Top 10 Central Ohio Rim-Protectors

<p>Defenders are inevitably going to get beat from time to time. Offensive players are too quick, too deceptive, too skilled, to be kept out of the paint every possession. </p> <p>Once that first line of the defense is crossed, a premier rim-protector makes all the difference. His ability to alter shot attempts is consistently the difference between two and zero points.</p> <p>Rim-protection is one of the most valuable, yet underrated, roles in the game. And it often takes a true fly swatter on that back-end for audiences to appreciate the role. These 10 make <em>that</em> level of impact…</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jainaz-cameron/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jainaz Cameron</a> (2021) | 6-5 PF | London</strong></h6> <p>Cameron is an unbelievable shot-blocker at his 6-foot-5 height. As an interior defender, he illustrates the value of raw strength and second jumps. He is quick off the floor and able to recover. Jumps very high. Broad shoulders. Averaged 2.3 blocks per game last season.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/magnus-entenmann/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Entenmann</a> (2021) | 6-8 PF | Upper Arlington</strong></h6> <p>Entenmann possesses astoundingly broad shoulders and long arms. That length is complemented by a motor and mobility. Alters shots on help-side that are outside of his area. Very disciplined player who goes straight-up. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrese-hughey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyrese Hughey</a> (2021) | 6-7 F | Thomas Worthington</strong></h6> <p>Powerful, vertical athlete that soars through the air to reject shots. Hughey can switch onto guards and wind up blocking a shot while defending the drive. Bumps guys off-balance with his physical frame.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/isaiah-ingle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Isaiah Ingle</a> (2020) | 6-7 C | Northland</strong></h6> <p>A raw athlete with immense length and leaping ability, Ingle's rim-protection upside is exciting. As a senior, we're intrigued to see if his balance and body control in traffic improves. Nonetheless, he projects as a major shot-blocker as he adds size to his frame. </p> <h6><strong>Luke Lachey (2020) | 6-7 PF | Grandview Heights</strong></h6> <p>Lachey combines power, mobility, and leaping ability as an interior defender. Closes gaps quickly. Elevates. Very strong hands, which allows him to secure rebounds and prevent a second shot opportunity. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-noel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brandon Noel</a> (2020) | 6-8 C | Chillicothe</strong></h6> <p>Noel, a Wright State commit, navigates the floor with light feet and a wide frame. Possesses the strength to run through traffic and get to the ball. Quick off the ground and jumps high. Flashes the ability to chase-down blocks, too.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaveon-ross/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaveon Ross</a> (2020) | 6-5 PF | Walnut Ridge</strong></h6> <p>Similar to everything Ross does on the court, he approaches shot-blocking with <em>force. </em>Puts his body on the line by jumping high and going after the ball with everything he has. A thick, physical body can knock opponents off-balance.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/troy-scowden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Troy Scowden</a> (2022) | 6-7 PF | Buckeye Valley</strong></h6> <p>Scowden has a lean, chiseled frame and impressive length. Usually defends centers and hangs around the rim on defense, but is able to come over on help-side if he's pulled away from the rim. Blocks shots in one-on-one situations, too, after defending a post-up.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elhadji-thiam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elhadji Thiam</a> (2020) | 6-6 PF | Pickerington Central</strong></h6> <p>Thiam is one of the most active shot-blockers in Ohio. Remarkably fluid and agile post player who bounces around on the balls of his feet. Shades over to block mid-range jumpers outside of his area. Large wingspan. Nose for the ball. Able to jump a second and third time. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-whiteside/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joshua Whiteside</a> (2022) | 6-6 PF | St. Charles</strong></h6> <p>Often seen playing alongside a true center, Whiteside is afforded the opportunity to sneak over for blindside blocks. He has the physical tools to both elevate and bang in traffic. Lengthy and strong. </p> <hr /> <h6><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Honorable Mention:</span> Gage Keys, Savion Marshall-Hamilton, Victor Searls</strong></em></span></h6>