2021-22 Preview: Elite Defenders

<p>Wisconsin is loaded with high-level scorers, but not everyone can bring the same influence and star power on the defensive end. Below PHW highlights some of the top defenders in the state.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1043748" first="Ethan" last="Wall-Atim"] - Notre Dame De La Baie Academy:<br /> Wall-Atim was a blip on our radar up until this summer, where he took off as a defensive stalwart on Team 1848. The forward can shift throughout the position, realistically able to guard the 1-5. He’s versatile because of his frame and how he uses it. He's shrewd with his physicality, too, as he's able to bring just enough pressure with his size to drive out attackers, wall-up against centers, and clear out the paint.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="865834" first="Amari" last="Jedkins"] - Racine Case:<br /> Jedkins’ defensive reputation has solidified throughout the past few years. He’s a bouncy, lengthy forward that can protect the rim with excellent timing and skill. However, his most appealing defensive traits are his hands and awareness. He’s 6’7”, but thrives playing at the top of the key where he can jump gaps and pick pockets. He's a target for schools looking for a versatile wing, especially one that’s capable of playing at a big-time D1 program.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="865837" first="Chevalier" last="Emery Jr"]. - Neenah:<br /> Neenah built their defensive unit around his consistency and motor on defense. Emery picked up top guards from around the state, not shying away from any challenge. He neutralized games by keeping opposing backcourts at bay. His lateral quickness is elite, and he’s active with his hands by swiping at the ball and making guards uncomfortable. His energy is noted in every game he plays, and even though that doesn’t get marked on the stat sheet, it builds momentum for his team.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="865839" first="Darrien" last="Long"] - Racine Horlick:<br /> A pure athlete with some of the best hops in the state. He’ll grab your attention with rim-rattling dunks, but he’s just as eye-catching on defense. Long is a physical rim protector that is difficult to attack and finish against. Outside the paint, Long is mobile and able to guard any frontcourt player. His hands are quick, and he can rack up steals when he traps guards in a zone situation. He’ll rip the ball from bigger players, too, and he likes to get into transition whenever he can.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1041690" first="Miles" last="Nation"] - Nicolet:<br /> A long wingspan is a prized asset in basketball, and Nation proves that through his defensive play. He’s a 6’5” small forward, and he typically picks up the opposing team’s biggest players. He walls up nicely, staying sturdy and straight-up when defending in the paint. It’s not often a player shoots over him, his timing and active hands swat away layups with ease.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1018019" first="Amillion" last="Buggs"] - Wausau West<br /> After watching his film, Buggs is clearly a better, more well-rounded prospect than he was when I last watched him two summers ago. He’s a gifted athlete with incredible leaping ability. He looks stronger and taller than he did before, which has really translated on the defensive end. Buggs governs the paint with his athleticism, swatting shots and defending post-feeds. This is a defensive article, but his offense looks stellar, too.</p>