Battle at the Lakes: Defensive Standouts
The saying goes “defense wins championships,” and at the Battle at the Lakes tournament, it was no different. A variety of players made impacts defensively for the teams last weekend. Here is a list of some of the standouts on…
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Continue ReadingThe saying goes “defense wins championships,” and at the Battle at the Lakes tournament, it was no different. A variety of players made impacts defensively for the teams last weekend. Here is a list of some of the standouts on the defensive end of the floor.
Defensive standouts:
Dominic Humm-
When it came to maintaining good defensive position, Dominic Humm was one of the best. Throughout the weekend Humm was able to establish great defensive position by keeping his feet active and anticipating opponent’s movement. In the event his man tried to get a shot off, he did a great job of contesting. Humm’s defensive position helped his team on the defensive end of the floor and gave his team an advantage in every game they played.
Grant Swanson-
What a block by Grant Sawnson last weekend! #PrepHoopsBatL pic.twitter.com/jcdGJAcbKF
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) May 15, 2019
Throughout the weekend, Grant Swanson was a threat to block shots of driving guards. While defending his man, he did a great job of remaining aware of everyone’s position on the floor. When opponents drove into the paint, he was able to collapse and block or alter their shots. The featured clip highlights Swanson helping off of his own man when his teammate got beat on a baseline drive. Swanson was able to collapse and block the shot.
Sam West-
Sam West was one of the best pressing wings on the floor this weekend. West proved to play exceptional man-to-man defense which allowed MN Exposure the ability to institute a full-court press on multiple possessions. Typically running the point of the press, West was able to execute good defensive positioning without fouling and put pressure on opposing teams. On multiple occasions it led to turnovers and transition opportunities.
Carter Thomas-
One of the best disrupters on the defensive end of the floor in St. Louis Park on Saturday was Carter Thomas. Time-after-time he showed an ability to disrupt offensive guards that attempted to drive into the lane for layups or kick-out opportunities. He was able to force a number of turnovers because of his help defense, and he was able to locate players breaking out for transition baskets a number of times when he got the ball.
Cade Feldhausen-
The most versatile center on the defense this weekend was Cade Feldhausen. His ability to guard the pick-and-roll at a high level made him indispensable to the Wisconsin Crusaders. His ability to step out to the perimeter and defend against guards, while still being able to grind in the post against opposing bigs was impressive.
Josh Megin-
Josh Megin just did a great job of recognizing the driving player and blocking the shot! #PrepHoopsBatL pic.twitter.com/Q62Du6vj8Q
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) May 11, 2019
Another great shot blocker at last weekend’s Battle at the Lakes was Josh Megin. The featured video highlights his ability to work from the perimeter in to block shots. He showed great recognition of when to leave his man to help. Megin also positioned himself well to do so within the defense so driving players did not have the ability to kick the ball out to the man he was leaving.
Jonathan Harvey-
When it came to tying up ball handlers for jump balls, Jonathan Harvey was second-to-none. On multiple occasions Harvey was able to win his team possessions because of his skill in tying up ball handlers. His recognition of where the offensive player was holding the ball, paired with his quick ability to get his hands in without fouling, allowed him to create turnovers on multiple occasions. He also played great man-to-man defense and forced his man to give up the ball a number of times.
Cameron Mallory-
Cameron Mallory was relentless when it came to jumping passing lanes and creating turnovers. His ability to maintain good positioning between the ball handler and his man allowed him the ability to do this. Mallory’s anticipation on the defensive side of the ball was unrivaled and provided his team with additional possessions frequently.