Prediction Forecast: Shot Blockers (South Florida)

<p>Usually, the best prospects do a lot of things well. That is especially the case at this level. Therefore, many of these names I roll out in multiple categories are high majors.</p> <p>Rim protecting is a huge asset during games. Having a combination of size, quickness, and length is a good start when playing basketball. Opponents are going to have a tough time scoring because of it. You just have kids who can jump and get to their spot at any time.</p> <p>Who are the best?</p> <p>Let’s look at my picks....</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"] – Calvary Christian Academy</p> <p>Anything that comes [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"]’ way is in danger of being swatted. The 6-foot-9 forward uses his length and long arms to contest scoring opportunities. Overall, his awareness is solid for a frontcourt player. Hendricks can block shots as a help side defender or trailing in transition. His overall strength is improved, which helps him hold his own around the block. One of the best prospects I’ve seen over four years.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"] – North Broward Prep</p> <p>One of the best shot blockers we have in South Florida. 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"] was trending near the top during the summer circuit in this category. The 6-foot-9 forward moves well side-to-side and plays with good anticipation. Abson is rarely going to put himself in bad position. Overall, his floor IQ is just too high for him to get unnecessary fouls.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1163358" first="Malik" last="Abdullahi"] – Miami Columbus</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1163358" first="Malik" last="Abdullahi"] is ranked near the top of the 2024 class for a reason. He has a great vertical and wingspan for a small forward. If he gets any taller, Abdullahi will be even more of a problem. He should average well over a block per game this season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829386" first="Brenen" last="Lorient"] – <em>Calvary Chrisitan</em></p> <p>Calvary Chrisitan was already close to being a no-fly zone for opponents. Now, add in 6-foot-8 Forest transfer Brenan Lorient. He’s another piece and building block for Calvary Christian Academy on both ends of the floor. Lorient is a versatile forward with plenty of athleticism to reject shots. Keep in mind, they have lengthy guards in 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709228" first="Carl" last="Cherenfant"] and [player_tooltip player_id="709215" first="Marvel" last="Allen"]. Opponents are going to have a tough time scoring all-around.</p> <p>A couple of high-flying guards/wings to watch would be 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829495" first="Kareem" last="Barnett"] (<em>Hallandale</em>) and 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="962569" first="Kyle" last="McNeal"] (<em>Dwyer</em>). Both these kids have athleticism through the roof.</p> <p>Others to watch:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829393" first="Jesus" last="Rivas"] – <em>Miami High</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="962596" first="Gavin" last="Aydelotte"] – <em>Benjamin </em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1062414" first="Edward" last="Nnamoko"] – <em>Riviera Prep</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"] - <em>St. Thomas Aquinas</em></p> <p><strong><em>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>