Sizzlin’ Summer Shootout: Defensive Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense doesn't always show up in the box score, but it often has the biggest impact on winning. Throughout the Sizzlin' Summer Shootout, several prospects consistently changed games with their effort, versatility, and ability to make life difficult for opposing offenses. Whether it was generating turnovers, protecting the rim, guarding multiple positions, or making timely hustle plays, these defensive difference makers left a lasting impression over the course of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2882268"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3a988a1b4c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In terms of physical tools, [player_tooltip player_id='2882268' first='Janssen' last='Clinkscales'] was one of the most intriguing players at the Sizzlin' Summer Shootout. I was first introduced to him at this event last year, and it's starting to feel like things are clicking for Janssen on the court. He used his size to make his presence felt defensively, blocking three shots and collecting 12 rebounds in a matchup with Westside. Although he moves pretty well and can block shots in the paint or on the perimeter, Clinkscales still has another level to get to defensively once he perfects his timing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3677541"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3a988a1b56c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clay had a strong defensive showing in Pendleton's Saturday-morning opener. The Bulldogs had a large lead, so they didn't need much from him in the second half, but Chambers was still able to post 5 blocks and 2 steals. He plays in the middle of a 2-3 on most defensive possessions, which gives him the freedom to protect the rim and get his hands on post-entry passes. Clay doesn't have soft hands or a high motor on the glass, but he plays his role well and should be impactful in Class AAA this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2863558"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3a988a1b5e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It wasn't just big guys who were difference makers on the defensive end of the floor at the Sizzlin' Summer Shootout. [player_tooltip player_id='2863558' first='Maurice' last='Cannon'] is a perfect example of that, and West Ashley's matchup with Fox Creek on Saturday was him at his best. Cannon put up 10 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in the win, making his presence felt not only on the offensive end but on the defensive end, too. His length was crucial in deflecting passes and contesting shots, but he also crashed the glass and pushed the pace for easy baskets in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2024465"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3a988a1b65c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another wing who made his presence felt defensively is Simpson. You will never have to question the defensive effort, impact, and athleticism when you watch Zakarion. He is a versatile defender at the high school level because of length and energy, and the Raiders will often throw different schemes around to make him more effective. That's exactly what they did against Blue Ridge, as Simpson tallied 6 blocks, showing up all over the floor to make life difficult for shooters. Whether he's defending the ball, rotating to protect the rim, or covering ground in a zone, Zakarion is clearly one of the best wing defenders in South Carolina. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2872890"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3a988a1b6cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2872890' first='Dante' last='Kirksey'] rounds out my list of defensive difference makers from the Sizzlin' Summer Shootout. Kirksey is much younger than many of the players on this list, but defense has always been something that stands out with him. He has excellent instincts for a rising freshman, which allows him to show up in passing lanes, on jump-shot contests, and around the rim. Between the two Greenville games I watched this weekend, Dante put up 6 stocks and will have a defined role from day one this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->