The Ohio Crossover Athletics Best Defensive Player Award is given to a player who exemplifies excellence on the defensive end of the court. This player through effort, hard work, and ability is able to disrupt the opposing team and take them out of their offense by shutting down his opponent one-on-one or contributing to his team's success with great help side defense. I am proud to announce that the winner of the 2016 OCA 8th Grade Boys (Hatton) Best Defensive Player Award is Ross Parrish from Nagel Blue Middle School!

Our overall team defense definitely changed when Ross went down with his collarbone injury. He was a force down low. He always seemed to grab the key rebound for our team, block a shot or force the other team to adjust their shot when our team needed it the most. He crashed the boards hard on both ends of the floor and is such a hardworking and gritty player. Ross runs the floor very well for his size and is a difference maker anytime he is on the court. Congratulations Ross!