Minnesota Top 250 Expo: My Top Underclassmen Performers
The Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo was in Minnesota this past weekend and it was an action-packed event with an abundance of talent in attendance. With a combination of upperclassmen and underclassmen playing together, it’s harder for underclassmen to stand…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo was in Minnesota this past weekend and it was an action-packed event with an abundance of talent in attendance. With a combination of upperclassmen and underclassmen playing together, it’s harder for underclassmen to stand out. Regardless, these players were my best performers from the event.
Finn Norman– 6’4″ forward- East Ridge 2025
Finn was one of the youngest players at the Expo this past weekend, but that didn’t stop him from having an extremely productive day scoring the ball. He’s got long arms and a good handle for his position, but the most impressive thing about Finn is his touch. He has great balance on his shot and the ball always seems to land so gently on the rim when he shoots it. His confidence playing against older, bigger guys was really impressive and makes him an exciting prospect to continue to watch. He’s not the fastest guy and he’s still growing into his body, but his skill level is already fantastic.
Jonathan Mekonnen– 6’5″ forward- Eastview 2024
Jonathan does something special every time I watch him play. This weekend was no different. What I notice first is always his defensive activity. He’s listed at 6’5″ but he could be closer to 6’6″. His long arms and athleticism allow for him to be a great defender in the pick and roll, and he blocks shots effortlessly. He’s a glass eater on both ends and he did a good job of finishing chances off around the basket. He’s continuing to get more and more comfortable with the ball in his hands and his shooting is improving too. With plenty of time to still grow his game, Jonathan is certainly going to be a player to watch this winter and beyond.
Patrick Rowe Patrick Rowe 6'6" | SF Chisago Lakes | 2024 State MN – 6’4″ wing- Chisago Lakes 2024
Patrick is a lanky wing who can play downhill and attack opposing defenders efficiently. The first thing that jumps out with Patrick is how quick he is. He’s got a great first step and he can get off the ground quickly. When he gets to the rim, he sort of floats through the air for buckets. I really liked his activity level on both ends of the floor. He rebounds well and is very willing to make the little plays like advancing the ball up the floor to open teammates and stepping in to cut an opponent’s driving lane off. If he can grow to be more comfortable as a shooter, I think he’ll become a high-level scorer thanks to his combination of positional length and ability to attack the basket.
Casmir Chavis Casmir Chavis 6'2" | PG Park Center | 2024 State #170 Nation MN – 6’4″ guard- Delasalle 2024
Casmir is explosive. He’s got great positional size and he can attack the basket with the best of them. I think he oozes with potential as a defender as well. He’s super quick and he has active hands that he can use to put great pressure on opposing ball handlers. He showed off his ability to play in the pick-and-roll where he did a good job of coming off the screen tight, making a read, then executing. He’s a willing passer and he’s got so much time to continue to grow. I think there is a good chance that he is the next name in a long line of elite guards that have come out of the Delasalle program.