Perimeter Defenders: Tier 1

In Todays game, Perimeter Defense has never been more challenging. Players are now tasked with defending more than 25 feet away from the basket as the 3pt shot has continued to progressively be relied upon. But What makes a solid perimeter defender? It is the ability to stay in front of opposing players, cut off their moves, and beat opposing players for loose balls.   Let's take a look at some hard nosed defenders!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   <h2 class="has-text-align-center">Tier 1</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='391178' first='Alicia' last='Jaquez'] appeared in only 20 games for Lordsburg but still had 114 total steals on the season, which averaged out to a staggering 5.7 steals per game! The games played total might seem light but that is because Jaquez is a multi-sport athlete who plays Volleyball, Softball and Track & Field! The now Senior Guard is closing in on 100 games played at the Varsity level where she averages over three steals per game for her career.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>    [player_tooltip player_id='353914' first='Aneesa' last='Chavez'] appeared in 25 games for the Lady Pintos of Moriarty and came away with an impressive 4.2 steals per game, totaling 104 for the season! Chavez enters her Senior year, 2023, as a “dark horse” in terms of having a chance of claiming 1st or 2nd Team Honors for “All-State”. That's if she can put up another impressive campaign like she did a season ago.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>    As a Junior, [player_tooltip player_id='353908' first='Aspen' last='Salazar'] played in 28 games for the Centennial Hawks, and was one of the key factors in the teams success. Salazar matches up well in NM, on the defensive side, standing at 5'9”. She is quick, strong, and rotates well whether in a zone or playing man-to-man. Aspen Anticipates well and jumps passing lanes, a reason why she averaged north of three steals per game (3.1) totaling 87 on the year.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>    [player_tooltip player_id='353916' first='Ericca' last='Cannon'] is an all-around combo Guard from Goddard HS that appeared in 25 games and nearly clipped the triple digit mark of 100 steals for the season. Cannon finished with 92 respectively, which averaged out to 3.7 spg. She is a player who competes on both ends of the floor but has a certain edge to her defensively!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>    [player_tooltip player_id='353910' first='Tanna' last='Crisp'] appeared in 29 games for Roy/Mosquero and had an UNREAL steal total of 141! Averaging just under 5 steals per game — 4.9 spg — Crisp is proving how well rounded of a player she is, and when the Rankings get updated again, she will definitely get a significant boost thanks to the splendid season she had as a Junior.

In Todays game, Perimeter Defense has never been more challenging. Players are now tasked with defending more than 25 feet away from the basket as the 3pt shot has continued to progressively be relied upon. But What makes a solid perimeter defender? It is the ability to stay in front of opposing players, cut off their moves, and beat opposing players for loose balls.