Texas Expo: Lockdown Defenders

Players that heavily focus on defense are a treasure to find and we had a good amount in Lewisville this past weekend. The group of student athletes below seek out those challenges and shut down their opponents time and time again.    [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last=''] is a relentless, tough guard that can stay in front of his man the entire way down the floor. He's talented at creating disruption without contact and racking up extra possessions for his team in the process. He's got an impressive three-point shooting ability and he can get hot from beyond the arc in a hurry. Another thing that stands out in a big way about his game is his passing - full-court, one-hand overhead, no-look - you name it, he's got a full arsenal of dishes to use at all times. He uses his speed in multiple ways and he never seems stressed or panicked - he's a smooth operator under pressure. Rainwater is constantly involved in seemingly every play and he never seems to slow down - or need to for that matter. [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last='']'s going to significantly impress in his Senior campaign and I'm thrilled to see where it takes him.     Bryant is a multi-talented forward that can make plays on both ends of the floor for his squad. His anticipation and the way he reads his opponents' plays is impressive - often allowing him to jump passing lanes and head the other direction for a quick bucket. His frame is solid and he's an effective rim protector in the paint. He's a beast on the boards offensively and defensively and he's a nightmare to deal with for his opponents. He has a solid vertical ability that allows him to challenge shots adequately and chase down blocks when the opposing team thinks they're scot-free on a break. He's talented at absorbing contact while maintaining his focus and getting several and-1 opportunities throughout the game. Herring is set to impress in his Junior season and he's one to catch live every opportunity you get.     Strake is a towering center that is a handful to deal with in the paint for his opponents. He's a fantastic rim protector and he was the largest player of the day by far. He uses his size to his advantage and is able to block or alter the shots of his opponents from a shocking distance with his impressive reach. He has long strides and can get to the bucket from beyond the arc with a dribble and a couple steps. He eats boards on both ends every opportunity he gets and he can lay it in with ease no matter who his defender is. To top off his skill set, Pearson is an excellent passer and quickly recognizes his cutters and puts them in position to be successful. I imagine a ton of eyes will be on Strake in his Senior campaign and they're well deserved.     Easton is a fast, smart guard that causes so many deflections with his quick hands you'd think his nickname would be The Flash. He never stops hustling - always moving, getting to his spots down the floor, and setting himself and his teammates up for success. He has excellent court vision and can rapidly identify which of his teammates has the best opportunity or if he has the best look himself to capitalize on. He's got a long frame that he uses in multiple ways and a beautiful touch on his shots. He's skilled at following shots - whether they're a teammate's or his own - and grabbing offensive boards for second and third opportunities for his team. Gardner is showing no signs of slowing down and I imagine his Junior campaign is going to be one not to miss.     Vaughn is a talented combo guard that moves at full speed at all times in a great way. Never out of control, but always hustling on every play. He's excellent at staying in front of and locking down his assignment, regardless of whatever they had planned. He seizes opportunity rather than waiting for it and will do this multiple times a game by jumping passing lanes and making contact with the ball and not the body. He's got a sweet spot in the corner that he likes to sink threes from and he takes advantage of this often. He's a skilled passer and can attract attention on the drive - leaving his teammates with wide open opportunities. He always stays ready and he stays hungry for boards - consistently in the mix on both ends of the floor. Vaughn is going to have a lot of eyes on him this season and I completely understand why.

Players that heavily focus on defense are a treasure to find and we had a good amount in Lewisville this past weekend. The group of student athletes below seek out those challenges and shut down their opponents time and time again.