Brother Rice’s KJ Morris treats defense as a state of mind.

The 6-foot-4 senior forward views the opportunity at that end of the court as a chance to create havoc and disrupt what the other team is trying to accomplish.

”My style is very aggressive and I always like to be that spark for my team,” he said. “Some people don’t like that kind of defense, but it’s just something I always try to do, whether we’re up or down.”

Morris’s defensive pressure created an in-bounds violation with five seconds remaining Sunday that secured a 45-44 win for the Crusaders over Crete-Monee in the Rich Township Shootout.

Senior guard Marcos Gonzales scored 11 points for Brother Rice (19-3). Senior forward Caden Workman added 10 points and five rebounds, while senior guard Max Justic made two 3-pointers.

Junior guard Zyheir Gardner scored 11 points for Crete-Monee (16-9). Senior guard Jayden Preston finished with nine points and senior guard Jayden Watts contributed eight points.

Morris finished with nine points, a team-best eight rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots.

He also cuts the profile of an elite defender and Swiss Army knife player who bends his style and will to whatever the Crusaders need.

“This is something I’ve always tried to do,” he said. “I’m always looking to make the next play. I love being that energy guy who gets the team going. I want to be that guy on defense.”

With his length, agility, quickness and leaping ability, Morris has the versatility to guard multiple positions, either in the post or on the perimeter.

His hands were seemingly everywhere Sunday.

“That’s the kind of player KJ is,” Gonzales said. “He knows his role on the team and he does everything we need to perfection. He gets loose balls or gets on the offensive glass.“I’ve seen it first hand. When he picks me up in practice, I just groan that I have to go up against him. That’s for the other team to worry about.”

Workman said Morris is almost two different people — quiet off the court but a driving, outsized player who loves being in the middle of the action.

“I just love playing with him,” Workman said. “He’s always in the right spot at the right time, and he plays very hard. It was great to see him play the way he did (Sunday).

“When he’s out in the court, he’s everywhere.”

Morris played safety and was a standout kick and punt returner on the football team.

The two sports have a natural correlation that showcase his talent for the intangible.

“Football really helps out for the physical part of the game taking hits and the leg strength to get through playing four quarters of basketball,” he said. “I feel like they both go hand in hand.”

His father and uncle played basketball during their formative ages. When it comes to that sport, Morris has shown a natural urge to stand out.

“I’ve been playing since I could walk,” he said. “My dad had this mini-hoop in the house and I started playing right away.

“Playing basketball, football, baseball or soccer when I was younger, I think I was just born with that competitiveness and desire to win.”

Both sports also have an inherent creative side for his expressive talents. Sports are a way for showing flair and natural distinction, and Morris has a special interest and connection in fashion.

“I’m very interested in developing my clothing brand and having my own business,” he said. “My dad bought me these machines that help you design your own clothes.

“No matter what I do, I always want to be involved, be around the atmosphere and take whatever opportunities I get.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.