South Florida’s Best: Defenders
In this article:
Gedeon Germinal, Jupiter Christian
As a well-built guard with quick hands and a knack for converting errant passes into quick finishes on the other end, the 6-foot-1 Class of 2019 prospect possesses the quintessential pure athleticism and desire to be a real irritant on defense. He’s got the type of build that enables him to stay in front of guards and really handle switches with ease.
He’s equally sound on the ball, consistently providing pressure all across the court. Guys with a blossoming offensive game who aren’t yet fully developed physically will have to really fend him off to score the ball consistently.
George Johnson, Martin County
The bolt-quick dual threat quarterback is headed to Michigan to prolong an illustrious football career. The aggression and sheer toughness is translatable to the hardwood, where Johnson can handle the chore of locking up on multiple positions. He’s shifty and he’s got active hands which helps instigate turnovers. Johnson runs a scintillating 4.55 second 40-yard dash time and played both quarterback and wide receiver at Martin County. This versatility factor resonates in basketball, where the 5-foot-11 and 180-pound guard can play anywhere from the 1-3 and trigger the downhill game.
Lee Flenor, South Miami
The bouncy and athletic 6-foot-6 small forward has the potential to be a menacing shot blocker this season. He’s fully capable of protecting the rim with his ability to manipulate, influence, and alter the trajectory of shots inside.
Flenor has the polished skill-set of an undersized forward who provides stability with workmanlike and hustle-heavy play. He’s become one of South Florida’s best at snaring defensive boards and fighting through bigger, taller defenders to snare rebounds. This much was evident during the summer, as he played a pivotal supplementary role for Team Auto Nation in AAU.
Expect the Class of 2019 prospect, who recently earned an offer from Stetson, to author a breakout senior year resulting in a spate of Division-I offers in a hurry. He had multiple games of 20-points and 20-boards last season.
Anthony Atkinson, Westminster
The 6-foot-8, 195-pound four-man will pioneer a ramped up frontline for coach Ehren Wallhoff at Westminster this season. Adept at protecting the rim and having spent the summer tuning up his physicality, Atkinson brings a wealth of experience and veteran know-how to a young team.
With the program bidding adieu to Dudley Blackwell, who recently transferred to Somerset Pines Academy, Atkinson’s role is ramped up in importance.
Beyond the intimidating size, he’s got the instincts and shot-blocking aptitude to really keep the driving lanes sealed off.
Jorge Becceril, Coral Gables
With his maddening shoulder-to-shoulder defense and ability to instigate disruption for ball handlers, Becceril’s senior leadership role will entail him being a defensive stopper. As a battle-tested veteran who has been through his share of the battles, the onus is on Becceril to set the tone defensively.
He’s a ball hawk who can play instinctively and really get into someone’s chest and force them into tough decisions with the ball. He’s shifty and cerebral in his ability to guard both backcourt positions.
Kuran Bryant, Coral Gables
The 6-foot-5 freshman has a multi-tooled game and a multi-dimensional quality to him on the defensive end. He’s got length, versatility, and has shown he can front bigs in the post and contest shots. His athleticism and considerable bounce enables him to gain a goal protecting presence. At the same time, he knows how to keep guards in front of them and make life hectic for them with his size and length. Though he’s a callow freshman, he’s got the type of jack of all trades trait to become a stabilizing factor throughout all 94 feet.
Willie Razz, Lake Worth
The 6-foot-1 guard will play the role of senior strongman on the defensive end, making vital stops and using his football-basketball frame to overpower foes in the backcourt. He’s got the skill-set suitable to guard the 1-3. With instincts and athleticism, he’s able to really impose his will on both sides of the ball.
The hard-slashing Razz, who has developed confidence in his shot this summer, will inherit the leadership reins left by since-graduated Jay Mephor.