Circle City Shootout: Prep Hoops Ohio First Team All Defense
Whether it was communication, a couple flashes of excellence, or on-ball dominance, there were a few Ohio prospects who deserve recognition for their defensive performances at the Circle City Shootout.
In this recap, we'll dive into what all six of these players brought to the court over the weekend.
Alex Heath because … the lightning fast floor general was able to speed up opposing point guards all weekend. His defensive pressure controlled the pace for which his opponents played at. When you think about point guards controlling the game's tempo, you usually jump to what happens when they have the ball. Well, Heath was able to do so when his team was defending. Also, the kid talks like crazy, often to pump up his teammates.
Nate Ward because … wow, he can make up ground quickly and alter shots at the rim. The guard/wing prospect is a superior athlete, especially as a leaper. We're recognizing Ward mostly for his work in the help-side and in transition.
Dondre Palmer because … nobody else in Indianapolis was more crucial to their team's success on defense. Palmer was calling out ball-screens for guys on the opposite side of the court. We noticed a few communicators were so caught up in talking that they lost their own man. Not Palmer, though. He made it difficult for his guy to get going, while making sure OH-NOVA's team defense was on the same page. Also, Palmer's hustle in transition defense was special, as he always tried to challenge the layup.
Caiden Landis because … his defense of the dribble drive and effort level. Landis went full tilt effort 100 percent of the time he was on the floor. This led to winning rebound battles, and not giving an inch against physical players. Also, as mentioned here, Landis has enough lateral quickness to contest wings off the dribble. Landis had a phenomenal weekend.
Harrison Gough because … his tools. The 6'8” prospect has a ton of the physical traits you're looking for. Gough is probably a D-II/D-III guy, but he can really defend. The Lima Bath prospect isn't a liability against 5-guard lineups because his length and foot-speed allow him to frustrate small players.
Jaedyn Carter because … the high-motor prospect is intense. He always is getting into the other point guard's shorts. Carter, whose older brother Christian just committed to Saint Leo, never steps down from a challenge. Also, Carter grabs a lot of rebounds for his position.
Prep Hoops Ohio All-Defensive Team
PG: Alex Heath (2018), 5'9”, Another Level / Cleveland Central Catholic
G: Nate Ward (2018), 6'5”, Hidden Gems Black / Gahanna Lincoln
MVP: Dondre Palmer (2018), 6'4”, OH-NOVA Rice / Pickerington North
F: Caiden Landis (2018), 6'6”, Hidden Gems Black / Logan
F/C: Harrison Gough (2018), 6'8”, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club / Lima Bath
Sixth man: Jaedyn Carter (2018), 6'1” PG, Hidden Gems Black / Thomas Worthington
Alex Heath because … the lightning fast floor general was able to speed up opposing point guards all weekend. His defensive pressure controlled the pace for which his opponents played at. When you think about point guards controlling the game's tempo, you usually jump to what happens when they have the ball. Well, Heath was able to do so when his team was defending. Also, the kid talks like crazy, often to pump up his teammates.
Nate Ward because … wow, he can make up ground quickly and alter shots at the rim. The guard/wing prospect is a superior athlete, especially as a leaper. We're recognizing Ward mostly for his work in the help-side and in transition.
Dondre Palmer because … nobody else in Indianapolis was more crucial to their team's success on defense. Palmer was calling out ball-screens for guys on the opposite side of the court. We noticed a few communicators were so caught up in talking that they lost their own man. Not Palmer, though. He made it difficult for his guy to get going, while making sure OH-NOVA's team defense was on the same page. Also, Palmer's hustle in transition defense was special, as he always tried to challenge the layup.
Caiden Landis because … his defense of the dribble drive and effort level. Landis went full tilt effort 100 percent of the time he was on the floor. This led to winning rebound battles, and not giving an inch against physical players. Also, as mentioned here, Landis has enough lateral quickness to contest wings off the dribble. Landis had a phenomenal weekend.
Harrison Gough because … his tools. The 6'8” prospect has a ton of the physical traits you're looking for. Gough is probably a D-II/D-III guy, but he can really defend. The Lima Bath prospect isn't a liability against 5-guard lineups because his length and foot-speed allow him to frustrate small players.
Jaedyn Carter because … the high-motor prospect is intense. He always is getting into the other point guard's shorts. Carter, whose older brother Christian just committed to Saint Leo, never steps down from a challenge. Also, Carter grabs a lot of rebounds for his position. 
