City Rankings: 10 Best On-Ball Defenders In Las Vegas
I’m a firm believer that defense wins championships. We all love the high flying high scoring offense, but make no mistake, at the end of the day, you must be able to stop somebody. In this article, PH takes a…
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Continue ReadingI’m a firm believer that defense wins championships. We all love the high flying high scoring offense, but make no mistake, at the end of the day, you must be able to stop somebody. In this article, PH takes a look at the top 10 on-ball defenders in Las Vegas.
1. Lorenzo Abellar Lorenzo Abellar 5'8" | PG Liberty | 2021 State NV 5’8 PG Liberty 2021 (#14PHN 2021) – No one in Las Vegas wants to challenge Abellar off the dribble. Low center of gravity combined with quick feet and a strong upper body frame makes him almost impossible to blow-by.
2. Will McClendon Will McClendon 6'4" | SG Bishop Gorman | 2021 State #42 Nation NV 6’4 SG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#3PHN 2021) – From the neck up he’s as good as it gets. Not only can he sit down in a stance, and move laterally but he’s also great at back taps. More than just someone that can prevent his man from blowing by, he can also create turnovers
3. Elijah Johnson Elijah Johnson 5'10" | PG Durango | 2022 NV 5’9 PG Durango 2022 (#19PHN 2022) (featured image) – Maybe a surprise to some, but if you watch him play, he’s clearly one of the top on-ball guys in the state. Low center of gravity and great lateral quickness.
4. Semaj Threats Semaj Threats 5'10" | PG Desert Pines | 2021 State NV 5’9 PG Desert Pines 2021 (#26PHN 2021) – Threats is kind of a combination between Abellar and Bartley. Low center of gravity combined with a strong upper frame, and R&J athleticism.
5. Frank Bartley Frank Bartley 6'0" | PG Spring Valley | 2021 State NV 6’0 PG Spring Valley 2021 (#16PHN 2021) – Tough R&J football athlete. Takes pride in shutting down the other team’s best offensive player.
6. John Board John Board 6'1" | SG Basic | 2021 State NV 6’1 SG Basic 2021 (#17PHN 2021) – Board is a versatile defender that can defend the ball off the bounce and when isolated in the post.
7. Dayshawn Wiley Dayshawn Wiley 6'4" | SG Desert Pines | 2021 State NV 6’3 SG Desert Pines 2021 (#8PHN 2021) – His athletic ability makes him a tough on-ball defender. Has a good upper frame, and can turn his hips and run when beat.
8. Jackson Williams Jackson Williams 6'2" | SF Faith Lutheran | 2021 State NV 6’2 SF Faith Lutheran 2021 (#39PHN 2021) – High IQ player with the ability to defend multiple positions on the ball.
9. Damion Byrd Damion Byrd 5'10" | PG Silverado | 2022 State NV 5’10 PG Silverado 2022 (#7PHN 2022) – Byrd is a tough hard nose defender. A disciplined defender that won’t gamble, preferring to harass ballhandlers into mistakes.
10. Jaylen Berry Jaylen Berry 6'2" | PG Basic | 2021 State NV 6’2 PG Basic 2021 (#19PHN 2021) – Berry joins with Board to create one of the best defensive backcourts in the state. Defensively he’s the type of guy that isn’t great at any one thing but is good at everything. Has good instincts, length, and hands.