Lonestar State Showdown: 14U Lockdown Defenders

One of the best pick pocket defenders I’ve seen in years was Devin Blackerby. He harassed other point guards without fouling, his quick hands and pressure led to steals, Blackerby straight up ran through his opponent’s with his arm extended and swiped the ball with ease and speed, showing great anticipation for the dribble combined with a unique ability to catch on to the opposing ball-handler’s tendencies.

Collin Brown proved to be an incredibly competitive defender who showed a willingness to battle for rebounds and 50/50 balls despite a size difference, he did whatever he had to do to get the ball. Terrific first to the floor type of player, Brown played with a refuse to lose mindset and took pride in his relentless defensive efforts.

One of the best one-on-one defensive prospects of the weekend was LA Broncos’s lead guard Ian Edmond. This lockdown defender, sped his man up, made his opponent uncomfortable, and forced them to work for everything. This kid put the clamps on whoever the best ball-handler was on the opposing team, using elite lateral quickness to defend with his feet and chest while beating his man to the next bounce. Edmond crowded the dribblers space like a mad man and forced them to constantly change directions. 

Antonio Paige’s long arms and leaping ability made him one of the most dangerous rebounders and defenders on the floor. Paige was one of the most aggressive ball hawks in the building, he did an impressive job of tracking the ball in the air before using his length and quick burst to jump the passing lanes. When it came to crashing the glass, Antonio Paige showed a knack for getting a hand on the ball and tipping it to himself displaying an explosive first and second jump.