January Recap: Most Outstanding Seniors (Shot Blocker Edition)
Muiz Taiwo | Power Forward/Center | Arlington Newman International Academy | C/o ’22 Muiz Taiwo is a true rim protector who’s currently leading the Warriors in blocks with an average of 3.5 swats per game this season. Throughout January, Taiwo…
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Continue ReadingMuiz Taiwo | Power Forward/Center | Arlington Newman International Academy | C/o ’22
Muiz Taiwo is a true rim protector who’s currently leading the Warriors in blocks with an average of 3.5 swats per game this season. Throughout January, Taiwo played his role to perfection, producing 32 blocks with a month high of 6 in a single game, including multiple 3 or more block performances. The senior postman stands tall at 6-foot-8-inches waiting in the center of the paint for anyone that dares to come inside. Phenomenal length, his wingspan allows him to easily deflect throws in the passing lanes and a standing reach that disrupts shooters and alters interior shots on a consistent basis. As of late, Taiwo has done an awesome job of staying out of foul trouble and going for blocks with both arms held high. Muiz is such a lengthy player with great timing that he rarely has to leave the ground to effect a shot attempt. This prospect has flown under the radar but he continues to show the potential to improve a team at the next level in need of size and height on the defensive end.
Brian Anunne | Power Forward | Fort Bend Austin HS | C/o ’22
While evaluating Brian Anunne’s game you’ll quickly notice that defense and the willingness to compete are his best attributes. Anunne put his elite effort on full display when facing off against Fort Bend Elkins, challenging everything and everyone at the rim. Fearless in the post, not afraid to jump with the best of them. The 6-foot-5 athletic forward showcased terrific timing each time he blocked a dunk attempt or chased a shot all the way to the basket where he either swatted the ball off the backboard, out of bounds, or in the opposite direction. His timing was uncanny, good body control, and very acrobatic with the way he twist and turns mid-air. Anunne also did a fantastic job of using utilizing his length and leaping ability to make contact with the ball the moment it left his opponent’s hand.
Clarence Jackson | Center | Killeen Memorial Christian Academy | C/o ‘22
Clarence Jackson has been one of the top senior shot-blocking postmen in the state, picking up a ridiculous number of swats game to game. Currently, Jackson sits at nearly 50 blocks on the season, averaging over 2 blocks per contest with a season-high of 8 in a game against Sterling Classical School. There isn’t a game that goes by where Clarence Jackson doesn’t make his presence felt by effectively defending the rim. This 6-foot-5-inch unsigned senior is constantly in the position to send a shot away or deflect a pass thrown in his area. Good active hands, great timing, and a high motor.
Ray De Leon | Guard | Edinburg Economedes HS | C/o ’22
Not only has Ray De Leon been an absolute monster on the offensive end, but he’s also standing out as a freak of nature on the defensive end as well. This 6-foot-3-inch guard is one of the top leading shot blockers in the state with over 130 swats to his name. De Leon easily produces nearly 4 blocks per game, a very reliable defender, if he’s on the court you can expect his defensive prowess to stand out in a major way. In January, Ray made blocking shots look easy as he swatted away 27 attempts, making this aspect of the game appear extremely easy. Senior prospect, Ray De Leon continues to be the ultimate stat sheet stuffer with a motor to lead a team in every statistical category on both ends of the floor.
Landon Keck | Center | Dilley HS | C/o ’22
Landon Keck stood out as one of the more underrated shot blockers of his class, he’s someone that sends shots flying let and right game in and game out. Standing at only 6-foot-3, Keck proved to be such a remarkable rim protector that he produced a triple-double with blocks, going for 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks, a rare stat line on any level of basketball. This two sports athlete uses his football athleticism to wreak havoc on his opponents defensively. Keck’s vertical leap, anticipation for the ball, hand-eye coordination, and physicality has been unmatched and uncontainable throughout the entirety of this season.