Top 10 Northwest 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…
Kalen Etzler (2021) | 6-8 F | Convoy Crestview
Etzler is a nimble, flexible athlete who can chase down blocks in the half-court. Able to close in a hurry with his leaping ability and agility. The Ohio State commit possesses immense length and strong leaping ability.
Cliron Hornbeak (2021) | 6-9 C | Toledo St. Francis
Hornbeak can change shots simply with his standing reach and by being in position. Very tall kid with a thick body that can absorb contact from slashers. He does a good job of keeping his hands high.
Curtis Jackson (2020) | 6-6 PF | Rogers
Jackson has pop off the floor. His second jump is his most promising attribute. Plays without fear and is able to jump through contact to make a play on the ball. Jumps high. Agile.
Jamiya Neal (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rogers
Neal, also named a Top 10 Perimeter Defender, has shown the ability to anchor a defense with his length and verticality. Very fluid kid who can get his way around bodies in pursuit of making a play. Extremely athletic. Often blocks shots in one-on-one situations, rather than help-side.
DaSean Nelson (2020) | 6-7 PF | Rogers
The clear-cut no. 1 rim protector in Northwest Ohio. Nelson has all of the physical tools colleges could look for in an athletic forward. Equally impressive, though, is Nelson’s motor. He tries to block everything inside and outside of his area. Very quick kid who can close the window of opportunity in an instant.
Mitch Raifsnider (2021) | 6-8 PF | Margaretta
Raifsnider blocks shots at point-blank range because of his physicality and athleticism. But he can also get to shots outside of the paint. Any slow-release short-range jumpers will likely be affected by the kid from Margaretta.
Jackson Sizemore (2020) | 6-8 C | Perrysburg
Principled defender who keeps his hands high and affects a lot of shots. Sizemore sees the floor well on defense, which is reflected in his back-end communication. This means he’s also in position to block layups most of the time.
Hayden Stone (2020) | 6-8 C | Carey
Stone is a very sturdy kid who provides resistance with his size. Seldom overpowered by athletic finishes, which allows him to always make a play on the ball. Plays extremely hard and makes an effort to block shots.
Ben Westrick (2020) | 6-7 C | Ottawa-Glandorf
Westrick is lean and athletic. Able to get off the floor and use his length in a number of ways. He can also defend in space, which allows Westrick slide his feet from the perimeter and still block the shot. Active defender.
Garret White (2020) | 6-8 C | Maumee
White is a massive interior force who makes guards think twice by simply being in the area. Flashes a quick leap off the floor. Big body.