THE SWAT TEAM
Excluding the current crop of high school players, below are staff writer Kelley Smiddie’s choices as the five most notable shot blockers among boys in the Chattanooga area the last decade.
5. Cory Pugh, Bradley Central: His best blocks were with a resounding swipe akin to a volleyball player’s spike. With a giant stride and impending lunge, he could quickly close distance on a jump shooter, making him equally adept at rejecting 3-point or in-close shots.
4. Dominique McDuffie, Red Bank: Although his football prowess as a defensive back is what took him to the college level, this explosive leaper embarrassed many on the hardwood. He blocked layups that had to be retrieved from the stands. Some landed multiple rows up.
3. Fred Sturdivant, Brainerd: He was late getting started with his basketball career, but the craft of guarding the goal was something he picked up on quickly. Like many good shot blockers, he was blessed with long arms.