Game Changers- Top Defenders 15/16U WC Buckeye Breakdown
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Shooting the basketball and scoring so very often receives way more attention than any other aspect of the game. But as a coach, nothing fires me up more than seeing game-changing effort on the defensive end. Here are some players who caught my attention!
Kanonrae Kenny: G, All Area Basketball 2025 Gold- Love her defense. It didn’t matter if it was the 1st half or 2nd half, she showed up with the same energy and pressure, the entire game! Quick feet, competes, and she just plays! Offensively, she shows that same passion with her outside shots, clutch free-throws, and no fear going hard to the bucket!
Janaya Lenior: G, 5’7, Dayton Metro 2025 Thomas- Lenior sticks to her player like glue! Great pressure on the ball. And there’s just something about having a 5 second call- it fires up the entire team instantly! She doesn’t stop moving- opponents that face her are going to have a difficult time all game long.
Jacie Rollison: F, 6’1,OV Lady Dragons 2025 Black- Rollison could honestly be called a Forward and Shooting Guard! What makes her so difficult is her length and athleticism. She protects the inside well, and covers a lot of territory, which alters shots for many guards. Rebounding is no problem! We are going to be hearing her name a lot over the course of her high school career.
Payton Mather: G, 5’9, Cincinnati Heat Premier 2024 Gold Parker- So many times today, Payton had the perfect form- hands/ arms were completely straight, forming the perfect wall, that was difficult for opposing teams. She’s consistent, text book form! Mather takes pride in stopping anyone. She’s tough offensively too!
Samara Gibson Samara Gibson 5'8" | SF Dayton Thurgood Marshall | 2024 State OH – 5’7, G, Dayton Metro 2024 Hutch- (Featured Photo) I would like to say that Samara’s defense was suffocating many times today! When a player like Gibson makes it difficult for teams to set up their offense, and trap, and anticipate where passes will be made- it’s a nightmare to go up against this type of pressure. Love her quickness! She’s a solid, all-around player!
Maddy Janson-steele: G, 5’7, Mid- Ohio Phoenix AAU 2024- I’ve had the opportunity to watch Maddy play for a few years, and she just keeps getting strong and better every year. Her hands were on the basketball a lot- many deflections, crashing the boards, applying pressure all game, and not to mention making shots! Really impressed with her game!