Top 250 Expo: Wilk’s Class of ’21 Quick Evals (Part 2)
In the final installment of our class of 2021 quick evaluations, we take a look at more incoming juniors who caught our eye with their performances at the Missouri Top 250 Expo in St. Louis last weekend. 6’2 Barcus…
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Continue ReadingIn the final installment of our class of 2021 quick evaluations, we take a look at more incoming juniors who caught our eye with their performances at the Missouri Top 250 Expo in St. Louis last weekend.
6’2 Barcus Jackson Jr – Lift for Life
Barcus is a team first player that is unselfish and gets his teammates involved, but he has the ability to take charge and takeover if he needs to. He played very hard on both ends and was vocal on the floor, encouraging his team to lock down on the defensive end as their energy started to fade. He is a talented ball-handler and when he heats up he can fill it up with deep range.
5’9 Marcus Pepper – Granite City
The last time I saw Marcus, he was very impressive at the Grind Region Finals in Wichita. Saturday, he picked up right where he left off. Fearless, lefty point guard who is lightening quick and plays with poise and savvy. He consistently makes the right play whether it’s setting up a teammate for a scoring opportunity or taking control and getting a bucket himself. No matter where he is, Marcus is one of the most pesky on ball defenders in the gym.
6’0 Chris Porter – O’Fallon
Elite level shooter that burned up the nets on Saturday like he does in pretty much every gym he steps into. He gets his shot off in the blink of an eye and nearly any time it leaves his hands you have the feeling it’s going in. He did a nice job of making entry passes, re-positioning to open space, and burying kick-outs. Once defenders wised up, they closed hard to him and he was smooth and efficient taking two hard dribbles and pulling up from 15-17.
6’2 DeMarcus Sanford Jr – Lift for Life
I named DeMarcus my “Top Two-Way” player for the event earlier in the week. That speaks volumes to his motor and skill-set. He has a great wingspan and athleticism that gives him the ability to sneak up on defenses and finish above the rim, especially in transition. He doesn’t hesitate to pull-up and can drain it from out near NBA range. Lastly, he takes pride in what he does on the defensive end. He gives opposing guards fits on the defensive end and if we kept up with deflections as a stat he certainly would have led that category.
6’3 Aahmod Scarbrough – Hazelwood Central
I have a feeling Aahmod is primed to take his already solid game to a new level as the high school season nears. At times, he seemed to be toying with defenders on Saturday and was effective doing so. Then he would flip the switch and catch eyes from everyone with his explosion and finishing ability. He is a supreme high-flyer that attacks equally well in the half-court as he does in transition. His comfort level with the jumper continues to rise and his range continues to extend. He knocked home a number of tough shots off the catch and off the bounce.
6’2 Wyatt Shirley – Taylorville
High-motor player that was a key contributor for his team Saturday. Good catch and shoot threat that did a nice job of spacing the floor on a team largely comprised of slashers. Had a number of effort plays that led to key transition scores.
6’1 Hasani Spann – MICDS
Hasani was one of the top three-point shooters at the event Saturday. He is a must find in transition and it would be wise to not help off him on a drive, because if you do he will burn you. I’ve heard many refer to him as “instant offense” and it is hard to disagree. His shooting prowess combined with a physical, aggressive will to compete make him one to keep a very close eye on moving forward.
6’3 Brock Wakefield – South Iron
Brock can flat out play. This was my first look at him and I came away really impressed with his game. Solid jumper. Moves very well without the ball and is very crafty with it. He had some nice up and under and opposite hand finishes. Very scrappy with a good nose for the ball, he seemed to be involved in nearly every play.
6’6 Jalen Watson – O’Fallon Township
One of the more projectable frames on a forward in the event. Good size and good length. Cleans up around the rim. Does a nice job in the pick and roll. Sets heavy screens, rolls himself open, and seals well on the block. He even looked capable handling the ball on the break a couple times.
6’2 Kaleb Wofford – Nixa
Wofford is a big-time player that can score it at all three levels. He has serious range and is a threat to launch one anywhere inside the volleyball line. He plays with swag off the bounce and can create scoring opportunities with the best of them. He is going to have a big year at Nixa and his division-1 interest may start turning into division-1 offers.