Player Rankings: 10 Best On-Ball Defenders C/O 2022

<p>The class of 2022 rankings were recently released. With over 75 players making the list, it’s our most extensive rankings yet. This class is home to some of the best defensive players in the state. In this article we break down the10 best on ball defenders in the c/o 2022. </p> <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="712123" first="Elijah" last="Johnson"] <em>5’10 PG Durango (#15PHN)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Is there anyone with better lateral quickness when guarding the ball? Johnson can be a pest full court, not worth challenging off the bounce.  </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="859643" first="Shane" last="Thomas"] <em>6’3 SG Durango (#6)</em> - Thomas excels at shutting guys down in 1 on 1 situations. If you’re thinking of isolating your best offensive weapon, I’d advise you do it against someone other than Thomas.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="1044827" first="Anthony" last="Pittman"] <em>6’0 PG Bishop Gorman (#50)</em> - Pittman is a Pittbull. The PG has great lateral quickness and a dogged determination to get underneath and turn ballhandlers. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="928927" first="Jacques" last="Williams Jr"] <em>5’10 PG Arbor View (#37)</em> - Tough to beat off the bounce because of his low center of gravity and foot speed. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="859641" first="Damion" last="Byrd"] <em>5’11 PG SLAM (#12)</em> - Gritty competitor. Underrated upper body strength allows him to absorb contact against drivers without losing ground. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="1020764" first="Donte" last="Turner"] <em>6’3 SF Cimmarron (#29)</em> - One of the most versatile defenders in the class. Can straight switch against high ball screens and not lose ground.  </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="859644" first="Dontrell" last="Johnson"] <em>6’5 PF Bonanza (#13)</em> - Rangy defender that does a good job of using his length to close out against quick perimeter players. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="1020769" first="Dominic" last="Washington"] <em>5’8 PG Green Valley (#67) - </em>Relentless against ballhandlers. Pound for pound one of the toughest defenders in the state. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="985616" first="Trennon" last="Brown"] <em>5’5 PG Canyon Springs (#59)</em> - Defensive specialist that impacts the game with his quick hands. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="1006243" first="Ray" last="Payne"] <em>6’0 CG Eldorado (#66)</em> - Payne isn’t the quickest guard on the list, however he has a strong upper body and terrific understanding of defensive basketball. </li> </ol>