Top Interior Threats in Class of 2022
We will focus on the top interior threats on both ends of the floor for the Class of 2022 in the state of Arizona. The value of a true interior presence is vital for teams to open up space for…
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Continue ReadingWe will focus on the top interior threats on both ends of the floor for the Class of 2022 in the state of Arizona.
The value of a true interior presence is vital for teams to open up space for their guard or wings to score on the perimeter. Along with that, on the other side of the floor having a defensive anchor to control the defense is even more vital towards building a winner.
The game has shifted towards more perimeter-oriented players, you cannot deny that, but there is still a ton of value in having a post presence that can impact the game on both sides of the floor. The focus of this piece won’t just be about shot-blocking, rather, the presence inside on both ends of the floor. Whether that’s applying rim pressure by slashing, posting up, or finding seams to score inside the paint.
Note: A few of the players that appear on this list also have perimeter skills combined with their interior presence, so this is not meant to put anyone in a box or limit them by any means. Versatility is the name of the game.
Kennedy Basham Kennedy Basham 6'7" | C Pinnacle | 2022 State #16 Nation AZBasham is the number two ranked player in the state of Arizona and ranked in the top 50 nationally on ESPN’s rankings. Standing at a towering 6’7″, her size brings a presence that is very hard to replicate in the interior. She makes opponents think twice before challenging her at the rim as illustrated by her 4+ blocks per game dating back to her freshman year. Not only does she have height on her side, but she’s mobile for her size and has excellent timing, and knows how to use her length.
She’s also nearly impossible to guard for opponents due to her height combined with a soft touch around the rim and even displays the ability to shoot from outside. On both sides of the floor, she is a nightmare matchup for whoever stands in her way.
Jayla Scott Jayla Scott 6'1" | PF Vista Grande | 2022 State AZScott is a 6’1″ big that takes pride in blocking shots, as she ranked 2nd among qualified juniors in the state in blocked shots at 4.5 per game a season ago. She made an appearance in a previous article when we dove into the Top Rim Protectors in the class of 2022.
Not only is she an elite rim protector, but she also provides scoring and rebounding at a high level to go with it. She posted 20.4 points per game along with 12.6 rebounds to go with the 4.5 blocks.
Saniyah Neverson Saniyah Neverson 6'0" | PF PHH Prep | 2022 State AZNeverson brings size to the table standing at 6’1″. She transferred to PH Prep after two seasons at Valley Vista. Saniyah is an excellent rebounder and carves out space in the interior. She’s also been praised for her high basketball IQ which is why she’s such a threat on the inside. Not only do you have to worry about her scoring in there, but she will make the right pass more often than not and make you pay for sending a double team.
Our own Rex Lander wrote about her and some of the other top power forwards in the state here: Top Five Power Forwards for the Class of 2022.
Jennah Isai Jennah Isai 5'11" | SF Valley Vista | 2022 State #39 Nation AZWhile she isn’t a traditional post with her guard skills and perimeter play, Jennah has great size and strength and can score in the paint at will. Whether it’s slashing or posting up, she makes her presence felt in the interior through the aforementioned intersection of size + strength. She’s also very savvy with her moves and plays well beyond her years with some veteran up and under or change of direction moves inside.
Like Neverson who we talked about above, Isai is an excellent interior passer and is comfortable operating out of the post when need be whether that’s as a playmaker or scorer.
Brooklyn Pablo Brooklyn Pablo 5'10" | SF Coolidge | 2022 State AZPablo is a 5’10” guard/forward that averaged 11.2 rebounds per game, 5.1 blocks which put her right on track to join this list. She does need to improve the two-point field goal percentage during her senior campaign though, but her scoring and defensive activity make her a dangerous two-way threat. Keep an eye out for her, as she is in line to have a breakout senior season.
That covers some of the top two-way interior threats in the Class of 2022, be on the lookout for our continued skill breakdown series in the coming weeks.