Virginia’s Five Best Lockdown Defenders
Editor’s Note: In anticipation of the upcoming high school season, Vantage Hoops will be taking a closer look at various teams and players throughout Virginia. While it isn’t easy to identify the best of the best in any specific category,…
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Continue ReadingEditor’s Note: In anticipation of the upcoming high school season, Vantage Hoops will be taking a closer look at various teams and players throughout Virginia. While it isn’t easy to identify the best of the best in any specific category, we figured we’d give it a try. Below is a closer look at five players who do an outstanding job defending their position.
Mario Haskett Jr. | L.C Bird ’17
Harvard bound lead guard Mario Haskett Jr. exhibits serious aggression and tenacity on defense, but is also one of the smartest defenders on this list. Haskett understands how to sell contact when opposing ball handlers push off. He makes it a point to pick up full court and keep his hands active while using his quickness and athleticism to help him consistently stay in front. Given his leaping ability and willingness to box out, Haskett also has the potential to be a good rebounder at the next level
Matt Lewis | Bishop O’Connell ’17
During last year’s WCAC campaign, we saw Matt Lewis defend the likes of Anthony Cowan, Chris Lykes, and V.J. King down the stretch. The 6-foot-5 wing did more of the same for Baltimore Elite this summer, usually drawing the assignment of the opposing team’s best player while more than holding his own. Lewis rebounds well out of his area. He has long arms and quick feet, which help give him an edge when defending on the ball. Lewis has a non-stop motor, fights through screens, and always makes it a point to get a hand up whenever a shot is released. Lewis has landed a handful of offers from schools such as James Madison, LIU Brooklyn, Canisus, and Quinnipiac since July, and it appears that additional division one programs could become involved soon.
Brandon Slater | Paul VI ’18
Brandon Slater took his game to another level this summer. The lanky 6-foot-6 guard demonstrated the ability to guard multiple positions, which was a huge part to his team’s success. Slater has a superb work rate. He’s very effective both as a rim protector and while defending on the ball on the perimeter. Slater isn’t afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball or step up and take a charge when his team needs it most. Virginia and Villanova are among the schools who’ve offered Slater his most recent scholarships.
Ejike Obinna | Virginia Academy ’17
We all know that Ejike Obinna’s calling card has been his ability to match and often exceed the level energy of his opponents play in and play out. The 6’10” big man showed that he’s very selective when contesting shots this summer. Obinna isn’t the type of big man who is easily succeptible to head fakes. He understands how to stay vertical when challenging shots. Obinna’s ability to stay on the floor when his team needs him most, in conjunction with his willingness to give maximum effort on every play is definitely part of the reason why he’s such an attractive prospect.
Oscar Tshiewbe | Mountain Mission ’19
Similar to his former teammate turned Arizona State Sun Devil Jethro Tshisumpa, Oscar Tshiewbe quite clearly prides himself on protecting the rim. Tshiewbe has big time leaping ability and impeccable timing when contesting shots. The broad-shouldered, long-limbed 6’9″ big man has a strong work ethic and rebounds well in traffic. With an offer from West Virginia under his belt, Tshiewbe’s recruitment appears to be taking shape.