10 Must See Defenders: Still Dancing in the Playoffs

As the playoffs intensify, defense becomes the ultimate difference-maker. While scoring gets the headlines, it's the elite defenders who set the tone, control the tempo, and make the clutch stops that decide games. These players are the anchors of their teams, whether it's locking down the perimeter, protecting the rim, or creating havoc in passing lanes. Their ability to disrupt offenses and shift momentum has been a key reason why their teams are still in the hunt for a championship. As the competition gets tougher, these must-see defenders will continue to showcase their ability to change games without needing to score a point. Here are the top defensive standouts still making an impact in the playoffs.    [player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon'] is one of the best defenders in the 2026 class, standing out due to his elite motor and versatility on that end of the floor. While he is a solid scoring option, what truly sets him apart is his relentless energy, defensive impact, and ability to rebound at a high level for his position. Dixon thrives in guarding multiple positions, disrupting offenses, and making hustle plays that don't always show up in the box score but are crucial to winning basketball. He'll have another chance to showcase his defensive prowess as he prepares to face Ellison on 2/25, where his ability to impact the game with his intensity will be key.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Elite Defense & Versatility ✅ High Motor & Rebounding ✅ Toughness & Hustle Plays     [player_tooltip player_id='1590876' first='Antoine' last='Almuttar'] is widely regarded as the best defender in the 2026 class, and he now has a potential opportunity to showcase his defensive dominance on the biggest stage. His elite on-ball pressure, instincts, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a true game-changer on that end of the floor. However, Almuttar isn't just a defensive stopper—he also leads Parish in scoring, meaning his offensive production will be just as critical in their pursuit of another state championship. With high-stakes matchups ahead, Almuttar will be in a must-deliver situation, where his ability to impact both ends of the floor could determine whether Parish repeats as state champions. Next Game: Prestonwood on 2/28   Translatable Skills: ✅ Elite Perimeter Defense ✅ Two-Way Impact ✅ Leadership in High-Stakes Moments     [player_tooltip player_id='2355319' first='Antoine' last='Shannon'] has become the definition of a true 3&D player, consistently making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He is a knockdown shooter who spaces the floor and capitalizes on scoring opportunities, but his tenacious on-ball defense is what truly sets him apart. Shannon's ability to lock down perimeter threats often fuels momentum-shifting runs for Allen, making him a crucial piece to their success. Expect him to come out aggressive and locked in as he prepares to take on North Crowley on 2/25, where his two-way impact will be key in this high-stakes matchup.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Knockdown Shooting ✅ Perimeter Defense ✅ High-Energy, Game-Changing Play     [player_tooltip player_id='1560885' first='Isaiah' last='Ward'] is a tenacious defender who consistently makes game-changing plays on the defensive end. Whether it's locking down the opposing team's best player or stifling offenses on drives, Ward embraces every challenge with intensity and discipline. His defensive versatility and toughness make him a key asset, especially in high-pressure playoff situations, where his ability to disrupt rhythm and create stops becomes even more valuable. Expect him to bring the same relentless energy as the postseason continues, proving once again why he's one of the most impactful defenders still in the playoffs. Next Game: East Central on 2/25   Translatable Skills: ✅ Elite Perimeter Defense ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Toughness & Playmaking on Defense     [player_tooltip player_id='1462492' first='Lance' last='Carr'] is a highly athletic and versatile wing who can defend every position on the floor, making him a key asset on both the perimeter and interior. His ability to protect the rim despite his size speaks to his instincts, timing, and defensive IQ, while his length and quickness allow him to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals. Whether it's guarding bigger players in the post or locking down perimeter threats, Carr's defensive impact is undeniable. He'll look to showcase his two-way versatility in a crucial playoff matchup against Pine Tree on 2/25 as he continues to elevate his game.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Rim Protection & Length ✅ Athleticism & Disruptive Playmaking     [player_tooltip player_id='1222272' first='Aiden' last='Disu'] may be undersized, but he plays much bigger than his frame, serving as the defensive anchor for St. Michael's. His ability to match up with every position on the floor allows his team to remain extremely versatile on both ends, a key factor in their success this season. Disu's toughness and instincts make him an effective rim protector despite his size, and he contributes at a high level on the glass, outworking bigger opponents. His defensive versatility and impact will be crucial as St. Michael's continues its playoff run, with Disu being a major reason for their ability to adapt and dominate in different matchups. Next Game: Antonian Prep 2/28   Translatable Skills: ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Rebounding & Toughness ✅ High-IQ Team Defense     [player_tooltip player_id='2112008' first='Xander' last='Pruzinsky'] has established himself as one of the top interior defenders in Texas, regardless of class. His rim protection, shot-altering ability, and physical presence in the paint make him a true defensive force. While he already dominates inside, his growing perimeter defensive skills add another layer to his game, and as that continues to develop, his stock will rise dramatically. Pruzinsky will have a prime opportunity to showcase his defensive impact on 2/25 against University, where his presence in the paint could be a game-changing factor in a high-stakes matchup.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Interior Defense & Shot Altering ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Rebounding & Physicality     [player_tooltip player_id='2555019' first='Bryson' last='Howard'] is an extremely versatile wing with the ability to guard multiple positions and take over games defensively. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents, as he can switch seamlessly between perimeter and interior assignments. His defensive impact perfectly complements [player_tooltip player_id='1583463' first='Cameron' last='Lomax'], forming a lockdown duo that can suffocate opposing offenses. When both are locked in, good luck scoring—their defensive intensity can shift the momentum of any game. Expect Howard to continue making a huge impact on both ends as the playoffs progress. Next Up: Red Oak on 2/25   Translatable Skills: ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Perimeter & Interior Defense ✅ High Motor & Game-Changing Defensive Presence     [player_tooltip player_id='2273241' first='Deandre' last='Thomas'] has been a dominant interior presence, making life incredibly difficult for opponents trying to attack the rim. His physicality and shot-altering ability force teams to think twice before challenging him in the paint, often disrupting offensive flow and altering game plans. While much of his impact doesn't always show up on the stat sheet, his defensive presence is felt in the win column, as his ability to protect the rim has been a key factor in his team's success. Thomas will have another chance to showcase his defensive dominance in a high-stakes playoff battle against North Crowley on 2/25, where his interior defense could be a game-changing factor.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Interior Defense & Shot Altering ✅ Physicality & Toughness ✅ Defensive Impact Beyond the Box Score     [player_tooltip player_id='1593256' first='Jaylen' last='Crittendon'] is one of the best perimeter defenders at the point guard position in the 2026 class. A do-it-all floor general, he thrives on the defensive end, using his elite on-ball pressure to disrupt opposing offenses and make life difficult for ball-handlers. His ability to dictate the tempo defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially in high-stakes matchups. Crittendon will have a prime opportunity to showcase his defensive tenacity against Stony Point on 2/25, where his presence at the point of attack could be a game-changer.   Translatable Skills: ✅ Perimeter Defense & On-Ball Pressure ✅ Floor General Leadership ✅ Defensive Disruption & Playmaking

As the playoffs intensify, defense becomes the ultimate difference-maker. While scoring gets the headlines, it's the elite defenders who set the tone, control the tempo, and make the clutch stops that decide games. These players are the anchors of their teams, whether it's locking down the perimeter, protecting the rim, or creating havoc in passing lanes. Their ability to disrupt offenses and shift momentum has been a key reason why their teams are still in the hunt for a championship. As the competition gets tougher, these must-see defenders will continue to showcase their ability to change games without needing to score a point. Here are the top defensive standouts still making an impact in the playoffs.