Top “Stealers” in the 2024 Class Rankings
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Go to any college basketball camp or basketball showcase that features a college coach, the first thing you hear is that to play on the next level you will have to be able to play good defense. In this article,…
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Continue ReadingGo to any college basketball camp or basketball showcase that features a college coach, the first thing you hear is that to play on the next level you will have to be able to play good defense. In this article, we look at some of the top defenders in the 2024 rankings. Moreover, we hilight some of top “stealers” in the State of Florida. Some steal the ball with great on-ball defense, while others are masters at playing in the passing lanes.
Asya Jones had a very good 2022 – 2023 season. Jones led her team in multiple statistical categories and one area that caught my attention was her defense. Jones plays very good defense and is an in your face ball hound. Jones recorded 135 steals last season, averaging 6.8 steals per game.
Zoe Sedo has already joined the 1000 point club and was super impressive over the summer live period. She can score from any level on the floor. In addition to the offense, Sedo is a standout on the defensive end as well. The speedy and crafty guard recorded 121 steals last season and averaged nearly 5 steals per game.
Nykeria Thomas Nykeria Thomas 5'10" | CG Mandarin | 2024 State FL is a do it all player and one of the best forwards in the 2024 class. Thomas can play all 5 positions on the court and is one of the most crafty scorers in the State of Florida. Thomas’s defense is the focus of this story. She is a very good shot blocker, especially in the transition game. She is also a mainstay in the “steals” category. Throughout her high school career, Thomas has amassed a lot of steals. Last season, the versatile Thomas had 101 steals in 24 games (4.2 steals per game). She can play on ball defense, but her steals come as a result of her anticipation and using her length in the passing lanes.
Maya Richards Maya Richards 5'9" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2024 State FL is a do-everything player who really had a great Junior season last year. She averaged nearly 9 points, 8 rebounds per game, and over 3 steals per game. Richards is the player who takes on any challenge, from defending a 6’3 Center to defending some of the toughest guards on her schedule. Then, there is the track speed that shows up all over the court. It was so good it led her to the track team and State playoffs in track. Richards is that person you want in pressure situations. She has perservered time and time again and there is no pressure moment on the court that compares. She is poised for a special Senior season.
Juliana Ferguson Juliana Ferguson 5'7" | CG River Ridge | 2024 State FL is one tough defensive minded point guard. During the recent National Championship tournament, Ferguson reached double digits in charges taken, and some were collisions that most would shy away from. Ferguson wouldn’t have it any other way, and the reaction from her team after the charges were taken. She is a leader on the court and inspires her team on both sides of the ball. Ferguson also is a “thief” on the court. If you are asleep on the court, Ferguson will make you pay. She had 113 steals last season and averaged nearly 4 steals per game.
Terrielle Clark Terrielle Clark 5'7" | CG San Jose Prep | 2024 State FL is another player in the 2024 class who does everything on the floor. She is a high IQ player who brings great energy on the courts. She is also a versatile player who can run the 1, 2, or 3. Clark averaged nearly 9 points per game and nearly 9 rebounds from the guard position. Defensively, Clark gets it done. She averaged over 3 steals per game