NCHSAA CAP 6 Conference: Standout Defenders
With a strong emphasis on scoring in today’s high school basketball landscape, it is hard to find a guy who takes pride in playing good, solid defense. What’s even harder is to find a guy who can do both. I…
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Continue ReadingWith a strong emphasis on scoring in today’s high school basketball landscape, it is hard to find a guy who takes pride in playing good, solid defense. What’s even harder is to find a guy who can do both. I found five. And they’re all in one of the NCHSAA’s most competitive conferences, the CAP 6. I guess it’s true; public school guys are just different. Let’s dive into some of the best defenders Wake County has to offer.
The name matches the game. Gift Moses Gift Moses 6’6″ | SF Enloe | 2024 State NC is one of the most talented rim protectors I’ve seen all season. He wrapped up a strong junior year for Enloe High School in Raleigh, N.C. averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The 6’6” wing is a problem in the paint. He’s long, he’s quick, and he’s as athletic as they come. What sets him apart is his commitment on defense. He’s vocal on ball screens, takes pride in boxing out, and gets grown-man rebounds. Real good at running the fast break off of misses. Can make the right outlet pass, take it up himself, or run the floor to get an easy bucket. Good team player. Even better team leader. A guy who freshmen can learn from and coaches can teach. Gift Moses Gift Moses 6’6″ | SF Enloe | 2024 State NC is a guy you’ll hear more of as we get closer to 2023-2024.
Known as Big O within the Enloe locker room, Owen Pedersen Owen Pedersen 6’4″ | SG Enloe | 2024 State NC is one of the most lethal 3-and-D guys in the CAP 6. At 6’4”. the junior is a stellar wing defender, and when called upon, can step up and compete down low. What he lacks in height he makes up in heart in the paint. He’s physical. He’s scrappy. He’s a competitor. When Big O’s battling down low, good things are usually in store for the Eagles. Has a real strong frame. Uses his body effectively to match up against taller big’s. Keep’s his hands up when contesting shots. Get’s low and boxes out hard. Runs the floor well and can get hit the deep ball out in transition. Expect Owen Pedersen Owen Pedersen 6’4″ | SG Enloe | 2024 State NC to battle his way through the CAP 6 all 2023-2024.
Highlights
Manning Lasso
Manning Lasso
Manning Lasso is arguably the most athletic guy in the CAP-6. As a star wideout from August-October and starting power forward from February, this dual athlete is one of the staples of Broughton’s athletic success. Lasso’s energy on the defensive end of the floor gives him an edge 9 times out of 10. He’s loud, he’s in your face, and he makes big-time plays down low. Plays really solid man defense. Get’s a hand in the passing lane often for steals which accounts for easy fast break buckets. Discipline in a zone. Gets to the rim as soon as the shot goes up. Lasso’s presence on the defensive end made Broughton a tough team to play this season.
Alex Fanney
Alex Fanney
At 6’4″, 190 lbs, Alex Fanney is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end of the floor. He really gets after when on the ball. Moves his feet really well. Surprisingly smooth footwork for someone his height and season. Plays really well on the block. Can compete with and contest guys who have a couple of inches on him. Keeps the ball high when he gets a rebound. Has great court vision when making an outlet pass. Can take it coast to coast if need be. Fanney is one of the guys who represent the tough, gritty style of play that is Cardinal Gibbons basketball.
Patrick Dalton
Patrick Dalton
Patrick Dalton is a guy who can really shoot the three and defend. His presence down low was a huge key to Sanderson’s defensive success in 2022-2023. As a taller wing, he can defend 1-5. Fierce beneath the basket. Does a solid job of jumping with guys driving to the lane without fouling. Get’s a ton of easy, clean blocks. Can really get out and run. Has great lateral quickness. Plays great help defense. Has a good feel for where the ball and his man are at all times. Dalton is the kind of guy his coaches appreciate and opposing coaches dread.