Top Defenders: South Florida Part 1

The old adage is defense wins championships, offensive sells tickets.  To be honest, I think for the most part that is true. While South Florida prospects have the ability to hit tough shots, having a strong defensive skill set is paramount to winning. You can always control the <strong>intensity</strong>, effort and execution of your defense. If a player hits a fadeaway jumper or long 3-pointer...tip your hat. 9/10 though I believe you can simmer a good shooter with strong defense. Now that my monologue is complete, I would like to highlight some of the players that personify elite defensive talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="154840" first="Etaria" last="Gibbons"]</strong> - <em>Northeast</em> Up in Oakland Park, the Hurricanes have a top-notch defender in 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="154840" first="Etaria" last="Gibbons"]. The Northeast star averaged a team-best 11.4 rebounds, recorded 3.3 steals and swatted away 1.5 blocks per game. In seven contests, Gibbons tallied five or more steals. Even if she doesn’t create a turnover, Gibbons pressure on the ball must be taken into account. The 6-foot captain also dominated on the glass with 16 games of ten or more boards. Gibbons plays above her size as a wing, highlighted by a six block performance against <strong>Boyd Anderson</strong>. The Hurricanes have an interchangeable stopper with her on the floor. <strong>Veronica Maden</strong> - <em>Northeast</em> If teams don’t know by now, they should realize the Hurricanes will bring defensive pressure in every contest. 2022 <strong>Veronica Maden</strong> is another player that buys into this philosophy. Maden grabbed 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game last season. Against <strong>West Broward</strong>, Maden collected 12 rebounds and swiped eight steals. On the season, the Hurricanes junior record at least 110 boards and 75 swipes. It might be tough sledding getting on the scoreboard when you face the Hurricanes. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91539" first="Kayla" last="Clark"]</strong> - Central (Miami) The Rockets have a defensive rim protector in 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91539" first="Kayla" last="Clark"]. The 6-foot-2 center averaged 9.8 rebounds and totaled 215 on the season. In ten contests, Clark recorded ten or more boards. These numbers don’t even take into account the number of shots she alters or prevents due to her natural length. The senior also has active hands for a frontcourt big. Against rival <strong>Northwestern</strong>, Clark tallied five steals and totaled roughly 50 on the season. The Rockets have a secure force in the paint and one of the better players in the Miami area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91568" first="Zaria" last="Blake"]</strong> - <em>Blanche Ely </em> The Lady Tigers have one of the more talented rosters in the area with 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91491" first="Ja’Leah" last="Williams"]</strong> and 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91561" first="Michiyah" last="Simmons"]</strong>. Quite frankly, they both can be on this list after combining for 12 rebounds and seven steals per game last season. Another talented prospect in that rotation is 6-foot-1 wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91568" first="Zaria" last="Blake"]</strong>. The 2022 Blake led Blanche Ely in rebounding after averaging 9.5 per game. Moreover, Blake record 10 or more boards in 19 contests. In a win over <strong>Nova</strong>, Blake tied her season-high with 13 rebounds. Another player with quick hands, the current junior recorded over 50 steals. The combination of her size and athleticism makes her a key defender in the Lady Tigers system. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156588" first="Khyala" last="Ngodu"]</strong> - <em>Dillard</em> Ngodu already has made her mark after her first season with the Lady Panthers. The 6-foot-2 forward/center averaged an incredible 12.2 rebounds per game. To put that in perspective, Ngodu grabbed 316 boards off the glass on the season.  Moreover, you can imagine how many points and possessions she took away from her opponent with her work around the cylinder. In addition, Ngodu tallied 49 steals and 34 blocks. Her ascension as a top defender will only improve as her high school career evolves. Ngodu is a big reason why Dillard finished with a 20-9 record last season and should continue on its winning ways. <em><strong>For any South Florida Girls Prep Hoops news or information..please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em>