Way-Too-Early: DPOY Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 69 days, the 2024-25 season for girls' high school basketball will begin. Typically with the focus primarily being on offensive production through the lens of most coaches and fans, the ability to defend can often be overlooked. The means to create stops and limit the opposing team and or individual players from finding success, is still a vital aspect of the game that should not be disregarded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the premiere defenders from across the State, who are more than suitable for the DPOY award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Players</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Year</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>School</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='467050' first='Kyndle' last='Cunningham']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Hobbs</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='391109' first='Audriana' last='Wright']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sandia</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='458557' first='Catalina' last='Anaya']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">SPX</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='391117' first='Jazlene' last='Ruiz']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Mayfield</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648191' first='Jordyn' last='Dyer']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">La Cueva</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='831118' first='Aliana' last='Armitage']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Hobbs</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648215' first='Mariella' last='Ruiz']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">St. Michael's</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Corona/Vaughn</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648215' first='Mariella' last='Ruiz']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">St. Michael's</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='391105' first='Caylee' last='Benavidez']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tucumcari</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='391321' first='Emma' last='Lewis']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">SFIS</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["467050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe4122"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham is a versatile defender with good length and mobility. Furthermore, Kyndle has great awareness and more importantly, is vocal on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Listed at 6'0", Cunningham matches up well versus opposing forwards and centers. Physical in her own right, Kyndle is not afraid to 'bang' inside the paint-area. Additionally, Cunningham is a solid shot blocker who remains vertical on contests. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391109"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe4179"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 2023-24, Audri set new career-highs for SPG &amp; BPG. As a junior, Wright totaled 79 steals which averaged out to 2.5 steals per game and recorded 21 blocks. For her career, Audri has 187 steals and 48 blocks across 88 games in a Matador uniform. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright is an athletic forward that does a multitude of things for Sandia, due to her high IQ. At 5'10", Audri is capable of holding her own in the interior, which she does. However, what really separates her from other forwards, is her ability to switch out on the perimeter and contain opposing guards off the dribble. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458557"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe41b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anaya is a tenacious on-ball defender who will pick up 84 feet away from the basket or full-court and that is no exaggeration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'5" PG has an outstanding motor and excellent stamina that allows her to play entire quarters without needing a break. Catalina is a 'DAWG' if you will, and is arguably the toughest player pound-for-pound, regardless of class level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391117"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe41f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 28 games played during the 2023-24 season, Jazlene recorded 111 steals, setting a career-high of 4.0 SPG!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For her career, Ruiz has posted 212 steals -- 3.0 SPG -- in 70 games played for the Trojans. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'5" PG is a physical defender at the point of attack. Ruiz excels at getting into the air space of opposing ball-handlers and staying attached to the hip when defending the drive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648191"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe422d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a sophomore, Dyer averaged 3.0 steals, recording 91 total for the 2023-24 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 61 games played thus far, Jodryn has totaled 130 steals, for a 2.1 SPG average. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyer is quick, lanky and has a knack for jumping passing lanes. There has been several instances where Dyer has come away with skip-passes that she has had no business of getting to. The ability to cover ground, both in the half-court and out in transition, is rather impressive and encouraging to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831118"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe4266"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Armitage is a high-energy player, who is willing to do the 'dirty work' on defense. In other words, Armitage is prepared to fight-over or through ball-screens, dive on the floor for loose balls and finally, rotate over and take a charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moreover, the 2026 SG has terrific hands and does a great job of forcing jump-balls and steals, particularly off of 'swipe-downs' in the lane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["839425"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe429f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dunn is an elite shot blocker and rim protector who has recorded triple-digit blocks in back-to-back seasons -- The 6'6" C tallied 107 as an 8th grader and 213 as a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2023-24, Harper led the State in Blocks with a whopping 8.9 per game. Additionally, Dunn averaged 2.1 steals in 24 games played.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For her career, Dunn has logged 320 blocks and 60 steals across 43 games, which averages out to 7.4 BPG and 1.4 SPG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe42d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past season, Mariella averaged a stellar 3.4 steals per game, recoding 91 total steals in 27 games played. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 CG has great instincts, active hands and is a fierce competitor. Ruiz has appeared in 53 games and has 155 career steals, resulting in a 2.9 SPG average while playing at St. Mike's.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391105"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe4311"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the third straight season, Caylee notched at least 60 steals and 30 blocks, showcasing the ability to get a stop in a variety of ways. As a junior, Benavidez appeared in 27 games for the Rattlers where she averaged an impressive 2.1 blocks and 3.5 steals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For her career, Caylee has played in 89 games logging 124 blocks and 242 steals, which averages out to 1.4 blocks and 2.9 steals per game respectively. Benavidez consistently puts herself in a position to be successful by avoiding pin-downs and executing defensive assignments and rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391321"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d8e41fe4349"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 74 games played to date, Lewis has tallied 167 steals, averaging 2.3 steals per game for the Lady Braves. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma has shown the ability to defend cross-matches in transition as well as being able to defend when in isolation. On top of that, Lewis is an above average pick'n'roll defender who does a good job of taking the roller away. This past season, Emma averaged 1.0 block and a commanding 3.7 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Statistics via MaxPreps*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coupon Code</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enter code at checkout and receive $10 off your registration!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Code:&nbsp;<strong><em>MartinezPGH2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->