2020 Florida Rankings Breakdown: Best Perimeter Defenders
When you turn on film or highlight reels, everyone looks for scoring, big dunks and fancy shots. However, as Devin Ugland pointed out in our newest network in So-Cal, the defensive side of the ball deserves more attention.
Here is a look at my five favorite perimeter defenders in the entire state for the Class of 2020 (full rankings here).
5. Rivers Lenholt (St. Pete Canterbury)
Lenholt has grown a few inches since last season ended and he’s now at 6’2″ and that is helping his development. Already an asset as a stop and go shooter and attacker, the rising sophomore has been stellar defensively since arriving at the varsity level. He takes every possession seriously and makes life tough for opposing offenses. He comes in at No. 24 in our 2020 class rankings.
4. Dudley Blackwell (Westminster Academy)
This kid is perhaps the most athletic player on the list. Blackwell stands at 6’5″ and has had experience playing with Team USA during a minicamp last October. He thrives as a wing and slasher on offense and defensively, he isn’t afraid to use his long arms to his advantage. Blackwell is on the cusp of being a very dangerous all-around player. He is the No. 2 player in our 2020 rankings.
3. Scottie Barnes (Cardinal Newman)
Considering Barnes is ranked No. 1 in our 2020 rankings, many may dispute this ranking right here. Barnes is a stud on offense at his 6’6″ frame and out on the wing, he can make passes and shots many can’t in any class. His perimeter defense is very strong and he is going to be counted on to carry Cardinal Newman on both ends this fall.
2. Jadrian Tracey (Southwest Florida Christian)
Nicknamed “Bam Bam”, Tracey has always been taller than most of his teammates. He can play any spot in the lineup from 1-4 and he can guard nearly anyone on the court. Even though he’s lean and still adding muscle, the 6’5″ guard is a leader on defense. His offense is sound, but when you watch Tracey at Southwest Florida Christian it is all about his defensive mindset. He ranks No. 9 in our 2020 rankings.
1. Leonard Manuel (Ocala Vanguard)
A football player first, Manuel is a man at 6’5″, 200 lbs. He does most of his damage offensively in the paint, but as a defender, he is ferocious to the ball. Manuel is quicker than he appears and that helps him keep up with most of other team’s top athletes on any given night. The Ocala Vanguard forward comes in at No. 6 in our 2020 rankings.
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