CIF-SS Under-the-Radar 2021 Defenders to Watch
The CIF-SS rank has a multitude of all-around superb defenders. From stout on-ball defenders to shot blockers, the section has an array of under-the-radar players in this area of the game. These four 2021 defenders are surely ones to watch…
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Continue ReadingThe CIF-SS rank has a multitude of all-around superb defenders. From stout on-ball defenders to shot blockers, the section has an array of under-the-radar players in this area of the game. These four 2021 defenders are surely ones to watch for next season.
Kyle Frelow — Heritage Christian
Kyle Frelow became the defensive anchor for Heritage Christian this past season. The 6’6” forward averaged a standout 1.8 steals per game and 0.8 blocks per game en route to Olympic League Defensive MVP honors. His expertise as a defender centers on his ability to essentially do it all for the Warriors. He is not one to be prone to defensive lapses or missed assignments on the court. Instead, he is always on the move in cutting passing lanes and triggering traps. His size and impressive vertical reach attribute to his relentless defensive presence and pure ability to be an impact player.
Look for Frelow to continue to flourish as a multi-dimensional defender.
Pape Cisse — Fairmont Prep
Pape Cisse has all of the tools to become a dominant force on defense. This past season for Fairmont Prep, he averaged a fair 1.0 steals per game and 0.8 blocks per game. The 6’8” talent can play both as a forward and center but regardless of the position, he still exerts an influential defensive presence. He has good size coupled with an impressive wingspan, which translates over to a stout shot-blocking ability. He is certainly mobile within the restricted area and has good balance when defending an opponent’s post move in the paint.
Cisse has the skill set to gradually become a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball.
Zach Mellon — Brentwood
If one wants to watch a talent who just likes to be a disruptor on defense, here is Zach Mellon. The Brentwood talent was just a menace on the defensive end this past season. He is a defender who is just tenacious when it comes to creating turnovers. He has quick instincts to poke passes away from his opponent or just deflect passes away from the restricted area. He is a player who is constantly active off the ball, especially when the team reverts to a full-court press setup. For a player who is also influential on offense, Mellon sure does put in the same amount of effort over on defense too.
Mellon finished the season with a 1.5 steals per game average.
Darius McClain — Lynwood
Darius McClain was a reliable defender on a Lynwood team that had multiple formidable talents on this side of the ball. With McClain’s work on this area of the floor, he operated essentially everywhere on the court, from defending the restricted area out to hovering the 3-point line. He is quick and agile, which helps in closing down opposing shooters. He also does a superb job of tracking his player in off-ball situations, thus preventing the opponent from getting wide-open looks. He is a player who is willing to take on any assignment on defense. Look for him to continue to work on defending in man-to-man sets, which can truly elevate his defensive prowess to another level.