#PHLive: 2023 Defensive Standouts
Kansas City, Missouri — Prep Hoops Live was a major event on the Prep Hoops Circuit that brought out over 300 grassroots teams from all across the country, making this one of Prep Hoop’s largest events ever. Teams traveled far and…
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Continue ReadingKansas City, Missouri — Prep Hoops Live was a major event on the Prep Hoops Circuit that brought out over 300 grassroots teams from all across the country, making this one of Prep Hoop’s largest events ever. Teams traveled far and wide to be a part of something special, filling up 3 different arenas and 28 courts all at once. The best grassroots basketball clubs as well as some of the top-ranked players in the nation showed up, showed out, and made this weekend in Kansas City worthwhile. Every type of prospect a college coach could possibly be in search of was in attendance, multiple 7-foot centers, next-level scorers, remarkable shooters, high flying dunkers, lockdown defenders, dime droppers, shot blockers, you name it, we had it. Here we’ll take a look at a few of those 16U game-changing defenders that really stood out and made a noticeable impact on the floor.
Anthony Ball Anthony Ball 6'6" | PF Decatur Central | 2023 State IN -Forward – Team Teague 2023 (Collins)
Team Teague’s Anthony Ball Anthony Ball 6'6" | PF Decatur Central | 2023 State IN , did it all from Friday to Sunday, contributing in major ways across the board. Ball rebounded with ferocity, snagging boards over and through multiple players on several occasions, both offensively and defensively. He completely dominated the glass game after game, displaying a tremendous second jump, and a relentless amount of effort as he consistently attacked the boards, following his teammates’ shots all the way to the rim. This kid has an incredible hustle to his play, very willing to do all of the dirty work, the aggression Anthony competes with is something special, and when he blocks a shot it’s always with authority. Elite physical tools, standing at 6-foot-6-inches, Anthony Ball Anthony Ball 6'6" | PF Decatur Central | 2023 State IN has the ideal combination of size, strength, length, and athleticism at the wing position.
Rico Lee – Point Guard – Midwest All-Stars 2023
Rico Lee, one of the best lockdown defenders of the entire event, Lee had an outstanding defensive presence, a truly defensive-minded point guard that was always ready to put the clamps on any ball-handler that crossed half court. The 6-foot guard was great at crowding his man’s space, forcing his opponent to change directions, use their off-hand, and get rid of the ball quickly. Good toughness and grit as well, Rico Lee was willing to lay out for loose balls with no fear, often being the first to the floor more times than not.
David Meriwether – Center – Team Teague 2023 (Collins)
This rim protector completely had the paint on lockdown at times. Meriwether did an exceptional job of clogging the lane to force the opposing teams into making bad passes, taking tough layups, and settling for jump shots. Excellent hands and timing, David consistently picked up good clean blocks down low, usually getting all ball and without getting into foul trouble. At 6-foot-10-inches his size, length, and strength assisted him greatly on the boards all weekend long. David Meriwether has a good upside as he is still very raw with a lot of untapped potential.
Mario Adams Mario Adams 6'5" | SF Eastview | 2023 State MN – Small Forward – D1 Minnesota 2023 (Harris)
6-foot-5-inch, Mario Adams Mario Adams 6'5" | SF Eastview | 2023 State MN proved to be one the most reliable defensive talents of them all. Adams is a long athletic wing prospect that can guard up to four different positions on the court effectively. This young man played with a good feel for the game, especially on the defensive end where he displayed very good anticipation to deflect passes and jump passing lanes. Mario was an all-out threat in the throwing lanes to take it the other way for two points at any moment. His motor is high, he plays hard, and goes after every single rebound on both ends.
Jackson Muse – Guard – Midwest All-Stars 2023
Midwest All-Stars guard, Jackson Muse was an extremely active asset who was all over the floor doing everything he could to make a difference. Muse crashed the boards at a high rate and even cleaned shots up offensively. He played tough hard-nosed defense, Muse fought hard to deny his man open looks and open driving lanes. Good competitive spirit, he was more than willing to guard the opponents’ best players, and he also hustled and competed for whatever he got, nothing came easy when Jackson Muse was on the court.