Prep Hoops The Stage - Ramsey's Defensive Standouts

The grassroots season is officially underway and we hit the ground running on the Prep Hoops Circuit with “The Stage” at The Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon. Three rounds of games were played on Friday night to kickstart the weekend before a full Saturday and Sunday of action. We had a team full of our best scouts from throughout the Midwest in the gym this weekend to help provide the best coverage possible and that will continue to be the standard throughout the weekend. As we cover events it is easy to gravitate towards the players who light up the scoreboard. It doesn't take a seasoned scout to be able to identify the best scorers in the gym. However, here at Prep Hoops we like to dive deeper and shine a light on as many different prospects as possible. Here are some of the best defensive players that we saw at The Stage.    It shouldn't come as a surprise that some that comes from playing in strong defensive system at Providence would then be a great defender in the spring and summer. Fuller-Tucker is so versatile, led the [program_tooltip program_id='2305499' first='Hoosier' last='State Prospects'] 17u squad in rebounding at The Stage, and is more than capable of protecting the rim just as well as he can get out and switch ballscreens on the perimeter. His defensive ability is really what captures your attention when watching him play.     Playing with Ohio Express 17u, this 6'7"-6'8" center stood out with his rim protection and rebounding efforts at The Stage. Kirk also flashed some good hands and feet as a low post scorer, but where he really shined was blocking shots inside. He processed things quick enough to slide over from the weak side and was big enough to hold his ground in one-on-one situations in the post. Then, he carved out space and ended possessions with a defensive rebound. An intriguing big man to keep an eye on at Circleville High School in Ohio.     Peters is an intriguing big man worth following throughout the spring and summer. He has gotten better and more comfortable operating on the offensive end, but his biggest (no pun intended) strength still remains on the defensive end of the floor. The 6'8" center is a consistent rim protector and rebounds his area well for INB Elite 17u just as he did with Heritage Christian as a junior. College programs always end up needing big men and this is one to keep on the radar in the coming months.     Admittedly, Schene isn't the most well-known in basketball circles of the three Shelbyville High School prospects on this [program_tooltip program_id='2076166' first='Grand' last='Park Premier'] 17u team. However, the physical 6'3" forward really impressed throughout the weekend with how he excelled in his role. He did some good things offensively in the low post and as a passer, but his physical defense and rebounding efforts were what really stood out while watching this team roll to a 4-0 weekend at The Stage.     There were some really intriguing big men at The Stage this weekend and this 6'7" center from Licking Heights High School was among the best of the bunch. Simon was a big part of [program_tooltip program_id='2076263' first='NOVA' last='Village']'s dominant 4-0 weekend as he consistently blocked shots, impacted many others, and cleaned the glass. Also, Simon was the front man in their full court press that caused opponents issues all weekend long. He is definitely one for college coaches to keep an eye on this spring and summer. Very high upside.     You can't teach the combination of length, speed, and athleticism that this 6'5" wing from Lawrence Central High School possesses. Stephens is a constant force in the passing lanes and can block shots as well as any non-big man that we saw this weekend at The Stage. Whether he is chasing someone down in transition, moving his feet in the half court, or jumping the passing lanes he finds a way to consistently be involved in creating havoc defensively.

The grassroots season is officially underway and we hit the ground running on the Prep Hoops Circuit with “The Stage” at The Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon. Three rounds of games were played on Friday night to kickstart the weekend before a full Saturday and Sunday of action. We had a team full of our best scouts from throughout the Midwest in the gym this weekend to help provide the best coverage possible and that will continue to be the standard throughout the weekend. As we cover events it is easy to gravitate towards the players who light up the scoreboard. It doesn't take a seasoned scout to be able to identify the best scorers in the gym. However, here at Prep Hoops we like to dive deeper and shine a light on as many different prospects as possible. Here are some of the best defensive players that we saw at The Stage.