Noteworthy Shot Blockers from the 2024 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class is anything but short of versatile defenders, however these names have gone above and beyond on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1463774' first='Van' last='Nellessen'] - Monarch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nellessen has been a steady riser throughout the summer while providing nothing short of an outstanding start to the season. The junior forward possesses great timing going for blocks around the rim and out on the perimeter. Nellessen's above average wingspan and foot speed make him a switchable wing who's wiry frame causes trouble for a wide variety of positions. The forward is highly efficent thanks to his disciplined shot selection. Throughout the season, the Nellessen has put up 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks a game while knocking down 76% of his field goal attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578233' first='Walker' last='Asp'] - Palmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1589370,"width":227,"height":179,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/203-Walker-Asp-e1663538661703.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/203-Walker-Asp-e1663538661703.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589370" width="227" height="179" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Asp has catapulted himself into the conversation of the better defensive wings within his class. At roughly 6'6, the wing out of Colorado Springs has played a major role on the defensive end through his aggression blocking shot attempts. Possessing a wiry frame, Asp is quick enough laterally to hang with a variety of perimeter playmakers. The forward thrives as a weak side shot blocker who possesses excellent timing going up for contests. Asp is perfectly comfortable on the offensive side through his off ball cutting and confidence in the spot up jumper. Throughout this season, the forward has averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game while knocking down 36% of his three point attempts. Regardless of the small sample size, Asp currently ranks 7th within the entire state for blocks per game. Continuing to get stronger going up for layups through contact will play a valuble role in his offensive upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577939' first='Amari' last='Chandler'] - Cherokee Trail</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1589353,"width":236,"height":185,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/187-Amari-Chandler-e1663539135890.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/187-Amari-Chandler-e1663539135890.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589353" width="236" height="185" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chandler is a sturdy forward who possesses plenty of physicality at 6'5. As a point of attack defender, Chandler is more than capable taking hits to the chest while retaining a fundamental defensive stance. So far this season, the forward has posted 2.5 blocks per game, although a small sample size he has certainly taken another step as an interior instigator. The junior has shown improvement in his willingness as a passer, posting five assists versus Monarch. Within a Cherokee Trail group still looking find itself, look for Chandler's offensive game to steadily pick up in the coming weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1139986' first='Brady' last='Varney'] - Severance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1689017,"width":252,"height":165,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Brady-Varney-crop-1365x897-1670717984.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Brady-Varney-crop-1365x897-1670717984.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1689017" width="252" height="165" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Varney has been a physical presence alongside dominant senior frontcourt teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1284530' first='Ty' last='Adam']. At roughly 6'4, the forward has demonstrated intensity on both ends through his physicality, aided by his low center of gravity. Varney brings a jack of all trades approach on the offensive end. Boasting stats of 7.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. Although not a primary ballhandler, Varney leads 3-0 Severance in assists per game. Through the start of this season, Varney has proven his excellent vision that may be utilized within a few dribbles. Severance will be a funky matchup, given their interior physicality and willingness to push the pace off of defensive rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->