PGH Top 250 Expo: 2023 Standouts (Part 2)

There were a ton of talented prospects in attendance this past Sunday at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo in Carrollton, Texas. This event was loaded. I had the chance to see a bunch of players for the first time, as well as a few familiar faces. The class of 2023 was well represented. Let’s take a look at some standout juniors from Sunday: <strong><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-332953" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/157-Amiya-Hopkins-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="134044" first="Amiya" last="Hopkins"] | 2023 | 6’2’’ Power Forward | North Crowley HS</strong> - Hopkins understood her size advantage and was able to bully opponents with her physicality. She aggressively went after rebounds, boxing out opposing players and attacking the ball in the air. The North Crowley forward also displayed strong hands and good footwork down low, showcasing some gorgeous post moves. There were several stretches where she scored at will on the block. Furthermore, she was excellent at sealing off defenders in the paint and had a great feel for when to dive to the basket after setting screens. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-332444" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/1K1A3130-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="96148" first="Alexis" last="Cortez"] | 2023 | 5’10’’ Small Forward | Allen HS</strong> - Cortez’s all-around game always impresses me. She was unselfish and accurate as a facilitator on Sunday. The Allen wing was generous with the basketball, willing to make the extra pass and able to deliver dimes with both hands. She can score as a shooter and as a slasher, knocking down the three ball comfortably and getting all the way to the basket where she utilized her length and athleticism to get past or around defenders. That length showed up on defense too, where Cortez was versatile and engaged. She exhibited that she can defend all three perimeter positions, bothering opponents with her long arms and good lateral movement. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-332907" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/97-Mercedes-Perez-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="331962" first="Mercedes" last="Perez"] | 2023 | 5’5’’ Combo Guard | Taft HS</strong> - Perez operated well both on and away from the ball on offense. The Taft junior showed good scoring versatility, getting it done from mid-range and deep as well as off the drive. She finished very well with floaters and runners. I loved how she was always looking to push the tempo, either running the floor for easy transition opportunities, leading the break and making correct decisions, or passing the ball upcourt to streaking teammates. She made some beautiful passes during the Top 250 Expo, highlighted by a half-court assist over the top of four defenders that hit her teammate perfectly in stride. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-332894" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/36-Makenna-Kaunitz-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="331903" first="Makenna" last="Kaunitz"] | 2023 | 5’8’’ Combo Guard | Gilmer HS</strong> - Kaunitz was all gas no brakes on Sunday. Her high-motor was evident throughout the event, as the junior guard was constantly sprinting up and down the court and hustling to make plays for her team. She produced in transition, making smart decisions with the basketball and scoring when surrounded by bodies in the paint. Her ball handling also stood out, displaying a nice collection of moves to go to when facing pressure. Additionally, she was a willing rebounder from the guard spot. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-332913" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/104-Elizabeth-Walton-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="331959" first="Elizabeth" last="Walton"] | 2023 | 5’7’’ Combo Guard | The Village School</strong> - Walton had a fantastic day as a defender. Every time I looked up, she was picking somebody’s pocket for yet another steal. She also did a good job of playing the passing lanes for takeaways and deflections. The junior guard was always alert and engaged on defense. At the other end, Walton looked confident and under control when handling the ball on the perimeter. She got in on the scoring action too. She backed her way into the paint and spun off defenders for interior buckets on a couple occasions, recognizing mismatches in strength and exploiting them.