Top 10 Northeast Ohio Rim-Protectors
Defenders are inevitably going to get beat from time to time. Offensive players are too quick, too deceptive, too skilled, to be kept out of the paint every possession. Once that first line of the defense is crossed, a premier…
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Continue ReadingDefenders are inevitably going to get beat from time to time. Offensive players are too quick, too deceptive, too skilled, to be kept out of the paint every possession.
Once that first line of the defense is crossed, a premier rim-protector makes all the difference. His ability to alter shot attempts is consistently the difference between two and zero points.
Rim-protection is one of the most valuable, yet underrated, roles in the game. And it often takes a true fly swatter on that back-end for audiences to appreciate the role. These 10 make that level of impact…
Jalin Billingsley (2021) | 6-7 F | Lutheran East
Nimble athlete who can elevate to deflect floaters and layups. Aggressively seeks opportunities to swat shots. Billingsley’s agility is a huge asset in this area. Led the Falcons with 2.5 blocks per game last season.
Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
Branham is a shooting guard in the future. With St. Vincent-St. Mary, though, the state’s top 2021 recruit plays every position on defense. His ability to be physical and block shots around the basket affords the Irish great lineup flexibility. Lengthy kid with an elite second jump. On help-side, he closes gaps in a heartbeat.
Gilbert Davis (2020) | 6-7 C | Garfield Heights
Davis does a good job of affecting shots without fouling. Stays planted and keeps his hands high, letting his size do most of the work. Decent speed block-to-block.
Amarion Dickerson (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rhodes
One of Ohio’s best athletes, Dickerson can anchor a defense at a wiry 6-foot-6 with a slight frame. He also blocks a ton of shots while defending the dribble-drive. Very fluid. Pins shots off the backboard and goes up high to tip layups.
John Hugley (2020) | 6-9 C | Brush
Hugley’s body is suited to absorb contact and still make a play on the ball. Able to bang with bigs and recover without having to drop his hands. Lately, Hugley has become quicker both off the ground and block-to-block. Intimidating force. Secures rebounds, therefore preventing second chances.
Jonathan Manning (2020) | 6-6 C | Midview
Active length and size around the basket. But while Manning’s motor may fuel his defensive presence, his athleticism allows him to be a game-changing factor on that end. Manning is able to jump several times and continues to improve as a vertical leaper. Averaged 2.1 blocks per game as a junior.
Anthony Maxie (2020) | 6-4 C | Richmond Heights
Maxie is a pure athlete with incredible leaping ability and energy. At 6-foot-4, the Richmond Heights center blocked 3.4 shots per game last season. His physical tools resemble a big wing, meaning he’s able to fly all over the floor on help-side. Jumps straight up without fouling. Plays fearlessly.
Chris Ringfield (2020) | 6-7 C | St. Edward
Ringfield is an under-the-radar athletic post player. He’s focused on defending the rim. Good second jump and energy. Causes deflections.
Vernon Smith (2020) | 6-7 C | Buchtel
Smith has a Division I caliber body and athleticism. He has a lean and strong frame that can bump and alter opponents in the air. Smith’s energy jumps off the page, too. He chases down blocks and gets after it on help-side.
Brenton Walker (2020) | 6-6 C | Canton McKinley
Walker’s level of physicality is unmatched in 99-percent of high school basketball games. Displays sheer force in turning away shots and securing rebounds. Pretty much unable to pushed off his spot and is therefore always in position to make a play.