Final Four Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NCAA's Final Four is upon us. Prep Hoops is using that theme to select four outstanding players in a handful of categories. We've looked at four scorers and four stat sheet stuffers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is our Final Four Defenders for 2023 (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1080199"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"An all-around athlete and four-year star, Lafferty developed a reputation as one of the top defenders at the small school level. His combination of physical strength, length at the guard spot and high IQ made him a playmaker at the defensive end. Lafferty averaged 4.5 steals and a block a game as a senior. He led a lock-down defense at Little River that limited opponents to less than 40 points per game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1080185"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"A muscular force, Redic has been advanced physically advanced for his age ever since he appeared in club action several years ago. He can bully opponents in the paint and use his length and hand strength to torment them on the perimeter. He can guard every position, and is a great rebounder for his height. Redic is a playermaker at the defensive end, averaging 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. He was huge in the state tournament, as the Trojans allowed just 46 points to both Maize South and Kapaun.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1454197"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Richardson is arguably the fastest and quickest player in the state. His hands are lightning and he can jump a passing lane in a flash. He defends with attitude, bent on not just shutting down the opponent, but turning him over. Richardson knows defense is the where he can make his biggest impact, and he buys in. He set a tone of the Scots with his grit and playmaking.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1588339"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Here's the rim protector. Wilkins (pictured) got playing time early for the Falcons because he could effectively lock down the back line and rebound. He willingly played that role as a freshman a year ago, intimidating drivers and swatting shots at the rim. He grew as an all-around player as a sophomore and is one of the rising stars in the state. But he still is first-and-foremost a defensive standout with his great combination of length, spring and passion to shut down opponents in the paint.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-642834f3880e8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->