Who are the Top Defenders in the 2024 Class?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 season is almost over with state tournament play under way. The senior class has had a big impact on the hardwood this season, especially on the defensive end. Here are the top defenders in the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1944302' first='Eric' last='Ihekwaba'], 6'10 C Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ihekwaba has been a force on the defensive end as he helped the Buccaneers win the Prep A title. The 6'10 post holds his ground on the defensive end as he rarely lets his man get good position in the paint. Ihekwaba is a force on the glass as he grabs almost every rebound in his area. He plays with good timing and positioning on defense as well, leading him to swat shots around the rim. Ihekwaba's ability to control the paint is something that will help him see the floor early in his collegiate career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153991' first='Gio' last='Panzini'], 6'5 SF St. Rose</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Panzini's versatility standouts as he can defend multiple positions on the floor. The 6'5 wing slides his feet well on defense as he makes it hard for his man to get downhill. Panzini elevates for blocks and walls up well in the post. He gets deflections on the defensive end and skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Panzini's ability to defend multiple positions on the floor is something that helps his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773124' first='Assane' last='Mbaye'], 7'2 C Patrick School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mbaye has had a strong senior season for the Celtics as he has influenced numerous shots around the basket. The 7'2 post swats almost everything around the basket as he uses his size and length to influence shots. Mbaye can hold his ground in the post and runs the floor hard. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and gets deflections on the defensive end due to his length. Mbaye is a long, shot-blocker who should continue to influence shots around the basket at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153952' first='Eunique' last='Rink'], 6'9 C College Achieve</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rink has blocked over 300 shots in his high school career as he has been one of the top shot-blockers in the class over his varsity career. The 6'9 post swats almost everything around the basket and plays with good timing in the post. Rink slides his feet well on his defense and is a good pick and roll defender. He is a force on the glass as he rips down almost every rebound in his area. Rink is a physical post prospect whose ability to protect the paint helps his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Emmanuel Domingo, 6'6 PF St. John Vianney</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Domingo is one of the most intriguing prospects in the class with his combination of size, length and athleticism. The 6'6 forward skies for blocks and influences plenty of others. Domingo can also guard on the perimeter as he uses his length and foot speed to make it hard for his man to go around him. He rips down rebounds at both ends of the floor as he doesn't allow a ton of offensive rebounds. Domingo is a long, forward prospect whose ability to block shots and move his feet make him a prospect to watch in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->