2023 Rankings Update: Standout Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='969435' first='Nathaniel' last='Owen'] - Belleview Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='969435' first='Nathaniel' last='Owen'] is a lengthy wing who has stood out with his ability to affect his game on the defensive end of the floor. Nathaniel stands at a lengthy 6'5 giving him solid size for a wing. He is one of the top shot blockers in the state on a per-game basis, he is able to use his long wing span and athleticism to track down 5 blocks per game. While he is a solid rim protector his potential is more from his ability to guard on the perimeter and be a good help-side defender. On the offensive end, Nathaniel has a knockdown three-point shot that makes him a potential 3 and D prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285212' first='Colin' last='Hayes'] - Fossil Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1285212' first='Colin' last='Hayes'] is one of the most versatile defenders in the state who can guard positions 1-4. Colin has great lateral quickness and long arms that allow him to deflect passes, block shots, and be an overall pest when guarding on the ball. Standing at 6'5 he does a great job of staying in front of smaller opponents, showing the ability to lockdown guards. This season he has shown off his improved ability to get downhill and score at the rim, he has been playing with more aggression and finishing tough shots around the rim. Colin is a top-notch defender in the state who has a ton of potential due to his size, defensive ability, and growing offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='973002' first='Peyton' last='Taylor'] - Eaglecrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='973002' first='Peyton' last='Taylor'] is a scrappy point guard who makes some of the most impressive defensive plays in the state. Peyton is a smaller guard who makes some amazing chase-down blocks for his size. His main sport is football but on the court, he is a pest on the defensive end. Peyton plays in-your-face defense and has good instincts when playing off of the ball. Offensively, he uses his springiness to be an exciting finisher at the rim. He is also a true point guard who looks to set up teammates for scoring opportunities, he is currently leading 6A in assists per game with 6.7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='973156' first='DeMarco' last='Duncan'] - Rangeview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='973156' first='DeMarco' last='Duncan'] has been one of the most effective rim protectors in the state this season. He stands at 6'10 making him often one of the biggest players on the floor. DeMarco has improved his shot-blocking instincts this year, he is not the quickest but he takes large steps to cover space quickly. His improved mobility has allowed him to be a better finisher near the rim as he has gotten better at placing himself in the right positions. DeMarco has improved his game a good amount making him a high-potential prospect as he has shown the ability to grow his game quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->