Chris’s Top 250 Expo “Game Changers”
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops. Taylan Vetrovsky Taylan Vetrovsky 6'3" | SG Freeman | 2023 State NE | Guard | Senior | 6’3″ | Freeman…
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Taylan Vetrovsky Taylan Vetrovsky 6'3" | SG Freeman | 2023 State NE | Guard | Senior | 6’3″ | Freeman High School
Taylan erupted the crowd more than a few times displaying his athletic ability. He has a mature body frame to compliment his hard-nosed approach to the game. Vetrovsky is able to penetrate the lane, create space, and finish at or above the rim. If he gets past the defender off of his first step, he can throw down powerful slam dunks over the defense. Taylan showcased solid ball handling, unselfishness, and a strong defensive presence. Vetrovsky has a solid jump shot from behind the arc and a great follow thru. Currently ranked 77th in the state of Nebraska. After personally watching him at the expo, I know in my heart he’s a top 20 prospect with the ability to continue to climb the rankings. Taylan is super coachable and has an infectiously positive attitude.
Mari Shumaker Mari Shumaker 5'11" | PG Lincoln Southwest | 2025 NE | Point Guard | Sophomore | 5’10” | Lincoln Northstar
Mari plays the role of a true point guard. He has solid ball-handling skills, great court vision, and a consistent jump shot from long or mid-range. When the ball is not in his hands he finds open spots on the court to receive passes and knocks down open jump shots. Shumaker plays within the flow of the offense and is able to keep all of his teammates involved. Mari is entering his sophomore season. He will only get better, stronger, and wiser as time passes.
Paxon Piatkowski Paxon Piatkowski 6'4" | SF Elkhorn North | 2023 State NE | Forward/Guard | Senior | 6’5″ | Millard North
Paxon plays with great energy. He has a solid all-around skill set. Piatkowski can make long or mid-range jump shots. He’s able to push the ball up the floor. Very active on defense resulting in blocks/steals. Listed as a small forward. He looked more like a guard at the Top 250 Expo. Paxon is extremely versatile. He can play inside or out. Exciting in transition. Piatkowski has transferred to Millard North. Don’t be surprised if Paxon is a huge reason why they win a 3rd consecutive state championship.
Porter Bazil Porter Bazil 6'3" | SF Lincoln Northeast | 2023 State NE | Small Forward | Senior | Lincoln Northeast
Porter is a 6’7″ small forward that can also play guard. He has an excellent range from downtown. Able to pull up and hit the mid-range jump shot. Picture-perfect release! Bazil can dribble past the defense and throw down a vicious slam dunk! His tall frame makes it difficult for the defense to guard him. His long arms clog up passing lanes and he is able to block shots as well. He pretty much had his way at the Top 250 Expo. I was most impressed with his positive attitude and fearless demeanor. Porter is a certified hooper.
Jaden Jackson Jaden Jackson 6'1" | SG Bellevue West | 2024 State #312 Nation NE | Guard | Junior | 6’1″ | Bellevue West
Jaden shot lights out at the Top 250 Expo in Nebraska. He keeps getting better and better. Jackson has a tight handle on the basketball, he can find open teammates, and he shoots a very high percentage from the field. Very reliable scorer/ball-handler. I’ve been saying it since he was a freshman. Jaden is a point guard size replica of Ohio State Standout/NBA legend Jimmy Jackson. It’s like he rarely misses. Jackson does a lot more than just shoot the ball but he shoots it so well that’s all you can remember. Rather long or mid-range it’s going in. Looking for a sniper? Then recruit Jaden and get a sniper plus more.
Other Notable Standouts
T’andre Perkins T’andre Perkins 6'5" | SF Omaha North | 2023 State NE – 6’5″ small forward that has explosive athletic ability and a solid jumpshot from anywhere on the court.
Tayvin Zephier-Murphy Tayvin Zephier-Murphy 6'4" | CG Omaha Westview | 2025 State NE – 6’3′ guard that has all-around skills. He can attack the basket, shoot, and play strong defense. Great teamate! You can trust him to take care of the ball. He’s pretty good.
Jadyn Cascio-Jensen Jadyn Cascio-Jensen 6'2" | SG Fremont | 2024 State NE – 6’3″ shooting guard with “deep” three-point range. He has improved his athletic ability and can finish above the rim on a fastbreak. Solid ball handler and plays under control. Stock riser!
Quientan Mccafferty Quientan Mccafferty 6'9" | C Concordia | 2024 State NE – 6’9″ power forward/center that can protect the basket. On offense he can spread the defense out due to his ability to make three pointers. Great rebounder offensively and defensively. Active shot blocker.
Ramel Woodard Ramel Woodard 5'11" | SG Omaha South | 2023 State NE – 5’11” guard that plays strong. Floor general. Solid shooter.
Ormonie Young – 6’0″ true point guard with scoring ability. Solid defender. Plays within the flow of the offense. Great attitude and very coachable.
Jayden Madden – 6’1″ guard that shoots a high pecentage from deep. Knock down shooter! Hustles on defense. Reliable under pressure.
Ethan Painter – 6’6″ forward who had the most impressive dunk at the Prep Hoops Nebraska Top 250 Expo. Jab stepped baseline, drove middle, and tomahawked it down over two defenders. Showed the ability to make open three pointers.
Kevin Brown Jr – 6’5″ guard that can get to the basket and finish.