Bash In The Desert Recap: Top Defenders
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The PrepHoops Circuit season continued this weekend in Phoenix, AZ with the Bash in the Desert. The event took place at Inspire courts, Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd, and showcased a total of 67 teams ranging from ages…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepHoops Circuit season continued this weekend in Phoenix, AZ with the Bash in the Desert. The event took place at Inspire courts, Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd, and showcased a total of 67 teams ranging from ages 15 to 17U. The event also showcased several lock-down defenders. In this article, we take a look at the top Defenders from the event.
Marcus Wilson Marcus Wilson 6'2" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2024 NM 6’2 SG AZ Firestorm 2024 (#4PHA 2024) – Wilson was the best overall defender I saw at the event. It starts with his effort and energy. He has a relentless motor, and quick feet, allowing him to stay in front of ballhandlers. Combine that with good instincts and the ability to play passing lanes, and Wilson can take over games with his defensive talents.
Bowen Davies 6’7 C Utah Force 2022 (#28PHU 2022) – I named Davies as one of the top 5 rim protectors on the West Coast. After seeing him this weekend, that may have been too low. He has remarkable timing and manages to catch opponents right as their going up for their shot. He had 9 blocks in one game alone, solidifying himself as one of the top rim protectors in America.
Noah Amenhauser Noah Amenhauser 7'0" | C Estrella Foothills | 2023 State #270 Nation AZ 6’11 C Arizona Factory 2023 (#2PHA 2023) – At nearly 7 feet tall, it was almost impossible for Amenhauser to not impact games, however, I thought he was better than average when it came to providing rim protection and blocking shots. Obviously, you have to account for him when he’s in the area, but his ability to rotate over and erase shots was eye-opening and went a long way to landing him on this list.
Cooper Cirone 6’0 PG Team RHJ 2023 – Cirone was all over the floor. The PG was relentless, playing hard-nosed on-ball defense, and forcing opponents into mistakes. If the ball hit the floor, he was always the first to it, managing to gain several extra possessions for RHJ. You could also label him a glue guy, but I thought his effort and energy on the defensive end made him one of the best defenders at the event.
Ahamed Mohamed Ahamed Mohamed 6'0" | PG Apollo | 2022 State AZ 6’0 PG Arizona Factory 2022 (#32PHA 2022) (featured image) – The word that best describes Mohamed IMO is relentless. It starts at the beginning of the game, where he picks up ballhandlers full court, rarely giving them a chance to breathe. He keeps the pressure on until finally the opponent just gives up and becomes reluctant to even handle the ball. His long arms allow him to get steals and deflect passes as a primary defender.