Top Defensive Players of 2021
Throughout the State of Oregon, there are a vast amount of talented individuals and teams as depicted through the competitive landscape of basketball here. In such an environment, individuals must be ready to gear up on the defensive end if…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the State of Oregon, there are a vast amount of talented individuals and teams as depicted through the competitive landscape of basketball here. In such an environment, individuals must be ready to gear up on the defensive end if they have hopes for success. There were many players that served as the identity for their team’s defensive efforts, as some brought agility and effort such as South Medford’s Toni Coleman Toni Coleman 5'5" | PG South Medford | 2021 State OR . On the other side of the spectrum, you had players with size and length such as Tualatin’s Natalie Lathrop Natalie Lathrop 6'3" | C Tualatin | 2021 State OR , who made it difficult to score or get a rebound in her presence. Here is a list of the best, most impactful defensive players in the class of 2021.
Toni Coleman Toni Coleman 5'5" | PG South Medford | 2021 State OR 2021 5’6″ PG South Medford HS – Toni is lightning quick, as a freshman she qualified for the OSAA 6A Track and Field State Meet in the 100 meters. She translates this speed onto the court as a defender who pesters her defender through quick lateral movements. On-ball defense and steals are her game, as she uses it to transition her team on the other end of the court. Dynamic defender that key centerpiece for the South Medford defense as it truly all starts with her.
Natalie Lathrop Natalie Lathrop 6'3" | C Tualatin | 2021 State OR 2021 6’3″ C Tualatin HS – The 6’3” juggernaut of a post player for Tualatin that recently broke out into an offensive force this season. Lathrop has extraordinary size and length combined with rhythm and instincts that make her a prolific shot blocker. Her trademark performance this season came against St. Mary’s Academy, where she displayed her dominance with a 35-point, 18 rebound, 10 block performance. She grabs rebounds with her effort and physical gifts, mixed with her block out technique.
Skye Miller Skye Miller 5'10" | SG McKay | 2021 State OR 2021 5’8″ SG McKay HS – The dynamic combo guard is the main offensive point for McKay, but she is also an exceptional on-ball defender for her team. At the Portland Holiday Classic she averaged an astounding 4.33 steals, as she truly commits into the defensive end, hounding and pestering her opposition in the half court set. Rebounds at an excellent rate defensively and will pick-up any assignment and plays aggressive and steadfast on top of the zone for the Royal Scots.
Cami Fulcher Cami Fulcher 5'8" | PG West Linn | 2021 State OR 2021 5’8″ PG West Linn HS – Fulcher fueled West Linn by being the ultimate scrapper and defensively hungry guard, winning the Three Rivers League defensive player of the year in the process. Her determination on the defensive end of the floor resulted in extra possessions and high team morale. Cami averaged 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals for the Lions, as she was a key component of their defensive strategy that led the offense strike.
Sydney Burns Sydney Burns 5'8" | PG Wilsonville | 2021 State OR 2021 5’8″ PG Wilsonville HS – Sydney plays with a lot of effort on the defensive end, really getting after it with active hands extra effort with her on ball defense. Her combination of determination and blistering effort result in steals for her team which she uses to get into the fastbreak offense for Wilsonville. She has a very scrappy and gritty attitude to defensive, which can be seen through her hard work and overall demeanor. Her quick instincts mixed with her speed equate to a defensive minded player that leads through example for the Wildcats.
Schuyler Berry Schuyler Berry 6'2" | C Grant | 2021 State OR 2021 PF 6’2″ Grant HS – The post for Grant makes her presence known on the defensive end in a big way. She is very active defensively which she initiates by sliding her feet and is very responsive to the ball in the middle of the paint. Great instincts, as she knows where to position herself to get a stop and help her teammates. What sets her apart is her hands, which are a part of many steals and blocks as she makes an impact in both columns.