Arizona Top 250 Expo Report: Guards
Some of the top guards in the state attended the Top 250 Expo and did what everyone expected them to do. However, there were a couple of guards that demonstrated that they are under the radar in the skills session as well as during games. Here is the list of the Top 10 Skill Session Guards.
Top 250 Report: Guards
Mason Stark (Marcos De Niza)- Stark is always a lot of fun to watch due to how fundamentally sound he is. Basketball is in the blood in his family. The skill development stations highlighted the preperation that he has put into being a talented basketball player. The coaches did not have to explain the drills over and over again, and he was able to demonstrate proficiency in whatever skill the drills were attempting to improve. His most impressive station was the shooting station, which was to be expected.
Elijah Mead (Camelback)- After spending so much time under the radar, Mead has quickly gained that attention of many around the basketball scene prior to ever playing at Camelback High School. Many of the college coaches in attendance discussed his skill and potential as they watched him in the skill sessions. To no ones surprise, he impressed the most in the shooting station as he showed an ability to shoot off the dribble and the catch. Moreover, he has a quick and fluid shot as well as good athleticism that assists him in creating shots for himself.
David Larrabee (River Valley)- Larabee was one of the leading scorer’s in the state this past season, but does not get a lot of noteriety. During the skill sessions, he was able to demonstrate a good knack for shooting the basketball, a solid handle, and superb athleticism. Larabee is a quality talent who increased his stock due to a very strong performance at the expo. Keep an eye on this young man next season.
Bryan Baptiste (Basha)- Height might be a factor in why some coaches might pass up Baptiste, but any coach who watched him play and watched him in the skill development sessions could not disagree with his skill level. He is quite quick and has a great handle. He changes pace and direction well and can stop on a dime. In addition, his pass skills and basketball IQ were off the chart. In addition, he showed his leadership skills as he talked his teammates through drills and assisted them in understanding what the coaches were expecting to see.
Tre Mitchell (La Joya)- The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Mitchell is solid. He does everything exactly how a coach wants things done and has a balanced game. If a college coach is looking for a floor general who has good length and athleticism, this is the right guy. He has no issue with running the show, and he picks up on manner details quickly. He shoots the basketball well and is an above average on ball defender.
Cody Carmichael (Ironwood)- Like many of the other guards mentioned, Carmichael plays like a coach. He picks up on the drills quickly and demonstrates mastery of the skills that are being asked of him. Carmichael has blazing speed and a high basketball IQ. He finds teammates well and creates for himself with ease. In addition, his shot has improved from last season. Carmichael looks poised to have a big season at Ironwood.
Terrence Hunter (Mountain Pointe)- Hunter has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the entire state. In addition, during the skill work he demonstrated a long and athletic first step which assists him greatly in getting by the first defender. As far as the defensive station was concerned, he showed a good understanding of help side responsibilities and used his length well to guard multiple positions. His versatility and skill make him one of the top prospects at the Top 250 Expo as well as in the state.
Andrew Leonard (Cienega)- Leonard’s solid handle, athleticism, and ability to shoot the basketball were on display at the event. Leonard has not received a lot of exposure; however, his stock rose greatly due his performance at the expo. Expect to hear Leonard’s name more and more this upcoming season if he is able to continue the type of performances he had at the Top 250 Expo.
Jaden Lee (Mesquite)- The TR3 Hoop Summit saw Lee contribute the type of performance that everyone thought he was capable of. He continued that strong showing and took it to the next level this past weekend. He shot the ball at an extremely high rate as he hit 8 three pointers in one game and multiple in others. His shot selection and defense can be questionable at times. However, he showed that he has improved in both of those areas considerably. He used his athleticism and skill well and played tough defense. Moreover, he shot the ball quite well from deep and took good shots.
Za-Ontay Boothman (Buckeye) – Boothman probably had the best performance out of any of the underclassmen at the Top 250 Expo. He showed an ability to attack the rim and shoot the ball at an extremely high level in the shooting station. Moreover, he displayed elite level ability to get into the lane and finish around the rim. The station that Boothman showed the most need for improvement was defense. Boothman is young and will have plenty of time to continue to learn how to play proper help side defense. With that said, his stock is extremely high at this point.