#BeYOUtifulClassic- Defensive Stoppers

It's one thing to understand how to score but a true understanding of defensive principles is not always common. Playing on the ball defense is a start, but the players in this article have a great understanding of how to make an impact playing defense off the ball as well.   Here's my schedule for the rest of the weekend and tournament season. Can't wait to catch more players in action! Let's connect: @playerRIMedies   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/PGH-MarissaRimbertScoutingSchedule-v2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1055786" style="width:332px;height:auto" /></figure>    Jackson is intense at the top of the press for her team. Uses length and tenacious footwork to funnel defense into corners. She is aggressive on the boards. She likes to get the rebound and go. As aggressive as she plays on defense, she is smooth on the other end with a three point shot that is silky.     I usually love watching Marshall for her tremendous passing, but she needs to be highlighted for her tough defense. It is evident that she is an extension of her coach on the floor by the way she communicates with her entire team. She is loud and constantly communicating. The way she moves to help side defense, and actively finds a man on the opposite side to box out is impressive for a sophomore- early in the season at that. She is more than willing to take the charge and usually shifts over to be in the correct position to take one.     Grona is the text book definition for playing the passing lanes, getting steal after steal. When guarding the primary ball handler, she made it very hard for them to get the ball back after making the entry. She worked really hard to deny the ball, all while seeing ball and man. On the offensive end, she applies the same quickness. Her change in speed is very misleading, catching her defender off guard as she blows by the defense with a startling change of pace.     Castillo did a really nice job using her body to funnel the defense into corners, which shows is is clear she understands defensive principles and the team's game plan. Keeping her hands up is a small thing that should not be taken for granted as this helps her get deflections or simply makes it harder for the offense to see. When playing on ball defense, she uses her hands to feel the offense setting the screen to fight the screen and quickly get through. She possess a great high arch jump shot.     Burleson has a keen help defense understanding as she shifts over to protect the help side and has a great shot blocking timing ability. When she gets off the ground to block shots she sent a few far out of bounds that had the gym in an uproar. Burleson has the speed to step around the post and tip or deflect the low block entry pass. She draws the attention of multiple defenders when she catches at the high block but she demonstrates great patience as she squares up, sweeps the ball through and uses a strong head fake to get by and take two dribbles to the basket and finish off of one.

It's one thing to understand how to score but a true understanding of defensive principles is not always common. Playing on the ball defense is a start, but the players in this article have a great understanding of how to make an impact playing defense off the ball as well.