Border League Recap: Top Defenders

<p>The Border League took place this weekend. The event which took place throughout the Gilbert area featured over 80 teams. It also featured several high-level defenders. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the top lockdown defenders from the event.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="809680" first="Ricardo" last="Sarmiento"] <em>5’11 PG Phoenix Prep 2021 (#59PHA 2021)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Sarmiento played in the Arizona Prep Kick-off this week so this is a bit of a crossover, but I don’t care, he was that good on the defensive end. The 5’11 PG is an absolute dog, capable of impacting games with his on-ball defense alone. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="856644" first="Earnest" last="Brown"] <em>5’11 CG Las Vegas 2021 (#6PHN 2023)</em> - It’s his lateral movement and quick hands that make Brown a pest. I’ve gotten to see him quite a bit over the last few weeks and you can almost always bank on him picking up 3 or 4 steals a game. This weekend was no different. </p> <p>Luke Turner <em>6’7 SF Rancho Christian 2021 (#21PHSC 2021)</em> - I’ve been singing the praises of Turner recently. The majority of it comes from his defensive efforts. The rangy wing showed terrific versatility as well as the ability to be a valuable help defender. </p> <p>Robert Gibson <em>6’2 PF Durango 2022</em> - Gibson was a tough hard-nosed defender all week. His ability to battle for rebounds along with his defensive IQ was key in helping the Trailblazers reach the Championship game of the California bracket. The undersized forward was one of the best charge takers at the event. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="927116" first="Cameron" last="Kimble"] <em>6’5 SG Clark 2021 (#9PHN 2021)</em> - Speaking of charge takers, there’s Kimble. He may take more charges than any player on the west coast. The wing plays with a great basketball IQ and really understands how to read and rotate. He’s not bad on ball either as he does a good job of using his length to harass ballhandlers. </p> <p>Carter Welling <em>6’10 PF Corner Canyon 2021 (#9PHU 2021)</em>  - Simply put, Welling’s size was a problem. He moves well and does a terrific job of using his length and athleticism to alter and block shots. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="858155" first="John" last="Board"] <em>6’1 SG Basic 2021 (#21PHN 2021)</em> - Board was his usual pit bull self. He battled larger players down low and pressured ballhandlers in the frontcourt. The best compliment that I can give him is that he will be the epitome of what Basic players are known for, for years to come. </p> <p>Jaleel Moore <em>5’9 PG San Tan 2024</em> - Moore was a pest and another player that participated in the APK this weekend. The young freshmen never gave up on a play and did a terrific job of harassing ballhandlers. He’s so quick that it was hard to tell when he was in front or behind offensive players. Moore had several face up steals, as well as his share of backtaps throughout the week. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>