Grind Region Finals: Missouri’s Top Defensive Performances
A fantastic grassroots season on the Prep Hoops Circuit came to an end over the weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Wichita. Everyone loves a scorer. Whether it’s raining three-pointers or prospects are gliding through the lane for rim-rocking…
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Continue ReadingA fantastic grassroots season on the Prep Hoops Circuit came to an end over the weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Wichita. Everyone loves a scorer. Whether it’s raining three-pointers or prospects are gliding through the lane for rim-rocking jams, offense is usually what catches someones eye first in the game of basketball. To some however, nothing is more refreshing and impressive than seeing a player or team slap the floor, dig their heels in, and lock-down on the defensive end. The Show-Me-State takes pride in getting after it on both ends of the floor. Here is a look at a pair of teams from Missouri that performed well on the defensive end over the weekend:
St. Louis Blazers – A Team Effort to Create Chaos:
If you did not get a chance to see the St. Louis Blazers in 16U action this spring/summer, you missed out. If you did, you know that they are a team that loves to play an in-your-face, aggressive full-court defense that creates chaos. More than any team I saw over the weekend, the Blazers use their defensive intensity to create scoring opportunities in transition and they can put a run on you in a hurry. There is not one individual to single out. It was a team effort. They have a great combination of pieces that made them a tough defensive group.
Physical, pesky on ball defenders like Marcus Pepper and Nyjahl Vaughn make life miserable for opposing guards and will either pick their pocket or force them into errant passes. When that happens, they have lengthy, athletic wings like Barcus Jackson Jr, Demarcus Sanford Jr, and Rico Singleton who are lurking around for an opportunity to trap or jump a passing lane for a steal.
A trio of forwards in Cleveland Washington, Aaron Hendricks, and Joe Ware gave the Blazers a formidable last line of defense for rim protection and finishing possessions by pulling down the board.
Missouri Flight Blue 17U – Sticky Fingers in the Back-court and Length Inside:
Missouri Flight Blue has had a terrific season on the Prep Hoops Circuit, ultimately earning the #9 overall seed in the Grind Region. Two dominant defensive performances helped them advance into the Sweet 16, before ultimately falling in a tight battle to the KC Pacers Blue.
Dontae Taylor and Maurice Grayer caused fits this weekend for point guards in Wichita. Nothing comes easy offensively when one of these two are stuck to you like glue. Taylor is one of the better on-ball defenders I have seen this summer. He is an absolute shadow defender that eliminates penetration and frustrates ball-handlers. Grayer uses his wingspan and athleticism to get deflections and take away vision which ultimately eliminates an offense ability to get into their sets. Either of these guys will pick their man up and harass them the full length of the court and both are willing and eager rebounders from the guard position. They are complimented by pesky, fundamentally sound defenders in Karter Lowry and Tyler Campbell.
Daniel Abreu with his size and athleticism is able to guard the 2-5 effectively. He has the length to disrupt on the perimeter, the strength to chest up inside, and has the instincts to sneak over for a weakside block. Wing David Oplotnik provides length and disruption as well on the wing. Missouri Flight has some rim and paint protection as well.
Tanner Thouvenot is a big 6’8 body that patrols that can clear the lane and muscle up on the block. Garrett Simmerman is another 6’8+ forward who brings great length and solid rim protection. The pair make a solid defensive combo who compliment each other quite well.