Montgomery County’s Top-10 On-Ball Defenders

<p>Who are the top on-ball defenders currently attending school in Montgomery County? 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 top on-ball defenders from MoCo. 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>Aidan Camper | Sandy Spring ’22</h5> <p>As Sandy Spring’s lead guard, Camper’s biggest selling point has to be his on-ball defense. He’s solid at the point of attack, and when he’s making shots on offense, that helps him get going on defense.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="775333" first="Cole" last="Hanin"] | Bullis ’21</h5> <p>Calling Hanin a menace on defense would be an understatement. He excels at pressuring the ball and getting under opposing ball-handlers, leaving them with little room to operate.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="836524" first="Antoine" last="Jacks"] | Good Counsel ’21</h5> <p>Jacks set the tone defensively early and often for the Falcons this season. He was often seen picking up full court, turning his man several times in the backcourt, and flat-out taking the ball from foes at times. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="837969" first="Iyan" last="Johnson Jr."] | Kennedy ’22</h5> <p>Johnson is a tenacious on-ball defender. He’s super quick and active. This helps Johnson stay in front and make things difficult for his opponents. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902037" first="Kordell" last="Lewis"] | Richard Montgomery ’21</h5> <p>Lewis is an alpha-dog type competitor who gives max effort, especially on the defensive end. He takes pride in shutting down whoever he’s matched up with each time he steps on the court.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="712742" first="Bez" last="Mbeng"] | Good Counsel ’21</h5> <p>Mbeng’s continuous improvement defensively has been key in his team’s improvement over the years. His length, athleticism, and determination are three things that give him an edge on that end of the floor. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="775314" first="Erik" last="Reynolds"] | Bullis ’21</h5> <p>One thing that stands out when you watch Reynolds play is how hard he competes on defense. He’s an aggressive all-around player who is vigilant on that end of the floor and can shut down his matchup in a given contest.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="904654" first="Bryce" last="Sewell"] | Georgetown Prep ’22</h5> <p>Sewell is an extremely active defender who is often seen picking his man up full court. He gives commendable effort on both ends of the court, but it’s his due diligence defensively that has helped him earn the confidence of his coaches.  </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="902063" first="Mandela" last="Tarke"] | Gaithersburg ’21</h5> <p>Tarke is a defensive-minded guard who frequently frustrates those he’s matched up with. He’s highly coordinated, active, and adept at using his length to distort passing lanes and swipe at the ball without fouling.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="836508" first="Nurideen" last="Taylor"] | Clarksburg ’21</h5> <p>A sneaky athlete who is a strong on-ball defender, Taylor is the type of player you love to have on your team, but hate to play against. He enjoys making things difficult for his assignment on each possession.</p>