By the Numbers-Governor's Challenge Top Rebounders

The 40th annual Governor's Challenge took place in Salisbury, MD last week welcoming 110 teams to compete. I was in attendance for the final three days where there were some impressive offensive outings put on by several prospects. Thankfully to Ballstar keeping track of all stats throughout the week, it makes it easier to highlight those prospect with some tangible numbers. For this article, we'll look at the prospects who topped the charts in the rebounding category.   [player_tooltip player_id='957018' first='Amani' last='Hansberry'] | Mt. St. Joe '23 (Illinois)   Rebounds per game: 11.5   The future Illinois big has established himself as one of the best rebounders since the summer while playing on the EYBL Circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant']. He does a great job of establishing position with leverage and using his plus length to go with his 6'7 frame to pursue rebounds in and out of his area. Hansberry helped lead the Gaels to two wins in their two games against Pittsburgh Central Catholic and St. Stephen's St. Agnes   Steven Ndingue | Winston Churchill '24   Rebounds per game: 11.5   Ndingue can be classified as an undersized forward who brings a bigger presence than his listed 6'5 height. He's a vicious rebounder that gets his hands on the ball and immediately rips it to his chest to prevent any sneaky guards from poking it loose. Churchill went 1-1 on their trip to Salisbury with a big win over Gwynn Park and a loss to Patriot.   [player_tooltip player_id='1573230' first='Favor' last='Okigweh'] | Parkville '23   Rebounds per game: 11   Okigweh has taken on the challenge of being the important anchor for this undefeated Parkville squad. Although he stands just 6'5-6'6, Okigweh has the bounce, length and instincts to control the glass particularly at the defensive end. He also has a quick second jump that was displayed when he'd contest a shot at the rim, quickly turn and elevate while tracking the potential miss.   [player_tooltip player_id='1339892' first='Julian' last='Rivera'] | Highland School '24   Rebounds per game:   Rivera is always a fun player to watch because of the effort and motor that he brings every possession. There's a reason why he's the only 6'0 player on this list and it comes down to the pure toughness, determination and grit that Rivera brings. On multiple occasions, he sprinted to long rebounds and acts as if every loose ball belongs to him. If the ball looks like it may bounce out of bounds, Rivera doesn't mind giving up his body for a diving save. His energy is infectious.   Ryder Walter | Hereford   Rebounds per game: 10   Hereford went 1-1 in their two games with a win over North Caroline and a loss to Fairmont Heights. Walter translates his physicality from the lacrosse field over to the hardwood and is a consistent presence on the glass despite being 6'4 and having to man down the paint. He provides effort on both ends and helps produce second-chance opportunities for both himself and his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='962805' first='Darrel' last='Johnson'] | Highland Schools '23 (Mt. Olive)   Rebounds per game: 9   It was my first time seeing Johnson and I walked away pleased with his dedication to both sides of the ball. Combine his effort with his 6'5 strong athletic frame and you have a guy who can fill up the stat sheet in multiple ways. He did that for Highland in their two wins over John Carroll and Maret. Mt. Olive is getting a good prospect who should put together a productive college career as he continues to polish his game.   Debaba Tschiebwe | Pittsburgh Central Catholic '23   Rebounds per game: 9   It shouldn't come to much of a surprise to see this name included when you consider Debaba is the younger brother of current Kentucky big and last year's National Player of the Year in Oscar Tschiebwe. Debaba is 6'7 with the build of a linebacker or defensive end. He brings the physicality whenever the ball is in the air in order to give himself a chance at being the one to pull down a miss. That goes for the offensive or defensive end. His team went 1-1 in their two games with a loss to Mt. St. Joe and a win over John Carroll.

The 40th annual Governor's Challenge took place in Salisbury, MD last week welcoming 110 teams to compete. I was in attendance for the final three days where there were some impressive offensive outings put on by several prospects. Thankfully to Ballstar keeping track of all stats throughout the week, it makes it easier to highlight those prospect with some tangible numbers. For this article, we'll look at the prospects who topped the charts in the rebounding category.