Northern Virginia’s Top-10 Off-Ball Defenders
Who are the best off-ball defenders in Northern Virginia? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top help…
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Continue ReadingWho are the best off-ball defenders in Northern Virginia? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top help defenders you will find in the region. This is part of a series that will aim to highlight players based on various superlatives.
Note: these superlative lists will not be mutually exclusive. If someone can handle the ball and do something else (i.e. shoot) at a high level, they will be included in both lists.
Angelo Brizzi Angelo Brizzi 6'3" | PG Highland School | 2021 State #216 Nation VA | Highland ’21
Help defense is a staple of Brizzi’s overall game. He’s always flying around off the ball looking to make impact plays on the defensive end.
Ariel Goddot | Bishop Ireton ’21
While Ireton’s team defense struggles last year, Goddot did his best to keep things together. The undersized forward pridefully anchored his team’s defense and covered a ton of ground on the backline.
Eric Gordon | SSSAS ’21
Gordon was mentioned as a top on-ball defender, but he’s equally effective off the ball. The Saints play an aggressive style of defense which involves pressing, trapping, and looking to force as many turnovers as possible. Gordon is a perfect fit in that scheme because of his commitment to staying active and alert defensively.
Tyrell Harris Tyrell Harris 6'6" | PF Potomac | 2021 State VA | Potomac ’21
Harris is one of the best charge takers on this list. He demonstrates tremendous positional awareness, he’s fearless, and he’s really good at selling contact.
Trevor Keels Trevor Keels 6'4" | SG Paul VI | 2021 State #18 Nation VA | Paul VI ’21
Keels is another returner from the top on-ball defender list who is just as good in help situations. He sees plays before they happen and is seemingly always in the correct position to capitalize.
Tyshaun Pulley | Christ Chapel ’21
Pulley clearly takes pride in his defense, and that’s evident both on and off the ball. He is an absolute menace who constantly disrupts the passing lanes with his activity and instincts.
Cavan Reilly Cavan Reilly 6'4" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA | Middleburg ’22
Reilly is a solid all-around guard prospect who plays exceptional help defense. He anticipates well and understands how being in the right position can help him make an impact defensively.
Jiaan Sehhat | Langley ’21
Sehhat is a defensive playmaker who can block shots, get steals, and rack up deflections. He’s a tireless worker who doesn’t take plays off on the defensive end.
David Solomon III David Solomon III 6'6" | C VA Academy | 2023 State VA | Lake Braddock ’22
Solomon is a very versatile forward who is an eraser defensively. He’s an elite rim protector who also makes plays below the rim with his innate ability to draw charges. As a result of his quick feet, Solomon is also tremendous at hedging screens and keeping opposing ball-handlers out of the paint.
Manny Tucker Manny Tucker 6'7" | C Annandale | 2022 VA | Annandale ’22
Tucker solidified the backline of Annandale’s defense this past season. He was a vocal presence who was always willing to step up and take a charge.