The Expo Recap: Breakout Prospects - Part 1

The Expo always delivers surprises and this year was no different. A handful of players walked into the event under the radar and walked out on everyone's radar. Whether it was heart, hustle, or skill, these prospects exceeded expectations and made their mark as true surprises at the Expo.    [player_tooltip player_id='514627' first='Yamise' last='Haygood'] — was of the more intriguing guards at the Expo. Her athleticism, shiftiness, and her execution in the floor were displayed in front of college coaches and her peers. Known for her ability to rack up steals, Haygood applied pressure defensively, created steals and repeatedly converted them into fast-break points. She used craftiness and athleticism to finish at the rim and wasn't afraid of contact. Haygood equally good on the offensive side of the ball and in transition. A lot of Haygood's game was predicated on her on-ball defense and ability to read passing lanes. From there her game unfolded into a consistent playmaker, and she definitely left an impression at the Expo.     [player_tooltip player_id='873419' first='Gianna' last='Conklin-Jones'] flew under the radar coming in to the Expo, but her performance spoke volumes and she left knowing that college coaches and her peers now know her name. She was a poised and exciting guard who got to the rim with a vengeance and purpose. She orchestrated and initiated offense with intelligence patience, and athleticism . She rarely forced plays, instead allowing the game to flow through her. What stood out most was her ability to aggressively attack the rim and use that skill as a playmaker. She scored when she got downhill and dished to an open teammate for open jumpers. Her maturity and basketball IQ made her stand out in a gym full of athletic guards. It wa a breakout weekend for the young guard, and you will need to know the name, She has the tools and pedigree to be a special player.     [player_tooltip player_id='514545' first='Mariah' last='Young'] was another surprise who delivered steady poise and production at the Expo. Known as a leader and setup guard for her talented young team in Orange Park, she showcased her scoring instincts- especially in transition. Her decision-making with the ball in her hands, and knocking down confident midrange jumpers stood out. Young's court vision was strong, but it was her leadership presence and versatility that truly stood out. She played without the ball in her hand at times, but helped keep her team organized and brought veteran leadership to the floor. Young reminded everyone that leadership and competitiveness are two of her strongest traits. Coaches were watching as the young guard played well- on and off the ball.     Last season, [player_tooltip player_id='248388' first='Jordyn' last='Baker'] averaged 4.5 points per game on a State Championship team and played her role very well: defending athletic guards, adding depth to a talented team, and balancing the floor, etc. The versatile guard-forward was a standout at last week's Expo and her performance was a premonition of this upcoming season. Baker got to the rim with physicality and craftiness, scored from various areas on the floor, and did so with a belief and confidence in her game. Baker enters her Junior season this year, and she is poised to lead her new team to make a run for the championship. Her performance at the Expo stood out, and that is reason to believe that she will have her team in the thick of the playoff run. The Expo was definitely a breakout point for the talented guard.     [player_tooltip player_id='1318657' first='Jamylah' last='Williams'] made a statement the moment she stepped on the floor. She was fluid, smooth, and was a breakout player for sure. Williams was a guard who controlled the pace and blended athleticism, power, and craftiness to her game. She did things that looked effortless on the court. She had an impressive Sophomore campaign and went under the radar. She left the Expo, and now everyone knows her name. She was super-impressive prospect with game, athleticism, and a high basketball IQ.     [player_tooltip player_id='1322182' first='Josefina' last='Piacenza'] was smooth and poised and really left an impression at the point guard position. Piacenza controls tempo and has excellent court vision. She showed the ability to lead the break, and with her court vision, she picked teams apart with the pass. She had a smooth shooting stroke and displayed a high basketball IQ, and knew how to attack the defense in different ways. When not running the point, she stayed ready to shoot her potent three-point shot. The senior guard left an impression on the Expo.     [player_tooltip player_id='400811' first='Elle' last='Deegan'] had one of the most natural shooting touches in the building, and her three-point shooting was on point. The impressive part of Deegan's game was also her confidence in her shot and her willingness to pull up in transition and knock down the three. Her midrange game was really solid, and she had several impressive stop-and-pop shots at the event. A lot of her opportunities were created by her ability to get to the rim, a noticeable improvement in her game. Deegan really had a solid and eye-opening performance at the Expo, and it will serve as a launching pad for her upcoming Junior season.

The Expo always delivers surprises and this year was no different. A handful of players walked into the event under the radar and walked out on everyone's radar. Whether it was heart, hustle, or skill, these prospects exceeded expectations and made their mark as true surprises at the Expo.