Top-5’s in 2022: Defenders

<p>With the possibility of losing the entire AAU season this year, I will mention all 104 sophs ranked. </p> <p>I like to take a look at my annual “Top-5’s”.</p> <p>Every player has their 1 skill they usually excel at.   </p> <p>It’s just a fun way to take a look at players’ elite skills in different categories. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We move over to the 9 players who are top-tier defenders. These are the players that can lock you up on the perimeter and/or shut you down inside the paint. </p> <p>Here are the Top-5:</p> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id="701264" first="Jayden" last="Warren"] (Sunnyslope)</p> <p>-A strong and longer wing defender who can defend the 1-4. He is a warrior inside to defend and on the perimeter. </p> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id="827004" first="Blessing" last="Nwotite"] (Paradise Honors)</p> <p>-An athletic defender can defend the 1-4 as well. He is a quick-twitched athlete and is on the same level as Warren. </p> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id="936762" first="Luke" last="Gavin"] (Pinnacle)</p> <p>-A true diamond as he doesn't get a lot of recognition and was easily their top defender on the ball. He has good lateral quicks and strength.  </p> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id="826997" first="Foune" last="Doucoure"] (St. Mary’s)<strong> (Pictured) </strong></p> <p>-Sat the year out due to transfer rules, but will definitely break out next year backing up Bear Cherry. There are not many stronger inside to defend the post and he will be a force on the glass. </p> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id="936766" first="Marcus" last="Jones"] (Sunrise Mountain) </p> <p>-A super long athlete who is another quick-twitched athlete. Was a JV stud and should prove it on varsity next year. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>4-more:</p> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id="827034" first="Noe" last="Vargas"] (Rancho Solano Prep)</p> <p>-An athletic wing who can defend the 1-3. He transferred over from Shadow Mountain and got better as the season went on.  </p> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id="827035" first="Shamar" last="Moore"] (Peoria)</p> <p>-A crowded back court for the Panthers didn't give him heavy minutes, but enough to realize he can defend with strength and length.   </p> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id="827043" first="Joshon" last="Person"] (Apollo)</p> <p>-A long and very strong wing has good quickness to keep his opponents in front of him.  </p> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id="827051" first="Jamison" last="Crispin"] (Chandler) </p> <p>-A high motored guard is an outstanding on-ball defender. </p>