Who are Some Underrated Rim Protectors in NOVA?

Jack Herron February 19, 2026 @ 02:50 PM

Defense is something that often doesn't get enough credit, but it's essential to a team winning and separates a lot of prospects from others. Here's a look at five under the radar rim protectors in the Northern VA area.   [player_tooltip player_id='2879944' first='Dominic' last='Mack'] | 6'5” WF | Potomac 2026   Mack may not be a big man, but the 6'5” wing has all the length and athleticism to be able to challenge shots both coming help side and chasing down in transition. He's an all-around good defender who can guard multiple positions and has great instincts to jump passing lanes or come help side to block shots, he uses his length to challenge shots on the perimeter, he has great timing contesting shots, and he's no slouch offensively as he can score it from multiple levels too.   Josh Choat | 6'4” SG | Fairfax Home School 2026   Choat, who plays for the unaffiliated Fairfax Home School team, has had a super impressive senior season where he's stuffed the stat sheet and he's quietly one of the more athletic players you'll find in that area. While he isn't a big man he's bouncy as can be with the ability to chase guys down off of one foot or set on help side with two feet and explode to challenge shots, he can switch and guard multiple positions, and whether it's challenging shots or getting downhill he's absolutely fearless around the rim.   Daryl Muhindo | 6'5” PF | Randolph Macon Academy 2027   Muhindo is an excellent all-around defender, and despite being a little undersized he has great length and is a good leaper that makes him able to challenge and block shots even against bigger opponents. He's really disciplined as he stays down on pump fakes and does a good job walling up when he needs to, he contests vertically and only swings when he knows he's got it timed right, and he can do more defensively as he can use his length to get deflections and jump passing lanes too.   Xzavyir Martin | 6'4” F | Unity Reed 2027   Martin is a hybrid forward who really shines on the defensive end, and is the type of player a coach would love to have as he could care less about scoring and does all the little things to help his team. He's a switchable defender who moves his feet well and gives great effort on that side of the ball, he's a good athlete who can go up and block shots on pull-ups and fall-aways, he challenges vertically and shows no fear, and add in the fact he attacks the glass you have to love what he does.   Michael Kargbo | 6'5” PF | Fairfax 2027   Kargbo is another player a coach would love to have on his team, as he's a low maintenance forward who is more interested in playing his role than he is in scoring the ball. The 6'5” forward is a wall on the defensive end with good strength and the ability to clog the lane, he walls up well and challenges vertically, he is very good at blocking shots and keeping it himself, and he is excellent on the glass and winning 50-50 balls too.

Defense is something that often doesn't get enough credit, but it's essential to a team winning and separates a lot of prospects from others. Here's a look at five under the radar rim protectors in the Northern VA area.