Unheralded Senior Rim Protectors for 2023

INTRODUCTION: Arizona is loaded with senior forwards and centers that are outstanding rim protectors. Here's a look at five of them.   [player_tooltip player_id='208048' first='ANAIS' last='COOK'] - is a 6-2 senior center who plays for Yuma High School as well as her club team, Cobra Venom. Captain of her team, she averaged 6.2 points per game last season along with 7.9 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game. In December of 2021. in a game against Glendale Prep, Anais had a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds to go along with five blocks. She was later named Player of the Game by Max Preps in a game against Cibola High School. She is currently ranked as the fifth best center in the state by Prep Girls Hoops.   EVALUATION: With a huge wingspan, Anais is the ultimate rim protector. As a junior she averaged close to eight rebounds per game. She is an intimidating figure for her opponents and her presence makes all of her teammate's better players. She should have an outstanding senior season as she gets ready to play at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='208264' first='KYAH' last='WYNN'] - is a 5-10 senior small forward who plays for Desert Mountain High School as well as her club team, Zone 6. She had four steals in a game against Ironwood Ridge last year and had three blocks in another game against Horizon High School. Last season she played in 25 games and averaged 6.2 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds per contest. In an earlier loss to Valley Vista High School, Kyah had a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. In her first two years on the varsity, a total of 29 games, she averaged 5.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Her scoring average, rebounds, steals and blocks all improved going from her freshman to sophomore season. She transferred to DMHS from Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek.   EVALUATION: Kyah is a 5-10 senior small forward who is a very versatile player, both offensively and defensively. She is a gritty defender and physical rebounder at both ends of the court. Last season she averaged over six rebounds a game and was especially efficient on the offensive glass. Also a vocal leader for her team, Kyah should be ready for an outstanding senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='208248' first='RIAN' last='MARTINEZ'] - is a 6-3 senior power forward who plays for Yuma Catholic as well as her club team, Cobra Venom. She is also a member of the Yuma Catholic volleyball and track and field teams. Through the early part of the 2022-23 season, Rian is averaging 9.3 points per game, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. She is currently ranked fifth in the state in blocked shots. Earlier in January, she had a double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds) in a win over River Valley. Over 80 games in four varsity seasons, she averaged 6.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. As a volleyball player, Rian has played in 217 sets, has 600 career kills, 96 blocks, 374 digs and 15 aces.   EVALUATION: Rian is a natural three-sport athlete - basketball, volleyball, and track and field - with tremendous hand-eye coordination. Her rebounding and shot blocking are her specialties on the basketball court. A four-year member of the varsity, she has become a vocal leader for the team and her presence - on both offense and defense - makes her entire team better.   [player_tooltip player_id='550690' first='Taylor' last='Brock'] - is a 6-1 senior power forward who plays for Mingus High School in Cottonwood. Through 22 games played in the 2022-23 season, she is averaging 17.3 points per game, 14.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals. She is currently ranked second in the state in rebounding. She averages a double double. In a win over Moon Valley in December, Taylor had 19 points and 19 rebounds. Against Tempe in December, she almost had a triple-double - 30 points, 20 rebounds, and nine steals. Two years ago, in January of 2021, in a game against Flagstaff High School, she was selected as Player of the Game by Max Preps. She had 14 points on 60% shooting to go along with 11 rebounds. Over four years on the varsity, a total of 49 games, Taylor averaged 11.8 points and 11.7 rebounds. Her scoring average, rebounds per game and steals per game have all improved each season. She has accumulated 578 points over four seasons.   EVALUATION: Taylor is a walking double-double machine who also excels as a defender. She is an outstanding rim protector on both offense and defense and her presence is almost intimidating to her opponents. She anticipates on defense very well and combines that with quick hands and quick feet. Her numbers have improved each season as she gets ready to play at the college level.   [player_tooltip player_id='550689' first='Lauren' last='Crocker'] - is a 6-4 senior center for Perry High School in Gilbert. In 21 games through the early part of January, she is averaging 9.7 points per game and 8.1 rebounds. Her team is currently 20-2. A shot-blocking machine, Lauren recently had a double-double vs. both Chandler (10 points and 12 rebounds and Sunnyslope (10 points and 12 rebounds). She was selected as Player of the Game by Max Preps in a game against Pinnacle and also for another game in December. She recently stood out as one of the top players in the Nike Tournament of Champions.   EVALUATION: Lauren has improved her game every year since her freshman season in high school and should have an outstanding senior season in 2023. She is a tremendous inside presence at both ends of the court. Lauren has become a purer scorer and has become a leader for the Pumas, both on and off the court. She will clearly be playing at the college level in 2023-24.

INTRODUCTION: Arizona is loaded with senior forwards and centers that are outstanding rim protectors. Here's a look at five of them.