Hustle Region Finals: Defensive Guards/Wings

The <strong>Hustle Region Finals</strong> is behind us. 3 days 15-17U teams battled it out at <em>AIMS Sportsplex</em> in Seal Beach/CA. I primarily watched the 16 and 17U divisions plus some 15U games. Here were some of the top defensive guards/wings I viewed: <b>[player_tooltip player_id="848086" first="Nayshin" last="Waller"] Wayne Country Day (NC Wildcats 2023 (Pictured)</b> The North Carolina product is a jack of all trades. He defends point guards and will get physical down low to defend the post players. He makes plays, scores it around the rim and can pull-up from mid-range. He is a true contact finisher and will fill a need whatever you are looking for. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="1117525" first="Javier" last="Ortiz"] Jordan (NC Wildcats 2023) </b> Another NC player is athletic with length and skill. He had one incredible block as a help defender, he slashes to the rim with a tight handle, makes smart reads, hits the open three and uses his length to play the passing lanes.  Both Carolina boys seem to play with a chip on their shoulder. <b>Tyler Pitts W 6’2 2025 Rancho Cucamonga/CA (Rancho Elite 2024)</b> A long and rangy wing defensive wing is a poster glue guy. He does everything needed from his team from rebounds, steals, making plays, hitting shots, grabbing all the 50/50 balls, getting into the lane and usually stopping or slowing down the opponents top player. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="1421712" first="Camren" last="Houser"] Estrella Foothills (TMP Elite 2023) </b> A strong built wing with broad shoulders. He loves getting downhill and will score versus heavy traffic. He is physically stronger then most and it helps him defend inside on the post players and outside on the guards. <b>Josiah Jones CG 6’0 2024 St. Patrick’s St. Vincent/CA (Team Rampage 2024)</b> A physical and tough combo guard can make plays but is a good scorer and top notch defender. He has jets and a quick burst to get to the rim. He is a quick second jumper and gets rebounds surprisingly well for his size. He can be a ball hawk defensively with his supreme lateral quickness. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="1502873" first="Amaan" last="Zavahir"] St. Anthony (LA Elite 2024)</b> A long and lean wing is all upside and untapped potential. He will need to fill in but he can defend the 1-4 in a pinch and is a fluid mover in space. He can get downhill with a nice handle and works well off the pick and roll game. He can hit perimeter jumpers with a high release from mid to the three. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="1135513" first="Nathan" last="Wanjohi"] Ironwood (D1 Nation AZ 2024)</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Not a typical guard or wing but his length and lateral quickness for his position stands out. He consistently switches on the point guards and defends post players on the next possession. He scores it from all levels with 3’s, offensive rebound put backs, mid-range jumpers and drives through contact. He takes charges often sliding his feet quickly. </span> <b>Elijah Foster SG 6’0 2022 Mesquite/AZ (Taylor Made Elite 2023)</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A classic 3 and D type gives incredible effort on the defensive end. He makes open shots, moves the ball and uses his strength, toughness and length to defend. A role player who will sacrifice for his team to get the win. </span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="1480604" first="Eutrevian" last="Sanders"] Desert Vista (New Mexico Rebels 2023)</b> A physical downhill player who moved into Phoenix from New Mexico. He plays and defends nearly every position on the floor with his length and aggressive approach. He rebounds the ball out of his area and can take it and push the ball like a point forward and score through contact. With the new coach being replaced, Sanders may be looking for another school to transfer to locally. They are from New Mexico.