Top 250: DEFENSE Part 2

The Prep Girls Hoops Michigan Top 250 Expo had a lot of talented athletes in attendance. We can’t forget about the ones that starred on the defensive end. Any coaches that are searching for defenders, now and in the future, may want to take a look at this article. * This is derived straight from my notes from the event. There are plenty of outstanding defenders in the field, but these are a few that drew my eye. Check out Part 1 below: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147728" first="Alaina" last="Diaz"] (2022, 5-7, G, Hudsonville)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209308" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/68_Alainia-DiazPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Diaz is a top notch perimeter defender. She was constantly creating turnovers at the showcase. Diaz can get a steal, push the ball off of it, and finish. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138329" first="Emily" last="Dixon"] (2021, 6-1, F/C, Chippewa Valley)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209343" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/111_Emlily-DixonPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Dixon has length and she knows how to use. She blocked and altered a ton of shots in Grand Rapids.. Dixon’s defense will easily translate to the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138319" first="Mackenzie" last="Egger"] (2021, 5-11, G, Mt. Pleasant)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209265" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/24_Mackenzie-EggerPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Egger was the definition of versatility at the Top 250. She may have defended every position from the perimeter to the paint. Egger reads her opponent, finds a weakness, and takes advantage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147786" first="Jasmine" last="Hadley"] (2022, 6-0, F, Davison) </strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209338" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/104_Jasmine-Hadley-2PrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Hadley was very impressive on the defensive end. Her length and athleticism made every shot difficult for her opponent. Hadley was a defensive post, presence, keeping her hands high and walling up. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147791" first="Kate" last="Jacobs"] (2022, 6-3, C, Hartland)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209351" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/119_Kate-JacobsPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Jacobs plays smart and vertical on the defensive end. When an opponent gets in the lane with the ball, her arms shoot up and challenge the ball handler. She’ll frustrate a lot of offensive players over the next 3 years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189307" first="Isabel" last="Lindo"] (2023, 5-8, G, Williamston) </strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209249" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/7_Isabel-LindoPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Lindo played tough defense starting at the half court line. She was comfortable pressuring the ball and not allowing the offense to set. Lindo created a lot of chaos in the backcourt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148462" first="Alyssa" last="Matuza"] (2022, 5-4, G, Troy)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209254" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/12_Alyssa-MatuzaPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Matuza made herself noticed when playing defense. She was almost like an old fashioned middle linebacker, calling out the D and making sure her teammates knew what was going on. <strong>Megan McCalla (2023, 5-11, F, Chelsea) </strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209312" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/71_Megan-McCallaPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> McCalla will be a big advantage on D for Chelsea this coming season. She could defend multiple positions, both on the perimeter and inside. McCalla just seemed so confident and comfortable on that end of the floor. <strong>Mia McLaughlin (2024, 5-9, G, Frankenmuth)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209320" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/81_Mia-McLaughlinPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> McLaughlin combined versatility and fearlessness on defense. She showed that she can defend anywhere on the floor. McLaughlin wasn't afraid to D up against bigger opponents under the rim. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147717" first="Madisen" last="Wardell"] (2022, 6-1, F, Detroit Edison)</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-209347" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/115_Madison-WardellPrepHoops-2-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> The running theme with Wardell and the Top 250 evaluations has been "she does it all". Well, that includes defense. Wardell could easily defend 3-4 positions at a high level.