PGH Michigan Top 250: DEFENSE
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Let’s face it, showcase events are often dominated by offensive highlights. But if you look closely, there are plenty of examples of players getting after it on the other end. Today we are going to look at some of the…
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Continue ReadingLet’s face it, showcase events are often dominated by offensive highlights. But if you look closely, there are plenty of examples of players getting after it on the other end. Today we are going to look at some of the players that stood out at the Prep Girls Hoops Michigan Top 250 for their defensive efforts.
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Straub was a menace on the defensive end over the weekend. She challenged shots and was able to block some with her length and anticipation. Just a freshman, she can defend at a varsity level.
Roehm didn’t let shots go up without a fight at the Top 250. She closed out on shooters quickly and even managed to block a shot. She’s another freshman that can certainly defend at the varsity level.
Highlights
Madisyn Aldridge Madisyn Aldridge 5'5" | CG Flint Hamady | 2027 State MI
Madisyn Aldridge Madisyn Aldridge 5'5" | CG Flint Hamady | 2027 State MI
Aldridge was able to put a lot of pressure on the opposition because of her in your face style of defense. She was aggressive with her ball pressure and was willing to take chances on D.
Hustle goes a long way when it comes to playing a high level of defense. Farr showed that hustle on Saturday. She was able to force steals and push the ball the other direction.
Highlights
Sharon Horton
Sharon Horton
Horton was an excellent perimeter defender at the Top 250. She played an athletic variety of defense, using her quick feet to jump an offensive move and force a turnover.
Every coach wants a smart defender that just seems to have a feel for the action on that end. Valencia was a great example of that on Saturday. She made smart defensive decisions that led to stops for her and her team.
Resio was one of, if not the best help defender in the gym. She slid over to cut off a dribble drive with smoothness and excellent timing. Resio’s teammates could always count on her being there to help clean up.
Highlights
Linden obviously understands the importance of talking and communicating on the defensive end of the floor. She consistently called out switches and let her teammates know where she was going to be.
Wurster was an excellent all around defender at the Top 250. I was impressed with her anticipation for when her opponent was going to go up with the ball. She was able to challenge shooters and I even saw her block a shot.
Hodo was one of the best post defenders in the gym. She controlled the lane, making the offense adjust around her. Hodo was a constant threat to block a shot.
Highlights
Thomas caused headaches for her opponents at the showcase. She was a disruptive defender that consistently altered what the offensive players wanted to do. Thomas really took players out of their comfort zones.
Johnson did a great job utilizing her speed on the defensive end. She was able to beat her opponent to their spots and made players think twice about where they were going to go with the ball.
Having a player that can consistently put pressure on the ball is of utmost importance. Brown proved last weekend that she can do just that. She was able to force multiple turnovers at the event.
Bolton turned some heads with her defense at the Top 250. I was very impressed with the way she attacked on that end of the floor. Bolton didn’t hesitate and went after steals, at times turning them into instant offense.
Standfest showed that she has a lot going for her when it comes to defense. She’s a very versatile defender that can guard multiple positions on all parts of the floor. Standfest was a thorn in the side of any player regardless of size or skill set.
High energy defenders are so important to the success of a team. Ashbaugh brought a ton of energy and hustle to her defensive game. Her grit on that end turned into winning plays.
Washington was one of the top perimeter defenders that I saw on Saturday. She got in the face of her opponent and forced multiple turnovers every game. Washington did a great job turning defense into offense.
Daye really made a statement with her defense at the Top 250. To play good defense, you need to have good footwork. Daye’s was some of the best in the gym. She was a different level of quickness and smoothness, proving that she could be an elite defender by the time it’s all said and done.