Show Me Showdown: 2025 Defensive Instigators Part 1
Jayden McCoo – Illinois Bears – Mascoutah Taking the promotion after the Bears backcourt was unavailable, McCoo made the most of his opportunity through his defensive energy and complementary offensive skillset. Standing 6’1, McCoo’s strong frame allowed him to take…
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Continue ReadingJayden McCoo – Illinois Bears – Mascoutah
Taking the promotion after the Bears backcourt was unavailable, McCoo made the most of his opportunity through his defensive energy and complementary offensive skillset. Standing 6’1, McCoo’s strong frame allowed him to take hits while maintaining a fundamental stance without fouling. Fundamental meaning, arms straight up and shading opponents towards a tough angle for the shot such as the baseline. McCoo was more of complementary piece on offense, where he scored efficiently slashing to the rim and hitting catch and shoot jumpers.
LeShawn Stowers – Peoria Pride – Peoria
At 6’3, Stowers was a tough matchup on the offensive glass while proving to be a physical presence as a slashing wing. Boasting at least a +3″ wingspan, Stowers’ physicality and reach created countless second chance opportunities for him and his teammates. From the game I saw, he recorded five offensive rebounds in the first half alone, although boxing out on defense was a struggle for the Peoria Pride group. He was dependable as a slasher in the half court, consistently finding open lanes to score or draw fouls in the paint. Stowers also shows promise as a perimeter threat down the road given his free throw consistency and budding skills as a straight line driver.
Hayden Arnold – Gateway Knights – Ladue
Arnold was excellent at the little things such as boxing out, aggressive but controlled help defense, and being consistent as a complementary scoring threat. At 6’1, Arnold is more developed physically that most his age, proving that through multiple potent transition dunks per game. The shooting guard was dependable getting inside through straight line drives, either making the correct read when help arrived or finishing through contact. Strength was a clear gamechanger for the combo, where his screens and rebounding ability held up against taller opponents. Continuing to work on his ball handling in tight spaces will open up the court for him in a variety of ways.
Robert Ballance – The Notorious Team – Smith-Cotton
Ballance was a big time surprise on both ends due to his rare combination of strength, craft, and length at 6’1. Ballance immediately made himself known through his shot blocking and quick hands. Not many guards possess his level of strength and quickness, making Ballance a formidable guard to contain. As a slashing guard, Ballance was terrific scoring through contact or using a bit of craft to get a layup over the opponents. Down the road I would expect him to be one of the more formidable two way guards in the region.
Josue Muhirwa – 573 Hoops – Rock Bridge
Another rangy defender from 573, Muhirwa’s reaction speed on both ends proved to be invaluable for team success. At 6’1, the combo guard had great timing when reaching for passes while maximizing his length one on one. In transition opportunities, Muhirwa displayed craft scoring inside through euro steps or hop steps around defenders. On the perimeter he was more than capable making the defense pay out to three point range, mostly off the catch. Muhirwa strikes me as a higher upside off-ball scorer than you would expect, in a couple years he could pop as an elite complementary scorer and defender.