Storm Classic: All Defensive Team
The All Defensive Team isn’t something we normally put together. Expect that to continue. This is an unusual honor; but that’s because there were about seven Ohio players this weekend that played unusually excellent on that end of the floor.
We’ve cut it down to the five best defensive performances from the Storm Classic in Grand Rapids. Without further adieu, here you have it.
Brandon Haraway (2019), 6’2” G, C2K Elite / Norwalk
Haraway had a breakout performance in their Saturday win over The Family EYBL. The small-town prospect came off the bench and absolutely shut down Rocket Watts, the no. 2 player in Michigan. His defensive impact is fueled by effort and highlighted by power and lateral quickness. Haraway moves his feet like a mad man. While there’s questions about his offensive feel and jumper, those might be a little exaggerated. He looked like a low-major guard this weekend.
Joey Holifield (2020), 6’1” PG, C2K Elite / Cardinal Stritch
On the ball, Holifield did an excellent job of staying in front of quick guards. He has a strong chest, which frustrates opponents when they rise for a layup. His quickness and ability to understand angles is also impressive. Holifield also came away with a couple of steals in passing lanes after reading the ball-handler and jumping the lane.
Offensively, Holifield combined craftiness and power around the rim. He scored a bunch of buckets through traffic.
Lunden McDay (2019), 6’3” W, Nova (James) / St. Vincent-St. Mary
Just under ten seconds left against the Detroit Spartans on Sunday morning, Nova was up by two points. The Spartans inbounded to their top ball-handler. McDay was pressed on him, all alone in the backcourt. Just one dribble into the possession, McDay wrapped him long arm around his waist and poked the ball away for a steal. Nova advanced to the next round.
The State Champion defended the other team’s primary offensive threat all weekend. His length, quickness, and instincts qualify McDay as a legitimate D-I prospect. He also shot the jumper better than usual this weekend.
Hayden Stone (2020), 6’8” C, Nova (Alleyne) / Carey
Mo Njie (2020), 6’9” C, C2K Elite / Centerville
It’s hard to understand why Njie didn’t see the floor for Centerville this winter, averaging 2.0 points for the Elks as a sophomore. Turns out, Njie is a D-I prospect entering the spring Live Period because of his physical attributes and defensive feel. For a player this raw, Njie has an impressive understanding of how to utilize his size on interior defense. Countless number of deflections endless length. Njie also closed out well when his man tried to pull him away from the hoop.