Bruce’s Best: Top Zone Busters C/O 2020

<p>A lot of times you'll see teams go zone to slow offenses down. It's a good strategy and can be successful, however, there are some players that can shoot a team right out of that zone. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the top zone busters in Nevada.</p> <p><strong>Noah Taitz 6'3 SG Bishop Gorman</strong> <em>(#3 PHN 2020)</em> - The defending champs have so many weapons that most teams will be forced to go zone. Enter Taitz, to play the role of one of the best knockdown shooters in the nation. Teams will be forced to identify him at all times. This is going to force teams to make difficult decisions. Do you go man and try to match up with players like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zaon-collins/">Zaon Collins</a>, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mwani-wilkinson/">M'Wani Wilkinson</a> or do you go zone and risk Taitz catching fire?</p> <p><strong>Amari James 6'3 SG Spring Valley<em> </em></strong><em>(#19 PHN 2020)</em> - Spring Valley has dudes. As coach Blair likes to say, "We're just trying to stay out of last place" It helps to have James on your team. The 6'3 guard is an absolute flamethrower. One of the main reasons why he's so tough to zone is because he shoots it from deeeeeeep! If you're going to go 2-3 against the Grizzlies, you might want to think about extending it out to the volleyball line. </p> <p><strong>Austin Anderson 6'0 SG Centennial </strong><em>(#45 PHN 2020)</em> -  Anderson is one of the most under the radar players in the state. He will probably end up earning a scholarship for his volleyball ability, however, don't ignore his basketball skills. There are two big reasons why it's difficult to zone Anderson. The first is because of his lift. Anderson has the ability to simply raise up and shoot over guards. The second is listed below.   </p> <p><strong>Robert Sherman 6'1 SG Centennial</strong> <em>(#51 PHN 2020)</em> - Zone Centennial at your own risk. If Anderson doesn't kill you, Sherman will. A pure shooter with textbook form, Sherman has the ability to get hot in a hurry. He does not have the quickest release, however, if you don't close all the way to him, you're going to lose. It will be interesting to see how teams defend Centennial this season. They probably have one of the most dynamic offenses in the state. If you go man, you play to the strengths of guys like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/craig-comanche/">Craig Comanche</a>, go zone and Sherman and Anderson can destroy you. Tough spot.</p> <p><strong>Josiah Cruz 6'2 SG Shadow Ridge </strong><em>(#56 PHN 2020)</em> - Perhaps no shooter in the state is in a better spot to play to his strengths than Cruz. He plays with a pure PG, a slasher and is opposite another knockdown shooter. There will legit be games where teams forget about him. That is until he buries a couple of jumpers. A lot of teams are going to try to go zone to limit the 1 on 1 ability of guys like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zach-jefferson/">Zach Jefferson</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dj-turner/">DJ Turner</a>. This should open up looks for Cruz to do what he does. </p> <p><strong>Nicholas Attanasio 6'3 SG Faith Lutheran </strong><em>(#49 PHN 2020)</em> - No list of shooters is complete without Attanasio. Faith Lutheran runs a sophisticated read and react system that is difficult to stop. The obvious strategy is to take them out of their offense by going zone. This should lead to instant looks for Attanasio. If we're being honest he's equally effective off the move, however, if you allow him to set his feet, you might as well be prepared to get the ball out of the net.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>