First Half Recap: Defensive Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article we take a look at some of Florida's prospects who excel on the defensive end with steals, lock down defense, blocked shots, rebounds, etc. These players are selfless and meet the criteria of a defensive playmaker. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='219956' first='Jaeden' last='Williams'] has been impressive throughout the travel season and is the epitome of a defensive playmaker. Williams has quick feet, gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor, and comes up with steals and extra possessions for her team. She makes it tough for her opponent to get past her with her quickness, effort and athleticism. Williams has been impressive all Spring and her competitiveness has been at the center of everything she does on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='346854' first='Jolena' last='Gardner'] is one of those versatile players who can play multiple positions on the court and can take over a game with her defensive efforts. Gardner is versatile and can defend on the wing against guards and wing players as well as bodying up a power forward on the inside. She has great athleticism and can elevate to block shots and the strength to protect the paint against power forwards and centers. Gardner defends at a high level and has ranked high in steals and blocked shots in high school for several years. Gardner has the ability to turn a defensive miscue into a Fastbreak - coast to coast layup. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='430248' first='Destiny' last='Donaldson'] is another forward who plays with passion and love for the game. She can block shots, rebound, defend in the paint and on the wing seamlessly. Donaldson is pure energy on the court and definitely a defensive playmaker. The Junior forward has had many games that turned on her efforts on the glass and in the defensive end. Donaldson is one of the top forwards in the 2025 class. Donaldson has played well on the Grassroots circuit and has garnered a lot of interest from various colleges, including a recent college offer. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='515069' first='Erynn' last='Moffett'] averaged 11 points per game and played a major role in the success of Palm Bay as a Freshman . She has been impressive this Spring and her speed and athleticism have stood out on both sides of the floor, but her ability to lock down opponents has been impressive. Moffett has quick feet and good lateral movement. She can keep defenders in front of her and can get steals that lead to easy buckets. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='248551' first='Alanna' last='Tatum'] is one of the toughest defenders in the State. Tatum is athletic, fast, and can really play lock-down defense. Tatum has quick hands and even quicker feet and her on-ball defense is a separator. She is also a tough defender in the transition game. Tatum can turn a team's fast break into just a set offense, and she is good at contesting layups and blocking shots in transition from her guard position <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='664264' first='Zion' last='McRae'] is another guard who is a defensive playmaker. McRae has athleticism, quickness, and is extremely competitive. She gets a lot of steals on the defensive end and has the ability to turn a miscue by the opponent into a fastbreak layup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->