Gateway All-American Tournament: Top Defenders
Here is look at some of the top defensive players from last weekend’s Gateway All-American Tournament in St. Louis Maricus Grant 6’2 Marcus Denmon Elite (Battle ‘20) – One of the best on-ball defenders in the state, Grant can make…
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Continue ReadingHere is look at some of the top defensive players from last weekend’s Gateway All-American Tournament in St. Louis
Maricus Grant 6’2 Marcus Denmon Elite (Battle ‘20) – One of the best on-ball defenders in the state, Grant can make life absolutely miserable for opposing ball handlers. He has size, strength and he moves his feet well. And he has fast hands to boot.
Yaya Keita 6’9 Gateway 17U (DeSmet ‘21) – An athletic rim-protector who plays with a high motor around the rim. He had one play when he darted into the passing lanes for a steal and dribbled down for a slam dunk. He is very good at getting out of his area to challenge shots.
Dez McKinney 6’0 Marcus Denmon Elite 17U (Raytown South ‘20): A physically strong guard who puts out a big effort on the defensive end with his ball pressure and ability to get into the passing lanes to cause turnovers. Had one of the most impressive plays of the tournament when he chased down a 6’6″ player and pinned his would-be layup off the glass in the late stretches of a close game.
Jaylen Boyd 6’1″ Team Ramey CCM 17U (Ladue ’20): An impressive defender who moves his feet well and can use his length to create problems for opposing ball handlers. He has the ability to create turnovers by darting into passing lanes and getting his team into transition. His athleticism also gives him an edge on the defensive end.
Sekou Gassama 6’10 Gateway 17U (DeSmet ‘21) – A long, athletic power forward who uses his size and length to block shots at a high rate. He has good timing, so he is not a high risk for fouls despite challenging so many opposing shots.
Recko Bailey 5’9 Gateway 16U (Vashon ‘21): A very impressive on-ball defender who will pick up his man in the backcourt and hound him the entire length of the court. He is small, but he is compact and strong to battle against taller players if they try to post him up in the lane.
Kolby Bolden 5’8 St. Louis Hustle 16U (Christian-O’Fallon ’21): A small point guard who is very quick and does quite well as an on-ball defender. If you are not careful, he is capable of picking your pocket off the dribble, which I saw him do on a couple of occasions.