Top Rim Protectors in the class 2022

<div>There’s a myriad of ways a player can impact a game defensively, whether it’s on the ball (point of attack defense), off the ball (team defense/rotations), or just understanding defensive concepts and making quick reactions to what’s in front of you.</div> <div></div> <div>Defensive counting stats such as steals and blocks are a great way to measure impact on the defensive side of the floor, but it’s important to note they do not capture everything. Finding the right balance of being an impactful defender both on and off-ball is what separates good defenders from great ones.</div> <div></div> <div>Providing rim protection can happen in a multitude of ways outside of blocks as well. Serving as a rim deterrent that guards can funnel their defensive assignment to is important. You can force turnovers or wasted possessions by being in the right place at the right time. Along with that, drawing charges can also be a valuable skill that shows timing and basketball IQ.</div> <div></div> <div>Let’s dive into some of the top incoming senior rim protectors and interior threats in the class of 2022.</div> <div></div> <div> [player_tooltip player_id="259209" first="Brooklyn" last="Pablo"] (Coolidge, G/F) Pablo posted an astounding 5.1 blocks per game, leading all qualified juniors according to MaxPreps. Her combination of shot-blocking and floor-spacing is unique, as she also appeared on our <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ7dXDk-jwAhUUKn0KHdEdB7sQFjAAegQIAxAD&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fprepgirlshoops.com%2F2021%2F05%2F7-shooters-to-watch-in-the-class-of-2022%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw2t6oUHx7w4jDti3Ag9oNXD">7 Shooters to watch in the Class of 2022</a> piece as an honorable mention. The 5’10” guard/wing should continue to produce massive stat-lines throughout her senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="259200" first="Jayla" last="Scott"] (Vista Grande, F/C) Scott is a 6’1" post that did a tremendous job protecting the paint her junior season. She finished 2^nd among juniors in blocks per game, averaging 4.5 BPG. Jayla had a monstrous performance that included 11 blocks in her season finale in a win against Cortez. That could be a preview of what’s to come during her senior campaign. <strong>Rahimeh Salaam</strong> (Cortez, G/W) Salaam is a 5’10" guard/wing that was a stocks (steals + blocks) machine for the Colts her junior season. She put up 3.4 blocks per game along with 2.6 steals per game in 14 contests for Cortez. The intersection of size, length, and quickness makes her one of the best shot-blockers and defenders in the entire state of Arizona. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="259190" first="Keyla" last="Cervantes"]</strong> (St. John Paul II Catholic, F/C) Keyla was a double-double machine her junior season, as the 6-footer posted 18.2 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.3 BPG to go with 4.6 steals per game. The high stocks indicate that she is a high-impact, playmaking defender, and when you combine that with her being a consistent double-double threat it makes her one of the top projected seniors in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="214696" first="Kamariah" last="Hawkins"]</strong> (Yuma, G/F) Hawkins had an impressive junior campaign for the Criminals, posting 2.7 blocks per game, along with an eye-popping 7.6 steals per game. The six-foot forward also grabbed an impressive 19.8 rebounds per game in 18 contests. The impact plays defensively are there for the versatile guard/wing and I expect her to have a monster senior season on that end. <strong>Chloe Lobmeyer</strong> (Willow Canyon, C) Lobmeyer is a 6’2” incoming senior that did a nice job of protecting the paint during her junior season for the Wildcats. She averaged 2.0 blocks per game in 14 games played for Willow Canyon. Lobmeyer does a nice job of using her size to bother opponents on drives to the rim or defending the post. Her presence is felt down low, as she also averaged over double digits in rebounders per game at 10.1. Finding that interior presence that can impact the game in a variety of ways is a tough task and a valuable commodity at the next level. We’ve covered some of the best in this regard and will bring further coverage in this avenue as the year goes on. </div> &nbsp;