Summer Challenge: Wilk’s Top Rim Protectors (16U)

Curtis Wilkerson

July 11, 2019 @ 09:39 AM

The most recent stop on the Prep Hoops Circuit was last weekend in Chicago for the annual Summer Challenge. There was plenty of offense throughout the event with lights out shooting and high flying slasher attacking the rim. However, there were several prospects who caught our eye for what they were able to accomplish on the defensive end. Here’s a peak at a handful of forwards who excelled at protecting the rim for their squads over the weekend:   Darrell Reed - Young and Reckless Darrell has been mentioned in nearly every article written by the Prep Hoops staff for his brilliant performance at the Summer Challenge. This is no exception. His combination of strength, length, and raw athleticism allowed him to muscle up on the block when needed, get back in transition to prevent easy scores, and elevate and alter shots around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id="1152903" first="Amar" last="Augillard"] - A.I.A Amar is really more of a combo-forward type prospect, but many times throughout the weekend he was tasked with defending other teams largest players because of his strong frame. He did a very nice job at times while giving up inches in height and had the most impressive block I saw all weekend where he quite literally pinned a shot attempt off the backboard with his elbow.   [player_tooltip player_id="920965" first="Jaylen" last="Bryson"] - A.I.A Jaylen is an extremely long forward that has a ton of potential and room for growth. Right now, his athleticism and defensive prowess stand out the most. The uber-active Bryson was a huge factor in the quarterfinals against the Illinois Jaguars where he had some impressive blocks at the rim that helped turn the momentum in favor of his team.   Shaun Riley - SW IL Jets The more I watched Shaun over the weekend, the more impressed I was with his array of skills that impact the game. He serves as a deterrent for guards looking to attack the basket, is athletic enough for a chase down highlight, and has the strength and length to defend on the block.   [player_tooltip player_id="920999" first="Daine" last="Hanson"] - Illinois T-Wolves Standing at around 6’7 with broad shoulders and an impressive wingspan, Daine was the anchor inside on both ends for a T-Wolves team that had a nice weekend. He knows how to use his strong upper body well defending the block and has good timing and discipline when elevating to alter shots.   Dante Herrin - SW IL Jets Dante played for an undersized, but very scrappy SW IL Jets Blue squad. Standing at only 6’3, he plays very physical and aggressive on the defensive end and can more than hold his own against more traditionally sized forwards. He had a pair of impressive in a big win over Sharks Basketball Academy on Saturday that caught my eye.   Maro Egodotaye - Team Flyght Ohio Maro was a key defensive contributor for Team Flyght as they made their run to a 16U championship. He has college-ready size, and although his offensive game is coming along, he protects the rim already at a high level. He did particularly well against some highly skilled forwards from Wisconsin Playground in the championship game.