Top Perimeter Defenders in VA
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d discuss some of the things we love, and believe it or not we love defense! So today, we take a look at just a couple of the guys that come to mind when…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSince it’s Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d discuss some of the things we love, and believe it or not we love defense! So today, we take a look at just a couple of the guys that come to mind when we think about the best perimeter defenders in the state of Virginia!
Xavier Lipscomb | 6’3” PG | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes 2020
Lipscomb looks like he was built to be a lock down defender of ball handlers, and he has taken that and run with it. The Radford commit has extremely long arms at 6’3” which he uses to get deflections and make entry passes difficult, he moves his feet extremely well and he’s a disciplined defender both on and off the basketball. He’s able to get deflections and challenge shots without fouling, and he absolutely sets the tone on both ends in whatever game he plays in.
Gilbert Brown | 6’0” G | Menchville 2020
Brown plays in a backcourt that’s very talented and athletic so he has to find ways to be impactful, and the biggest way he does that is on the defensive end. He’s a relentless defender who can guard the ball the length of the floor, and he has quick hands that allow him to get deflections and force turnovers. He’s good off the ball as well where he can read the play and jump passing lanes well, and he’s a guy who comes up with a ton of steals for his team.
Tyler Henderson | 5’8” PG | LC Bird 2020
Henderson is in my opinion the most pesky defender on this list, as he will stay in ball handlers all game long and make them uncomfortable. While he isn’t the biggest guy he gets underneath bigger guards and makes it tough for them to put it on the deck, and he’s a guy who’s also adept at sliding in help side to take charges or swipe at bigs and knock the ball loose. He’s the definition of a tone setter and never seems to get tired as he’s an all-out guy on both ends of the floor.
Zy’Ever Wingfield | 6’3” WF | Henrico 2020
Wingfield was born to be a lock down perimeter defender with his frame, length and athleticism. The 6’3” wing has a massive wingspan that allows him to bother defenders, he’s a great leaper that allows him to challenge shots and rebound on the defensive end and he has a great mentality on that end too. He doesn’t mind exerting energy to deny guys full court and he relishes in the opportunity to lock up the best wing scorer on the other team, something he does often for the Warriors.
Jaylani Darden | 6’3” G | Norview 2021
Much has been made about Darden’s improvement on the offensive end and rightfully so as he’s become a much better shooter this season to round out his ability to be a playmaker in transition and when driving the lane. One thing that’s often overlooked with him though is his ability to be a very versatile defender with his length, athleticism and great feel on that end. He’s always in help where he can challenge shots or take charges, he’s great at reading things in traps and presses and jumping passing lanes and he has good lateral quickness that allows him to stay in front off the bounce.
Knassir “Dug” McDaniel | 5’9” PG | Paul VI 2022
The next in a long list of talented PVI guards, McDaniel has shown up in almost every big game this year for the Panthers whether he shoots it well or not because he’s a menace on the defensive end. He has a great feel for the game at the point guard spot, and that translates to the defensive end as well where he sets the tone by getting underneath ball handlers and making them uncomfortable throughout the game. He has lightning quick hands and good feet, and he forces a lot of turnovers with his energy on that end.
Kenyon Giles | 5’8” PG | Oscar Smith 2022
Giles is having a breakout sophomore campaign as the leading scorer for Oscar Smith, and while his smooth shooting is often the topic of conversation what many fail to realize is how fundamental he is on both ends of the floor. He moves his feet well and stays in front on the basketball, he reads things well in the press and his rotations in the half court defensively are great as well. While he isn’t the biggest or most athletic guy he does things the right way which makes it very difficult and frustrating for the opposition.
Quanye Veney | 5’9” PG | Highland Springs 2022
A natural athlete that’s a standout on the football field as well, Veney brings that same mentality he has as a defensive back to the basketball court where he’s a lock down defender. He’s a physical guy who will body up and doesn’t back down, he has quick hands and good feet, he’s a ball hawk who looks like he’s been shot out of a cannon and he can turn defense into offense very quickly. He’s at a school where football reigns supreme but he can get down and dirty with the best of them on the court as well.
Nicholas Booker-Nelson | 5’8” PG | Church Hill Academy 2023
If you don’t know about Booker-Nelson yet, it won’t take long for you to hear about him moving forward. The 5’8” guard plays with a toughness you can’t teach and the heart of a lion, especially on the defensive end where he’ll hound ball handlers all day and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body either. He’s a guy who’s all out all the time, and when he’s guarding someone it’s a long night for them.