2024-25 Season Recap: Defensive Difference Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we have all had time to take a breath after a long and exciting High School Basketball Season, it's time to take a look at some notable prospects before our focus fully shifts to the Grassroots Season. Next, let's dive into some of the top Defensive Difference Makers. These players put up strong campaigns thanks to their efforts on the defensive end of the floor including rim protection, perimeter defending, and hustle plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1372628' first='Amarion' last='Wilson'] (Bridges Prep) - Leading off my 2024-25 Defensive Difference Makers is [player_tooltip player_id='1372628' first='Amarion' last='Wilson']. He had a terrific Senior Season at Bridges Prep, leading the state in both Rebounds Per Game (16.4) and Blocks Per Game (6.6), according to MaxPreps. Amarion was a physical mismatch for most 2A opponents, using his size to affect the game on both ends of the floor. But on the defensive end, his strength and athletic advantages are crucial to his ability to protect the rim and clean the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1749270' first='Stetson' last='Stack'] (North) - Stack makes this group thanks to his state-high 5.5 Steals Per Game in 2024-25. Stetson had a solid Senior Season, collecting his second consecutive Region Player of the Year Award while leading his team to the same amount of Region Championships. Stack brings elite quickness and aggressiveness to the basketball court, allowing him to stay in front of ball-handlers and force turnovers. He is also a standout baseball player at North. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2027732' first='Lance' last='Henderson'] (Broome) - Next up on the list of South Carolina's Defensive Difference Makers is Broome's [player_tooltip player_id='2027732' first='Lance' last='Henderson']. He may not be your traditional lockdown perimeter defender with glaring size and athleticism, but Henderson plays the game at a high level and gets the job done with tough and intelligent play. Lance led South Carolina in charges drawn, taking a remarkable 2.2 per game. This allowed the Centurions to play great team defense in transition and the half-court, led by Lance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1848085' first='Mark' last='Caslaru'] (Catawba Ridge) - Mark made the cross-city move to Catawba Ridge this offseason and progressed into one of the state's top interior defenders. He finished top five in Blocks Per Game at 3.4, which allowed the Copperheads to take more chances around the perimeter. At 6'9", Caslaru has elite length and uses it well by staying vertical and keeping the ball high and away from defenders after securing it on the glass. He averaged 12.5 PPG and 9.0 RPG to go with his stellar rim-protection numbers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1875715' first='Toian' last='Nabriat'] (North Augusta) - Rounding on my list of Defensive Difference Makers from the 2024-25 Season is Toain Nabriat. Nabriat was a key figure on North Augusta's 26-2 Lower-State Championship team because of his ability to guard the opponent's best scorer on a nightly basis, including their State Championship encounter with Lancaster. Toian has a nice combination of length, size, and quickness which allow him to move his feet and guard 1-3, forcing tough shots and turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->