Imposing 2023 Shot Blockers in 5A

Clayton Conover

January 9, 2023 @ 06:02 AM

Some of the state's top shot blockers from 5A, although skilled interior defense is not their only skillset. Stats are relative through January 5th.   Kailee France - Pomona   France exemplifies great interior defense, currently leading 5A in blocks per game. The senior stays ready in help position, capable blocking shots with either hand. France does well going straight up into opponents, maintaining a fundamentally legal stance. To open up the season, France has posted 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game with 4-6 Pomona.   [player_tooltip player_id='95232' first='Charlee' last='Durtsche'] - Thompson Valley   Another physical interior defender, Durtsche does plenty of the dirty work necessary. Anytime a 50/50 ball is available, best believe that Durtsche will give it her all at gaining possession or creating a jump ball. She has very strong hands, digging into opposing ballhandlers to get steals or deflect those into traffic. To kick off the season with 3-4 Thompson Valley, Durstche has posted 11.3 points, 2 assists, 10.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game while contributing 47% of field goal attempts.   [player_tooltip player_id='381344' first='Grace' last='Helzer'] - Pueblo East   Helzer is a name everyone should get to know, standing right around 5'11. The combo guard is a versatile defender, proving capable versus three positions. She prioritizes her presence on the defensive end, especially consistent getting a hand into opponents. An ambidextrous shot blocker, Helzer is adaptable taking on a myriad of situations. To start the season with Pueblo East, she has posted 12 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.4 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game while contirbuting 71% of field goal attempts. Helzer's communication on the defensive end cannot go overlooked either, proving consistent directing traffic.   [player_tooltip player_id='576249' first='Abigail' last='Leahy'] - Sand Creek   Leahy brings an especially unique skillset to the table at roughly 6'2. The forward is truly a big guard, bringing up the ball to set up the offense regardless of a press. Another facet of Leahy's game is her defensive versatility, proving capable versus opposing forwards and even bigger guards. To start the season with Sand Creek, Leahy has posted 18.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.9 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. It is not often to 6'2 ballhandlers, especially given their defensive toughness. Continuing to develop her balance on layup attempts will aid her overall efficiency from the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='95218' first='Brooke' last='Murrell'] - Thomas Jefferson   The 6'2 forward has been entirely dominant on the interior. Possessing excellent instincts going up to contest shot attempts both on the interior and perimeter. To kick off the season, Murrell has posted 18.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game while knocking down 50% of field goal attempts. We covered <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/12/jack-of-all-trades-2023-forwards/">Murrell</a> a couple weeks back due to her all around impact on the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='329359' first='Olivia' last='Towns'] - Palmer Ridge   Towns has proven dependable defending the interior at 6'3. The Western Colorado commit has lived up to expectations on the defensive side, proving difficult to back down in the paint. With an increased offensive role, Towns has taken a greater rate of three point attempts, certainly an intriguing development. To kick off the season for 7-2 Palmer Ridge, Towns has posted 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Some of the state's top shot blockers from 5A, although skilled interior defense is not their only skillset. Stats are relative through January 5th.