Top 250 Expo: 2018 First Team
The players who participated in the Top 250 Expo at Pickerington North High School on Saturday all left it on the floor! During 5-on-5 and skill development, everyone involved pushed each other — creating a basketball environment that allowed prospects to grow.
As always, certain players stuck out amongst the crowd of 170+ participants. So, it’s only right that we recognize the top five performers in each class during our first day of recap coverage.
Anthony Garcia’s 2018 First Team
MVP: Jonathan Mpanzu, 6’3” W/F, Stebbins
Hunter Bode, 6’7” F/C, Anderson
Caiden Smith, 6’ G, Tippecanoe
Jaiden Woodley, 6’6” F, Maumee Valley
Harrison Gough, 6’8” F, Lima Bath
Mpanzu was the most explosive athlete in the gym during the older session. He’s tough to handle for a defender because of his activity as a rebounder, slasher, and, even, interior scorer with his back to the rim. The bigs — Bode, Woodley, and Gough — all ran the floor well and came down with their fair share of defensive rebounds. Smith is a combo guard with a smooth three-level scoring game.
Tony Peters’ 2018 First Team
MVP: Jonathan Mpanzu, 6’3” W/F, Stebbins
Will Coomer, 6’4” F, Greenville
Jaiden Woodley, 6’6” F/C, Maumee Valley Country Day
Harrison Gough, 6’8” F, Lima Bath
Naiquan Galloway, 5’8” G, Columbus South
Mpanzu is a lengthy wing with great athleticism. He turned many heads with his near dunks and tremendous blocked shots. Coomer communicated well on the defensive end and defended the post very well in the 5 on 5. Woodley has a high basketball IQ that excelled in the post with his back to the basket. Gough was the tallest guy in the gym from 2018. He had great defensive skill and was a physical presence under the rim on the offensive end. Galloway had great speed on the offensive end. His first step is strong and split defenses with ease all day.