Top Senior Interior Defenders

<p>Every basketball team in the country wants a player that can defend the paint. Elite shot-blockers are vital for the success of the team as they change the way offenses score around the basket. New Jersey is full of good shot-blockers, especially in the senior class. Here are the top interior defenders in the 2020 class.</p> <p><strong>Cliff Omoruyi, C Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p>The 6'11 big man is the perfect candidate to kick off this list. Omoruyi is by far the top shot-blocker in New Jersey with his combination of size, length and timing. He moves his feet well on the defensive end as he does not allow many offensive players to get in front of him in the post. When opponents do get the ball in the post, they are unable to get past Omoruyi down low. The Roselle Catholic big man will decided his college basketball destination after the season, where he will contribute immediately on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>Lance Ware, PF Camden</strong></p> <p>The Kentucky commit is one of the top athletes in the state and it shows on the defensive end. Ware uses his athleticism to block shots all over the floor, creating havoc for opponents. The 6'9 forward has quick feet on the interior and is rarely caught flat-footed on ball screens. Ware can sometimes let opponents get into his body in the post, but he keeps his man in front and contests the shot. He blocked almost 60 shots as a junior, but Ware has the potential to block around 100 shots as a senior.</p> <p><strong>Mounir Hima, C St. Benedict's</strong></p> <p>The 6'11 big man may not be the most well-known name in the state, but he is a force on the defensive end. Hima blocks almost everything on the interior due to his size and length. He can sometimes be caught out of position, but is still able to alter the shot because of his long arms. Hima is a good on-ball defender in the post, but can get over-powered by stronger defenders because of his slight frame. He is still one of the top shot-blockers in New Jersey, despite his small frame, and will contribute immediately on the defensive end in college.</p> <p><strong>Supreme Cook, PF Peddie</strong></p> <p>Hima's presence as a shot-blocker is needed as Cook was a vital internal presence for the Gray Bees last season. The Columbia commit is doing a post-grad year at Peddie where he will look to improve his all-around offensive game. Cook is already a solid post defender as he understands how to position himself. His positioning along with his jumping ability allows for Cook to block shots all over the paint. Columbia is losing big man Patrick Tape next season, so Cook will have to contribute immediately on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Savoy, SF Lakewood</strong></p> <p>Size is not the only factor in good interior defenders and Savoy is a prime example of that. The 6'4 forward led the Shore Conference in blocks last season with nearly five a game. Savoy is a great leaper that knows when opponents are going to shoot the ball. He does not have the frame to bang bodies in the paint, but that does not diminish his ability on the defensive end. Savoy is one of the top shot-blockers in New Jersey and is looking to lead Lakewood to a good season in 2019-20.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Names to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Josh Orogun, C St. Benedict's</strong></p> <p><strong>Luke Kolaja, PF Blair Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>Babel Diallo, PF St. Benedict's</strong></p> <p><strong>Taj Thweatt,PF Wildwood Catholic</strong></p>