Arizona High School Girls Steals Leaders for 2023

INTRODUCTION: Arizona has some outstanding defensive players that specialize in steals. All of the top five are freshmen. Here are profiles on each one.

ZOEY POZEN – is a freshman point guard at Rancho Solano Prep and is the current leader in steals in the state of Arizona, averaging 6.4 per game. She is averaging 17.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Zoey scored 38 points and shot 74% from the field in a February win over Phoenix Country Day High School. A starter for the Lady Mustangs, she plays in the always competitive Division 2A Metro East Division in Scottsdale.

EVALUATION: Only a freshman at Rancho Solano Prep, Zoey is already a tremendous offensive player. She is averaging over 17 points per game, has developed a strong perimeter and three-point shot, and drives the lane like an upperclassman. Her quick hands make her an outstanding defender leading to many steals and deflections. Even as a freshman. she leads the entire state in steals per game.

SHANIELLE MALLORY – is a freshman guard at Kellis High School in Glendale and is second in the state in steals, averaging 5.6 per game. Through 23 games this season, she is averaging 19.7 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. On November 30, she was selected as Player of the Game by Max Preps in a win over Buckeye High School, 59-41. She poured in 27 points, had seven rebounds, four assists, six steals, and seven deflections. For the week of November 28-December 4, she was nominated as a Player of the Week candidate by WaFd Bank. As a six-year-old, Shanielle was featured in a YouTube video and proclaimed as “The best six-year-old player in the world.”

EVALUATION: Shanielle has improved her overall game every year since she was tagged “the best six-year-old player in the world” by YouTube TV. Playing a year-round schedule with her club team has improved her overall skills even before her freshman year of high school. She is an outstanding shooter and ball-handler and with quick hands, is an excellent defender. At 15, she is only going to get better.

MAEVE MORGAN – is a combo guard at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy and is currently third in the state in steals, averaging 4.9 per game. She is also on the SPA soccer team. A freshman, Maeve is averaging 7.2 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per contest. She accumulated a lot of experience playing club basketball year-round and competing in many out-of-state tournaments. She is now ready to take charge as a freshman.

EVALUATION: Similar to Shanielle Mallory’s career, Maeve is a freshman with lots of experience playing club basketball year-round. Her skills, both offensively and defensively, have developed over the years. Even as a freshman, Maeve has shown leadership skills, and her presence at both ends of the court, makes her teammates better players. She should have an outstanding high school career.

TATIANA HARNESS – is a freshman guard for Leadership Edge Academy-GEC High School who is currently fourth in the state in steals, averaging 4.8 per game. In 24 games this season, she has scored 502 points, an average of 20.9 points per game. She has also connected on 56 three-point shots. She is averaging 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. She also plays for her father who coaches her club team, Arizona Select. Her younger sister Liv, who is 11, also plays on the team. Tatiana recently completed a Facebook video entitled, “No Days Off.” It includes dribbling drills and shooting exercises from all ranges. Whistle Sports, which produced the video, commented on her game: “Her work ethic will leave you speechless. She just might be the next basketball star.” Tatiana recently transferred to PHH Prep.

EVALUATION: Tatiana is only a freshman but an offensive phenom. In 24 games this season, she averaged 20.9 points and was equally effective driving the lane to the rim or hitting perimeter jump shots. She gained valuable experience before her first year of high school by competing in a number of AAU tournaments with her club team, Arizona Select which is coached by her father, Mike. It’s hard to imagine what kind of player she will be as a senior.

ANTIL SNODDY – is a combination guard at Fairfax High school in Laveen. She is currently fifth in the state in steals, averaging 4.5 per game. Also a freshman, she is averaging 12.1 points per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Fairfax is 24-5 overall and 11-1 in their division. She was selected as Player of the Game by Max Preps for a contest in late November. She now plays for Atchison High school under Head Coach Nic Rebant.

EVALUATION: Even as a freshman, Antil is an outstanding defender with great anticipation. She is currently averaging 12 points a game. Her experience playing year-round with her club team has effectively improved her overall game. She has improved both as a shooting guard and honed her ball-handling skills. Being fifth in the state in steals shows her defensive effort. Her team should make a strong run in the AIA state playoffs.