Top Defenders: 2019-20 Season

Collin Parker

March 25, 2020 @ 04:11 PM

This season, elite defenders and two-way prospects dominated across all conferences. These eight, in particular, made a significant enough impact to lead their team and also make noise on the recruiting scene. [player_tooltip player_id="1129756" first="Seth" last="Trimble"] - Menomonee Falls: Trimble’s lateral quickness, swift hands, and scrappiness were key factors in his late surge up the 2022 rankings. The guard averaged 1.4 steals and .9 blocks a game, and because he’s an elite offensive player, he has made his mark as a two-way prospect. Teddy Redman - Stratford: Stratford relied on Redman for versatile backcourt play, his most notable impact coming defensively. Although Stratford played zone occasionally, he could still jump gaps due to his knee-jerk defensive instinct and fast, lengthy first step. [player_tooltip player_id="935422" first="Elijah" last="Lambert"] - Racine St. Catherine’s: Like many on this list, Lambert filled a role perfectly for a top-ranked program. As a frontcourt player with a sturdy frame, he’s strong enough to disrupt attacking guards and go toe to toe with physical centers. He was an asset for Catherine’s, and as an uncommitted senior, he’s a potential asset for any college seeking defensive help. [player_tooltip player_id="880034" first="Selle" last="Dime"] - Gola Meir: At 6’8", Dime has great size, but his shot-blocking gets him on this list. He averaged 4.9 blocks a game this season, leading the state is that category, [player_tooltip player_id="694814" first="Keonte" last="Jones"] - Madison East: Jones is a prototypical defensive stalwart. His freakish length gets in passing lanes and allows him to poke at weak dribbling. He’s likely the defensive player of the year, and because he’s also gifted on the offensive end, he’s a high-potential college prospect. [player_tooltip player_id="881030" first="Jayquon" last="Owens"] - Hortonville: Owens’ motor is always running high, and his instinctive ability to jump passes and lunge at shooters makes him a pest for offenses. His transition defense also stood out at times, as he could slow fast breaks in many ways. [player_tooltip player_id="774515" first="Derek" last="Gray"] - Madison La Follette: Gray is a special defensive talent, as he’s able to badger guards 94 feet and dictate where they go with long lateral strides. His frame, too, allows him to rotate in the paint and deflect shots while also intercepting lob passes into the post.