The Expo Carolinas: Team 1 Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase and Top 250 Expo were held in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Saturday. This is one of the best days of the year because there were over 150 of the best prospects from North Carolina and South Carolina competing under one roof. Take a look at my Top 250 Expo Team 1 Evaluations:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#808 [player_tooltip player_id='2634955' first='Tajae' last='Wright'] (Hilton Head) - First up on our Expo Team 1 Evaluations is [player_tooltip player_id='2634955' first='Tajae' last='Wright']. Wright was a nice piece for this team, and it didn't always need the ball to make his presence felt. Tajae was active on the defensive end with quick hands, frequently made the extra pass, and excelled in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#809 [player_tooltip player_id='2951343' first='Amare' last='Paugh'] (Mountain View Prep) - Based on what Amare displayed at the Top 250 Expo, he could be a major addition for MVP this season. Paugh pairs positional size at 6'2" with a strong, physical frame, which gives a size advantage against most Guards at this level. He also drew multiple charges on Saturday - a rarity in showcases. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#822 [player_tooltip player_id='1986979' first='Eli' last='Britt'] (Sumter) - Britt was one of the overall standout 2027s at the Prep Hoops Carolinas Top 250 Expo. Eli excelled with his ability to beat defenders off the dribble, hit pull-up shots, and balance his playmaking. Keep an eye out for my Standout 2027s article for a deeper breakdown on Britt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#827 [player_tooltip player_id='2893954' first='Connor' last='McCraw'] (Chesnee) - Connor is another 2027 Guard who had a nice showing for Team 1. Although he didn't have the ball in his hands as much as usual, he was just as productive defensively, made a few nice plays in transition, and kept the offense flowing with decisive decision-making. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#849 [player_tooltip player_id='2915993' first='James' last='Matsik'] (Bishop England) - Matsik left a strong first impression on me in Rock Hill. He is noticeably comfortable with his off-hand both as a passer and a finisher. James has a good feel for his pace with the ball, changing it at various times to keep opponents off balance and penetrate the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#856 [player_tooltip player_id='2194590' first='Wyatt' last='Dugger'] (Eastside) - Wyatt was one of my 3v3 Favorites at The Expo. He played extremely hard on the defensive end, while also creating shots for himself on the offensive end. In the 5v5 games, Dugger was much more of a complementary player, hitting tough shots in the mid-range and spacing the offense with threes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#866 [player_tooltip player_id='2881403' first='Alex' last='Mcilwain'] (Westminster Catawba) - Mcilwain's athleticism is a key piece to his game, and it adds an important layer to every offense he's in. When he has the ball, he looks to slash to the rim with two or three dribbles, while when he doesn't have the ball, he makes intelligent cuts to the rim and stays open as a lob threat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#940 [player_tooltip player_id='2175533' first='Chase' last='Littlefield'] (Greer) - Rounding out the list of Team 1 Evaluations is [player_tooltip player_id='2175533' first='Chase' last='Littlefield']. Littlefield had a monster day in Rock Hill as arguably the top overall standout. What made Chase stand out was what he did on the wing, showcasing his true position and potential as a prospect. He knocked down a big volume of threes, both off the dribble and the catch, while also finishing drives, working through contact, and cleaning the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->