Mile High Hoops Academy Showcase: Steady Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622249' first='John' last='Elbe'] - University - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elbe showed promise as a versatile defender while staying efficient scoring around the rim. He proved capable guarding 2s and 3s, while showing promise stretching out versus opposing guards. When opponents attack him downhill, Elbe is quick positioning himself for blocks and contests around the rim. Elbe also proved versatile scoring the rock without needing too many dribbles. The wing was especially active in the halfcourt through hard rolls to the rim, where he showed flashes using the finger roll layup. At 6'3, Elbe is capable impacting the game in a lot of ways on the offensive end. He flashed a pull-up jumper beyond the arc, an area worth monitoring for his offensive upside. While Elbe made a large portion of his offensive impact through buckets, he had a couple plays with noteworthy outlet passes towards drivers. Elbe is an incredibly intriguing prospect, given his clear skill defending multiple positions aided by his offensive upside as a secondary creator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622208' first='PD' last='Ajibade'] - Cherokee Trail - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ajibade proved to be one of the more impactful defenders at this event, given his eye-popping athleticism and wiry strength. Standing right around 6'1, Ajibade will be an immediately impactful defender both one on one or from the help side, given his athletic prowess. While plenty of athletes have bounce, Ajibade does very well utilizing that athleticism on well-timed blocks. On the opposite end, Ajibade has a fairly quick first step, making him a highly effective off-ball cutter should the floor be adequately spaced out. The guard has two-way talent written all over, it is just a matter of refining the perimeter skillset to tie together his talents. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622343' first='Damarii' last='Wright'] - Severance - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright brings two-way upside at the wing position, already standing right around 6'3. The incoming freshman influenced the opponents through his shot blocking, fundamentally keeping both arms up against drives. Possessing a wiry frame, Wright stays poised regardless of contact. The wing is already capable guarding 2s and 3s, although he has plenty of room to grow down the line against different positions. On the opposite end, Wright showed flashes spacing the floor from the corners. Keep tabs on his shooting efficiency along with his defensive impact versus older, stronger opponents. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622222' first='Finland' last='Bradford'] - DSST Conservatory Green - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradford understands how to make a positive impact on the game, regardless of having the ball in his hands. The 6' shooting guard has caught some eyes throughout the summer, given his quick release and versatile footwork.&nbsp;The incoming freshman shooting guard has been competing with some of the big names over at Accelerated Prep, at the showcase he looked very comfortable. Bradford hit a few shots off the catch, coming off the move on multiple ocassions. Defensively, Bradford was dependable one on one thanks to his quick hands and hips. Versus 2s, Bradford will hold his own guarding up in size. Bradford is a low risk ballhandler given turnovers, however continuing to get more creative off the bounce will add another dimension to the guard's offensive skillset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->