2021 Defense: Building Oregon’s elite starting 5
In the words of the great coach Bobby Knight, “Good basketball always starts with good defense”. A fundamental aspect of the game that is often overlooked by the common observer, yet appreciated by coaches and junkies, it is safe to…
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Continue ReadingIn the words of the great coach Bobby Knight, “Good basketball always starts with good defense”. A fundamental aspect of the game that is often overlooked by the common observer, yet appreciated by coaches and junkies, it is safe to say that good defenders are in a sense, “over worked and underpaid”. Here we have an analysis of five athletes, by position, from various high school classifications, who stand out on the defensive end of the court.
Toni Coleman Toni Coleman 5'5" | PG South Medford | 2021 State OR – Point Guard – South Medford HS
A great 1v1 defender who is incredibly difficult to get by due to her superior athleticism and quick feet. This is the player that everyone wants to have at the head of their press. Although she is not the biggest guard on the floor, she follows the ball religiously all the way to the rim to rebound every possession.
Aundraya Ceja – Shooting Guard – Burns HS
Averaging 5 steals per game in the 19-20 season, this is a player that constantly has her head on the swivel. She has the great gift of anticipation and is always looking to jump the next passing lane whenever it is within her reach. A player that scores a majority of her points off of stripped passes and fast breaks, she has unlimited hustle.
Sophie Bennett – Shooting Guard – Tualatin HS
On the ball, Sophie beats her player to a spot every time and forces them to change direction as many times as possible. A high basketball IQ defender that her teammates must love, because she maintains exceptional help position throughout each possession.
Emily Rund – Guard/Forward – Grants Pass HS
A long and athletic player that steps up to defend the opposing forward, though she is not your typical athlete for this position. All things aside, she does an excellent job of utilizing defensive positioning and using her body to gain leverage and match up with larger opponents. Definitely holds her own on the defensive end despite being smaller than many of her counterparts.
Taylor Bryant – Forward – South Eugene
Taylor is extremely agile for your average post defender and is able to defend all the way out to the 3 point line, making her very versatile. To accompany that, she has appreciable court vision that is essential in the low court defensive role. Definitely someone well fitted to communicate the back side of her team’s defense.
These are five athletes that put in a great hustle on the defensive end and have, undoubtedly, received less applause for their efforts than deserved. Great defenders are unselfish, communicative, and hardworking with a knack for the strategy of the game- and those are some qualities that are universal with this 2021 defensive starting five.