The Finale: Getting Defensive

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top defensive players from Missouri who were at The Finale in Kansas City. The list consists of players who were good at applying strong on-ball pressure, play the passing lanes and protect the rim with shot blocking.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991576" first="I’Ryan" last="Allen"] 6’2 (Pictured) Team KC-Derrick 16U (Raymore-Peculiar 16U)</p> <p>Jobe Bryant 5’10" 34Hoops 17U (Park Hills Central ’24): The youngest player in the 17U tournament was a pest on defense with his quick hands. He picked a lot of pockets.</p> <p>Alijah Carter 6’2" St. Louis Cobras A.N.M 17U (Pattonville ’21): A ball-hawking wing who was a Tazmanian Devil on the defensive end as he swarmed all over the court looking for steals.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="994434" first="Sekou" last="Gassama"] 6’10" Gateway Basketball Club 17U (DeSmet ’21): A long and athletic post player who is a tremendous rim protector. Has excellent timing to go along with his length.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="583712" first="Yaya" last="Keita"] 6’9" Gateway Basketball Club 17U (DeSmet ’21): Another excellent rim-protector who was really good at sprinting the court for the chase-down block.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824201" first="Karter" last="Kekec"] 6’2" Gateway-Knights 17U (North County ’21): A very competitive on-ball defender who works on hard on that end as he does as an potent offensive player.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1006237" first="Ashton" last="Lee"] 6’9" PAC Basketball (Rockhurst ’22): An improving post player who blocked and altered his share of shots during the weekend.</p> <p>Jeremy Paige 5’10" SSA Elite Black 16U (Van Horn ’22): Young ball-hawking guard who had the ability to disrupt the opposing teams offense with his quickness. Had six steals in one game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984512" first="Brian" last="Taylor"] 6’2" Gateway Basketball Club 16U (DeSmet ’22): Young athletic guard with tremendous defensive instincts. Can guard his man straight-up or play the passing lanes with excellent anticipation.</p>