The Defenders

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top defensive players around the state that we've had a chance to look at this season. There are many good ones, but here are a few that caught my eye.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Ahlante-Askew-1-crop-2508x1647-1633702287.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1304320" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Ahlante-Askew-1-crop-2508x1647-1633702287-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070114" first="Ahlante" last="Askew"] (Republic): The instincts and energy from this 6'1 2023 point guard make him one of the best perimeter defenders in the state. In one game, I've seen him guard two or three actions on the same possession. He's an excellent on-ball defender who can pick pockets with his quick hands. He's also very good at drawing charges.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_1385369" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/DB1BE725-CD4B-42C7-BBAF-C0CF729F2243.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1385369" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/DB1BE725-CD4B-42C7-BBAF-C0CF729F2243-300x214.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="214" /></a> Photo: Nate Latsch[/caption] <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1125608" first="John" last="Bol"] (CBC): The 7'2 2024 has established himself as one of the top rim-protectors in the state. He averages four blocks a game, with three games of 10 blocks. His agility, length and timing make it very difficult to get up a shot in his area.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/1EFE9E06-5178-475F-A43B-A6FE4FAEAB41.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219916" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/1EFE9E06-5178-475F-A43B-A6FE4FAEAB41-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="992317" first="Connor" last="Turnbull"] (Fort Zumwalt North): The 6'10 2022 Butler recruit has been one of the premier shot blockers in the state for the past two seasons. He has a total of 250 seats in that time span. Not only does he get to shots around the rim, but he'll go outside and swat jumpers as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/99BDE64A-EDA0-4E40-A58E-9A43E14659B1.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1218826" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/99BDE64A-EDA0-4E40-A58E-9A43E14659B1-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070112" first="Rico" last="Coleman"] (Charleston): The 6'3 2023 wing stays in the middle of the Bluejays high octane pressure defense that propelled them to the SEMO Conference championship. His length, athleticism and anticipation enables him to make plays anywhere on the court. It can be a swoop into the passing lanes or a chase down block. He averages 3.1 steals and 1.2 blocks a game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984952" first="A'justin" last="Pearson"] (Lincoln Prep): The 2022 guard has been one of the most impressive on-ball defenders around for the past three seasons. He's a standout defensive back on the football field and he brings that mentality to the basketball court with his quickness and tenacity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/2739681B-B4F3-4F07-B240-397887C66C59.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1202469" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/2739681B-B4F3-4F07-B240-397887C66C59-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984509" first="Brandon" last="Mitchell-Day"] (MICDS): A 6'8 2022 Dartmouth recruit who can anchor a team with his defensive versatility. He is excellent on the back line as a rim protector with three blocks a game. He can also guard multiple positions and defend the pick and roll with his agility.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/E6E2D58B-0EFC-4393-8D3A-1C911AF24A9B.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1382705" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/E6E2D58B-0EFC-4393-8D3A-1C911AF24A9B-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1269936" first="CJ" last="Lang"] (Webster Groves): The 6'0 2023 guard is a defensive catalyst for a program that usually hangs it hat on the defensive end. His instincts are excellent and he stays active, whether he's applying ball pressure or getting into the passing lanes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mason Montez (West Platte): This 2022 guard usually gets the assignment of guarding the opposing team's top scorer and he takes to it with enthusiasm and tenacity. I've seen him in action a few times and he works hard to be in the right position and he makes whoever he's guarding work for their points.</p>