The Ball Hawk Defenders
Over the course of the year in watching the summer grassroots season as well as the high school season, I have come across some very impressive on-ball defenders around the Show-Me State. These youngsters take particular pride in getting after…
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Continue ReadingOver the course of the year in watching the summer grassroots season as well as the high school season, I have come across some very impressive on-ball defenders around the Show-Me State. These youngsters take particular pride in getting after the opposing ball handler on defense on a consistent basis. Here is a look at five of those such players:
Maricus Grant 6’2″ Battle (’20) – When it comes to on-ball pressure and hawking the basketball, there may not be a better player in the state than Grant, who combines his size, physical strength and a relentless will to harass opposing ball handlers. He will guard you the full length of the floor.
Malek Davis 5’10” Cardinal Ritter (’19) – A four-year starter at Cardinal Ritter, Davis has enjoyed an excellent career with his old school game and ability to make clutch shots on a regular basis. What may go unnoticed sometimes is his tremendous prowess as an on-ball defender. He can make it an adventure for an opposing point guard.
Kevin Jones 5’11” Sikeston (’19) – The talented senior has been the linchpin of Sikeston’s high-octane pressure defense for the past four years. He can really turn it loose when the Bulldogs unleash their zone traps and pressure when he darts into passing lanes, but he also loves the challenge of picking up an opposing guards man to man.
Desi Williams 5’10” Park Hill South (’19) – Williams is a consummate throw-back point guard who can run the offense and set up teammates with good scoring opportunities. He is also good at setting the defense at the top with his ability to pressure the ball and set the tone for the rest of his team.
Brandon Miller 5’7″ John Burroughs (’20) – The young point guard is one of the top middle distance runners in the country in track and field. He brings that speed and quickness to the basketball court where he is the point of coach Corey Frazier’s pressure man-to-man defense that can be smothering at times.