The Best of Summer 2023 Defenders
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The summer sessions have come to a close and now it’s time to look back at the best of the best from the AAU period. Here, we’ll be taking a look at the cream of the crop when it comes…
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Continue ReadingThe summer sessions have come to a close and now it’s time to look back at the best of the best from the AAU period. Here, we’ll be taking a look at the cream of the crop when it comes to defensive stalwarts for the 2023 class. We line up a standout at each position, filling out a traditional starting five to lineup and lockdown any team that faces them. These players proved it all summer long, they belong alongside the best. Here is your All-Defense Team, the best of summer.
Miles Heide Miles Heide 6'7" | C Mount Si | 2023 State #274 Nation WA (2023) | 6’9 | C | Mt. Si | Elite Sports Academy
Heide anchors the All-Summer Defensive team inside with his length and mobility leading the way. The lengthy center has the foot speed and the reach to bother shooters that try to bring him out of the paint, and maintains his balance on closeouts to keep opposing players from blowing by him. And if they do? Heide has the athleticism to catch up for a chase-down block. Aside from the highlight plays, Heide snatches up defensive rebounds with authority, putting an authoritative stamp on the defensive possession.
Maverick Sanders Maverick Sanders 6'5" | SF Mt Spokane | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’5 | SF | Mt. Spokane | Hooptown Elite
Manning the first forward spot is Maverick Sanders Maverick Sanders 6'5" | SF Mt Spokane | 2023 State WA . Sanders is a versatile defender that can switch across matchups, defend on the perimeter and flex his muscles inside. He’s got a great motor that all good defenders need and he wins some matchups just because he wants it more. Besides being quick, strong, and long, Sanders has some bounce too. He’s been known to spring up near the hoop and steal away a shot mid-air. The way Sanders looks at opponents says, “You’re not going to score on me.” He brings toughness to the forward spot and an edge defensively.
Isaiah Afework Isaiah Afework 6'5" | SF Federal Way | 2023 State WA (2023) | 6’5 | SF | Federal Way | Team Stuck
Versatility reigns supreme on the summer’s All-Defense Team. Afework is another player who can guard you no matter where you go, and he works his tail off to win loose balls and put an end to possessions. He’s the prototype player when it comes to boxing out and attacking the glass, and brings his toolbox when he shows up to the gym. All the little things matter to this guy and it shows. His ultra-focus and great athleticism ensure he is always a factor defensively.
Jaylin Stewart Jaylin Stewart 6'7" | SG Garfield | 2023 State #71 Nation WA (2023) | 6’7 | SG | Garfield | Seattle Rotary
The top recruit from Washington is a big, strong guard who’s got sneaky athleticism. He’s able to pick up most 1-4 matchups because of his length, strength, and athleticism. He’s actually surprised more than a few unfamiliar onlookers this summer with chase-down blocks and big tip-slams. But aside from his eye-popping athletic ability, Stewart brings a consistent effect defensively bothering jump shooters with his good reactions and reach. Stewart has shown he’s able to cover a lot of ground and quickly. This allows him to cut off the drive and step up on jump shots, leaving offensive players no easy out. The big guard also boasts an underrated ability to anticipate passes and dribbles, getting tip-outs and picks for easy fast break buckets.
Brooklyn Hicks Brooklyn Hicks 6'3" | CG Timberline | 2023 State #168 Nation WA (2023) | 6’3 | CG | Timberline | Seattle Rotary
The shortest player on this team is probably the most impressive when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. Hicks is oozing with athleticism and raw ability. He’s bouncy, lightning quick, and has top-line acceleration to really get going. If that was enough, there would be a much longer list than we have here. What sets Hicks apart is his eyes. His eyes are trained to see the offensive player’s intentions, to see their next move before he pounces. He shuts off ballhandlers searching for an ounce of daylight. He drops down to swat shots on baseline drives, and he sees lazy cross-court passes before they’re thrown. Hicks has been the most outstanding defensive player of the summer and that’s why he’s running point on this summer’s All-Defense Team.