Northern Virginia’s Top-10 Shot-Blockers
Who are the best shot blockers in Northern Virginia? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top rim…
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Continue ReadingWho are the best shot blockers in Northern Virginia? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top rim protectors you will find in the region. This is part of a series that will aim to highlight players based on various superlatives.
Note: these superlative lists will not be mutually exclusive. If someone can handle the ball and do something else (i.e. shoot) at a high level, they will be included in both lists.
Zach Bolgert Zach Bolgert 6'7" | PF Fairfax Christian School | 2022 State VA | Fairfax Christian ’22
Bolgert is often praised for his offensive output, but he’s just as good defensively. Rim-protection is one of his best attributes. Bolgert uses his size and motor to constantly make things difficult for opponents around the basket.
Jack Dolan | Flint Hill ’21
Dolan is an effective shot-blocker as a result of his energy and effort. He records with many blocks as a result of his sheer hustle. We’ll a larger sample size of this from Dolan as he is expected to play a more prominent role for the Huskies next season.
Dayvon Faulk | Tuscarora ’21
Faulk is one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in the state when you consider his length and athleticism. He’s a natural rim protector who showcases a high-level of coordination and determination.
Avery Ford Avery Ford 6'7" | PF Centreville | 2021 State VA | Centreville ’21
Ford is an elite all-around defender, and one of the best in the DMV regardless of class. He quite frankly could’ve been included in the top on-ball and off-ball defenders list, but it was an honest mistake to leave him out. The versatile 6-foot-6 forward is very adept at blocking shots and that’s one of the things he does best.
Tyrell Harris Tyrell Harris 6'6" | PF Potomac | 2021 State VA | Potomac ’21
Harris has been a mainstay on these superlative lists, and he deserves to be due to his well-rounded overall game. As the backline of Potomac’s defense, he is a feared paint presence who pridefully and consistently rejects shots at the rim.
Jack Jensen Jack Jensen 6'8" | C Paul VI | 2021 State VA | Paul VI ’21
Jensen is a versatile forward who has carved out a nice role in Paul VI’s frontcourt rotation. Shot-blocking is one of the things he does best at close to 6-foot-8. This is partly because Jensen is such a great communicator and reacts so quickly to the happenings around him.
Xzavier Long Xzavier Long 6'6" | PF VA Academy | 2021 State VA | Middleburg Academy ’21
For a relatively undersized Middleburg team, Long was rock-solid defensively. The lanky 6-foot-5 forward was the team’s best shot blocker. Long can be quite effective as a “small-ball five” because of his mobility and non-stop motor.
Ty Mason Ty Mason 6'6" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2022 VA | Bishop O’Connell ’23
Mason has as much long-term potential as any prospect on this list. He can be very disruptive defensively because of his length. Mason is an instinctive shot-blocker but also knows how to challenge shots without fouling and is just as good as altering shots.
Cephas Wilson-Bahun | John Paul the Great ’21
Many components contribute to Wilson-Bahun’s shot-blocking proficiency. He’s long and athletic, but also plays with a high motor and is a great communicator.
Reiss Whitaker Reiss Whitaker 6'5" | PF Paul VI | 2022 VA | Paul VI ’21
Whitaker is probably not the most natural shot-blocker on this list, but he works as hard if not harder than most to protect the rim. He is a great positional defender who is fearless when challenging opponents in the paint.