Bruce’s Best: Top 10 Defenders
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Defense wins championships. If you’re going to have a winning squad you’re going to need at least one defensive stopper. This year we have been blessed to have several big-time defenders within our borders. We take a look at our…
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Continue ReadingDefense wins championships. If you’re going to have a winning squad you’re going to need at least one defensive stopper. This year we have been blessed to have several big-time defenders within our borders. We take a look at our top 10 defenders in the state.
- Khaman Maker Khaman Maker 7'1" | C Trinity | 2024 State #127 Nation NV 7’1 C Desert Valley Prep 2024 (#3PHN 2024) – Elite shot blocker, in addition to his rim protection skills, Maker can also get out to the perimeter to block and challenge shots.
- Pharaoh Compton Pharaoh Compton 6'7" | PF Arbor View | 2024 State #74 Nation NV 6’5 PF Spring Valley 2024 (#9PHN 2024) – The athletic forward has major springs. He uses them to protect the rim for the Grizzlies. The high-flying Compton is one of the top shot blockers in the state.
- Angelo Kambala Angelo Kambala 5'10" | CG Liberty | 2023 State NV 6’0 CG Liberty 2023 (#5PHN 2023) – One of the top on-ball defenders in the state. Kambala is a tough, hard-nosed defender, with pick-pocket ability.
- David Nealy David Nealy 6'2" | SG Stranahan | 2026 #27 Nation FL 6’3 PG Bishop Gorman 2024 (#5PHN 2024) – Athletic wing with lightning-quick hands. Richardson is one of the best at playing passing lanes and causing deflections.
- Shane Thomas Shane Thomas 6'3" | SG Durango | 2022 State NV 6’3 SG Durango 2022 (#6PHN 2022) – One of the top 3 and D guys is also one of the most versatile wing defenders in the state.
- DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV 6’1 PG Liberty 2024 (#1PHN 2024) – Thomas is close to being the first great at every player that I’ve evaluated. You can count on-ball defense as another skill he’s great at. The man held a power 5 guard without a field goal for an entire game.
- Tayshaun Jackson Tayshaun Jackson 5'7" | PG Las Vegas | 2025 State NV 5’5 PG Las Vegas 2025 (#27PHN 2025) – The freshman PG is a tough as nails on-ball defender with elite lateral quickness.
- Osiris Grady Osiris Grady 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 #195 Nation UT 6’8 PF Coronado 2023 (#2PHN 2023) – Grady is an R&J guy that protects the rim at a high level. He has an explosive first jump and enough range to close out to perimeter defenders.
- David Tinner David Tinner 6'3" | PF Cheyenne | 2022 State NV 6’3 PF Cheyenne 2022 – Unranked player has made a name for himself with a breakout season. A big-time R&J guy with agility, Tinner can hedge and switch ball screens as well as alter and block shots at the rim.
- Malachi Richardson Malachi Richardson 6'5" | PF Losee | 2024 State NV 6’5 PF Somerset Losee 2024 (#31PHN 2024) (featured image) – Richardson has extremely long arms and great timing. He uses both to serve as an interior enforcer for the Lions. The sophomore swatter averages almost two blocks per game.
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