Exciting 2024 Defensive Prospects

Much like the Class of 2025, the rising junior group is strong in South Florida. Ten prospects sit inside the top 25 of our rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"] (Miami Country Day/Miami Suns) is the highest ranked player in the region at No. 2 overall. Nelms’ inside-out game and defensive dominance is superb. She averaged 11.3 rebounds, two blocks and 1.9 steals per game across 27 contests. Of course, there are plenty of other prospects that play great defense. Here are some of them. [player_tooltip player_id="219927" first="Ka’Zahria" last="Johnson"] - Miami Norland/Essence (PGH: 7) [player_tooltip player_id="219927" first="Ka’Zahria" last="Johnson"] is probably the best rim protector in the area. The 6-foot-2 center averaged 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Johnson will alter an offensive game plan with her length in the paint alone. Any rebound in her vicinity will likely be collected. Johnson grabbed 25 boards in a game against Somerset Academy Silver Palms. She also moves well as an on-ball defender. Johnson recorded 18 steals in 16 games. Her prospect ability on defense alone will intrigue college programs. [player_tooltip player_id="221703" first="Kaliyah" last="Morales"] - Miami Country Day/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 45) [player_tooltip player_id="221703" first="Kaliyah" last="Morales"] is a great defensive prospect out of Miami Country Day. The 5-foot-7 guard recorded 84 steals (3.0 spg) across 28 games. Morales was much more involved on the floor as opposed to her freshman season. I think her latest experience will help her as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id="217662" first="Jamesha" last="Card"] - South Broward/CFE 16U 3SSB (PGH: 23) [player_tooltip player_id="217662" first="Jamesha" last="Card"] was a dominant defender this past season for South Broward. The 5-foot-10 power forward averaged 8.2 rebounds and two steals per game across 26 games. In addition, she recorded 21 blocks. Card’s frame and power will give an offensive opponent problems around the paint. She will hold her ground and force her assignment into a difficult shot. Card also moves well for a prospect at the four position. [player_tooltip player_id="219924" first="Khadee" last="Hession"]/[player_tooltip player_id="349421" first="Kalia" last="Harrington"] - Mater Lakes Academy/Essence Both [player_tooltip player_id="219924" first="Khadee" last="Hession"] and [player_tooltip player_id="349421" first="Kalia" last="Harrington"] are excellent perimeter defenders. Their length beyond the arc is tough for opposing guards to score against. They also move well as on-ball defenders with their athleticism. Hession averaged a team-best 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 steals per game. Harrington finished second in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and led the Bears in blocks per contest (1.3 bpg). Having both in sync is one reason why Mater Lakes Academy won 16 games. [player_tooltip player_id="426380" first="Unique" last="Horton"] - Somerset Academy Silver Palms/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 76) [player_tooltip player_id="426380" first="Unique" last="Horton"] is an upside defender out of the Homestead area. The 6-foot power forward averaged ten rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for the Stallions. Moreover, Horton grabbed 11 or more boards in 11 games. Her length and ability to protect the rim contributed to 42 blocks overall. Horton rejected four in a game on three different occasions. For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.