Grandview Preseason League: Valuable Defensive Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes provided notable value defending for their requisite programs, bringing high motors at all times. Plenty of intrigue ahead for these prospects, adding value without needing the ball in their hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1190754' first='Naode' last='Ghide'] - Cherokee Trail - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ghide is a versatile defender who matches up well 1-3, boasting a wide reach and notable lateral quickness. He may be utilized under a variety of options on offense, often times as a roller attacking the basket with speed. He was an impactful defensive rebounder, getting up quickly and a bit higher than opponents thanks to his long reach. He will be an impactful player in a variety of areas, especially proactive as a multi positional defensive presence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578024' first='Kade' last='Speckman'] - Lutheran - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speckman is a valuable shot blocker, effective defending at the point or while rotating over to swat away an attempt. Certainly an effective athlete, the forward gets up quickly off two feet for rim protection opportunities. His continued progression on the offensive end will be intriguing, although he will play alongside a wide variety of floor spacers, allowing the lane to be opened up for potential post-up opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577936' first='Alex' last='Riddick'] - Grandview - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riddick has been a talented shot blocker throughout the past few seasons, although his offensive potential will have ample room for growth throughout this upcoming season. With Grandview bringing on a largely underclassmen group, Riddick is among a few seniors returning to the program. Capable of attacking downhill through straight line drives, the forward has continued to get more crafty scoring around the rim, through inside hand finishes and patient pivot moves. With ample perimeter shooters spacing the floor, Riddick will have plenty of opportunities to attack downhill on drives or rolls.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2175398' first='Trevor' last='Thomas'] - Grandview - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas was an impactful help defender, notably quick flying around the floor to disrupt the opponents. He brought consistent energy pushing the pace on the break, making himself available to outlet passing opportunities. He contributed on a few layups in traffic, often among the first down the floor thanks to his endurance and positional quickness. As a defender, Thomas is active roaming around to jump passing lanes, proving to have proactive anticipation on such opportunities. Grandview brings in a largely new group of guards and wings, bringing in a faster pace of play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1754106' first='Kenneth' last='Black-Knox'] - Rangeview - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Black-Knox boasts good size at roughly 6'3, taking the valuable role as an interior defensive presence who is tasked with guarding up against larger opponents. Appearing stronger, the guard has continued to add versatility to his defensive portfolio, making him a dependable option in a variety of circumstances. Active as a help side defender, Black-Knox brings good positional size and strength, benefitted through his quick vertical leap. Offensively, he has continued to refine his interior scoring efficiency. Active out of pivot moves and dump off passes, the guard is continuing to add skill and craft around the basket. His continued growth as a perimeter shooter will be intriguing, given the array of perimeter shotmakers across the board on this Rangeview roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->