Notable Interior Defenders from the Top 250 Expo
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Reyleigh Hess – Windsor – 2025 Hess was arguably one of the most dominant players at this event due to her efficiency within the paint and all-around defensive impact. Standing roughly 6′ tall, Hess proved she could guard three positions…
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Continue ReadingReyleigh Hess – Windsor – 2025
Hess was arguably one of the most dominant players at this event due to her efficiency within the paint and all-around defensive impact. Standing roughly 6′ tall, Hess proved she could guard three positions along with some smaller guards out on the perimeter. Her combination of foot speed, plus reach, and active hands all played a key role in her success. In the match I watched, Hess put up four blocks along with offensive dominance on the opposite end. She stayed committed moving the floor on the break, where she was aggressive taking it to the rim with either hand. Within the halfcourt, Hess was assertive moving off-ball and doing her part to maintain adequate floor spacing. What stood out for the forward was her offensive rebounding, where she grabbed six boards on that end and easily finished witha . Continuing to track her progression as a playmaker on the perimeter and overall shooting range will be key areas for the Windsor sophomore. Hess currently sits on our watchlist for the 2025 class, keep tabs on where she lands in the next update.
Trinitee Holmes – Burlington – 2024
Holmes brought a unique blend of shooting upside and positional height at roughly 6′ tall. The incoming junior had a steady weekend on the perimeter, where she was knockdown shooter off the catch. As a wing, she possesses the ballhandling confidence to attack closeouts and make key decisions once the help defense arrives. Holmes is capable defending up to three positions on the floor, where she is a powerful shot blocker when rotating over. Holmes currently ranks 34th within the 2024 class and 4th among shooting guards.
Sydney Deem – Broomfield – 2025
Deem was one of the top shot blockers at this event due to her motor and reactive hands. Standing right around 6’2, Deem never shied away from contact on the defensive end, often staying straight up without fouling on contests. In the lone match I saw from her, she put up three blocks in the first half alone. Deem will be an intriguing name from a defensive perspective, however the true x-factor is where her offensive game ends up. Just like the other 2025s on here, they are on the watch list.
Ryker Thomas Ryker Thomas 5'8" | CG Mullen | 2025 State CO – Mullen – 2025
Thomas may be the shortest athlete on this list at 5’8, however despite this supposed disadvantage she was excellent disrupting scorers inside. The sophomore combo guard made a defensive impact through aggressive hands, where she contributed to multiple steals for the group. When opponents attempted outmuscling her, she maintained her position without fouling.
Alexandra Eschmeyer Alexandra Eschmeyer 6'5" | SF Peak To Peak | 2025 State CO – Peak to Peak – 2025
Officially the tallest athlete from last weekend’s event, Eschmeyer not only brought shot blocking equity but was dependable as a high post passer. Standing right around 6’4, Eschmeyer is one of the more unique bigs from this tournament given her confidence handling the ball and playmaking on the break. She proved to be a playmaking hub both within the fullcourt and halfcourt, either by hitting baseline cutters or creating opportunities for shooters as a drive and kick passer.