PH Spring Kickoff: 2025 Defensive Instigators

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among 2025s from Golden High School, these prospects were notably impactful on the defensive side of the floor. One thing they all have in common is the ability to defend multiple positions, while embracing their defensive instincts. Ranging from wings to more traditional post threats, here are seven names who impacted the game outside of pure shotmaking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1904130' first='Lucas' last='Kalimba'] - Eaglecrest - NBN</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1906113,"width":227,"height":149,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kalimba-crop-2912x1912-1681240513.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kalimba-crop-2912x1912-1681240513.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906113" width="227" height="149" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalimba will be a valuable two-way player over the next few seasons, providing versatile defense at roughly 6'3. Capable of matching up with both backcourt positions and staying strong against wings, the forward is heavily impactful on defense. Kalimba showcased excellent anticipation going for steals, jumping into passing lanes to mess up opposing offenses. Kalimba did well finishing layups in traffic, as contests did not impact his ability to efficiently score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1903637' first='Gyasi' last='Hawthorne'] - Northfield - Euro Star U16&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1906094,"width":238,"height":156,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/gyasi-crop-2912x1912-1681240256.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/gyasi-crop-2912x1912-1681240256.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906094" width="238" height="156" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawthorne was influential hustling for rebounds on both ends, notably crashing the offensive glass. At roughly 6'3, the forward was on time for rotations, meeting opponents at the rim to block layup attempts. Although somewhat undersized for your typical forward, Hawthorne truly played bigger than his height on paper, maximizing every loose ball opportunity possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1903639' first='Colby' last='Borchert'] - Lutheran - NBN</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1906096,"width":224,"height":147,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/borchert-crop-2912x1912-1681240309.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/borchert-crop-2912x1912-1681240309.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906096" width="224" height="147" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Borchert was valuable finishing above the defense, standing tall at roughly 6'7. He was constantly on the prowl for offensive rebounds and putback opportunities. One area of intrigue will be Borchert's passing willingness, proving capable finding cutters or identifying the open shooter while being doubled. His consistency both at the free throw line and spot-up mid-range attempts will be imperative towards his offensive upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2681016' first='Kai' last='Youngberg'] - Manzano - New Mexico D1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1906102,"width":227,"height":149,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kai-crop-2912x1912-1681240367.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kai-crop-2912x1912-1681240367.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906102" width="227" height="149" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Youngberg was a crafty off-ball scorer with this group, proving effective scoring through contests. The 6'3 forward was a knockdown shooter, possessing total confidence in the shot under pressure. Should the defense close out too aggressively, Youngberg did well to leverage driving lanes. He was a patient finisher in traffic, baiting defenders and eventually getting to a pivot move. Youngberg maximized his reach to deflect passes, doing his part to instigate passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1903638' first='Owen' last='Oldenburg'] - Lutheran - Euro Star U16&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1906105,"width":224,"height":147,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/oldenburg-crop-2912x1912-1681240411.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/oldenburg-crop-2912x1912-1681240411.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906105" width="224" height="147" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oldenburg was notably vocal on the defensive end, easily one of the loudest and most consistent communicators from the event. The 6'3 wing was rarely a defensive liability, proving especially tough to attack off of screens. Oldenburg stuffed multiple drivers, showcasing his sturdy frame while contesting the interior. On the offensive side, Oldenburg plays within the offensive flow, capable of coming off curls or pindowns to attack open space.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2274676' first='Kohen' last='Collins'] - Palmer - Colorado Clutch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1906109,"width":212,"height":139,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kohen-crop-2912x1912-1681240459.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/kohen-crop-2912x1912-1681240459.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906109" width="212" height="139" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins was impactful helping onto opposing drivers, possessing excellent timing on blocks. At roughly 6' tall, Collins made it his mission to instigate everyone attacking the rim, grabbing at least two blocks in the two games I saw from last weekend. Collins showed potential as a floor spacer, knocking down multiple three point attempts off the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jairus Turribiates - Hobbs - New Mexico D1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1906118,"width":206,"height":135,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/jairus-crop-2912x1912-1681240586.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/jairus-crop-2912x1912-1681240586.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1906118" width="206" height="135" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briefly covering Turribiates back on Monday, he was easily one of the most impactful defensive rebounders for his class, from this past weekend's venue. At 6'6, he embraced the fundamentals of boxing out nearby opponents, making it his priority to anchor the glass. There is no doubt he is an above average athlete, exactly what direction he decides to develop his offensive toolbox will be worth monitoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->