KS Top 250 Expo: The 2022 and 2023 Spark Plugs
Playing with a ton of energy on the court can lead to a lot of great things for player, but matching it with some ability and timeliness can take a player to another level. With the open court, non stop…
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Continue ReadingPlaying with a ton of energy on the court can lead to a lot of great things for player, but matching it with some ability and timeliness can take a player to another level.
With the open court, non stop action at the Kansas Top 250 Expo on Saturday, the guys who brought the juice with them constantly were able to make positive play after positive play for their respective teams. I have been someone who always enjoys the guys who can always bring an extra spark to the game, here are the ones who stood out on Saturday from the 2022 and 2023 classes.
JJ Adams, 5’10 Guard, St Michaels, 2022
Adams is the definition of a competitor, he is constantly in the gym whether it is for a game or a workout and loves the aspect of competing and it shows whenever he steps on a floor. On Saturday, although playing multiple games in a few hours it did not show for the St Michaels guard who was flying around the court and constantly getting up and down. His offensive game can be a quick strike instant flurry, and he had moments at the expo where he was able to knock down pull up and catch and shoot 3’s with his quick explosion off the ground, or get into the lane with his quickness. He was one of the guards on Saturday who did not mind guarding the ball 94 feet and with his effort and quick lateral movements does a quality job of guarding the ball. Adams although smaller, can get up under guys on offense and cause ball handlers fits.
Patrick McCallop, 5’10 Guard, Bishop Miege, 2023
Another player in the extremely large talent pool over at Miege, McCallop is a guard who is quick, flashy with the ball, and brings a ton of energy. The open transition style of the Expo fit his game perfectly, with McCallop being a blur down the court and being aggressive in transition all throughout the day. His determination, tight handle of the ball, and how low he plays makes him a tough guard when he attacks the rim and he forced the defense into fouling him on drives quite a bit, and it could be a great asset to his game come the winter time. He is a point guard who competes on both ends and you can see he takes pride on bein able to handle himself against other guards on the court. This smaller, speedy, competitive guard will be someone I look forward to seeing develop over the years to come.
Tate Brown, 5’10 Guard, Manhattan High, 2022
Throughout my time in Kansas the Manhattan High program has always seemed to have a player that would help elevate the competitiveness and energy of their team year in and year out, and this year Brown could really be that guy. Over the summer and on Saturday there is never a minute when he is on the floor that he is not getting after it and competing at a high level. His offensive skill set has developed nicely to compliment his effort and energy, becoming a very dependable three point shooter especially from both corners, and his tough from the rim to 10 foot area is really nice. Brown is a great cutter without the ball and he put defenses in tough situations Saturday having to guard back cuts and lifts up to the wing. His constant movement on the court allowed the Manhattan guard to be someone who got to the foul line the most on Saturday, always having defenses a step behind. On defense, Brown is versatile due to his quickness and longer arms allowing him to guard the 1 through 3 slots easily and potentially some stretch 4’s.
Julian Margrave Julian Margrave 6'9" | SF Louisberg | 2022 KS , 6’9 Forward, Louisburg, 2022
The big man brought the energy and effort throughout the day on both ends of the floor. Although he plays with a ton of energy and competitiveness, Margrave is a smooth and crafty player who has the ability to play inside and out. He had a couple of stand out plays on the offensive end including a beautiful smooth shot fake, step through, scoop layup that got him charged up early in the day. He showed and highlighted his ability to get to the middle and finish with soft baby hooks with both hand, with a lefty touch hook he had off of one bounce to the middle really standing out to me. Margrave sparked his team on the defensive end as well with a couple of blocked shots on both forwards and guards, and was great at rebounding and kicking the ball ahead to start the transition break. Margrave is a great forward prospect for the class of 2022.
Jarett Muller, 5’11 Guard, Platte County, 2022
Playing alongside Margrave on the day, Muller and the 2022 forward made a great tandem for their talented group and both produced high energy, spark plays that helped elevate the overall games they played in’s competitive nature. Muller is a really tough guard that I enjoyed watching get to his spots on the court with a purpose an backs it up with a strong dribble and an ability to stop quickly and transition into a short jumper or floater. The Platte County guard hit multiple contested pull up jumpers both in the half court and transition and those really got his juices going in games. He can guard too, especially on the ball, where his toughness also shines taking personal responsibility in keeping other guards out of the paint and not allowing them to get into a rhythm on offense.