The Twin Defenders: Jaden & Jovon McClanahan
Brandon Bracy
Photo Courtesy of Cali-Hoop
Playing defense can be a skill but it is more about effort, heart, and pride. The extra effort that it takes to prevent somebody to score plus the lack of notoriety that defensive players get compared to scorers are the reason why most don't take pride in that end of the floor. For Salesian's Jaden and Jovon McClanahan, the defensive end is what has brought attention to their game lately and they are owning up to it. Playing alongside Uconn commit James Akinjo makes their role more exciting because they are able to lock up on the opposing teams best ball handlers and have opportunities to knock down open shots on the other end with Akinjo being the focal point of the offense.
The McClanahan twins will look to help the Oakland Soldiers repeat this summer as Peach Jam champions, and hope to earn more Division 1 interest. They may have already gained more interest with their defensive effort against Sophomore phenom Jalen Green, who is the number 1 sophomore in the country. Salesian took on San Joaquin at the "Crush in the Valley" showcase at American Canyon High School, where Jalen Green was able to put up 17 points and grab 8 rebounds. The McClanahan twins played solid aggressive defense on Green, as they were able to put constant pressure on the sophomore. Green showed a lot of toughness battling back by getting to the free throw line but the twins defensive intensity was exciting to watch. It will be interesting to see how their recruitment goes over the next year.
