Top Lockdown Defenders in the 2025 Updated Rankings pt.1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the shooting range of players continues to expand further out and the 'bag' of ball handlers deepens, the defensive assignment, remains the same. Get Stops. Here are some players from the class of 2025 that get the job done on the defensive end of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"align":"center"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center"><!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">Defense is a choice, not a chore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Gregg Popovich - NBA Head Coach &amp; Hall of Famer (2023)</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'] | Clamps | Perimeter Defense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quick, vocal, has excellent stamina and anticipates well, especially when picking up full-court. Sydney's ability to switch out on the perimeter and cut off opposing players dribble moves, makes her value as a defender, very high. Benally appeared in 30 games for Sandia this past season, recording 105 total steals -- third most -- on the year, which averaged out to 3.5 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391325' first='Makeda' last='Casquito'] | Hustler | Perimeter Defense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2022-23, Makeda, a NACA combo guard, led the class of 2025 with a staggering 4.5 steals per game. Casquito eclipsed the triple-digit mark with 117 steals in 26 games played! Makeda does a great job chasing down loose balls and beating opposing players to the spot, valuing each and every possession. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391105' first='Caylee' last='Benavidez'] | Tireless Defender | Interior &amp; Perimeter Defense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucumcari's anchor on defense, [player_tooltip player_id='391105' first='Caylee' last='Benavidez'] is a versatile defender who can get a stop in a variety of ways for the Rattlers. Caylee does a good of putting herself in good position, avoiding pin-downs and other types of screens. In 2022-23 Benavidez averaged 3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in 25 games played, establishing herself as a premiere defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391114' first='July' last='Lafferty'] | Menace | Perimeter Defense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season, Lafferty made 25 appearances for Tucumcari, recording 71 total steals. A 2.8 steals per game average, placing Lafferty amongst the top 10 for the 2025 class. July does a good job of not biting on shot fakes, staying grounded with strong close-outs. This allows Lafferty to contain opposing players from the perimeter and not get blown bye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:quote {"align":"center"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center"><!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">Defense is about anticipating your opponent's next move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Former NBA player Tony Allen, six-time All-Defensive team player</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='642718' first='Virances' last='Martinez'] | Hustler | Perimeter Defense </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 24 games played, Martinez averaged 3.2 steals for Pine Hill a season ago. Virances is very disciplined in her rotations and assignments; The PG is an overall sound defender who is rarely out of position. Martinez also does not commit silly fouls in terms of putting the opposition in the bonus or succumbing to 3-point plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='458557' first='Catalina' last='Anaya'] | Menace | Perimeter Defense</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A terrific on-ball defender who possesses active hands and an insane motor. Catalina is always forcing deflections and securing steals thanks to her ability to be disruptive in the passing lanes. Anaya is the Sartans best defender from a one-on-one standpoint and is equally as solid as a help-side defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->