Leading Shot Blockers: 3A Tri-Peaks

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="1048509" first="Nathan" last="Davies"] - Colorado Springs Christian - 2023</p> <p>Davies has been a fundamentally sound forward capable of rolling hard, contesting shots without fouling, and even attacking closeouts. On the year, the 6’6 forward is averaging 18.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per contest. Davies is especially prolific as a roll man, capable of finishing layups with either hand along with contributing on short fades. Davies has been exceptional as a low post and help side defender in the paint, thanks to his fundamental stances allowing him to not foul. The next step for the forward will be improving his free throw consistency as well as his rate of three point attempts, two of the biggest swing factors for Davies' offensive production.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1325651" first="Tristan" last="Jackson"] - Salida - 2023</p> <p>Jackson understands efficiency to a higher degree than most his age, both on offense and defense. At 6’5, the forward plays with poise on defense thanks to his patience and ambidextrous shot blocking instincts. On the year, Jackson is putting up 17.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game while maintaining incredible efficiency through January, contributing 77% of his field goal attempts through January 18th. Due to an injury we have not seen much of Jackson in the past couple weeks, although there is no doubt that Salida’s rebounding has took a major hit in Jackson’s absence.</p> <p>Alexander Niederhauser - Colorado Springs Christian - 2023</p> <p>Headlining the twin towers effort from CSCHS, Niederhauser has proven to not only be an excellent complement to Davies but also adds many strengths to this roster thanks to his hustle, grit, and patience. On the year, Niederhauser is averaging 8.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. Niederhauser brings a steady presence on the defensive end, always staying aware and maintaining an aggressive mindset while on the floor. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1162265" first="Trent" last="Johnston"] - La Junta - 2022</p> <p>Johnston has been an excellent roll man as well as a defensive paint presence, Johnston has been a double double threat all year. Johnston is averaging 20.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on incredible percentages of 54% from the field and 74% from the free throw line. Johnston showed out against Pueblo Centennial on 1/17 where he posted 42 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 89% from the floor. Johnston should be one to rise among our rankings down the line. </p> <p>Kevin Weaver Jr. - Banning Lewis Academy - 2022</p> <p>Weaver may not be the same towering defender as the other names on this list, however he takes advantage of opponents by switching with opponents on both the perimeter and inside. Weaver is averaging 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game while standing at roughly 6'3. The simple fact that the guard is putting up 3.8 stocks a game is outstanding and frankly tough to find among 3A high school athletes. </p> <p>Brody McKinney - James Irwin - 2023</p> <p>The other undersized shot blocker within this high stakes 3A division is Brody McKinney who is putting up favorable defensive counting stats. McKinney is up to 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.8 stocks per game, along with five games with three or more blocks and another four games with 3+ steals. Energy and poise stick out the most thanks to his ability to shift his hips quickly and patiently wait to block shot attempts around the rim.</p>