Great Lakes Finals: Top Defenders and Rebounders

The Prep Hoops Great Lakes Finals featured no shortage of scoring talent, but several players separated themselves with their toughness, physicality, rim protection, and relentless rebounding. Whether it was controlling the paint, rotating for weak-side blocks, or dominating the glass, these prospects consistently impacted games on the defensive end all weekend long.   Kenon Dismukes – MW Renegades 2029   Dismukes established himself as one of the toughest interior defenders at the event. The paint enforcer played with an edge and treated every rebound like it belonged to him. He consistently cleaned the glass on both ends while also protecting the rim with multiple emphatic blocks sent out of bounds. Dismukes thrives on physicality and brings a nasty defensive mentality every possession. Offensively, he kept things simple and effective with putbacks, finishes around the rim, and the ability to step out and knock down a short jumper from 15 feet.   Feramni Animashuan – Chicago Fire 2029   Animashuan was a strong and stable interior presence throughout the weekend. Built with a sturdy frame for a freshman, he anchored the paint defensively with rebounding and shot blocking. He did a great job occupying space and making life difficult for opposing drivers around the basket. His physical tools and dependable defensive approach already make him an impactful post defender, while his offensive upside in the paint continues to develop. Feramni looks like a player who could become a force inside as he gains more experience.   Will Loehr – MW Renegades 2028   Loehr's development continues to trend upward. The long and lanky 6-foot-8 big showed noticeable improvement controlling the glass and impacting plays defensively. He keeps his hands high, occupies space well, and naturally alters shots around the rim with his length. Loehr moved well for his size and played with a consistent motor throughout the event. Offensively, he looked his best attacking aggressively and finishing around the basket. Still raw overall, but the defensive upside and activity level remain highly intriguing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2894590' first='Alijah' last='Johnson'] – MW Renegades 2028   Johnson brought a physical and imposing presence every time he stepped on the floor. The 6-foot-7 big-bodied forward consistently cleaned rebounds off the rim while displaying soft touch around the basket offensively. He set punishing screens, battled in the paint, and used his size effectively as a post defender. Johnson also flashed nimble feet defensively along with solid ball skills for his frame. His combination of strength, size, and interior production made him one of the more difficult players to deal with around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='3575083' first='Enoch' last='Olukolade'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 2027   Olukolade could have easily landed on an athletic standouts list, but his defensive impact deserves equal recognition. With teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2389793' first='Dovydas' last='Zuperka'] sidelined, Enoch elevated his production as a rebounder and shot blocker throughout the weekend. He made several impressive defensive plays including chase-down blocks and timely weak-side rotations at the rim. The athletic forward also threw down multiple dunks in transition and around the basket. His motor, defensive versatility, and activity level continue to stand out, and he has the tools to become a very good small-school prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2844456' first='Amir' last='Green'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] 2027    Green impressed with his length, athleticism, and defensive instincts. The 6-foot-5 forward consistently challenged shots at the rim and got his hands on multiple layups and dunk attempts throughout the weekend. He also provided solid production on the offensive glass, creating extra possessions with his activity. What stands out most about Green is how fluidly he moves like a wing while still defending effectively as a forward. His versatility and ability to cover ground defensively give him intriguing upside moving forward.   Zyler Mason – IL Wolves 2029   Mason was one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in attendance. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a long, rangy frame, he showcased natural timing as a rim protector and rebounder. Mason altered shots consistently while using anticipation and instincts to make plays defensively. He also generated second-chance opportunities with his offensive rebounding activity. Offensively, Mason flashed some skill with a few strong dunks, occasional ball-handling ability, and impressive passing feel for his size. The combination of defensive upside and developing skill level makes him a very interesting developmental prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2929886' first='Thatcher' last='Lee'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2452458' first='Ayo' last='Dos Elite'] 2028   Lee's versatility and motor stood out all weekend long. The thin 6-foot-7 wing consistently defended multiple positions and showed the ability to challenge shots both on the perimeter and inside the lane. He played with nonstop activity as a rim runner and brought consistent energy throughout games. Lee's defensive versatility is especially valuable because of how comfortably he moves in space while still impacting plays around the basket. Offensively, he flashed a developing inside-out game that complements his defensive upside nicely.

The Prep Hoops Great Lakes Finals featured no shortage of scoring talent, but several players separated themselves with their toughness, physicality, rim protection, and relentless rebounding. Whether it was controlling the paint, rotating for weak-side blocks, or dominating the glass, these prospects consistently impacted games on the defensive end all weekend long.