Senior Lockdown Perimeter Defenders
As we continue to look at different lists of players before the 2019-2020 high school season gets started, we show some love to the other side of the ball as we look at eight of the top senior on ball…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue to look at different lists of players before the 2019-2020 high school season gets started, we show some love to the other side of the ball as we look at eight of the top senior on ball defenders in the state of Virginia.
Jahme Ested | 6’1” PG | Henrico 2020
When it comes to defense it’s a lot about mentality, and Ested has that dog like mentality the whole time he’s on the floor. He’s aggressive on both ends and never backs down no matter who he’s matched up with, he gives maximum effort at all times, he’s quick laterally and has quick hands as well and most importantly, he never seems to get tired despite going right at his matchup on what seems like every play. He’s starting to see CIAA interest and the way he plays it seems to make perfect sense.
Amir Nesbitt | 6’0” PG | Miller School 2020
Nesbitt is a guy that is sometimes forgotten about but the impact he makes on both ends of the floor is something a lot of guys don’t have. He’s a good shooter who can make plays off the bounce but defensively he shines as a strong guard that can keep guys in front. He moves his feet well, he has good feel as a defender and he can wear guys down throughout the game.
Tyler Henderson | 5’8” | LC Bird 2020
When it comes to guys that pester ball handlers and make them uncomfortable, there aren’t many that are better at that then Henderson is. He’s a throwback kid who picks up the length of the floor, gets underneath guys on the catch, turns ball handlers and makes them work in the backcourt and he has quick hands and forces turnovers. His relentless style can get under the skin of even the best point guards and he’s also a tough kid who will get on the floor or sacrifice his body taking a charge as well.
Xavier Lipscomb | 6’3” PG | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes 2020
The Radford commit is the ultimate throwback of a point guard who doesn’t need to score a lot to be effective because he sets the tone on both ends of the floor. He has good size and great length to bother guys with, he stays in the passing lane and gets a lot of deflections, he has great feel and understanding of where to be in help and he moves his feet well and stays in front. Throw in the fact he’s a good rebounder for a guard and the impact he makes on both ends of the floor is something you can’t understate.
Andre Bottoms | 6’0” PG | Oscar Smith 2020
Another throwback style of guard, Bottoms has been the rock for a successful Smith program over the past three seasons and it all starts on the defensive end for him. He understands the game very well so he’s always in the right place and anticipates well, he’s a good help side defender who will step all the way in instead of just reaching and he moves his feet well and stays in front. He’s also very solid handling the rock and getting other guys involved within the flow of the offense.
Nick Reese | 6’0” WG | St. Anne’s Belfield 2020
Reese is a little undersized to be on the wing but that doesn’t stop him from being one of the premier lock down defenders in the state. He’s very strong and able to keep guys in front and wear them down, he’s a good athlete who can make plays at the rim and he has the dog like mentality and takes pride in shutting down the best player on the other team. He’s also a good rebounder and finisher and will do whatever it takes to help his team win.
Raymond Bellamy | 6’1” G | Lakeland 2020
Bellamy has all of the tools to be a very successful defender at the next level including great length and the right mindset. He’s a floor general on both ends with a good understanding of the game so he has good instincts, his length bothers ball handlers and forces turnovers and deflections and he’s able to use his athleticism to come help side to contest shots. He’s one of the more underrated guys in the 757 on both ends of the floor.
Tyce McNair | 5’11” PG | East Rockingham 2020
The East Rock rising senior was a very under appreciated part of their run to the state championship last year along with current JMU freshman Dalton Jefferson and rising top five senior in the state Tyler Nickel. McNair is a natural athlete with a good motor and solid toughness on both ends of the floor. He moves his feet well, he stays in good position in help and can hound ball handlers the length of the floor. He should have a breakout senior campaign this year.