So-Cal Top 250 Expo: Biggest Surprises
Fountain Valley, Ca. — The inaugural Southern California Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo, hosted in the newly-waxed gym on the campus of Fountain Valley high school, drew nearly 80 prospects of all grade levels and potential college landing spots.
The Sunday camp provided the players with top level coaching, skill work and a competitive game setting, and there were a handful of players who put forth surprising performances that none of the scouts or media were prepared for.
Before you say, ‘well what’s the difference between sleepers and surprises?’ The answer is simple – sleepers are prospects who people know about, but aren’t getting the recognition they deserve, surprises are those prospects who burst on the scene in an unexpected manner.
Biggest Surprises
Nathan Amanuel, 2018, Cerritos
Amanuel is a smooth-shooting and crafty wing with good length at 6-feet-3. The Cerritos High senior hit the catch-and-shoot 3-pointer at a consistent clip from multiple spots behind-the-arc and with plenty of range. Amanuel took advantage of poor close-outs by defenders to get into the paint and create for others.
Cerritos senior Nathan Amanuel showcased a consistent 3-point stroke at the Prep Hoops So-Cal Top 250 Expo.Jordan Fuller, 2020, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame
Fuller is a super energetic combo guard who really put the straps on defensively. The 5-foot-10 sophomore picked up baseline to baseline and never relented in his pursuit of steals or containing the dribble-drive. Offensively, Fuller showed the ability to stroke the 3-pointer, but also used his burst and quickness in the half-court to blow-by defenders and get to the basket.
Shane Hunter, 2019, Ayala
Hunter’s broad shoulders and strong frame at 6-feet-3 brought shades of former Ayala standout – and current UC Irvine player – John Edgar, Jr. While Hunter still has some work to do to get on Edgar’s level, he has a similar skill set in that he plays with a dogged determination, can rebound the defensive glass and lead the break, and is a versatile defender who can check multiple positions.
Garrett Young, 2019, Fountain Valley
I don’t think there was any player who went harder than Young from the moment the drills started to the buzzer sounded. Heck, he even helped to try and fix a problem with the scoreboard. The 6-foot-1 wing from the host Barons did a lot of his damage in transition. He got out wide and sprinted the lane on the break which resulted in a number of easy layups. A lot of the fast break opportunities were a result of his defensive prowess. Young has impressive lateral speed and break on the ball that helped him pick pockets and jump passing lanes for steals.