Defensive Minded Spring: Guards/Wings
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The defensive end on the Grassroots scene can be sometimes overlooked, but there are some lock down defenders all across rosters. Let’s take a look at some of the wings and guards who have it locked down on the defensive…
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Continue ReadingThe defensive end on the Grassroots scene can be sometimes overlooked, but there are some lock down defenders all across rosters. Let’s take a look at some of the wings and guards who have it locked down on the defensive end.
Xavier Hall Xavier Hall 5'11" | CG Bishop Miege | 2022 State KS 6’ Point Guard, Marcus Denmon Elite, Bishop Miege, 2022: Hall is an extremely talented point guard on the offensive end, but with his aggressive defensive mindset paired perfectly with the way Denmon plays, he has showcased himself as an elite guard defender on the spring circuit. He has an intense motor that allows him to be a constant threat getting downhill on the offensive end yet keeping guards at bay on the other end. Hall can pick up full court for long stretches, communicates with his teammates well on that end of the floor, and causes a lot of turnovers.
I’Ryan Allen I’Ryan Allen 6'2" | PG Ruskin | 2022 State MO , 6’2 Guard, KC Spurs, Ruskin, 2022: Allen is a long armed and athletic guard that can guard a variety of offensive styles at a high level. Has great instincts reading ball handlers, can get hands into the cookie jar, and also jumps passing lanes really well. Allen is a steady all around guard, but I love his ability on the defensive end to separate himself from other similar guards. Brings a ton of energy and toughness to the back court, and is a great transition player so his ability to turn defensive into offensive is a massive bonus.
Trevor Mcbride Trevor Mcbride 6'2" | CG Basehor Linwood | 2022 State KS , 6’2 Point Guard, SSA Elite 17U Black, Basehor Linwood, 2022: McBride continues to grow into a stat sheet stuffing offensive point guard averaging 8 points and 5 assists per game over the spring run on the grassroots scene. His bread and butter and the constant at what makes him pop over his high school career is his defensive ability both on and off the ball. He forces a ton of turnovers or difficult shots guarding the ball, and his range on close outs is tremendous, constantly forcing extra passes or getting to long passes.
Caden Stoecklein Caden Stoecklein 6'0" | PG Maryville | 2023 State MO , 6’1 Guard, 816 Hoops Cherepkai, Maryville HS, 2023: The lefty is a tough nosed, high IQ defensive minded guard. He is capable of guarding shooters, attackers, and multi faceted players which makes him tough to take off the basketball court. He averaged 15 ppg at the high school level so he has offensive ability as well, but what he has brought to the defensive end this spring has been intriguing.
Other Intriguing Guard Defenders this Spring
Cooper Jackson Cooper Jackson 6'0" | PG Free State | 2022 State KS , 6’ Guard, Run GMC 2022, Free State, 2022
Jacob Ortega, 6’3 Wing, SSA 17U White, Emporia, 2022
Kaden Ireland, 6’1 Guard, Kansas Hoggs, Seaman, 2022
Patrick McCallop Jr Patrick McCallop Jr 5'10" | PG Bishop Miege | 2023 State KS , 5’10 PG, KC Spurs, Bishop Miege, 2023