The LEAGUE: Best Defenders
Westminster, Ca. — Westminster high school played host to another solid edition of “The LEAGUE” presented by Compton Magic.
Some of the top adidas-affiliated 17u, 16u and 15u club teams in Southern California were on site, playing four games over the course of the weekend with some intriguing inter-city battles, especially between squads from the San Diego area.
Below are some of the top defenders from the event:
Kofi Aboagye, Coastal Elite 17
The 6-foot-2 Fairmont Prep guard has the physicality, speed and toughness to guard multiple positions at the high school level. On Sunday, Aboagye didn’t back down from the challenge of guarding 6-foot-9 Compton Magic forward Isaiah Mobley, giving him all he could handle by bodying up on the block and using his strength to root Mobley out of where he wanted to go.
RJ Banks, Gamepoint 17
Banks is a guy who isn’t afraid to pick up full-court. His lateral speed and ability to anticipate the movements of the guy he’s guarding allow him to turn offensive players numerous times before they cross half-court. Banks defends with active hands and also has the strength to wall-up and lateral speed to cut off driving lanes.
Gamepoint guard RJ Banks (left) closes out on Compton Magic’s Isaiah Hill Sunday at The LEAGUE. Both proved to be top defenders at the event.Paris Dawson, Compton Magic 16
Don’t let Dawson’s wiry 6-foot frame fool you, he’s a physical and high energy defender who can check multiple spots. The Corona Centennial sophomore has impressive instincts on the defensive end of the floor and is always sitting down in a stance and sliding his feet. He’s a constant pick-pocket threat for lazy ball handlers.
Isaiah Hill, Compton Magic 17
Hill is a dual-sport guy, moonlighting as a quarterback for the Bakersfield Liberty team, and brings a lot of that gridiron grit to the hardwood. Hill seems to take every defensive battle personally and can’t stand when his opponent scores on him. He uses his length and built frame to contain on the perimeter and closes out hard to 3-point shooters.
Jordan Hilstock, Gamepoint 17
Hilstock has one of the more ideal defensive frames on this list. He’s all of 6-feet-3 with a vast wingspan that covers the space he can’t with his good lateral speed. What’s best about the Vista High standout is that he understands how to use his length on that end of the floor. Hilstock is a good shot blocker and rebounder for his position and he makes normal passing lanes more difficult to execute because he’s long.
Evan Mobley, Compton Magic 17
Mobley has unbelievable timing, anticipation and second jump ability on shot blocks and shot contests in the paint. Evidence of that came when he blocked a transition layup attempt that ricocheted back to the opponent on an offensive board. The second-chance opportunity was again erased by Mobley who controlled the post-block loose ball, as well. The 6-foot-11 center showed the athleticism and recovery speed to hard-hedge on high ball-screen action and contain guards or recover to the roller.
Kadar Waller, Compton Magic 17
Waller is a huge commodity for Compton Magic off the bench. His dynamic, yet bulldog type-approach to the defensive end provides a change of pace and attitude for his team. The 5-foo-11 point guard picks up full-court and applies tremendous pressure to the ball handler. One of his most utilized defensive tools is his ability to explode into passing lanes for steals which lead to transition opportunities.