Top Lockdown Defenders in the 2024 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2023-24 regular season around the corner, let's take a look on the defensive side of the court and identify some of the top defenders here in New Mexico.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Name | Badge | Type/Build</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391245' first='Kapiolani' last='Anitielu'] <strong>| Tireless Defender | Interior and Perimeter Defense</strong> <strong>|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anitielu is a high energy player that can do a multitude of things on a basketball court. A combination of length and speed allows Kapiolani to play multiple positions, essentially 1-4. Anitieliu made 27 appearances for the Scorpions and averaged an impressive 5.2 SPG with 1.3 BPG on top of that! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391241' first='Raine' last='Edaakie'] <strong>| Clamps | Perimeter Defense | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edaakie, who appeared in 24 games for NACA -- Native American Community Academy -- logged 96 total steals this past season, committing just 25 personal fouls. As a team, the Eagles averaged over 15 SPG with Edaakie being responsible for more than a quarter of that -- 4.0 SPG = 26.6% --</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391278' first='Isabella' last='Boies'] <strong>| Menace | Perimeter Defense |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 29 games played, the Mesa Vista PG tallied over 100+ steals which was tied for the team lead. Boies who averaged 3.8 SPG a season ago, was a solid on ball defender with a keen ability to stay in front of opponents. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='357655' first='Emily' last='Cook'] <strong>| Menace | Perimeter Defense |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook, who had a breakout season for Sandia Prep in 2022-23, did a tremendous job defensively for the Sundevils averaging 3.7 SPG in 24 games played. The SG's ability to move her feet and defend side-to-side, made her a nightmare for opposing ball handlers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='357652' first='Azalia' last='Malizia'] <strong>| Hustler | Perimeter Defense</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 28 games played, Malizia recorded 94 steals -- 3.4 SPG -- for the Jaguars this past season. A relentless competitor that has a knack for beating opponents to loose balls and possesses a defensive energy that stands out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391244' first='Hailey' last='Hernandez'] <strong>| Hustler | Perimeter Defense |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hernandez, who played in 27 games for the Knights, recorded 74 total steals this past season, a 2.7 SPG average which lead the team. Her high motor will be needed again for Organ Mountain as they have title aspirations this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='357713' first='Rylee' last='Allen'] <strong>| Rim Protector | Block/Low Post</strong> |</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top shot blockers in the State who has good timing and instincts. Allen, who appeared in 27 games for East Mountain, averaged 2.5 BPG and had 68 total for the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391240' first='Analise' last='Macauley'] <strong>| Defensive Leader | Interior defense |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A defensive anchor from Penasco who is a solid 'help defender' in terms of rim protection, doubles and weakside rotations. Analise averaged 1.8 BPG in 30 games played for the Panthers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chioma Holyfield <strong>| Brick Wall | Interior Defense |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All season, Holyfield made it tough for opposing players to get around her and made it difficult to get attempts off. In 28 games played, Holyfield averaged 1.4 BPG for the Eagles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->