Standout Defensive Performances at Kansas Roots Summer Smash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Kansas Roots Summer Smash had a strong group of defensive-minded players emerge who made their presence felt across the court. From great basketball IQ to determined hustle and smart positioning, these players proved that defense is just as valuable as scoring. Whether they were getting a hand in the passing lanes, taking on difficult matchups, or converting steals into transition points, each of these players showed why their defensive skills will make them key contributors for their teams this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220658"],"_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-685aaa4389d84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1220658' first='Tylee' last='Cavanee'], an incoming freshman at Greeley County and playing for [program_tooltip program_id='715500' first='Magic' last='Basketball'] this summer, is a player I've had the privilege of watching develop over the years. At the 2025 Kansas Roots Summer Smash, her growth was evident—especially on the defensive end. While she may not have filled the stat sheet with steals or blocks, Cavanee was a constant disruptor in the passing lanes. She has great defensive IQ and anticipation allowed her to consistently deflect passes and force turnovers through pressure and positioning. With her length, instincts, and continued development, Cavanee is poised to make a significant impact in her high school career. She's definitely a young prospect to watch in western Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892369"],"_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-685aaa4389deb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='892369' first='Ella' last='Gruenbacher'] of Quinter, playing for [program_tooltip program_id='715500' first='Magic' last='Basketball'] this summer, is a player I have watched throughout her career but stood out at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash with her tenacious defense and energy. Gruenbacher can set the tone with her on-ball pressure and quick lateral movement. She is good at staying low, and using her lateral speed to cutt off driving lanes, and forcing opponents into tough decisions. Her footwork and timing allowed her to consistently stay in front of her matchup and frustrate ball handlers. Gruenbacher has competitive mindset and defensive instincts make her a valuable asset on any roster. As she continues to refine her game, her defensive impact will only grow stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["779244"],"_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-685aaa4389e33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='779244' first='Camden' last='Franklin'] of Rawlins County, playing this summer for [program_tooltip program_id='715500' first='Magic' last='Basketball'], already known for her elite passing and defensive abilities—continued to impress at the 2025 Kansas Roots Summer Smash. Her high basketball IQ, speed, and relentless effort were on full display throughout the event. Franklin consistently disrupted passing lanes, racking up steals that often turned into fast-break opportunities. She has the ability to stay low in a defensive stance and move laterally with quickness making her one of the top defensive guards in her class. She also excels at initiating transition offense, using her vision and decision-making to turn defense into easy points. As she enters her junior season, Franklin is poised to be a defensive menace for opposing teams. Coaches looking for a guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor should keep a close eye on her development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->