Tarrian’s Take: Best Non-Senior Rebounders
Basketball is a game of tempo and momentum. 9 times out of 10 its those teams who are able to control the boards and maximize possessions who are successful. In the new age of basketball we marvel at the flash…
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Continue ReadingBasketball is a game of tempo and momentum. 9 times out of 10 its those teams who are able to control the boards and maximize possessions who are successful. In the new age of basketball we marvel at the flash and the great three-point shooters that make the game exciting. However, It’s the ones willing to get down and dirty down low that make their job easier. Every Stephen Curry needs a Draymond Green for example. Rebounding is one of the most vital traits a ball player can have. Here’s a look at some of the best non-senior rebounders in the state.
Ethan Speaker 6’6 SF Boulder City 2021 (#7PHN 2021) 25.6ppg 1.8 apg 11.0 rpg 2.0 spg 0.5 bpg – Speaker was a dynamic scorer all season long. He led the state in scoring and can hurt you inside and outside, evidence by his 30 made 3’s on the year. However, it’s his rebounding ability that is one of the aspects that makes his game just as dangerous averaging 11 rebounds per game. He had two games this year alone where recorded 20 rebounds and had just a minor 30 point and 34 point games with those rebounds. Speaker had 17 double digit rebounding games on the year and uses those rebounds to get his teams in and out of possessions. He may be one of the most dynamic shot makers in the state also he creates more possessions for his team with strong offensive and defensive rebounding. Speaker had 126 offensive rebounds and 205 defensive rebounds. He was a monster anyway you slice it.
Michael Klekas 6’3 SF Elko 2022 (#10PHN 2022) 24.1 ppg 2.5 apg 10.1 rpg 1.8 spg 0.4 bpg – Klekas really made a name for himself as a freshman and he followed that up with remarkable numbers averaging 24 and 10 this season. Klekas is a versatile forward that can rebound and stretch the floor. He plays stronger than his size and is a monster on the block, and he has the perimeter skills to create space and make an open basket. Klekas had 16 double-digit rebounding games on the year. Klekas can do it all. He has a strong inside-outside game, he could score with ease inside the block. And if things get muddy inside he can step beyond the arc and drain threes. He is also one of the better two way players in the state as his steal and block numbers indicate. His rebounding ability is really the hallmark of his teams defense. It’s only appropriate for a dominate defensive team to have a guy who can fetch the long rebounds. On the year Klekas had 195 defensive rebounds.
Enrique Villalobos 6’3 C, F McDermitt 2022 9.9 ppg 0.4 apg 11.6 rpg 1.1 spg 1.1 bpg- Villalobos is third in total rebounds in the state with 266. The small school product is undersized for his position but it doesn’t matter. He is a force on the boards. He had a career high 24 boards this season. As an overall ball player the sophomore makes his living on the inside. He’s a willing shot blocker.If he develops more of an outside game he could be a ranked player.
Joshua Valencia 6’3 C GV Christian 2023 15.7 ppg 1.2 apg 8.4 rpg 1.5 spg 0,0 bpg- It’s hard to really place him at any one position he is 6’3 but he also is 250 he has the body of a PF but the height of a guard. Valencia is the typical Vegas big you put the tallest kid in the middle and say go play center. Valencia had an amazing freshman year averaging 16 points 8 rebounds 1.5 steals 1.0 blocks. Valencia is a hooper who knows his game well and he is fully developing other areas. I feel like he is a growth spurt away from some colleges knocking on his door. Valencia knows how to use his body he is a thumper on the inside.He gets inside when he wants shooting 57% on the year and most of his work is done in the paint. Valencia has had 10 double-doubles this year the best performance in my opinion was a 22 point 14 rebound performance.
Fernando Carmona 6’5 Las Vegas 2021(PHN 2021 #33) 10.0 ppg 1.4 apg 7.9 rpg 0.8 spg 0.9 bpg – .Carmona looks like a grown man and plays like one. Carmona has a tireless motor and is a certified banger. A good hard nosed interior defender and rebounder. He allows Tavi Jackson to be the PG he is because he has the ultimate bodyguard inside. Carmona is the Andre Igoudala type great at his role will lock up and play the other team’s best player. And he gets the team’s long rebounds which gets them in and out of transition which is important when you have such a stacked back court like Las Vegas does
Caleb Hunter 6’4 F North Valley 2021 8.6 ppg 0.3 rpg 9.7 rpg 1.8 spg 0.9 bpg- Hunter was one of the bright spots for a team that struggled to find it’s stride this year. Hunter did the best he could with a team that didn’t win many games. Hunter led the team in rebounds and steals and was second in points. Hunter is a stout rebounder that had 11 double digit rebounding games this year. His game high this year in rebounds was 15. Caleb is a solidly built kid that can box out rather well and has a solid inside game. His strength on the court is his rebounding ability. He is able to use his frame and height to put his hands up and force bad shots. He’s a certified pest inside. The keys for Hunter going forward are cutting down on some turnovers and really developing as a shooter. He has a strong inside game however.