PREVIEW: A look at some of state’s top defenders
With the basketball season set to begin in a few weeks, Prep Hoops Kansas is taking a look at some of the top players across the state in a wide range of categories.
Today, we take a look at several players who were nominated as the state’s top defensive players.
Jordan Vincent, 6’2, G, 2020, Goddard Eisenhower @jordanvincent02
Vincent is a versatile, all-around guard who can do a little bit of everything at the offensive end of the floor, and at the defensive end, he brings a competitive nature and the ability to disrupt plays thanks to a long wing span and good athleticism.
AJ Watson, 5’7, PG, 2019, Bonner Springs
Although he’s a bit undersized, Watson is a tough, no-nonsense point guard who brings elite speed and quickness to the floor. He can distribute the ball, find seams in a defense and get to the basket and is capable of knocking down outside shots from the 3-point arc. He is also a pest defensively, pressuring the ball and getting into opponents and causing havoc.
Shawn Warrior, 6’4, G/F, 2020, Campus @Shawn_Warrior35
Warrior made during waves this offseason for his all-around skill level and ability to play multiple positions at the offensive end of the floor for Kansas Pray N Play. But he is equally skilled at the defensive end of the floor as he can muscle up with post players in the paint, or switch out to the perimeter and guard smaller, quicker players. He is among the state’s top talents in the 2020 class.
Steele Chapman, 6’0, PG, 2020, Campus @chapman_steele
One of the state’s top point guard prospects in the 2020 class, Chapman is a talented lead guard who can set up a teammate, or score a bucket. He can score in a variety of ways, but also brings the ability to defend and pressure the ball to the floor as well.
Nolan Ford, 6’1, PG, 2019, Basehor-Linwood @NolanFord32
A tough, physical point guard, Ford brings a football attitude to the floor and doesn’t back down from a challenge. He is a good defensive rebounder, outside shooter and floor general and is poised for a big senior season at Basehor-Linwood.