Ballers Deserving Attention: The Expo

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"19px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:19px"><strong><em>#PHExpoDAK</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Expo took place on October 3rd at the Impact Sports Center in Sioux Falls, bringing together an intriguing group of players from across ND &amp; SD. With plenty of competition and talent packed into the gym, there were several players who caught our attention throughout the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we've had some time to reflect on the action, we're taking a closer look at some of the <strong>ballers deserving attention</strong> coming out of The Expo. These are players who showed us something that stood out, whether it was their scoring, athleticism, playmaking, toughness, versatility, or overall approach to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Expo gave us a chance to see a number of players compete in different settings, and there was plenty to like. Below, we highlight some of the ballers who we believe deserve to be on your radar heading into the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3787050,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/image_78e335.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/image_78e335.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3787050" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3787051,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/image_a28a6f.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/image_a28a6f.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3787051" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Ballers Deserving Attention</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2826439"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39d63d92c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-He had a great day at The Expo, played very well in 3on3 and 5on5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed hustle and anticipation when snagging O-boards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shifty slasher, consistently beat on-ball defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had an amazing acrobatic finish at the rack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sneaky hands, multiple steals, nose for the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed impressive hang time with a double-pump finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Ran the floor extremely well, many transition scores</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fluid catch &amp; score when going to the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Beautiful PNR dime, and dished several other assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237851"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac3498cc88af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-First time seeing him live and Nix is talented and very long</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Much bigger and stronger than I thought, well-built and strong</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looks like a low post, but he shoots it very well and makes plays slashing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit multiple 3-pointers throughout the event</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fluid stroke from the corner pocket, nothing but the bottom of the net</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressed with him in the PNR game, caught &amp; finished nicely</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Several scores at the hoop, soft kisses off the glass for buckets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great feet, fancy footwork, spin, 1-handed finish at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He will be a DUDE in Class B this season, his numbers will be gaudy </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1551734"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac3498cc8902"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-We mentioned this in a previous article, but he looks bigger/stronger/faster</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Played well throughout the day, got buckets from all levels</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong, physical, and aggressive, no problem scoring in iso situaions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He also beat help D and scored in traffic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Very good rebounder, I liked how he timed the ball perfectly &amp; high-pointed</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed that he is a real threat from 3-point land &amp; cashed in</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Many strong/physical scores and did it from a variety of angles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Consistent bucket-getting at the basket</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411681"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac46d6f73138"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Top 1 or 2 athletes at the event</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He can jump out of the gym</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Flew up and down the court, magnificent in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed some craftiness with a sweet runner/floater</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had a very impressive DUNK in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showcased a pretty mid-range jumper in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Proved his versatility, can score from all over the court in a variety of ways</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Legit threat from 3-point land</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Problematic on defense with his high-level athleticism</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He also cleaned up the boards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A Major matchup problem</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Will give opposing Class A Region 1 teams fits this winter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2398642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac3498cc894b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Not the biggest player, but he is tough as nails</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scored with a sick tip-in on an O-board</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive to the hoop, transition score over the defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive hang-time reverse layup, crazy body control</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hard cut, catch, score, AND1 finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Broke down the D via the bounce, silky smooth middy J for 2 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Grabbed a defensive board, coast-to-coast push, transition assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Dual threat lead guards, creates &amp; scores </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2840028"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac3498cc8990"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Easily one of the top players at the event</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice sized guard with the skills to match</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like how he secured D-rebounds, took off in transition, pushed, drove &amp; dished assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had an amazing twisting &amp; turning AND1 finish, awesome body control</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick, fast, shifty, dangerous slasher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Finished through and after contact</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another sharp/skilled assist in transition, knows exactly when to move the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had several transition scores, very fast up the court</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple flush finishes at the hoop, not quite dunks, but he was right up at the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Racked up steals and turnovers, went the other way and scored at the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2976865"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac3498cc89d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-One of the best BIGs at the event</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-It looks like he has really improved since last fall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Leonardi passed the eye test in the pick &amp; roll game, set solid screens and rolled well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Score many times in PNR, screened/rolled/caught/finished at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hands looked good, caught high &amp; low passes and did not bobble it</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Caught high and finished high, kept the ball way from smaller defenders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had a tough AND1 finish that caught my eye</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Many catches in traffic, gathered &amp; finished in traffic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Racked up a boatload of offensive rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Ran the floor well for a BIG man, scored in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Made some nice passes, shared the ball, had one beautiful kick-out assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Productive on the glass, not afraid to battle for the rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411681"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac4628f2e703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2950876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2950876" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->