Allen Holiday Invitational Gold Bracket Day 2: Standout Defenders

Being able to defend is always glorified at any level, and the players being mentioned in this article proved that they are capable of affecting the game on the defensive side. These players held their own on defense and made multiple big plays on defense throughout day 2. Not only did they show off their defensive abilities, but also showed their heart and passion for the game with their efforts defensively.    Eddie is a scrappy guard who is a threat to pick a players pocket. He plays aggressive one on one defense and can hold his own against bigger guards. Brings energy when he's on the court and his presence is felt when he's on defense. His hands are quick on defense and he showed this with a couple of strip steals in the paint. Doesn't give up on plays and he showed this with a couple of chase down blocks. Is willing to do the dirty work such as taking charges.     Shannon is a lanky wing who excels at being a menace on the defensive end. On the perimeter he moves his feet well and can keep up with quick players on the perimeter. Can guard 94 feet and has a knack for tracking the ball to get steals on defense. He's aggressive with getting to the ball on rotations and to the right man on defense. Has good athleticism and uses it to get big blocks on the defensive end.     Thomas is a smart defender who can make big defensive plays if needed. He's good at stripping players when they are going downhill in the lane. Calls switches out and has a strong base where he doesn't get bumped off too easy. Makes the right defensive reads which helps his team overall on defense. He has good agility on the perimeter and is aggressive with fighting for loose balls.     A high level player who has great athleticism, Jackson brings an intensive edge to the floor when on defense. He's active and aggressive in the passing lanes recording multiple deflections throughout the day. Is good at playing help side defense and trapping players to cause turnovers. His athleticism helps him convert on big blocks whether it's on the help side, A chase down block, or a one on one block.     Nwakamma has a good skill for blocking shots and contesting shots in the paint or the perimeter. He knows how to use his length to his advantage to alter shots. Runs back well in transition on defense to block shots or stop a fast break. He's strong and aggressive in the paint and doesn't allow players to get easy shots at the basket. Also showed that he can move his feet well for his size on the perimeter.

Being able to defend is always glorified at any level, and the players being mentioned in this article proved that they are capable of affecting the game on the defensive side. These players held their own on defense and made multiple big plays on defense throughout day 2. Not only did they show off their defensive abilities, but also showed their heart and passion for the game with their efforts defensively.