PHI Top 250 Expo: Top Upperclassmen Defenders
This past weekend, the Prep Hoops Indiana Top 250 Expo took place up in Westfield, Indiana at the Jonathan Byrd’s Fieldhouse. Now, we are trying to break down what we saw. The following is a look at some of the best defenders we saw in the morning session of 2017 and 2018 prospects.
Conner Brens (6’6 – 2017 – Plainfield). Brens showed his defensive value through his strength and aggressiveness. Most players he went up against might have had some sort of advantage whether that was length or height but he always seemed to make more plays and slow them down because how hard he played. Made life difficult for them.
Peyton Trexler (6’3 – 2018 – Southwood). Trexler was a bit of a surprise and most of that was due to his defense. Seemed to turn the other team over every time we turned around. He’s a tall guard with some length but really it was his vision and ability to get into position to make the play. Really liked his game on both sides of the ball.
Jared Hofer (6’10 – 2018 – Fort Wayne Carroll). This was the best I had seen Jared play. He was tough and much more mobile than I had seen to this point. He did so well disrupting the paint with his size. He altered a ton of shots and blocked a few as well. This was a step in the right direction.
Dwayne McClendon (6’4 – 2017 – Hammond). The thing I love about McClendon was how versatile he was. He’s a guy that can be a lockdown defender in college and his versatility means you can put him on 1 through 4 with a lower level team. Has some toughness to him with the ability to get more out of his frame.
Mike Green (6’1 – 2017 – South Bend Adams). Mike was one of the quicker guards at the camp and he’s really developed his body in the last year. Loved the quick nature of his game. Doesn’t play down to opponents speed, he plays fast and that overwhelms people at times on the perimeter.