GameChangers: Floor Generals at the Top 250 Expo

Clayton Conover

September 12, 2022 @ 04:11 PM

Standing right around 5'8, Campbell was a key decisionmaker at this event due to her quick pace and aggression attacking the rim. The incoming sophomore guard showcased confidence as the lead ballhandler along with excellent decision making within the halfcourt and fullcourt. On the break, Campbell stayed aggressive attacking the rim while showing on multiple occasions she is capable outrunning the defense all 94 feet. Within the halfcourt, she was effective creating advantages under a variety of situations. The guard was dependable playmaking out of the pick and roll, hitting backdoor cutters, or even moving off-ball herself to create pressure at the rim. Overall, Campbell has a high feel for the game and does not make a lot of questionable decisions with the ball. Defensively, Campbell looked very comfortable guarding most 1s and 2s, although there were times smaller guards could create advantages on her going downhill. I look forward to keeping tabs on her progression as a space creator off the dribble and her budding defensive instincts.

Kennedy Spellman - Sand Creek - 2026

Spellman will be an immediate problem at the high school level, due to her seemingly limitless shooting range and growing confidence as a downhill playmaker. At roughly 5'6, Spellman is more than capable pulling up from the volleyball line with ease and is already possessing one of the quicker shots in the state, regardless of class. Given how high opponents have to play her, Spellman will have significant potential as a drive and kick playmaker for years to come from the shooting gravity alone.

Natalie Thornton - Horizon - 2024

Thornton was one of my favorite athletes at this event due to her staunch perimeter defense and all-around impact on the offensive end. At roughly 5'6, the combo guard was a menace on defense, given her quick hips, footspeed, and reaction time. Although not the most physically imposing, she is wiry strong and never shies away from contact on the defensive end. In the two games I saw, Thornton logged at least three blocks versus guards and wings. On the opposite end, Thornton possesses a quick jump shot the can be deployed off the dribble or catch. Thornton currently sits at 15th in the 2024 class and 5th among combo guards.

Cameron Richter Cameron Richter 5'2" St Mary‚Äôs Colorado Springs | 2023 CO - St. Mary's Colorado Springs - 2023

Richter was a tough opponent to stop downhill, although standing roughly 5'2. Richter was excellent maximizing her low center of gravity through crossovers and twitch ball moves to free up space. Her reaction speeds were especially evident when opponents attempted to reach, where she stayed ready to use a counter and attack the rim. Upon help defense arriving, Richter kept her eyes up for the immediate dump off pass. On the opposite end, Richter stayed low while keeping her hands ready to intercept a pass. The lone senior on this post, Richter should have significant run with St. Mary's as she looks to aid in another winning season with Maeve Salveson Maeve Salveson 5'6" | CG St. Mary's | 2024 State CO and Emerson Kutz Emerson Kutz 5'9" | CG St. Mary's | 2024 State CO .