Mike’s Takes: Best Defenders (South Florida)

<p>They say offense wins games, defense wins championships.</p> <p>While I think that adage is very anecdotal; a good defensive game plan can make a huge difference. </p> <p>I saw/viewed many prospects over the past several months and here are some that did it the best. *Note* This list will comprise players from the Class of 2025-2023.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1306091" first="Jeremy" last="Elyzee"] - Flanagan</p> <p>2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1306091" first="Jeremy" last="Elyzee"] has all the tools to be an elite defender. The 6-foot-9 prospect has the strength of an everyday forward and athleticism of a guard. Elyzee can handle his own against multiple positions. He averaged over 13 rebounds and nearly five blocks per game while swiping away 84 total steals (3.5 spg). He is just scratching the surface.</p> <p>Jasien Lopez - True North Classical Academy</p> <p>2026 Jason Lopez was an active guard this past season for True North. The 5-foot-10 prospect averaged 4.5 steals per game while collecting 8.1 boards per contest. That’s pretty impressive for a guard, let alone an eight grader. Lopez is showing he’s committed to his defensive craft. Overall, he had eight games with 10 or more rebounds. Lopez also showed his athleticism and patience with 26 rejections.</p> <p>Ricardo Corvil - Somerset Prep North Lauderdale</p> <p>2023 Ricardo Corvil is a prospect that puts himself in good position on defense. The 6-foot-1 forward collected over 14 rebounds per game. Moreover, Corvil grabbed 229 of his 439 boards on the offensive end. Also, he had 105 total steals around the frontcourt. Corvil is tough and persistent on his defensive duties.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1164249" first="Cheikh" last="Sadibou"] - Champagnat Catholic</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1164249" first="Cheikh" last="Sadibou"] already has the size and length for a rim protector. The 6-foot-10 center moves well for his frame and does a good job holding his position. Sadibou plays aggressive while still maintaining a level of patience against post defenders.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] - Westminster Academy</p> <p>I have to put 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] in here for the simple fact that he can wear down an offensive player with his size. Anyone going against Carey with his frame is going to have problems over the course of a game. He will bruise you and take you off your spot for 32 minutes.</p> <p>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</p>