Adidas DC Superlatives: SWAT Team
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD — Prep Hoops was in the gym throughout Session 1 of the Adidas Gauntlet in DC, and there is a lot to talk about after a weekend packed full of action. Here we begin our superlatives series with a closer look at five of the top shot blockers we saw.
THE SPECIMEN | AKOK AKOK | MASS RIVALS/PUTNAM SCIENCE ACADEMY ’19
If we had to select a captain for our “SWAT Team” it would certainly be the uber lanky 6-foot-8 power forward Akok Akok. The defensive anchor for Mass Rivals blocked virtually everything at the rim throughout the weekend.
MR. RELIABLE | ROBBIE BERAN | TEAM RICHMOND GARNER ROAD/COLLEGIATE ’19
At close to 6-foot-10, Robbie Beran is unique because able to cover a lot of ground quickly and change direction with fluidity. We call him “Mr. Reliable” because he is a very smart basketball player, especially when challenging shots. Beran is almost always in the correct help side position, and knows how to stay vertical to avoid committing cheap fouls.
THE ENFORCER | EFTON REID | TEAM LOADED VA/STEWARD ’21
Efton Reid is fun to watch. At around 6’11, the nimble freshman post prospect evidently takes pride in protecting the rim. We like the fact that Reid talks a lot and strikes fear into those who challenge him at the rim.
THE POGO STICK | ANTHONY WALKER | TEAM BBC/PERRY HALL ’19
Anthony Walker can block a shot three or four times in the same possession. If he doesn’t get you with the first jump, he’ll get you with the second. Walker gets off the ground as quickly as any big we saw this weekend.
THE WALL | MALCOLM WILSON | UPWARD STARS/RIDGE VIEW ’19
In recent weeks, Malcom Wilson has seen his stock grow exponentially, and we can see why. The long-limbed 6-foot-11 post prospect, who we’ve nicknamed “the wall”, simply doesn’t allow anyone to score at the rim.