The players on this list are some of the most productive offensive players on the First Coast, but they also get it done on the other side of the court.   They set the defensive tone for their respective teams and they are what coaches call the heart and soul of the team. Most have the ability to defend away from the basket but are comfortable swatting shots out o the air. They alter as many shots as they block, and they also cause pause and second thoughts about entering the “paint.”

Fantasia James Fantasia James Fantasia James 5'10" | SF Oakleaf | 2023 State FL 2023, Forward, 5’10″ (Oakleaf) is one of the hardest workers out there.  She is one of  the its most talented and versatile defenders on the First Coast who can defend on the outside and well as inside the  lane. She has excellent footwork and quickness.    In her Sophomore season James  averaged 2.1 steals, 3.1 blocks, and 7.8 rebounds per game last season.  James plays the game with heart, confidence, and an edge.  She sets the tone  on defense for Oakleaf and is primed for another great season.

Yakiya Milton Yakiya Milton Yakiya Milton 6'4" | PF Mandarin | 2024 FL 2023, Forward, 6’2″ (University Christian) is another versatile defender on the First Coast. Milton can anchor the post on defense and will block or at least challenge every shot in the paint. What makes her unique is her ability to defend the post, but also defend on the wing as well. At this early stage, Milton is more comfortable defending the two and three positions, but she can defend the paint and records her share of blocked shots when in the paint.   In her Sophomore season, Milton ranked second in the State of Florida with an average of  5.1 blocks per game.  She also averaged  10.8 rebounds per game.

Nia Brown Nia Brown Nia Brown 5'11" | PF Orange Park | 2022 State FL 2022, Forward, 6’1″ (Orange Park) is one of the best defenders on the First Coast and one of the smoothest and smartest shot blockers on the court. She usually keeps the ball in play on her blocks. Brown is versatile enough to defend the three, four, and five positions on the court. Brown does a good job of moving her feet and has impeccable timing. Brown averaged 3.9 blocks per game last basketball season and that was seventh-best in the state of Florida.  She also was impressive with 4.3 steals and 10.4 rebounds per game.  Brown will be the defensive catalyst again this upcoming season for the Lady Raiders.

Dyllan Hanna 2022, Center, 6’2″ (Bartram) is a quiet force on the basketball court. She defends the paint with great sportsmanship and does so with a smile on her face. She will help the opponent get up if they are knocked to the floor trying to defend her, and she will also give the defender a helping hand after she has just rejected their shot. Hanna is one of the best bigs on the First Coast and points in the paint will be hard to come by against her this upcoming season. Last season Hanna averaged 2.7 blocks per game and 10.6 rebounds per game. Look for those numbers to double this coming basketball season because Hanna’s game is totally different.

Janiya Jackson 2022, F/C 6’2″ (St Augustine) really had a great summer and really showcased her defensive abilities during the College-live period.  There were stretches when Jackson took over games with her hustle, blocks, and defensive pressure. Jackson anchored the middle during St Augustine’s State playoff run in 2020.  Jackson is looking for the encore in 2021.  Already committed to play college ball, Jackson’ will be a more confident and determined player and that could spell trouble for opponents on the First Coast and around the State. Jackson put up some good defensive stats last season: 14.3 rebounds per game, 2.9 blocks per game, and 2.2 steals every contest.  She is primed to obliterate those numbers this upcoming season.

Nia Blocton Nia Blocton Nia Blocton 6'0" | PF Ridgeview | 2024 State FL 2024 Center, 6’2″ (Ridgeview) is the youngest player on this list and she is primed for another special season. As a Freshman, Blocton averaged a whopping 16.2 rebounds per game and a respectful 1.5 blocks per game. Her game has developed since last year and Blocton is already better than what is was a year ago.  The 2024 baller was one of the top “bigs” in the recent PGH 250 in Winter Haven, FL. In that showcase, Blocton was very productive on the offensive end and equally tenacious on the defensive side of the ball. She displayed her unique skill set of being able to defend on the perimeter and in the paint. Blocton is ready for a special Sophomore campaign.