CT Top 30 Showcase: All-Defense Team

Photo: Juliette Tarsa

Bash Hudson

November 18, 2021 @ 07:38 PM

One thing that stood out the most at the Connecticut Top 30 Showcase was how hard all the prospects played defense. There were ample highlights on that side of the ball, whether it was a steal on the perimeter or a vicious block down low. Below are the top 5 defenders from last Saturday.   <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-353709" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/850F4E06-C6AD-4161-BDDF-CFCC2A6E7116-crop-1537x1010-1637284352-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="292681" first="Jadyn" last="Brenneman"] - New Fairfield High - 5’2’’ - PG - ’24 Brenneman is one of the grittiest and toughest on-ball defenders I have seen. I don’t care how small Brenneman is; when I watch her defend, I feel confident sticking her on anyone in the backcourt. Her dog mentality is what jumps right out at you. She meets the ball handler right at half court and will pick up the entire length of the floor at times. She moves well, fights through screens, and goes 100% every possession. Brenneman’s conditioning is top tier allowing her to chase any player around the court and make life difficult for them.   <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-353739" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/59B95982-D022-4BC0-ABF8-0AEF4971BD85-crop-1495x982-1637285552-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="296964" first="Saige" last="Youngberg"] - Ethel Walker - 5’6’’ - CG - ’24 Youngberg’s on-ball defense was impressive because she did an excellent job anticipating the ball handlers’ next move. She did a good job not biting on fakes and staying in front of her assignment. Youngberg’s pickpocketing ability was put on display, and her quick hands helped force many turnovers. Youngberg played smart defense and moved her feet well, defending with minimal use of her hands. Her defense was tough, physical, aggressive, and Youngberg defended without fouling.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/5CA5AF34-D0AF-4554-BD54-8B098E7B67E5-crop-1537x1010-1637283880.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-353688" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/5CA5AF34-D0AF-4554-BD54-8B098E7B67E5-crop-1537x1010-1637283880-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="269251" first="Ayanna" last="Franks"] - Windsor High - 5’8’’ - CG - ’24 Franks is one of the more superior athletes in the ’24 class. Her lateral quickness is elite; she can keep any guard in front of her and restrict them from penetrating the lane. She is super aggressive and competitive on defense, too. Watching her dig in and get after it on defense Saturday was entertaining to watch, and she made countless momentum-changing plays throughout the day.   [caption id="attachment_353682" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/1E9309EE-2F2A-4657-B173-F3E348C61EC6-crop-1495x982-1637283663.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-353682" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/1E9309EE-2F2A-4657-B173-F3E348C61EC6-crop-1495x982-1637283663-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: [player_tooltip player_id="299627" first="Juliette" last="Tarsa"][/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="266707" first="Rayne" last="Durant"] - Hamden Hall - 6’1’’ - PF - ’23 Durant is arguably the best weak-side defender in the ’23 class. She erases shots at an alarming rate, and her instincts and timing when blocking shots are impeccable. No one is safe attacking the rim when Durant is on the floor because you can bet your bottom dollar she will meet you at the rim. Every rejection is loud and intimidating, sending the message to players to enter the paint at their own risk.   [caption id="attachment_353672" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/811F049A-3079-48DE-8E1B-2BB0F1901ECF-crop-1537x1010-1637283138.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-353672" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/811F049A-3079-48DE-8E1B-2BB0F1901ECF-crop-1537x1010-1637283138-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: [player_tooltip player_id="299627" first="Juliette" last="Tarsa"][/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="353669" first="Adi" last="Standish"] - Avon High - 6’2’’ - PF - ’24 Standish was the best post defender from the day. Her length and strength made it difficult for players to score and for passes to enter the post. She had to take on many tough post assignments from the event; and I thought she held her own and altered shots frequently. One thing that stands out with Standish’s defense is that she can shut down the paint with minimal help, which makes life much easier for the guards and wings defending on the perimeter.