Players Protecting Colorado’s Rims
With so many games decided by a possession here or there during league play, there are often little plays on the defensive end that go unnoticed. The players below are those who have made several of those plays as some of this season’s top shot blockers. These are players of various levels who help their programs in a profound way with their ability to protect the rim.
Jesus Martinez, 6-8 senior, The Pinnacle
Martinez has great length, but it is also his quick footwork and athleticism that has helped him lead the state with an impressive six blocks per game. Martinez is a true rim protector who is also averaging 17.6 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
Will Becker, 6-7 sophomore, Smoky Hill
Becker’s improvement has been fun to watch. He has great instincts for the ball and always seems to use the right angles to cut off drives to the basket. Becker, who is also averaging six blocks to go with nine rebounds, clearly is still growing and could easily establish himself as an elite caliber shot blocker before all is said and done.
De’Ron Davis, 6-10 senior, Overland
Even as he was developing his offensive skills, learning to pass out of double-teams, handle the ball and grow his mid- to long-range game, Overland could always count on Davis to be a feared rim protector. Davis is averaging 4.5 blocks per game this season in the state’s highest classification, but it is the multitude of shots that are altered — not to mention the ones that aren’t even attempted — by the Indiana-bound big man that tell the true story of his defensive dominance in the post.
McCallan Castles, 6-5 sophomore, Berthoud
It’s early, but Castles could grow into a Division I caliber player with continued seasoning. He’s got strong athleticism for his said and appears to still be growing. He had back-to-back performances last month of five and six blocks, and he’s among the state’s leaders in the category this season with 3.3 per game.
Antonio Capley, 6-11 senior, Ralston Valley
Capley is another player whose mere presence can have a profound affect on the shots that are taken inside. We’ve seen Capley’s improved footwork and quickness improve his ability to affect shots on the defensive end. When he is engaged, it can be very difficult for opponents to find good looks inside against Capley.
Dallas Walton, 6-11 senior, Arvada West
It has been great to see images of Walton back on the court after knee injuries wiped out about half of his high school career. He’s looked solid and increasingly explosive as he works through the mental side of his comeback as much as the physical one. Walton moves fluidly through the lane on defense, and good length and quickness make him a feared shot blocker. Walton had four rejections to go along with 21 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Pomona on Wednesday.
Jalen Sanders, 6-6 junior, Valor Christian
Sanders, a wing player, is perhaps the most versatile player on this list, with an ability to play and defend multiple positions well. He’s a major part of the reason behind Valor’s 9-1 start. Sanders has solid athleticism and reach, as well as a strong motor, that help him make big plays on the defensive end, particularly near the rim.
Devante Jones, 6-5 senior, Dakota Ridge
Jones has good reach and solid athleticism that help him get to a lot of shots around the rim. He’s got quick hands and plays, like many of coach Curi Yutzy’s players, with really good energy on the defensive end of the floor. He makes up for being slightly undersized at the post position with those attributes.