Lock-Down Defenders – player notes
One standout offensive player with a hot hand can carry a team through a round or two of the NCAA tournament almost by himself. That’s why teams need a lockdown defender to counter that type of one-man offensive scheme. A…
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Continue ReadingOne standout offensive player with a hot hand can carry a team through a round or two of the NCAA tournament almost by himself. That’s why teams need a lockdown defender to counter that type of one-man offensive scheme.
A lockdown defender is a player the coach can assign to guard the opponent’s star, knowing that he’s all that’s needed to prevent that opposing player from putting up huge numbers. In a single-elimination event like the NCAA tournament, one spectacular offensive game by an opposing player can end your season.
Big men who block shots typically win the defensive awards these days, but they generally are not the lockdown defenders.
The player who can take the challenge of a one-on-one defensive assignment against a standout offensive player and turn it into an advantage for his team with tough, on-ball defense is the lockdown defender. Lockdown defenders are usually perimeter players, while the big men swat away shots in help defense.
Class of 2018 Garfield High School standout Freddy Brown III enjoyed success during his teams championship season last year, but he is now suiting up for the bulldogs who already have some of the nations top recruits. He stands to inherit a larger role this season. His main role last season was knocking down open shots and guarding the opposing teams best player. Freddy can defend at multirole positions and is an elite athlete in his own right. He takes pride on defense and doesn’t take plays off.
Class of 2019 6’5 guard Raquan Battle continues to show an ability to slash and make plays around the basket. His length allows him to do a number of different things offensively. Raquan has worked on his jumper. His mid-range pull-up game looked great and he stepped in and knocked down the long ball with consistency as well. Raquan’s footwork and passing coming off ball screens was also something that looked strong. He got to the basket when he wanted too while showing creativity with his finishes. Strong defender known for his slashing ability on the offensive end of the floor.
Class of 2018 Lake Washington’s sharp shooter Dalton Liesse is preparing for a strong senior season. Liesse has a really nice feel for the game, always making the right decisions with the ball. He has a high basketball IQ and its well known for his defense first, smooth jump shot and deep range. Surprisingly Liesse isnt playing his last AAU season. He decided to focus on his development instead. He is a tough tenacious defender that can guard you 94 feet. He has good foot work which enables him to keep quicker guards in front of him.
Jaden Locke is a 5 foot 11 combo guard from Renton High School. Good frame and athletic build. Nice strength. Like the physical tools with this 2018 wing. He has potential to be a plus defender if he wants to lock in on that end of the floor. Solid ball handler that attacks in transition. Streaky shooter that far too often settles for jump shots from three when he doesn’t shoot it at that high of a rate.
Jeremy Spencer (2018) 6’0 is a tough guard that embraces physicality. His biggest strength is taking the ball to the basket whether it is in transition or taking his man off the dribble in the half court. Jeremy can also take control of a team in the half court and initiate sets. North Thurston is a team that tends to use very little clock when they are not in transition, so Jeremy has the responsibility of ensuring execution. The 6’0 guard does a good job getting after it defensively with active hands.