KS Top 250 Expo: 2022/2023 Plug and Play Guys
The versatility from the players out in Kansas on Saturday at the Top 250 Expo shined from the multifaceted guards, to the stretch forwards, and the plug and play guys that can fill so many different roles for a successful…
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Continue ReadingThe versatility from the players out in Kansas on Saturday at the Top 250 Expo shined from the multifaceted guards, to the stretch forwards, and the plug and play guys that can fill so many different roles for a successful basketball team.
Every high school team needs players that can fill a variety of needs for their squads so lets take a look at guys who showed off that ability this past Saturday.
Emmitt Jueneman, 6’1 Guard/Wing, Hanover, 2022
The small town guard/wing hybrid has shown over the last couple of grassroot and high school runs that he is capable of doing a plethora of things on the basketball court that help translate to wins with that still being the case at the Expo. He showed his tremendous defensive rebounding ability from the wing spot utilizing box outs and his leaping ability to corral rebounds and get his team out on the break. He also had a couple of really nice offensive boards and tip outs to teammates to help get his squad extra possessions. Jueneman has a nice frame and is a tough player and used those well to get himself into the lanes for contact finishes and he showed that he is growing more and more comfortable attacking with his left. The Hanover guard is a reliable catch and shoot three point shooter with a compact form and nice lift, and although there were not many opportunities on Saturday, demonstrated he can knock down the three ball. Where his versatility really peaks is with his ability to guard anywhere from the 1 through 4 spots with his 6’1 height and solid base that he compliments with his tough attitude and competitiveness.
Aidan Wing, 6’4 Wing Forward, Bishop Miege, 2023
With all of the talent over at Bishop Miege this year, one would think it would be easy to overlook Wing, however, if he puts together a winter similar to his Saturday out put, it will be tough to keep him from getting quality minutes this season. His size and athleticism alone allow him to matchup with a wide grouping of players and in turn make him a difficult matchup for defenders. Wing showcased some great vision through his passing, hitting guys on deep cross court passes for layups in transition, found guys off of drive and kicks, and complimented Sam Somerhalder Sam Somerhalder 6'7" | SF St. James Academy | 2022 State KS well as a two man wing forward tandem. Wing showed off his talent in the transition game through his passing and timely scoring at the rim and is someone who has time to continue to grow and develop into a real versatile threat.
Tre Morris, 6’1 Guard, Washburn Rural, 2023
Morris is another player who will have to use his versatility and effort to shine on an already loaded Washburn Rural roster with an incredible talent pool with the likes of Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , Jack Hutchinson Jack Hutchinson 6'1" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , and Jack Bachelor. However, the 6’1 Morris showed that with growing confidence he has the tools to be a player that can fit a wide variety of roles for the team. Morris showed Saturday that he has a nice looking catch and shoot 3 ball, the capability to drive the ball and make plays especially in transition, and can sit and guard quicker guards off the dribble. His willingness to continue to play hard Saturday in any situation was a great sight to see and helped put himself in positions to make plays on both end of the court on Saturday.
Corbin Dozier, 6’5 Forward/Wing, Olathe South, 2022
Dozier has great size and length for his style of play, hovering around the perimeter seeking out plays to be made whether it is looking to score or hit guys for easy shots. He sees the floor well over defenders and has the vision, length, and willingness to make passes over and around defenders that put the defenses on Saturday in quite the bind. The Olathe South Wing/Forward hybrid had multiple instances of rebounding on the defensive end, taking a couple of big dribbles up the court, and finding guys ahead for layups, which at his position, is a great skill to have. The handle of the ball for Dozier is really solid and is a positive factor in his play making ability. Dozier had two great instances on Saturday of diving to the front of the rim and tipping in misses.
Eli Sawyers, 6’5 Forward/Wing, Southeast of Saline, 2023
Sawyers is a player that will continue to explode on to the scene as he continues to get older, develop, and put on more performances like he did on Saturday at the Kansas Top 250 Expo. Sawyers showed the ability to be a kid that can be put all over the floor and tasked to do a lot of different things. His length and basketball savvy helps him tremendously which he demonstrated on the first play of the day that he made reaching out for a loose ball and quickly flicking it up ahead to a racing teammate that led to a layup. He blocked shots on both guards and bigs using his long arms and in turn finished through size and length on the offensive end. The honorable mention all state freshman plays really smooth and under control with the ball in his hands and that really stuck out to me. That combined with his willingness to get his teammates involved in a variety of ways not only elevated his play on Saturday, but his teammates as well.