Top 250 Expo: 2024 defensive difference-makers, part 1

This is my favorite category of top performers at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo because it allows me to talk about the girls whose efforts don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Defense wins games and defense leads to offense. There's nothing better then shutting down the best girl on the other team.  If you can make defense the focal point of your team strategy, a lot of good things will happen. Defense is hard, you have to condition yourself to stay low, have great anticipation skills, good communication, and the ability to slide your feet and beat your person to the spot. Most successful teams have five girls willing to do this every time down the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="178261" first="Piper" last="Engelby"] – Guard, Andover</strong> The 5’11 guard (top photo) is tall for her position and uses her height to her advantage, especially on defense. Engelby usually has some inches on her opposing player and can can close out and block shots. You will see the very active guard diving on loose balls, communicating and getting to the right spot every time on defense. She isn't going to give you an easy basket and you have to work hard when she's guarding you. On most of the teams she plays on, she is the difference maker. <img class="alignnone wp-image-338466" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/71-Macy-Birkholz.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> [player_tooltip player_id="304895" first="Macy" last="Birkholz"] <strong>–</strong><strong> Guard, Mankato East</strong> Macy is the complete player who can do it all on offense and defense. The 5’5 guard is strong and doesn’t back down. She can knock down a three in your face and then run down the court and get a stop on defense. Her greatest asset may be putting the ball in the hoop but I saw her lock down some of the best guards in the state at the Expo. She’s only 5’5 but that doesn't stop her from trying to block your shot and jump up and get rebounds. She doesn't get tired either, as she keeps her fast pace going the whole game. <b><img class="alignnone wp-image-338464" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/69-Norah-Danielson.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /></b> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="215972" first="Norah" last="Danielson"] <strong>–</strong> Guard/Forward, Delano</b> Danielson, a 6'0 guard who can also play the small forward position, did it all on defense last Sunday. She can guard almost any position, whether it be on the wing or down low against the post. With her long stature and arms she uses her body well to get steals on the perimeter and get blocks down low. She is for sure a difference maker when using her high basketball IQ and guard-like skills. <img class="alignnone wp-image-338560" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/173-Julia-Thoms.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="215989" first="Julia" last="Thoms"] – Point guard, Prior Lake</strong> The 5’10 point guard was great on both ends of the floor at the Expo. She has great size and will be really good at the next level. With her length she can guard almost anyone on the court from the one to the five. You can tell she's had great coaches the way she plays defense and she has long quick strides helping her beat her player to the spot. Along with that, her hands are always active, whether it be deflecting passes or making it hard for her opponent to see the open player. Volleyball has definitely helped her with her vertical and timing on defense. <img class="alignnone wp-image-338525" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/134-Kate-Drury.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="302306" first="Kate" last="Drury"] – Guard, Chanhassen</strong> Drury is the definition of a difference maker. She does what is best for her team rather then what’s best for her. The team-first guard is 5’9 and does all the little things, like calling out screens, boxing out, and securing the rebound; which is key to playing at the next level. With her motor she can play hard all game, and she makes sure she leaves it all on the court whenever she plays. The guard never takes a play off and hustles on both ends.  Drury is the type of kid you want on your team. <strong>Honorable Mention</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304939" first="Estelle" last="Atkinson"] – </strong>Combo guard, Orono <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304917" first="Makadyn" last="Gust"] </strong>– Combo guard, St. Charles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304927" first="Ella" last="Kletti"] </strong>– Guard, Mahtomedi <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304931" first="Mya" last="Green"] </strong>– Combo guard, Bloomington Kennedy <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="339107" first="Jordyn" last="Schmittdiel"] </strong>– Guard/Forward, White Bear Lake