2021-22 Preview: Top Returning Shot-Blockers (6A)

<p>There are some good players coming back for the 2021-22 season at the 6A level as many of them were huge contributors already this past season. In terms of shot-blocking, last year’s leader in [player_tooltip player_id="857340" first="Mason" last="VanBeenen"] was supposed to be back but a knee injury will keep him out in 2021-22. Here is a look at the top shot rejectors who will be back.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="857344" first="Max" last="Von Arx"] (2022 Grant) - 2.4 bpg</strong></p> <p>von Arx may not be particularly tall at 6-foot-4, but it comes to wingspan and positioning that helps him be a great shot blocker. The senior is also capable of not only blocking shots in the paint but coming out to the perimeter to defend and contest perimeter jumpers, getting a hand on the shots.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="861096" first="Kavon" last="Bradford"] (2023 Benson) - 1.6 bpg</strong></p> <p>At first glance it might be surprising to see a 6-foot-2 guard on the blocks leaderboard but those familiar with Bradford may not surprised. The sophomore is a quick leaper with good length and a number of his blocks are closing out on opposing three-point attempts and getting a tip on the ball.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1079534" first="Tane" last="Prictor"] (2022 Mountain View) - 1.5 bpg</strong></p> <p>A traditional big man on this list, Prictor is not only tall at 6-foot-10 but also wide so he’s very difficult to get shots over and around. He’s a solid post defender who gets a lot of easy blocks simply rejecting basic post moves.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="942247" first="Devon" last="Malcolm"] (2022 South Medford) - 1.4 bpg</strong></p> <p>Malcolm may be the most spectacular shot blocker on this list as his explosive athleticism allows him to defend above the rim. The 6-foot-4 swingman will fly in from the weak side to reject shots up into the stands.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1229391" first="Jesse" last="Jones"] (2022 Barlow) - 1.4 bpg</strong></p> <p>Jones is another more traditional big man at 6-foot-6 that gets his rejections by being in position. He has good size and is tough to get around in the lane and is able to use his length to defend the paint.</p>