Cumberland County Top Shot Blockers

To some, blocking shots is an art. To others, it’s an attitude. The North Carolina girls basketball scene has several prolific shot-blockers, including two who stand well over six-feet. In <strong>Daija Turner</strong> opinion, that’s the equivalent of having a seven-footer in men’s basketball because of how it can alter an offensive gameplan. “It’s an intimidation factor because you are basically telling them, ‘This is my area. You’re not going to be able to score in here today,’ ” she said. Here's a look at three of the most high-profile shot-rejecters in North Carolina. <strong>Daija Turner, Jasimine Wallace, Lilly Robinson, Desiree Smith</strong> <strong>Daija Turner, Village Christian</strong> Few interior defenders anticipate like <strong>Turner</strong>, a 6-3 junior paced the Knights’ solid season this year. Turner accomplished setting a state record by blocking the most in state history in a single season. “She just has a real good knack at knowing when to go for the ball,” coach Mills said. “She plays the ball very well.” Mills said <strong>Turner</strong> also knows when to leave her spot to provide help defense, and she’s been an anchor for Villiage Christian, which finished 3rd in the NCISSA Sandhill conference Mills said she averages about six or seven blocks per game but said that number would be higher if his team played more man defense. Most opposing players stand little chance against <strong>Turner</strong> who usually doesn’t have to jump to swat a shot away. <strong>Turner</strong> came to Village as a solid junior with a lot of potential. through out the season she defined her skills, but she’s upped her playmaking ability in a short time. Offensively, she’s averaging 22.4 points per game — first-most in NCISSA Sandhill conference. She won the NCISSA Sandhills player of the year and was awarded All State player. “The type of player that she’s become in one year, it’s been remarkable. “As a junior, she was very came from Korea to us and the competion was not as steep as here, and just needed time to adjust to the competion.” <strong>Jasimine Wallace, Seventy First</strong> Falcon's coach Igitus Williams calls Jasimine a rim-runner. It’s not rare for Jasimine to block a shot on one end, run the floor in transition and then drain a straightaway three-pointer. The 6"5 sophomore. Wallace has improved her low post play this season, and Williams said it’s done wonders for her production. “You talk about a big who’s improving each and every day and definitely a lot to look forward to,” Williams said. “I think she’s just so focused on improving every facet of her game.” <strong>Lilly Robinson, Fayetteville Christian School</strong> Robinson is improving each year and is as agile as they come in the paint. She’s athletic enough to defend outside the arc, too, but everyone knows her true skills are showcased under the basket. Robinson’s season-high for blocks is 10. She has 0ne triple-double with double-digit blocks. She’s averaged 5.0 blocks per game. She does most of her shot-blocking from help defense, It’s just her willingness to get in good position. She’s understand her length and timing to be able to block and alter shots. It seems as she is baiting players to come into her house so she can turn them away. The 6”4 center has the potential to add her talents to many college programs. <strong>Desiree Smith, Trinity Christian</strong> Smith is a true game-changer. She’s 6"0 with long arms, making her a nightmare for smaller guards to score on. Recording double-digit blocks in a game has become routine. “She does a great job going after the shot,” coach Charles Tubb said after Trinity 48-30 win over Fayetteville Christian on Feb. 6. That can go unnoticed, but in girls basketball, players with imposing size advantages can be on the wrong end of foul calls on physical plays. Smith uses her positioning and length to let the ball come to her, making it easier to deny shots. Charles Tubb of Trinity Christian “The way that we play defense, when we can get her in the middle, I mean, you can’t get layups, you can’t get easy shots,” Tubbs said. “Even though she’s inside, she sets the tone for our outside defense because we know we can get out on shooters.” Players who quickly realize they can’t drive against the Crusader's when Smith is in the game instead opt for rushed midrange jumpers. Still, those shots need to be quick because Smith reacts quickly and extends her arms to meet shooters. “She’s the whole key defensively for us,” Tubbs said. Other shot-blockers to watch: Na'Jaa Wells (Grays Creek), Taylour Bethea (Fayetteville Christian), Faith Francis (Westover).