Ranking Update 2028: All Around Standout Defenders

In their graduating class, a standout group of defenders has emerged, each bringing unique strengths to the floor and establishing themselves as defensive anchors for their teams. [player_tooltip player_id='2821566' first='Zach' last='Dashiell'] dominates the paint with elite shot-blocking and rim protection, making it nearly impossible for opponents to score inside. Brett Goodrick excels as a help defender, using high IQ and discipline to shut down drives without fouling. Jackson Wheeler brings a physical, football-like toughness to his game, combining strength with savvy intangibles that college programs are quickly taking notice of. [player_tooltip player_id='2401820' first='Fernando' last='Salas'] uses his imposing size and interior presence to alter shots and force teams to settle for low-percentage looks. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='2767021' first='Easton' last='Meyer'], known primarily for his scoring, has shown the athleticism and anticipation to become a highly effective defender, especially in the passing lanes. Together, this group represents the next wave of versatile, high-motor defenders who impact the game beyond the stat sheet and set the tone on the defensive end.    [player_tooltip player_id='2821566' first='Zach' last='Dashiell'] is a prime example of a lockdown paint protector whose presence around the rim alters every opposing offensive possession. Playing for Sterling, Dashiell consistently camps beneath the basket, using his size and timing to challenge shots and accumulate blocks at an impressive rate. He doesn't just contest shots—he erases them, stepping into the paint like a sentry to deter drives and discourage second-chance attempts. His knack for swatting away layups not only racks up the stat sheet but also energizes his teammates and shifts momentum defensively. By dominating the interior, Dashiell gives his squad a reliable shield, allowing perimeter defenders to pressure the ball more aggressively, knowing he's there to clean up when needed. His rebounding prowess complements his shot-blocking, securing possession after creating chaos and launching fast breaks.     Brett Goodrick is the kind of help defender every coach dreams of — unselfish, smart, and always in the right place. He reads the game exceptionally well, cutting off driving lanes, rotating to the weak side effortlessly, and doing so with impeccable discipline. What sets him apart is his ability to elevate his defensive impact without fouling — maintaining perfect positioning, chest-up footwork, and active hands just enough to disrupt offensive flow without drawing whistles. His timing is on point: he jumps into passing lanes, arrives in help-side gaps, and contests shots cleanly — all while staying under the limit on personal fouls.     Jackson Wheeler is a model of defensive grit and physicality, excelling on the basketball court with a toughness that's clearly been sharpened by his football background. His strength and footwork help him lock down opponents, battle through screens, and handle contact in the paint without flinching. Coaches and scouts alike are gravitating toward him—not just for what shows up in the box score, but for the relentless energy, communication, and defensive IQ he brings every night. Wheeler's willingness to dive into help defense, his ability to body up stronger opponents, and the leadership he displays in directing traffic on the floor are exactly the kind of intangibles that college programs covet.     [player_tooltip player_id='2401820' first='Fernando' last='Salas'] is a dominant interior protector whose sheer size and presence in the paint make scoring on him a daunting challenge. Every possession in the key becomes a gamble for opponents—his length and timing allow him to disrupt shots effortlessly, contesting at the apex and turning what look like certain buckets into contested misses. More than just a shot‑blocker, Salas embodies intimidation: his stance, his footwork, and his readiness communicate a clear message—don't enter the paint. He doesn't rely on fouls; instead, he uses fundamentals—chest-up positioning, verticality, and patience—to deter drives and alter trajectories without consequence. His presence forces opposing guards and forwards to rethink their attack strategy, often pushing them into less efficient jumpers or kick‑outs. Fernando's defensive dominance not only shuts down the interior but energizes his teammates, anchors their system, and shifts momentum the moment he steps on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='2767021' first='Easton' last='Meyer'] is a dynamic two-way talent whose offensive flair is matched by his budding defensive instincts—proving he's more than just a scorer. With active, probing hands, he constantly pressures ball‑handlers, pokes away dribbles, and disrupts passing lanes with surprising regularity. His athleticism allows him to recover on closeouts, contest shots, and dart into passing lanes instinctively, turning defense into transition offense. Meyer's dedication is evident: he studies tape to anticipate plays, communicates rotations, and competes with intensity even when the ball isn't in his hands. It's this blend of offensive firepower and defensive drive that elevates him beyond scoring—he's the kind of versatile player coaches covet, a two‑sided weapon who can change games on both ends of the floor.

In their graduating class, a standout group of defenders has emerged, each bringing unique strengths to the floor and establishing themselves as defensive anchors for their teams. Zach Dashiell Zach Dashiell 6'5" | SG/CG Sunrise Christian Academy | 2028 State KS dominates the paint with elite shot-blocking and rim protection, making it nearly impossible for opponents to score inside. Brett Goodrick excels as a help defender, using high IQ and discipline to shut down drives without fouling. Jackson Wheeler brings a physical, football-like toughness to his game, combining strength with savvy intangibles that college programs are quickly taking notice of. Fernando Salas Fernando Salas 6'5" | C State KS uses his imposing size and interior presence to alter shots and force teams to settle for low-percentage looks. Meanwhile, Easton Meyer Easton Meyer 6'0" | CG/SG Rose Hill | 2028 State KS , known primarily for his scoring, has shown the athleticism and anticipation to become a highly effective defender, especially in the passing lanes. Together, this group represents the next wave of versatile, high-motor defenders who impact the game beyond the stat sheet and set the tone on the defensive end.