Recognizing The Area’s Top Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year we decided to recognize the area's top defenders with some awards for those players who get after it on defense but often get overlooked. We chose our first annual Defensive Player of the Year and we added first and second all defensive teams. Let's take a look. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our first ever Defensive Player of the Year Award went to [player_tooltip player_id='163898' first='Samiyah' last='Nasir'], senior guard from Howard High, who is headed to the College of St. Rose. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='163898' first='Samiyah' last='Nasir'], 2023, Guard, Howard</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":568388,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/20221217_172035.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-568388" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Night after night Samiyah took on the best player on the other team and totally disrupted what they wanted to do. With an elite blend of speed, IQ and intensity, she was able to apply pressure for full games. Most of the top players were not up to the task as she routinely came out on top as she helped Howard take home the 3A state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FIRST TEAM ALL DEFENSE </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304370' first='Aliyah' last='Taylor'], Pikesville, 2024, Wing</strong>- Aliyah is probably the most versatile defender in the area. She has length, power, speed and excellent instincts. She can guard any position on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='565856' first='Dylan' last='Watson'], River Hill, 2025, Wing</strong>- I love Dylan's relentless energy when defending. She has long arms and excellent footwork. She has the ability to avoid screens which really helps her stick to ball handlers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325340' first='Taylor' last='Addison'], Poly, 2023, Guard</strong>- Taylor really showed off her defensive prowess in her senior year. She was often assigned to shut down top scorers, and when focused she has difficult to get around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416814' first='Raegan' last='Ogle'], South River, 2025, Guard</strong>- Rae has the uncanny ability to just walk up to a ball handler and just snatch the ball from them. She racked up steals and fast break points at a high rate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lilly Spilker, Severna Park, 2023, Point Guard</strong>- Tough on ball defender who slowed down everyone she guarded. She averaged an insane 5.3 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='142830' first='Aryss' last='Macktoon'], St. Timothy's, 2023 Guard</strong>- The best athlete in the area used her speed and physical prowess to lock down and overwhelm ball handlers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304355' first='Ava' last='McKennie'], McDonogh, 2024, Wing</strong>- Ava used her elite length and excellent instincts to hound opponents all over the court. She guarded four positions all season long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304357' first='Chaniya' last='Taylor'], Forest Park, 2024, Power Forward</strong>- Chaniya is the tone setter for any team she plays for. Vocal leader and she protects the paint. Definitely one of the best shot blockers in the area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='393116' first='Gabrielle' last='Clary'], Pallotti, 2024, Wing</strong>- Another versatile defender capable of staying in front of guards and battling with bigger players. Very active hands and good instincts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='142834' first='Trinity' last='Massenburg'], Poly, 2023, Forward-Center</strong>- Trinity was arguably the most physical player in the area and she provided excellent post and help defense. She also showed the ability to guard on the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->