Expo Eye Openers
I’ve always viewed the Fall Expo season as a little bit of the calm between storms. Between the Spring and Summer AAU periods and the regular prep season players have fewer but still precious opportunities to get noticed.…
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Continue Reading- De’Ovion Price 6–1 2021 Port Huron As has been duly noted on this site, there was a TON of speed at the 250 Expo. Unsurprisingly many of it came in the form of sub 6-foot guards. Price fit right in with this cadre but in a slightly bigger package. In addition to a vertical advantage, Price has a thick frame that allows him to avoid getting pushed out of position. Goes to rim aggressively and plays tenacious defense. Port Huron is not known as a hoops hotbed, but Price and some other young prospects could change that perception.
- Eli Beil 5–10 2021 Linden A college coach once told me he looks for “carry” skills in prospects. Meaning a skill that will carry up to the next level. Beil has that skill. He is an exemplary passer, I first saw this in Fort Wayne as he threaded the needle multiple times playing for DSO. He continued to display this skill in Grand Rapids. Beil plays with his head up and always puts the ball in the right spot. A good floor general needs good shooters and luckily he has them with Blake and Reichen Lund. Not one dimensional Beil also owns a nice perimeter shot to go along with a steady tight handle.
- Xander Middleton 6–3 2022 Monroe First time viewing this young man and he was quite the pleasant surprise. Was able to do it all himself on more than one occasion. In doing this showed the full package of rebounding, ball handling, and shot making ability. This assertiveness was impressive by such a young prospect in this setting. While he was aggressive, he was not a pump as he played with his head up looking for teammates. While I’m not always of fan of this cliche, he is coaches son and plays like it. Does a lot of the little things well. These small intricacies are more often seen in older prospects. The city of Monroe recently saw CJ Haut (Air Force) move onto to play at a service academy. If Middleton continues to grow and improve his game he could keep that next level pipeline going.
- Gavin Fisher 6–6 2021 Fruitport I had been told that Fruitport had some good prospects coming up by coaches on the Lakeshore. Even with this knowledge I was not expecting what Fisher presented. Did most of his damage from the left side of the court, but I could not tell what his dominant hand was. That is a good thing. Successfully used the show-and-go to convert on the offensive end and display his ball handling ability. Competed well defensively moving his feet and notching a few blocked shots. Made easier by his lanky active frame. Will have to add some weight to increase his prospect status. Should make a formidable duo with 2020 point guard Marcello Conklin for the Trojans.