DC’s Top-10 Off-Ball Defenders

<p>Who are the top help defenders currently attending school in the Nation’s Capital? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, listed in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the best off-ball defenders from Washington D.C. This is part of a series that will aim to highlight players based on various superlatives.</p> <p><em>Note: these superlative lists will not be mutually exclusive. If someone can handle the ball and do something else (i.e. shoot) at a high level, they will be included in both lists. </em></p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="954246" first="Nasir" last="Best"] | Woodrow Wilson ’21</h5> <p>Best is a versatile guard who impacts the number of ways, particularly on the defensive end. He can guard multiple positions and is a great help defender in part because he is always communicating. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="848406" first="Logan" last="Blair"] | St. John’s ’22</h5> <p>A good athlete who covers ground quickly, Blair is a smart help defender who is always looking to make a play. Since he’s best when able to get out and run, he actively looks to force turnovers and create instant offense on the other end. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="562690" first="Ryan" last="Cornish"] | Sidwell Friends ’21</h5> <p>Cornish is a fearless player who will never hesitate to put his body on the line for the team. He took 22 charges this past season. This is just one stat that shows how effective Cornish can be as a help defender. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="904681" first="Phillip" last="Flegler"] | Theodore Roosevelt ’22</h5> <p>"Lockdown Phil" is not just an excellent on-ball defender. He’s equally effective off the ball because he’s a talker who can read defenses like a pro bowl free safety. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="837925" first="Chris" last="Gamble"] | Sidwell Friends ’22</h5> <p>Gamble is a key cog in Sidwell’s perenially vaunted defense. He’s solid at the point of attack but also knows where to be in help situations. Gamble has taken his fair share of charges and is the type of player you love to have on your team but hate to play against. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902049" first="Kent" last="King"] | Archbishop Carroll ’21</h5> <p>A versatile defender who plays bigger than his listed height of 6-foot-3, King is great at switching in part because he’s so active and alert. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902033" first="Kris" last="King"] | Archbishop Carroll ’21</h5> <p>Like his twin brother Kent, [player_tooltip player_id="902033" first="Kris" last="King"] is a tough defender who can guard multiple positions and switch. King is a reliable communicator as well. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902091" first="Charles" last="McClain"] | KIPP ’21</h5> <p>McClain is a scrappy guard who competes defensively. He’s a vocal presence on the court who brings winning intangibles to the team.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902045" first="DaJuan" last="McMillan"] | Friendship Tech ’21</h5> <p>Known mainly for his offensive talent, McMillan’s defensive impact should not be overshadowed. The 6’0 guard, who plays much bigger, defends both guard spots and is adept at drawing charges. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="904686" first="Sekou" last="Sidbury"] | Dunbar ’22</h5> <p>A long-limbed guard with good defensive potential, Sidbury has active hands and records several deflections throughout each game. He’s a solid team defender who fights for 50/50’s in or out of his area. </p>