We are looking at some of the top defenders and energy-givers from around the state with today’s release of awards.
You can also view our other award releases to this point:
All-Defense First Team
Al Brooks (Sr. – Rich)
Brooks stands out as a switchable forward at 6-foot-7 who altered games as a shot blocker capable of defending the other team’s point guard.
Braylon Walker (Jr. – Warren)
A standout on-ball defender, Walker used his strength, lateral quickness, and IQ to shut down the top option on opposing teams.
Docker Tedeschi (Sr. – Benton)
The Colorado State commit is a unique, 6-foot-8 forward who is one of the state’s premier shot blockers and wing defenders.
DJ Porter (Sr. – Romeoville)
A Tarleton State recruit. Porter has been a defensive stalwart since arriving at Romeoville, blessed with great hands, a physical build, and an attention to detail on that end of the floor.
Grant Best (Sr. – Mount Carmel)
Among the most active defenders in Illinois, Best balanced scoring at a high volume with being a shutdown defender across multiple positions while forcing over three turnovers a game. Air Force commit.
JT Pettigrew (Sr. – Bolingbrook)
A repeat first-team all-defense selection, Pettigrew was an anchor once again inside for the Raiders. The Valparaiso recruit is a stout interior defender, volume shot blocker, and an excellent defensive rebounder.
Moses Wilson (Sr. – Waubonsie Valley)
Still unsigned, Wilson was a menace in the passing lanes for the Warriors. His length and athleticism are amplified by his tenacity and commitment to making second and third efforts.
Nick Allen (Sr. – Bradley Bourbonnais)
Another repeat first-team all-defense pick, Allen patrolled the paint to a high level, both altering shots and swatting multiple a game. Committed to Illinois State.
Terrell Morton (Sr. – Marian Catholic)
One of the best on-ball defenders in the ESCC this year brings grit and a flat-out “want-to” mentality. Plays much bigger than his 6-foot-1 listing and defended all over the floor for Marian Catholic.
Rob Walls (Sr. – DePaul Prep)
Walls is pure energy and effort on the defensive end, taking pride in being an elite point-of-attack defender. Once again helped spearhead one of the state’s top defenses.
All-Defense Second Team
Andre Tyler (Jr. – Simeon)
Athletically gifted guard who has great recovery speed and a nose for the ball. Used his 6-foot-5 frame to get tips, blocks, and steals while digging in to turn opposing ball-handlers and wings.
Colin Stack (Jr. – Benet)
The defensive centerpiece for a stout Redwings front line. High-level shot blocker who knows how to wall up, communicate from the back line, and deter interior shot attempts.
Dalton Scantlebury (Sr. – Lane Tech)
Just an all-around impressive defender at 6-foot-10. Scantlebury moves very well in space on switches and was a rim protector for the plus-sized Champions.
Henry Marshall (Sr. – St. Viator)
A dog on the defensive end who loves to sit in a stance and guard. Marshall is an MIT commit who understands angles, has plus athleticism and gets opponents out of rhythm.
Hudson Kirby (Sr. – Geneva)
Standout defender for Geneva was an excellent shot blocker for the Vikings but also thrived in space where he moved well side-to-side. Wisconsin Parkside commit.
Hudson Scroggins (Sr. – Lake Forest)
The talented unsigned senior can truly guard all five positions at nearly 6-foot-8. Scroggins closes space in a hurry and is more like a guard on the perimeter with his agility and anticipation.
Elijah Lovemore (Sr. – Bloom)
A big-time disruptor with his length defensively. Compiles a ton of steals and deflections while excelling at finishing possessions on the defensive end with his rebounding prowess.
Kobe Walker (Sr. – Normal)
Central Michigan recruit took pride in sliding his feet on the perimeter and being an enforcer around the rim. Acts as an intimidator at the rim and has a defensive impact that his numbers won’t truly encapsulate.
Paxton Giertz (Sr. – Seneca)
A special on-ball defender who has excellent athleticism and hands on the perimeter. One of the top steals guys in the state but also can take opposing guards out of the game.
Trey Williams (Jr. – Loyola)
One of the more projectable backcourt defenders in the state. Williams used his strength, quickness, and high IQ to eliminate the top threats on scouting reports. Phenomenal instincts on that end.
All-Defense Third Team
Adam Baird (Sr. – Barrington)
Baird was a relentless defender who made other guards uncomfortable all game. Good size and strength at 6-foot-3 with a tireless work ethic to stay in pursuit.
Adoni Vassiliakis (Jr. – Marist)
Well-built guard excels at getting into ball-handlers and turning guys in space. A key piece to head a solid Marist defense.
Donte Montgomery (Sr. – Oak Lawn)
Long-armed guard was just as impactful defensively as he was on offense, where he averaged close to 25 points a night. Moves swiftly in space and is always in position to make a play on the ball.
Jaxson Davis (So. – Warren)
A committed, old-school point guard who has great focus, technique, and grit. Fights through screens well and makes it tough for opposing offenses to run plays. Davis seeks out the tough assignments.
Jonah Funk (Sr. – Metamora)
The South Dakota signee is an impactful shot blocker who throws away multiple shots a night for Metamora. Also can contain on ball screens and finish possessions above the rim with rebounds in traffic.
Kamren Wires (Sr. – Quincy)
Wires loves to affect games with his ball pressure. He has been a crucial piece for one of the top 4A teams in the state by forcing other guards to second-guess their options.
KJ Morris (Sr. – Brother Rice)
Morris gives the Crusaders consistent life with his defense across multiple positions. The length and aggressive mentality on that end to dictate tempo has been notable.
Lincoln Williams (Jr. – Kankakee)
Williams is a natural defender with his physical tools but also maximizes them with a competitive mindset to get stops. A rare guard to average multiple blocks a game for Kankakee.
Rashaun Porter (Jr. – DePaul Prep)
The interior stopgap for the Rams has been a valuable anchor and communicator. Defends ball screens very well, vocalizes actions, and goes up to challenge shots around the rim.
TJ Williams (Jr. – Glenbard West)
Williams is excelling once again at the top of the 1-3-1 zone, getting regular tips, kicks, and steals. Possesses ideal length and fluid athleticism to affect the rhythm and flow of other teams.
Leave a Reply