Class of 2025: Defensive Gamechangers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coverage of the 2025 rankings coverages continues with a look at players who shine on the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1391434"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The junior recently broke the 1,000 point mark for a surging El Reno squad. He has a sweet shooting stroke from three, while also being one of the headiest defenders in the junior class. Watching back his performance against Guthrie in January was a great representation of the havoc he creates on the defensive end. It was a game where his shot wasn't falling, but he forced turnovers all over the court. He has great instincts on when to jump passes, from help side steals in the post, to creating transition opportunities with deflections in the backcourt. Late in the close game, his quick hands made an appearance when he ripped the ball straight from a driver. Roman Nose now has a chance to finish the year strongly, as he's helped El Reno to a likely top half finish in the toughest district in 5A.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2310069"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"It should be no surprise that McCalister is one of the top havoc creators in the state, as he shares a very similar build and athletic profile to his older brother Jamouri McCalister.  With a football background, he brings extra physicality to his on the ball coverage with an u0022instigatoru0022 type vibe that embodies the defensive principles that has made Del City one of the 405 area powers.  The junior also has some of the quickest hands in the state, which often leads to deflections, helpside steals and even some blocks.  Football might be the college future for the Del City Eagle, but till then he'll be an defensive impact player for the scrappy Eagles.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1579597"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"One of the top on the ball harassers in the state, Davis is a 94 foot guard with relentless energy.  He's quick and harasses ball handlers all over the court. For a player of his size, he has sneaky strength which stands out with the way he's able to turn ball handlers or when finishing around the rim. The up tempo guard is one of the 2025 prospects most likely to leave it all on the court, and that helps him be a gamechanger on the defensive end. Last year as a sophomore, Davis was a key part of Deer Creek's first State Tournament run since moving up to 6A, now he'll have a chance to make even more noise with another upcoming trip through the rugged Class 6A playoffs.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2024091"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Brown is one of the more physical gifted defensive prospects in this class. His physical frame and short area explosiveness allows him to compete in the paint and even have flashes as a rim protector. He's also capable of stepping out and covering smaller guards. The defensive versatility serves him well as he continues his basketball education as one of the most disciplined programs in the state, Edmond Memorial. But some of the more exciting and higher potential aspects of his game appear more frequently during the more wide open nature of AAU season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1581112"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Cowns is a great mixture of a high motor and explosiveness.  Watching him play in the small school ranks, he's more of an anticipatory defender right now with the way he plays the passing lanes or explodes for a transition block.  But with his combination of motor, wingspan and athleticism he profiles as player who could be a monster on the ball. Which come this grassroots season could be part of his niche that helps him appeal to college coaches. The focus for now though will be Cowns making an impact on both ends of the court with McLoud trying to make a Big House push in Class 4A that after the top two squads, feels wide open.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c3b3dec1e38"} /-->