Best Returning Defensive Players In North Carolina Part 1
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The defensive side of the ball is not glorified within this generation of basketball. However college coaches would love to have the effort of these players below. Great defense always creates even better offense. Samuel Martin Samuel Martin 6'9" |…
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Continue ReadingThe defensive side of the ball is not glorified within this generation of basketball. However college coaches would love to have the effort of these players below. Great defense always creates even better offense.
Samuel Martin Samuel Martin 6'9" | C Apex | 2023 State NC (Apex High) 6’9 2023
Martin has continuously progressed in his high school career, defensively the jump he took does not come at a surprise because he has been such a good raw defender in his underclassmen years. He has gotten a lot more composed and his soft touch scoring at all three levels has been an amazing improvement. The first game of the season his defensive jump was on display, totaling eight blocks and three steals. He is an improving weak-side shot blocker, but his shot blocking ability because of his length makes him a terror at the rim.
Six games with eight blocks or more, averaging almost six on the season. His length gives him the advantage to create havoc in the passing lanes as well, totaling three or more steals in five games this season. Almost averaging two a game, he posses amazing patience under the rim and has the ability to become an even better defender next season.
Keyshawn Adams Keyshawn Adams 6'6" | PF Bessemer City | 2023 State NC ’(Bessemer City) 6’7″ 2023
Adams is an active, lanky defender that has a lot of defensive upside with his intangibles. A quick jumper that can get off the floor, who also has an impressive second jump. His anticipation and hunger for rebounds(14) every time the ball goes up also helps him get a lot of blocks when teams create offensive rebounds. A prototypical 3&D player that has the potential take a serious jump going into his senior year that could lead the Yellow Jackets to a historical year next season.
Randall Pettus Randall Pettus 6'2" | PG Bessemer City | 2023 State NC (Bessemer City) 6’0″ 2023
The teammate of Adams, Pettus were arguably the best defensive duo in the state this past season. His best performance was his triple double against Highland Tech in January totaling 29 points, 10 assists, and 14 steals! Pettus the dual athlete is a tough guard, no pun intended. He gives it to his opponents on both ends of the court. An athletic guard that has quick hands, his defense is exhausting and he has the ability to create havoc on ball and off the ball. weak ball-handlers regardless of position struggle to get past Pettus.
Trent Steinour Trent Steinour 6'10" | C Lake Norman | 2025 State #140 Nation NC (Lake Norman) 6’7″ 2025
The Class of 2025 has so much talent, some players have gone under the radar. Steniour has not been given enough credit for his amazing upside with the intangibles he displayed. Starting as a freshman his growth has been nothing but positive, the future of the reigning GM4 Conference winners is bright with Steinour and teammate Tre McKinnon Tre McKinnon 6'5" | SF Lake Norman High | 2025 State NC . Steinour has elite shot altering ability, good size and is very active on ball and on the weak side as well.
A passionate player that intensity exudes onto the court, he is an assertive player who takes pride in becoming an elite defender. Fifth in blocks in the State, a prototypical 3&D guy, he will continue to become an even better shooter. Really good patience with his shot blocking ability, really good timing on his jumping as well.