Top Backcourt Defenders in the 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we near the start of the state tournament let's revisit some of the best defenders across the 4A this season. These guys have been tasked with defending some of the best players in their leagues night in and night out, and consistently find ways to disrupt opposing offenses and create opportunities heading the other way. Here are a few of the top backcourt defenders from the 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1728933' first='Javier' last='Sideregts'] | Kamiakin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sideregts is a player who harnesses lots of explosive capabilities in his 6-foot-2 body. He's a hound on the ball, has quick hands to tip passes or strip the ball once the dribble's picked up, and has the bounce to get up with the best of them and block shots. You're not going to have an easy day when the Kamiakin senior guard is following you around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1416284' first='Cinque' last='Maxwell'] | Curtis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maxwell tends to make his mark on the game by making the little plays and using his head to stay a step in front of the opposition. This can mean anything from forcing pickups way out away from the rim, tipping passes or dribbles out to disrupt timing on a possession, or making the big block or steal to emphasize his defensive ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='923125' first='Nahmier' last='Robinson'] | Skyline</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's one of the quickest players in the state but also has excellent awareness on the floor, and is one of the toughest players to get around with the dribble. He adds another level of speed and pace to his squad with his ability to flip a possession before it's even gotten started and race away for a quick two. His defense and anticipation are big reasons why Skyline is in contention for a deep run at the 4A tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270731' first='Theo' last='McMillan'] | Camas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMillan plays a big role playmaking on both ends of the floor for the Papermakers. The 6-foot-2 guard holds the Camas school record for steals in a game (8) and is in the top three of the all-time steals at the school, and always seems to be darting toward the ball. When he sees an opportunity he goes all out for it and helps Camas get out and run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1439252' first='Josiah' last='Johnson'] | Curtis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a versatile weapon on the defensive end, matching up with guards on the outside and bodying up big men in the middle. He's a strong player with the athleticism to make the highlight defensive play and has really been a factor for Curtis with his ability to get in the post and defend opposing forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1450494' first='Blake' last='Forrest'] | Mt Si</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forrest is a lightning-quick guard who seems to never run out of gas. He averaged 2.2 steals per game this season and looks like a player who truly trusts what he sees out there. He's not shy about taking chances to reach in and knock the ball loose, and he is able to force a ton of turnovers without getting himself in foul trouble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->