Montgomery County’s Top-10 On-Ball Defenders
Who are the top on-ball defenders currently attending school in Montgomery County? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, listed in alphabetical order by last name, 10…
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Continue ReadingWho are the top on-ball defenders currently attending school in Montgomery County? The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, listed in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top on-ball defenders from MoCo. 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.
Aidan Camper | Sandy Spring ’22
As Sandy Spring’s lead guard, Camper’s biggest selling point has to be his on-ball defense. He’s solid at the point of attack, and when he’s making shots on offense, that helps him get going on defense.
Cole Hanin Cole Hanin 5'10" | PG Bullis | 2021 State MD | Bullis ’21
Calling Hanin a menace on defense would be an understatement. He excels at pressuring the ball and getting under opposing ball-handlers, leaving them with little room to operate.
Antoine Jacks Antoine Jacks 5'10" | PG Good Counsel | 2021 State MD | Good Counsel ’21
Jacks set the tone defensively early and often for the Falcons this season. He was often seen picking up full court, turning his man several times in the backcourt, and flat-out taking the ball from foes at times.
Iyan Johnson Jr. Iyan Johnson Jr. 5'10" | PG Avalon | 2023 State MD | Kennedy ’22
Johnson is a tenacious on-ball defender. He’s super quick and active. This helps Johnson stay in front and make things difficult for his opponents.
Kordell Lewis Kordell Lewis 5'10" | PG Richard Montgomery | 2021 State MD | Richard Montgomery ’21
Lewis is an alpha-dog type competitor who gives max effort, especially on the defensive end. He takes pride in shutting down whoever he’s matched up with each time he steps on the court.
Bez Mbeng Bez Mbeng 6'3" | CG Good Counsel | 2021 State #190 Nation MD | Good Counsel ’21
Mbeng’s continuous improvement defensively has been key in his team’s improvement over the years. His length, athleticism, and determination are three things that give him an edge on that end of the floor.
Erik Reynolds Erik Reynolds 6'2" | CG Bullis | 2021 State #197 Nation MD | Bullis ’21
One thing that stands out when you watch Reynolds play is how hard he competes on defense. He’s an aggressive all-around player who is vigilant on that end of the floor and can shut down his matchup in a given contest.
Bryce Sewell Bryce Sewell 5'9" | PG Georgetown Prep | 2022 State MD | Georgetown Prep ’22
Sewell is an extremely active defender who is often seen picking his man up full court. He gives commendable effort on both ends of the court, but it’s his due diligence defensively that has helped him earn the confidence of his coaches.
Mandela Tarke Mandela Tarke 5'11" | CG Gaithersburg | 2021 MD | Gaithersburg ’21
Tarke is a defensive-minded guard who frequently frustrates those he’s matched up with. He’s highly coordinated, active, and adept at using his length to distort passing lanes and swipe at the ball without fouling.
Nurideen Taylor Nurideen Taylor 6'2" | SF Clarksburg | 2021 State MD | Clarksburg ’21
A sneaky athlete who is a strong on-ball defender, Taylor is the type of player you love to have on your team, but hate to play against. He enjoys making things difficult for his assignment on each possession.