All State Defensive Team: Browsing Minnesota

<p>When NHR puts together the many post-season honors I want nothing more than to have an All-State Defensive Team. Selecting the group is a massive challenge so today we start brainstorming. </p> <p>We start by throwing out an argument.... "who can change a game more, a shot blocker or a ball pressure defender?"</p> <p>I would argue that the shot blocker changes the game the most.  Especially an agile shot blocker.  If you have watched Minnehaha Academy play you will see how their team can hit the passing lanes heavier and take more chances because the players know that <strong>Chet Holmgren</strong> is behind them swatting 6-7 shots a game.  In addition to the blocks Holmgren is also contesting several more attempts and forcing players that often attack to either take an uncomfortable 16 footer or to simply pass the ball. </p> <p>Holmgren is the best shot blocker in maybe 20 years but there are several others.  <strong>Robert Jones</strong> blocks just over three a contest for Prior Lake.  Athletic forwards <strong>David Roddy and Charlie Gorres</strong> also block about three game using their timing and athletic ability while East Ridge junior <strong>Ben Carlson</strong> has become the all time leading shot blocker at his school. <strong>Carter Henry</strong> of BOLD is also setting shot blocking records at his school.  <strong>Dawson Garcia</strong> of Prior not only blocks shots but his all around defense at 6-foot-11 has become outstanding. </p> <p>Then you have the harassing ball pressure defenders.  <strong>Antwan Kimmons</strong> of Tartan ranks with the best players in this area as does <strong>Charles Johnson</strong> of Holy Angels and <strong>Jacob Beeninga</strong> of Wayzata. <strong>Trejuan Holloman</strong> of CDH, <strong>Emmanuel Tamba</strong> of Park Center, <strong>Siegel Howard</strong> of Minnehaha Academy, and <strong>Ronnelle Porter</strong> of St. Paul Central also fit in that category. </p> <p>The next group?  This is my favorite group.  Players that can guard the ball handler, deny talented players on the wing and force them into tough shots, and also show the right timing contesting/blocking shots.  It's tough to find better defenders in Minnesota than <strong>Tyler Wahl</strong> of Lakeville North and <strong>Jack Middleton</strong> of Edina.  The pair is truly elite. </p> <p>Other guys on the wing that have grabbed our attention in the past 11 months are both <strong>Courtney Brown Jr</strong> and <strong>Kendall Brown</strong> of East Ridge, <strong>Isaac Fink</strong> of Springfield, <strong>Luke Paulson</strong> of Wayzata, <strong>Andy Stafford</strong> of Hopkins, <strong>Sam Schwartz</strong> of White Bear Lake, <strong>Connor Christensen</strong> of Eden Prairie, <strong>Omar Brown</strong> of Minneapolis North, and <strong>Zac Centers</strong> at Mahtomedi. </p> <p>Yesterday we opened this conversation to Twitter and names flooded social media.  A guy like Tyler Scheevel - a state rodeo champion - was named all league last year for being a game changer on defense. <strong>Bryce Paulsen</strong> of Marshall, <strong>Noah Schmitt</strong> of Jordan, <strong>Nico Phommahaxay</strong> of Mound-Westonka, <strong>Matt Wyffels</strong> of Centennial, <strong>Reid Gastne</strong>r of Lake City, <strong>Brady Watrin</strong> of MLWR, and <strong>Mitch Stanincha</strong> of Northfield are several credible names brought to our attention as strong defenders as well. </p> <p>Have more for our list?  Feel free to comment or throw the names at me on Twitter!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>