What we want to see out of these 2028 Guards at the Soph showcase

We're a few days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.   If you still plan on getting out to the event, there's still time. Use code “JohnsonHoops25” at checkout for a discount.(<a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/1590/register/colorado-sophomore-id-camp">Here)</a>    What we know:   What we know is that Dario is a proven winner who got to learn the ropes from one of the best guards that the state has seen for the last few years. We know that he knows how to run an offense, that he is a poised guard that takes care of the ball, and that he has some of the best varsity experience against top-notch talent.   What we'd like to see:   We'd like to see how much of the learning alongside some of the top guards in the state in the last season translates to going up against other top players in the state. With a guard that gets valuable minutes on one of the top teams in the state and battling against some of the top guards in the state in practice daily, if iron sharpens iron. We want him to come to the event and prove that he's a polished guard who the game comes easily. We want to see if he's able to score in transition, play off the ball and take over as a scorer. I'd also like to see what kind of defender he is.     What we know:   We know that Collier is a lead guard who excels with the ball in his hands. He stands out in iso situations where he can score, space the floor with his shooting, but also get to where he wants to on the floor. He's coming off an injury, in which we did not get to see a ton of him this summer but we do know that he's still been working on his game. I'm excited to see him return and get back into the mix in a showcase setting.   What we'd like to see:   We'd like to see him not only return to a spot of being one of the top guards in the class, but see if he has taken a step in areas of his game that he was able to still work on during his injury, like ball handling and shooting. We'd like to see him play both on and off the ball and be effective in that as a catch-and-shoot off-ball guard or playmaker with the ball in his hands as he prepares to be in that spot for the season. This is an opportunity to showcase that he has more to his game than a score-first guard, and he will have a solid group surrounding him and competing with him to make sure that he could prove that he's one of the top players in the class. He's a player that I'm excited to see in person.     What we know:   I know that you're not going to find many competitors in this class at the level that you will with Sam. Sam elevates this showcase, as you know that there will be energy, effort on the defensive end, and a player willing to give it his all, and that play is contagious. Sam is a player who will have the opportunity this upcoming season to be a focal point of a team that has state championship aspirations. He's a versatile defender that can play and defend multiple positions, can take over in key moments as a floor raiser, and makes those around him better.   What we'd like to see:   We'd like to see him play with the effort that he's known for. Sam has the opportunity this year to be a difference-maker on both sides of the floor for T-Ridge. While other players will be specialists for their high school teams, he will not be, as he elevates the team on both ends. He must embrace that responsibility. He will be able to score both on and off the ball as well as be one of the best defenders on the team and in the conference. This is a chance to practice for that role and come in and show that he can defend some of the best players in the state, regardless of position, and with the list of prospects attending the event, there will be an opportunity for that. This is a great spot for him.     What we know:   We know that Lambert is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state and is a two-way star in the making. We just want to see that at the varsity level as well. There are not many players in the state with his upside, as he has great size, cannot be denied as he gets inside of the paint and finishes above the rim, and also he can shoot it as well. This is going to be a big year for him, and this will be a chance for the freshman and sophomore classes to see what it looks like to dominate on both sides of the court. This is also an opportunity for him to push himself to be that type of player.   What we'd like to see:   What I want to see for him is for him to see another player start getting going, and he decides to switch onto them and cut it off. I truly do think that Lambert is a top-3 on-ball defender regardless of class in the entire state. He uses his size and athleticism to make things difficult for guards, but can also defend bigger players as well. He turns that into scoring opportunities the other way, and in a showcase, everyone is gunning for the top player in the class. There's a reason that he's the No.2 player in the class. I want him to look comfortable, not let the game come to him but rather take it. Lambert is top-dog at the event; this is a chance to showcase exactly why.     What we know:   What we know, and ANYBODY who has watched or gone against Lincoln knows is that he's 6'3 with a ratchet. With his size and ability to space the floor with his shooting, he's one of the most intriguing players in the class because he's arguably the best shooter in the entire state. He's a natural scorer who puts points on the board as an off-ball threat that you have to guard the moment he crosses half-court.   What we'd like to see:   The other parts of his game. I want to see Lincoln put the ball on the floor and run the offense, him grab a rebound and start the break as the primary guard as well as pick up 90 feet and make an opposing guard work. He's a player that I know that plenty of schools are going to be on for the next few seasons, and they will want to see those things as well as which determines the type of school he plays at at the next level. This is an opportunity to show that there's more to his game than just being a knockdown shooter. I know that we'll see that, but I want to see him challenge himself at this showcase of exploring other parts of his game or just letting everyone know he adds those other parts as well.

We're a few days out from Sophomore ID Camp at Gold Crown on Sunday, September 7th. This is a chance for the top prospects in the 2028 & 2029 classes to go at it and prove that they belong amongst the top prospects in their respective classes. Rankings will be updated by the end of the month using what we see at the event as a key baseline for players we're familiar with and add new names to the list that we have not seen, so now is a great opportunity to see these players compete. These players took advantage of the opportunity and will be heading to Gold Crown for the Sophomore showcase. Here's what we expect to see when they step on the floor.