2018 Rankings Breakdown: Perimeter Defenders
Photo credit: Scott Kurtz
We have already covered the very best in the areas of shooting, playmaking, and versatility for the Class of 2018. Thus, lets flip to the other side and take a glance at an area of the game that will not be gazed upon in the world of social media–perimeter defending.
Top Five: Perimeter Defenders
5. Avery Martinez (Cantwell Sacred Heart/Earl Watson Elite)
Martinez has been blessed to be around a culture that stresses defense. The rangy defender is a late-blooming prospect that plays the passing lanes well, has active hands, and mentality to shut down his opponent.
- Isaiah Morris (Vista/Gamepoint)
Morris is a tenacious player at both ends of the floor, but he has the moxie to be a lock-down defender at either the 1 or the 2. He keeps his head on a swivel, anticipates sharply in the passing lanes, and slides his feet exceptionally well.
- Ofure Ujadughele (Chino Hills/Nike Phamily)
When first describing Ujadughele to a coach or scout, relentless and suffocating are too adjectives that should immediately come to mind. He is blessed with long arms, good feet, and active hands.
- Cameron Shelton (Damien/Earl Watson Elite)
Shelton is best described as ubiquitous or if you’re into comic book villains–“the Everywhere Man.” Shelton covers the court like a free safety in football and is a tremendous ball-hawk. Not too mention his man-to-man defense is quite high-level.
Tony Goodwin into his defensive groove versus 2020 standout Kyree Walker
- Tony Goodwin (Maranatha/Belmont Shore)
Goodwin is a national name when it comes to man-to-man defense. He is blessed with long arms, terrific strength, and exceptional lateral quickness. However, it’s his bloodhound mentality that separates him form his foes.
On the Cusp
* Daniel Zahabian (Beverly Hills/Belmont Shore)
This under-rated point guard prospect is known for his prolific passing, but he’s a sneaky-good defender. He slides his feet exceptionally well and he has a terrific mindset.
* Taj Regans (Crespi/TBD)
If you play for Russell White, you better learn how to defend or you won’t see the floor. Regans is a stocky guard who reads offensive players well and is well-schooled in the areas of defensive sliding, communicating through screens, as well as having his thumb-down while playing the passing lanes.
* Darryl Polk Jr. (Long Beach Poly/Prodigy Elite)
Polk is the quickest/fastest point guard in Southern California. It’s amazing how much ground he covers in the open court and he is a menace for opposing guards trying to bring the ball up the court.
* Fletcher Tynen (Bishop Montgomery/Los Angeles Rockfish)
Tynen is a multi-positional defender who has the mindset, IQ, length, and feet to guard inside and out.
* Payton Moore (Santa Monica/Splash City)
Moore’s intense approach, long arms, and quickness translates to him being a lock-down defender.