Summer Roundup: Defenders who Impressed (2020)

Israel Potoczny

September 8, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

Summer Roundup: Defenders who Impressed (2020)   Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the state’s top performers throughout the spring and summer. 24-Andrew Piper, 6’4, 2020, Lawrence Free State, Grandstand Elite A good body inside who protects his partner’s weak side and sets his feet and takes charges when his opponent tries to bully him. He blocks shots, rebounds on both ends of the floor and can make jump shots well. Plays with a nice rhythm. 12-De’Vaughn Brown, 6’3, G/F, 2020, Olathe Northwest, Team KC Grey A smart defender on the ball who moves his feet well and stays flexible for switches, screens and high low options. Brown has a good combination of agility and athleticism. He runs the floor well and can get up around the rim. 14-Howard Clemons Jr., 6’0, G, 2020, Derby, NLHA 17 Clemons doesn’t let the opponents rush him. He takes his time and plays at his pace. He’s also smart with the ball and finds openings and shoots well and quickly if he sees a collapse or taller players extending to challenge him. A nice guard with the ball. 6-James King, 6’1, 2020, Wichita East, Kansas MTXE 17U A pest of a defender who moves his feet and is constantly looking to force a turnover and kick off a fast break. Kings is a mobile player with the ball and can score through the air. He likes the glass on the corner shot and 32-Jacob Schmidtberger, 6’3, 2020, Lawrence Free State, SSA Elite 17U White A calm player who runs the floor and scores high percentage shots. He can play physical, but usually looks to beat opponents with his basketball intelligence. He works hard and can shoot in traffic and get to the free throw line. A strong defender as well. He can defend several positions.