The Expo: Team 7 Breakdown

Juniors and seniors from across the state gathered at the Expo to put their skills on display and showcase their talent. For many, it was a chance to measure themselves against high-level competition and separate from the pack. Some players firmly boosted their stock, others landed squarely on our radar for the first time, and a few made statements that can't be ignored. Here's what we saw from Team 7.    Mindrup brought relentless energy which stands out in a showcase setting but what I enjoyed is how he is attacking the glass and finishing through contact inside. His crossover created mismatches, often forcing smaller defenders into tough spots and finished right over them. When doubles came, he made the right reads and kicked out to shooters. His willingness to move without over-dribbling and to compete physically was refreshing, as I feel he attacked the mismatch and made himself a difficult matchup.     Eccher Salazar was a player that we kept getting questions about at the event because all he kept doing was making plays. His physicality and size stand out, but he impacted the game on both ends with his competitive edge. At 6'3, he used his strength and versatility to rebound, defend, and attack as a two-way wing. Offensively, he showed versatility as a passer, creating for teammates and putting the ball on the floor when needed. Defensively, he played physical, embraced contact, and consistently set the tone. He's a player that the game comes easily to but he did not just fit in, he made sure to do things that stood out, and he was one of the top players on the day.     Franz stood out with his ability to push in transition and finish tough shots around the rim. He got downhill and made quick decisions to keep the offense going. He flashed a confident mid-range pull-up at times, even with defenders draped on him, and stayed shot-ready in half-court action. He also scored from the deep ball as well. As the games progressed and we got into 5-on-5 action, he grew more comfortable, and that only led to him making more plays. We want him to stay in that attack as we project him to be a player that makes an impact this season based on what we saw at the event.     Ward is a player that we were high on heading into the event, but we had a few questions about, and those were answered at the showcase. I wanted to know how he would look with other top guards on his team and how he would set himself apart. He did that as he showcased a mature game and high IQ. He moves to his own tune and was not able to get slowed down with just one player. They sent double teams his way, and he did not just force the issue as many other players had. He scored from all three levels, using balance and craft to get to his spots. Despite being on a team that played fast and free around him, which led to turnovers and a deficit, he still found ways to stand out with his composure, decision-making, and polished scoring ability. Those are plays that stand out to me in a showcase, not just the guy who is gunning, trying to keep up. I liked what I saw from him at the event.

Juniors and seniors from across the state gathered at the Expo to put their skills on display and showcase their talent. For many, it was a chance to measure themselves against high-level competition and separate from the pack. Some players firmly boosted their stock, others landed squarely on our radar for the first time, and a few made statements that can't be ignored. Here's what we saw from Team 7.