2021-22 Preview: Top Returning Shot-Blockers (6A)
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There are some good players coming back for the 2021-22 season at the 6A level as many of them were huge contributors already this past season. In terms of shot-blocking, last year’s leader in Mason VanBeenen Mason VanBeenen 6'9" |…
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Continue ReadingThere are some good players coming back for the 2021-22 season at the 6A level as many of them were huge contributors already this past season. In terms of shot-blocking, last year’s leader in Mason VanBeenen Mason VanBeenen 6'9" | PF West Linn | 2022 State OR was supposed to be back but a knee injury will keep him out in 2021-22. Here is a look at the top shot rejectors who will be back.
Max Von Arx Max Von Arx 6'5" | PF Grant | 2022 State OR (2022 Grant) – 2.4 bpg
von Arx may not be particularly tall at 6-foot-4, but it comes to wingspan and positioning that helps him be a great shot blocker. The senior is also capable of not only blocking shots in the paint but coming out to the perimeter to defend and contest perimeter jumpers, getting a hand on the shots.
Kavon Bradford Kavon Bradford 6'2" | CG Benson | 2023 State OR (2023 Benson) – 1.6 bpg
At first glance it might be surprising to see a 6-foot-2 guard on the blocks leaderboard but those familiar with Bradford may not surprised. The sophomore is a quick leaper with good length and a number of his blocks are closing out on opposing three-point attempts and getting a tip on the ball.
Tane Prictor Tane Prictor 6'10" | C Mountain View | 2022 State OR (2022 Mountain View) – 1.5 bpg
A traditional big man on this list, Prictor is not only tall at 6-foot-10 but also wide so he’s very difficult to get shots over and around. He’s a solid post defender who gets a lot of easy blocks simply rejecting basic post moves.
Devon Malcolm Devon Malcolm 6'4" | SF South Medford | 2022 State OR (2022 South Medford) – 1.4 bpg
Malcolm may be the most spectacular shot blocker on this list as his explosive athleticism allows him to defend above the rim. The 6-foot-4 swingman will fly in from the weak side to reject shots up into the stands.
Jesse Jones Jesse Jones 6'6" | PF Barlow | 2022 State OR (2022 Barlow) – 1.4 bpg
Jones is another more traditional big man at 6-foot-6 that gets his rejections by being in position. He has good size and is tough to get around in the lane and is able to use his length to defend the paint.