Grassroots Finale: 6th Grade Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Augusta, SC —</strong> The Grassroots Finale closed out the summer AAU schedule with 46 sixth grade teams competing in North Augusta, as Union Elite defeated Playmaker U in the championship. After highlighting the top athletes and top ball-handlers from the sixth grade division, our coverage continues with a look at the top defenders. The players featured below consistently disrupted opposing offenses with their activity, toughness, lateral quickness, length, and ability to apply pressure, while forcing turnovers and making scoring opportunities difficult throughout the week...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3753966,"_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-6a95672775044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">CJ Davis gave Dallas Showtyme quality minutes on the defensive end throughout the Grassroots Finale. He competed on every possession, stayed connected to his assignment and consistently made opponents work for what they got. Davis understood how to use his positioning and effort to take away space without gambling unnecessarily. His defensive approach gave Dallas Showtyme someone they could trust to take on challenging matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3753968,"_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-6a95672775079"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">KJ Fishe gave Team United plenty of flexibility defensively at the Grassroots Finale. His length and athleticism allowed him to switch between guards and forwards without giving up much in either matchup. Fishe moved well laterally against perimeter players while having the physical tools to compete against bigger opponents closer to the basket. That range made him a useful defensive piece who could be deployed in several different ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3753969,"_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-6a9567277509d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christian Melancon took pride in making life difficult for whoever he was matched up against at the Grassroots Finale. He applied pressure without backing down, battled through possessions and did a good job taking opponents out of what they wanted to do. Melancon had a knack for frustrating ball handlers and forcing them into uncomfortable situations. His tenacity defensively was a clear asset for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3753971,"_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-6a956727750bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">David Perry's work defensively played a significant role in Playmaker U reaching the 6th grade championship game at the Grassroots Finale. He consistently gave them quality possessions on that side of the floor and could be counted on when stops were needed. Perry competed with discipline, stayed active within the team defense and found ways to disrupt offensive actions. His defensive production was an important part of Playmaker U's run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3753974,"_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-6a956727750dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keylon Thomas was terrific defensively at the Grassroots Finale, particularly with his ability to handle either guard spot. He played with intelligence on that end, understanding how to apply pressure and challenge ball handlers without putting himself in bad positions. Thomas was aggressive but disciplined, rarely bailing opponents out with unnecessary fouls. His combination of toughness, awareness and positional versatility made him a valuable perimeter defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->