The Grit Region Kick Off in Louisville, Kentucky was full of talented players with varying skill sets. One thing that college coaches are always looking for are top notch defenders. Let’s look at some of the best defensive players that…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe Grit Region Kick Off in Louisville, Kentucky was full of talented players with varying skill sets. One thing that college coaches are always looking for are top notch defenders. Let’s look at some of the best defensive players that I saw at the event.
Lual Ayiei (Kentucky Vision Elite 2025)
Ayiei used his height and wingspan on defense. He endlessly blocked shots and even closed out on shooters with his hands high.
David Canterberry III (865 Elite 2025)
Canterberry III was a fast twitch guard that was an asset on defense. He showed that he could defend from baseline to baseline.
Kyle Farabee (Chicago Demons 2024 – 2)
This young man created offense out of defense. He picked up and half court and was able to force turnovers with his pressure. On multiple occasions, those turnovers became points.
Jerrell Green (The UN1T 2024)
Green was a game changer on defense. He brought so much energy to that end that it disrupted the offensive flow.
Keondre Harrison (865 Elite 2025)
Harrison played vertical, yet physical D. He was a very solid rim protector.
Eric Hopson
Eric
Hopson
6'0" | SG
Decatur Central | 2025
State
IN
(EG10 2025)
Hopson was a defensive difference maker. He read the offense and played the passing lanes, effectively forcing turnovers.
Hudson Horvath
Hudson
Horvath
6'1" | PG
Park Tudor | 2025
State
IN
(EG10 2025)
Horvath just buckled down on D all weekend. He got in a stance and stayed in front of his man. Horvath hustled back on defense, making transition buckets next to impossible.
Damion Keys (INB Platinum Elite 2024)
Keys had a burst of speed that he used to break up transition opportunities for opponents as well as jump the passing lanes when teams looked down the floor.
Noah Redd (The UN1T 2025)
Redd limited other team’s possessions by attacking the defensive glass and making it 1 and done. He was a high energy defender that was all over the court.
Chris Wright
Chris
Wright
5'3" | PG
Frederick Douglass | 2025
KY
(Team Mack 2025)
Wright was a fiesty defender at the Grit Region Kick Off. He forced a lot of turnovers with his quick feet and he could defend the length of the floor.
Peyton Byrd (EG10 2024)
Byrd brings length and smooth movement on D. He just looks really comfortable moving in any direction defensively. Bird was willing to body and be physical with thicker post players as well.
Michael Palmer Jr. (Big 6 O’Neal 2024)
Palmer Jr. quietly shut down opposing bigs this past weekend. He’d initiate contact before his man got near the block and he just never let them get to their spots and get comfortable.
