Holiday Break Check-In: Top 10 1A Shot Blockers
In this article:
1.) 2023 Jackson Newell Jackson Newell 6'8" | C Madrid | 2023 IA (Madrid) – 6.7 blocks per game Newell is a 6-8 shot-blocking extraordinaire for the Tigers. He uses his length really well on the defensive end, covering a…
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Continue Reading1.) 2023 Jackson Newell Jackson Newell 6'8" | C Madrid | 2023 IA (Madrid) – 6.7 blocks per game
Newell is a 6-8 shot-blocking extraordinaire for the Tigers. He uses his length really well on the defensive end, covering a ton of ground to block shots both on his man and as a help defender. He isn’t a major offensive threat, averaging 9.6 points a game, but he provides a lot of value with his rim protection and rebounding (12.5).
2.) 2023 Owen Suntken (Melcher-Dallas) – 6.2
A big, strong 6-4 forward, Suntken leads the Saints in scoring (18.3), rebounding (9.5), and blocks. He has good hands and does a nice job using his size advantage to contest shots without getting into foul trouble.
3.) 2023 Daniel Tobiloba Daniel Tobiloba 7'0" | C Grand View Christian | 2023 State IA (Grand View Christian) – 5.9
Tobiloba is the biggest defensive game-changer in 1A basketball, an athletic 7-footer who alters game plans and blocks a ton of shots. He has great timing as a shot blocker and does a good job staying out of foul trouble, something that other players on this countdown struggle with at times.
4.) 2024 Titus Barber (Murray) – 4.5
Barber is in the midst of a breakout junior year, turning himself from a role player as a sophomore into a star as a junior, averaging a team-high 14.4 points and 9.3 rebounds on 53% shooting. The 6-7 big man has been great on both ends of the floor for the Mustangs, providing them with much-needed size.
5.) 2023 Cody Graber (WACO) – 4.1
The Warriors have been dominant once again on the defensive end, allowing just 32.4 points a game, and the 6-6 Graber has been a huge part of that success, making it very difficult for opponents to score around the rim. He’s a strong, physical presence with great timing and instincts as a shot blocker.
6.) 2024 Hunter Hillman Hunter Hillman 6'6" | C Saint Ansgar | 2024 State IA (Saint Ansgar) – 4.1
Hillman is a physical 6-4 forward who does a great job using his size and strength to control the paint on both ends of the floor, averaging 14.9 points (55% shooting) and 8.6 rebounds while also dominating as a shot blocker.
7.) 2025 Justus Voss (Harris-Lake Park) – 3.5
The Wolves have played just two games due to a number of weather cancellations, but the 6-7 sophomore has been impressive in those two contests, averaging 11 points and 5.5 rebounds. He’s a mobile big man who is starting to put everything together for HLP.
8.) 2023 Koleson Evans Koleson Evans 6'6" | SF West Harrison | 2023 State IA (West Harrison) – 3.1
A 6-6 combo forward who is among the most intriguing small-school prospects in the state, Evans provides versatility on the defensive end with his size, length, and athleticism. He can hold his own on the perimeter and has the size and strength to bang in the paint. He’s also a talented offensive weapon who is shooting 45% from behind the arc.
9.) 2024 Qwintyn Vanatta (Essex) – 3.0
The 6-4 junior leads the Trojans in scoring (14.7), rebounding (12.5), and blocks, using his size effectively on both ends of the floor. He’s the team’s most efficient offensive weapon and has been dominant in the paint on both ends of the floor, pulling down over five offensive rebounds a game.
10.) 2023 Corbin Lewis (North Butler) – 2.9
A 6-5 forward who has been a major contributor for all four years at North Butler, Lewis is putting together a strong senior season for the Bearcats, averaging 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists a game in addition to his rim protection.