Hustle Region Finals Top 15U Defensive Players
The Hustle Region Finals wrapped up this weekend in Seal Beach, CA at AIM Sportsplex from July 15-17 featuring plenty of CA teams as well as teams from out of state. I was at the event throughout the weekend and…
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Continue ReadingThe Hustle Region Finals wrapped up this weekend in Seal Beach, CA at AIM Sportsplex from July 15-17 featuring plenty of CA teams as well as teams from out of state. I was at the event throughout the weekend and focused on the 15U Division. Here’s a look at some of the top defensive players I saw.
1. Xavier Villa-Antone – Chandler 2025/AZ Gremlins 2025-2
Villa-Antone stood out the entire weekend due to his activity on the defensive end. He plays good denial defense to keep the player he’s guarding from catching the pass. On ball, he keeps up with quick guards and uses quick hands to get steals/turnovers. He’s the consummate role player. Hustles after rebounds, spots up from three-point range and moves without the ball to put himself in good position to get a pass.
2. DJ Quiette – Mater Dei 2025/LA Elite 15U Select
Quiette has good size for a young wing. He’s long and tall and has the tools to be a good defender which he showed this weekend. Good on ball defender who slides his feet quickly and forces the ball-handler to pick up their dribble. Stays low and picks up fullcourt. He rebounds well in traffic and is a good catch and shoot three-point shooter. The last day of the event, he looked more comfortable with the ball in his hands and attacking the rim.
3. Andrew Clyburn – Vista Murrieta 2025/IE Fire Elite 2025
Clyburn is a player I’ve seen a couple of times now and he consistently stands out for being in the right place at the right time and doing all the little things. He has good length and he uses that to be an effective defender on the wings. He slides his feet, stays low and stays in front of the ball-handler. Crashes the defensive glass well. He moves without the ball and can hit the open three-point shot.
4. Cullen Schreiner Cullen Schreiner 6'6" | SF Basha | 2025 State AZ – Basha 2025/AZ Gremlins 2025-1
Schreiner did show his ability to score, but he stood out to me on the defensive end just as much. He’s kind of a big forward who is mobile and moves well on the perimeter. He has the speed and quickness to guard smaller guards on the wing. He gets his hands in the passing lanes. Good help defender at the rim too challenging drives/shots. Boxes out and grabs defensive rebounds and is able to throw quick outlet passes to his guards.