Bluff City LIVE: Top Defenders
The Bluff City LIVE event (July 21-23) unveiled several stellar defensive performances. Facing the uptempo, free-wheeling offenses was difficult for individual stalwarts. Still, the following players sat down and defended with pride.
2021 F Brennan Jones (M33M 14u Let it Fly):
Filling a void left by 2021 center Zander Yates, who played M33M Eilte 16u all weekend, Brennan Jones served as a supreme shotblocker. Despite facing a 6-foot-5 sophomore under the rim, Jones accumulated four blocks in the opening 10 minutes. Jones will play high school basketball for Evangelical Christian.
2020 Caleb Brock (M33M Prospects 15u):
Facing a soul-crushing 23-point first half deficit, Caleb Brock spearheaded the M33M 2-3 zone. Obviously he denied entry passes from the top of key, but his quickness dropping down helped M33M keep the rock out of the zone’s vulnerable free throw line. Brock deflected several balls. His instincts are matched by his devotion.
2021 G Reese McMullen (M33M Elite 15u):
Reese McMullen is a stout lead guard with pride in his defense. He challenges attackers with constantly moving feet. By changing his body position and aggression levels he makes ball-handlers uneasy. McMullen projects as a high major floor general.
2020 G Omari Robinson (Team Thad 15u):
Omari Robinson bodied up M33M’s Joshua Stinson, virtually denying him the basketball for three straight possessions. Omari has completely bought in to the coach’s defensive directive. Team Thad’s program generally elevates on-ball defense and Robinson definitely invests.
2019 WG Josh Stevenson (Team Thad 16u):
Team Thad tends to be a guard-heavy outfit. This weekend it was a little different as Josh Stevenson and Jadakiss Williams brought some added size to the defense. Stevenson is so solidly built. He looks like a football specimen and projects as a massive wing. Stevenson defends like a walled fortress. Good luck getting by him.