Class 4A Leading Returning Shot Blockers

<p><strong>1.) 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1158260" first="Ruot" last="Bijiek"] (Valley) - 34</strong></p> <p>A long and springy 6-8 forward who is almost a prototype for a modern-day stretch-forward, Bijiek blocked nearly 2 shots a game last year for the Tigers, and should block even more this year. He holds a handful of mid-major offers, and his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor make him a very coveted prospect who has some high-majors eyeing him as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/117-Traijen-Sain-crop-2004x1316-1610572845.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1115610" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/117-Traijen-Sain-crop-2004x1316-1610572845-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>2.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="956880" first="Traijan" last="Sain"] (Cedar Rapids Washington) - 30</strong></p> <p>A long and athletic wing, Sain uses his incredible length to his advantage, contesting shots against the smaller players that he's capable of defending and blocking them. He's a versatile player on both ends of the floor, showing the ability to switch defensively and score from all three levels on the other end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/Josh-Dix.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1224660" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/06/Josh-Dix-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="188" /></a>3.) 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="682266" first="Josh" last="Dix"] (Council Bluffs Lincoln) - 30</strong></p> <p>One of the most coveted wing prospects in the Midwest, Dix holds a handful of Big Ten offers. A 6-5 wing with a high IQ and great length, he's a smart defender who doesn't take chances and does a great job turning his defense into offense on the other end of the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4.) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1171694" first="Tyron" last="Wright"] (Des Moines East) - 25</strong></p> <p>Wright was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last year, leading 4A in rebounding and showing that he can protect the rim as well. He's raw and has a lot of learning to do, but there is a ton of potential in this young 6-6 big man with great athleticism.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Cam-Fens1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1187837" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Cam-Fens1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>5.) 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1055294" first="Cameron" last="Fens"] (Hempstead) - 24</strong></p> <p>A 6-10 big man who is a really strong all-around defender, showing a knack for defending in the pick-and-roll, Fens will be the focal point for the Mustangs on both ends of the floor this year. His mobility and rim protection will make him a coveted prospect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>6.) 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="962490" first="Eli" last="Raridon"] (Valley) - 22</strong></p> <p>The Notre Dame football commit is also a beast on the hardwood, ranking among the top returning scorers in the class as well. He's a fantastic athlete with a big, physical frame that he uses to dominate the painted area on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>7.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1240100" first="Lucas" last="Weiner"] (Clinton) - 17</strong></p> <p>The River Kings won just a single game last year, but Weiner was a pleasant surprise as a sophomore, averaging 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds while also leading the team in blocks.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>8.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1167706" first="Lucas" last="Lueth"] (Ames) - 15</strong></p> <p>Lueth was a solid role player late in the year last season for the Little Cyclones, and should emerge as a strong defender this year. He has excellent length, moves his feet well, and does a good job contesting without fouling.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>9.) 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1234980" first="Noah" last="Pettinger"] (Hempstead) - 14</strong></p> <p>Another Mustang on this list, Pettinger was a solid role player off the bench last year who should step into a bigger role as a senior. The 6-3 forward rebounds and defends well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>10.) 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1167737" first="Shakur" last="Wright"] (Waterloo East) - 14</strong></p> <p>Wright is a springy 6-3 athlete who also does a great job crashing the offensive glass hard. If the Trojans are going to be improved this season, Wright will need to be a big piece of that on both ends.</p>