loose balls, not afraid to take a charge, winning attitude, communicates, will win every 50/50 ball. He’s an incredible ballhandler with impressive speed and can get around his defenders for easy lay-ins or accurately dish it to a cutting teammate in the thinnest of passing lanes. Never hangs his head – this player is a winner.
I was blown away by Ahmare’s footwork on multiple occasions. “Did he really just do that?!”, I thought to myself as I watched him use his feet to work his way into easy shots time after time. He was so effective in the paint because of this, he left his defenders frustrated and exhausted. He’d see a good shot and somehow work his way into a much better one. Best footwork I saw on the day by far and he’s incredibly smart on both ends of the floor. He’s not afraid to body anybody in the key and he uses his physicality to his advantage. I also loved that I saw him take the responsibility of defending the opposing team’s best player multiple times.
James Sanderson James Sanderson 6'2" | PG Emerson | 2026 State TX
James Sanderson James Sanderson 6'2" | PG Emerson | 2026 State TX
James has an impressive handle and consistently makes smart decisions on both ends of the floor. He has a lot of fun out there, but don’t mistake that for thinking he won’t absolutely go at his opponent. He has an incredible ability to adjust his shots in the air and is calm under pressure. He hit the only buzzer beater I saw on the day. Great shooting form and he’s skilled at finishing through contact. Not afraid to get on the boards on either end of the floor and makes a big impact for his team in multiple ways.