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Wisconsin Sports Network is proud to showcase the WSN Senior Basketball Awards.The finalists for the top senior defensive players have been selected. The winner will be announced the week after the state tournament. 

Bennett Fried, 6-7, G/F, La Crosse Central 
The first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference wing can certainly score as he averages 15.9 ppg for the state-bound Riverhawks of La Crosse Central. But the biggest value for the rangy and athletic Fried is his ability to disrupt things on the defensive end of the court. He leads the team in blocked shots (27) and is third in steals (33). Moreover, his ability to move well and his impressive length make it difficult for the opposition to get clean looks at the basket. 

Jeremy Lorenz, 6-8, F, Brillion
Lorenz can block shots -- he leads the Lions with 57 rejections -- but it's his physical presence and ability to play with a rugged nature without fouling that is more impressive about his defensive prowess. He cleans up the defensive glass about as well as any other player in the state and is averaging 11.6 rpg. The NCAA Division I recruit for Wofford also ranks second on the club in steals with 37.

Brett McConkey, 6-4, F, West Salem
Exhibit A of a player making an enormous impact on a game without having to score at a double-digit level. McConkey is a capable scorer at 8.0 ppg, but his biggest contribution to the juggernaut at West Salem is his ability to clean the glass. At just 6-foot-4, McConkey uses his physical strength, timing and jumping ability to outmaneuver opponents. He is averaging 10.7 rpg for the Panthers.

Isaiah Schwichtenberg, 6-4, G., Luther
Length and mobility are assets for Schwichtenberg, who is called upon to guard the opponent's top perimeter player each time the Knights take the court. In addition to his size and quick feet, Schwichtenberg is a smart player and anticipates well. He is averaging a career-high 3.1 steals and has more than 200 steals over the court of his four-year high school career.

William Whorton, 6-8, F, Milwaukee King
Like others on this list, Whorton uses his versatility to play inside and outside to affect the game defensively. And at 6-foot-8, he can rebound at a very high level while also blocking and altering shots around the rim. The NCAA Division I recruit for South Dakota State earned first-team all-Milwaukee City Gold Conference honors this winter.

Semi-Finalist List

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