Players Only League: Top Defenders

<p>The modern game of basketball may not prioritize defense, but it is still an important part of the game. Teams that are able to lock down on the defensive end will generally end up winning the game. The Players Only League had several players put on strong defensive displays throughout the day. Here are the top defenders from the Players Only League.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013016" first="Quacier" last="Cuebas"], 6’4 SF NJ Panthers 17U Select (J.P. Stevens) 2021</strong></p> <p>Cuebas was all over the floor for the Panthers as his energy was a big reason they were able to pull off a two-point win. The 6’4 wing played tough on-ball defense and did not allow any easy buckets. Cuebas blocked a shot down low and challenged a couple others when he was in the game. He had several deflections during the game and played solid help defense. Cuebas is the type of hard-nosed glue guy that helps the NJ Panthers 17U Select team with his energy and defense.</p> <p><strong>Carson Schumm, 6’7 PF NJ Stronghold (New Providence) 2021</strong></p> <p>Schumm may not have had a strong scoring game, but his impact was felt throughout the game. The 6’7 forward altered numerous shot around the rim as he used his length and athleticism to put himself in a good position. Schumm swatted numerous shots around the basket, keeping many of them in the field of play. He knows how to move his feet on defense and is a good post defender. Schumm is a rugged forward prospect who is one of the better post defenders in the 2021 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013110" first="Nick" last="Schroeder"], 6’1 CG Unity Legends 16U Gold (Nutley) 2022</strong></p> <p>Schroeder played tough defense in both games as he proved his ability to play on both ends of the floor.The 6’1 guard plays with quick hands on the defensive end as he had a number of steals and deflections. Schroeder knows how to move his feet and is capable of keeping his man in front of him. He also had a couple of blocks on the day, including a nice chase-down one. Schroeder is a skilled guard prospect who works on both ends of the floor for the Unity Legends 16U Gold team.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"], 6’4 CG Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite (Watchung Hills) 2021</strong></p> <p>Bokach was one of the top offensive players during the Players Only Showcase, but he also got it done on the defensive end. The 6’4 guard plays with good feet on the defensive end and makes it hard for opponents to get by him. Bokach uses his length on the defensive end to get steals and deflections. He works hard on defense and does not mind going up against the top player on the other team. Bokach is a talented two way guard who should see his stock rise with mroe strong performances.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013060" first="Logan" last="Blake"], 6’6 SF/PF NJ Panthers 17U Blue (Delaware Valley) 2022</strong></p> <p>Blake normally plays for the NJ Panthers 16U team, but he was up for the task on the defensive end. The 6’6 forward plays with a good base down low and is hard to push around. Blake has active hands on defense and walled up nice in the final game of the day. He used his combination of length and athleticism to alter shots around the rim. Blake is a solid forward prospect whose ability to affect can affect the game on both ends of the floor.</p>