Prep Hoops Expo: Tony's First Team All-Expo

The annual Prep Hoops Iowa Expo took place in Des Moines on Saturday afternoon, with approximately 100 players from the sophomore through senior classes taking the floor. Myself, Eliot Clough, and Healey Hill were in attendance throughout the event taking notes on every player in attendance, and we'll have a slew of coverage coming throughout the next week. I was primarily responsible for covering Teams 1, 2, 9, and 10, while Eliot handled Teams 5, 6, and 8, and Healey had Teams 3, 4, and 7.    Love is a strong, physical guard who imposed his will against smaller defenders routinely on Saturday afternoon. He's able to bully his way to the rim against smaller defenders, and has the quick burst first step to blow by slower-footed defenders. He's an explosive athlete who finishes above the rim with authority, a good on-ball defender who moves his feet well, and he's strong in the mid-range. As he continues to develop his jumper, he could be a sleeper prospect to watch in Illinois' 2027 class.     Fields was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last season and picked up right where he left off, scoring in bunches from anywhere on the floor. He's a smooth all-around offensive weapon with elite handles, the ability to navigate through tight spaces while keeping his dribble, and his vision is superb. He's a skilled shotmaker with range well beyond the high school line, and he can create plays off the bounce for his teammates.     Church was one of the players I was most looking forward to getting a live look at, and he didn't disappoint. A long 6-4 wing who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor, he displayed great body control around the rim and a fantastic second jump that he uses to control the glass on both ends of the floor. He utilizes his length well on the defensive end, getting into passing lanes or contesting shots, and he showed not only the ability to finish at the rim, but also a really nice mid-range game that he can get to off the dribble.     Fischer was really good in both 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 settings on Saturday. Like his MAC counterpart Church, Fischer is a long, athletic wing who uses his length well on both ends of the floor. He's a tough, competitive player who doesn't shy away from contact and can finish at the rim through it. He attacks the rim off the dribble routinely, can step out and space the floor, and he showed an impressive feel for the game.     Hickie was one of the most pleasant surprises of the afternoon for me. A high IQ guard who can play with or without the ball in his hands, he shoots it at a high clip off the catch and is also a skilled playmaker with the ball in his hands. He sees the floor well, keeps his dribble low and tight, and is a willing passer. He isn't afraid of contact and was really competitive on the glass on both ends of the floor throughout the session.

The annual Prep Hoops Iowa Expo took place in Des Moines on Saturday afternoon, with approximately 100 players from the sophomore through senior classes taking the floor. Myself, Eliot Clough, and Healey Hill were in attendance throughout the event taking notes on every player in attendance, and we'll have a slew of coverage coming throughout the next week. I was primarily responsible for covering Teams 1, 2, 9, and 10, while Eliot handled Teams 5, 6, and 8, and Healey had Teams 3, 4, and 7.