The Lockdown Artist: Guards Who Shut it Down

The old saying, "Defense wins championships," still holds true, but the best quote I've heard from a coach is, "You can only play as high as you can guard." Defense will always earn you a spot on the floor. Here are some guards who take pride in the art form of lockdown defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='346856' first='Sy'monique' last='Simon'] consistently takes on the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best player, and she does so night in and night out, covering the entire floor for all four quarters. Against bigger guards, Simon uses her speed, and against smaller guards, she relies on her strength. She also rebounds effectively, boxing out opponents well after their shots and creating pressure throughout the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='743520' first='Kimora' last='Green'] plays defense with grit and determination. It's evident that when she's guarding her opponent, she takes everything personally. If someone blows past her, she works just as hard to get back in position. If she's crossed over, she makes it her mission to get a steal on the next possession. The pride Green takes in her defense is rare, as most players focus on scoring. Green, however, is more concerned with making her opponent's night as difficult as possible. The turnovers she forces don't always show up on the stat sheet, but her teammates truly appreciate everything she does to make their jobs easier.     [player_tooltip player_id='248454' first='Sumayah' last='Lewis-McIntosh']'s athleticism, speed, and strength are far beyond most players, which is why she is a D1 commit to Alabama A&M as a Lady Bulldog. And that's exactly what they're getting: a "DOG." McIntosh plays with relentless effort and energy, whether her team is up by 20 or down by 20—her presence is always felt.   Her ability to guard the best ball handlers and wings at 6 feet tall is remarkable. Her length allows her to poke the ball loose, and her speed and agility enable her to turn defense into offense seamlessly. She then hustles back to apply full-court pressure, locking up her opponents again.   McIntosh's commitment to competing at a high level, even when fatigued, demonstrates her desire to win every game. Given her defensive prowess and tenacity, I foresee her earning significant playing time as a freshman at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='892014' first='Kelsey' last='Sharpe'] is often celebrated for her scoring ability, but she is also a top-tier defender. Sharpe plays with a low, strong base and exceptional shiftiness, which makes her adept at securing on-ball steals. This season, she is averaging 7.2 steals per game, with a season-high of 15.   Sharpe is a ball hawk off the ball as well—if you make a bad play, she will make you pay for it. It's rare to find a high-scoring guard who also excels at playing tough defense, but Sharpe embodies both qualities. She is sure to turn heads this travel season.     [player_tooltip player_id='439457' first='Nevaeh' last='Lee'] might be flying slightly under the radar this season after losing a few seniors from last year, but she is still BALLING as usual. Lee can score in a variety of ways—layups, jump shots, and three-pointers. However, she also plays elite defense, not only directing the offense from the PG position but commanding the defense as well. Her ability to communicate and lead by example makes her a coach's dream at the point guard position.   Lee possesses the size, skill, and speed to compete against the best. As only a sophomore, she has immense potential to keep improving. This season, she is averaging 21.1 PPG, 4.4 assists per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and an impressive 6.4 steals per game. I foresee Lee picking up some big offers this travel season as she heads into her junior year—she has the versatility to thrive in any system     (Cover Photo) [player_tooltip player_id='743362' first='Lavin' last='Savage'] recently picked up an offer and is likely to receive more, as her relentless effort and fight for every possession are a joy to watch. Defensively, she is a relentless presence on the ball, constantly pressuring the ball handler, forcing turnovers, or making them give up the ball. If there's a loose ball—whether on the floor or in the air—she is giving her all to secure it.   Don't get careless with the ball around her because she will take it. In transition, don't relax, as she'll come from behind to poke it loose. Even in the post, Savage plays with the heart of someone 6 feet tall, boxing out and battling with anyone, regardless of size.   Savage is the ultimate competitor, always wanting it more than her opponent. She's one of the most underrated players and a true sleeper in the 2025 class.

The old saying, "Defense wins championships," still holds true, but the best quote I've heard from a coach is, "You can only play as high as you can guard." Defense will always earn you a spot on the floor. Here are some guards who take pride in the art form of lockdown defense.