New England's Under-the-Radar Defenders

Today, we move forward with our Under-the-Radar series with a focus on some of New England's best defenders.   These prospects come from within New England's six state associations and are primer for big seasons this winter.    Jamal, an electric guard out of Deering, is one of the top on-ball defenders in the MPA. A standout on both ends of the floor, Jamal's play this summer now has him on the radar of college coaches throughout New England. He's terrific at the point of attack, hounding opposing ball handlers with his quick hands and ability to move well laterally. He isn't afraid to pick up full court and does a great job of beating opponents to their spots. He covers ground quickly from the help side and does a great job of being active in passing lanes off the ball. He does a good job of guarding both perimeter spots and should be able to do so at the next level as well. He's a well-rounded prospect that makes an impact on the offensive end of the floor as a facilitator and three level scorer. He should be one of Deering's top performers this winter and has a chance to be among the MPA's best as well.     Bory, an impressive athlete at Manchester Memorial, stands out in the NHIAA as one of the most athletic guards in the state. A physically build guard, Bory does a good job of making an impact on both ends of the floor. One of the state's top athletes, he does a great job of being physical with opposing ball handlers, without fouling. He's quick laterally, does a great job of keeping the ball in front of him, and is capable of guarding the ball in the open floor. His effort level on the defensive end is always high and his motor, athleticism, and physicality allow him to be a strong rebounder from the guard spot. Offensively, he's best off the ball as a scorer, getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim. Manchester Memorial has a chance to be really good this winter and if they are, Bory will be a big reason why.     Ibidapo, a stready riser in our rankings over the last year, may be the most versatile defender in the RIIL. With his impressive combination of positional size, athleticism, and length, Ibidapo has the ability to guard up and down a lineup. He's one of the best athletes at the forward position in the region and combines that with impressive physical gifts to be a high level rebounder and shot blocker. While he makes a big impact in the paint, he's capable of sliding onto the perimeter and keeping opposing guards in front of him. He utilizes his length to his advantage as a rebounder and creates plenty of steals and deflections off the ball. Offensively, he is a strong offensive rebounder and does a great job of running the floor in transition. Shea has the talent to be among the RIIL's best this winter, and if they are, Ibidapo will have a big role.     Sutton, a heady lead guard at Hillhouse, stands out in the CIAC with his ability to take over games on both ends of the floor. A bigger guard, Sutton has proven capable of being a lockdown defender at multiple spots on the floor. One of the top floor generals in Connecticut, he makes just as big of an impact on the defensive end of floor as he does the offensive. He has terrific positional size, does a good job of sitting in a stance and moving his feet, and rebounds the position well. He's a high IQ defender that is regularly in the right position off the ball, can read the play in advance, and doesn't take unnecessary gambles. He's tough on the ball, can slide up and guard bigger wings, and won't take plays off on that end of the floor. He's a well rounded prospect on the offensive end of the floor, capable of running an offense and getting his own buckets when needed. He should contend for all-state honors in the CIAC and will look to lead Hillhouse on a deep playoff run this winter.     Dankert, a high academic prospect out of Bourne, might be the most versatile prospect in the MIAA. A bigger wing, Dankert has the ability to play inside and out, on both ends of the floor, and impresses with his willingness to take on any role needed for his team to win. His versatility shines through on the defensive end of the floor as he's able to move his feet on the perimeter, make plays off the ball, and defend in the post without fouling. He's a terrific defensive rebounder that can single handedly control the glass. He's capable of playing in a variety of coverages in ball screens, knows how to utilizes his length to his advantage in switches, and is a vocal presence on that end of the floor. He's a terrific connector on the offensive end of the floor, showing the ability to score from multiple levels, move the ball quickly, and crash the glass for extra possessions. Bourne will look to make another deep run this winter and Dankert will look to cement himself as one of the MIAA's top prospects.

Today, we move forward with our Under-the-Radar series with a focus on some of New England's best defenders.