Guards Who Can Win the Districts with Defense Pt 1

The District playoffs will kick off this week, and we will see some of the top prospects compete in matchups with one goal in mind—to win and advance. These matchups will feature prospects who can put the ball in the rim. Many of these matchups will also feature defensive players who are talented enough to slow down these prolific scorers. In this article (Part 1 of 2), we highlight some of the top defensive guards in the State who could have a huge impact on the outcome of the District playoff games and more.       [player_tooltip player_id='805961' first='Jazlynn' last='Curtis'] is one of the most conditioned and physical guards in the 2026 class. Curtis can lock an opponent down with her combination of speed, quickness, and strength. This time last year she was a standout in the Regional playoffs with stifling pressure. Curtis went toe to toe with some of the top guards in the state. She frustrated them with her physicality, and at times was overpowering. Curtis plays tough on the ball defense and is known for applying the pressure all 94 feet. She is primed for another run in the playoffs, and guards beware - Curtis is bringing the physicality.     [player_tooltip player_id='972357' first='Jayla' last='Griffin'] was special the last time I saw her at the High post-Christmas tournament in Wesley Chapel. There, Griffin was extremely with her athleticism and her ability to defend in the paint and protect the rim. What makes Griffin special is that she is quick and athletic and can defend guards and forwards. Griffin has the ability to affect the outcome of the District playoffs without scoring a single point. She has an unbelievable vertical and can challenge shots on the inside. On the perimeter she poses a problem because she long and has great range. She can keep the ball handler from just going around her. As stated, Griffin can jump out the building and if she is beaten, she has the skills to quickly make up the separation. She could be a defensive force in the high school playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='346822' first='Lamiyah' last='Hogans'] is one of the toughest defenders out there and has the ability to cover three to four positions on the floor, including defending against the point guard. Hogans can move her feet laterally, she has good length, she has very active hands, and she has the confidence to get the job done. What makes Hogans a problem is not just her defense, but her ability to create turnovers and turn those into points. Hogans has a nice layup package and she can also score with the kiss of the glass in transition. Hogans could be the defensive catalyst in the playoffs.     Jayie Markes stood out with great defense last year in the semifinals in Lakeland. Markes utilized quickness, speed, and great anticipation during the most pressure packed moments in the state finals. She can spark a team in the scoring department with her ability to shoot the three and score in transition. Her team has a lot of offensive fire power, including Markes, but her defense could prove to be the difference as the playoff games get more difficult.     [player_tooltip player_id='741336' first='Iliana' last='Dorvilus'] picked her man up full court and made it virtually impossible for the defender to handle the ball with ease. Dorvilus applied defensive pressure from the moment the gamer started and continued until the game was over. Dorvilus is athletic, fast, and a ball of energy on the floor. She impressed in the High School Christmas tournament and she will likely bring that “smoke” and “fire” to the District playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='811411' first='Ronneisha' last='Thomas'] has been in the state championship game for the past two years with one state title under her belt. Thomas has played with a lot of offensive power and has always been a key contributor with her basketball IQ and her defensive tenacity. Thomas has quickness, speed and great lateral movement. She cuts off angles, steals the basketball, and stops an opponent from getting to the rim. She also plays great in space, clogging up the passing lane. Just like the past two years, she will be a defensive force in the district and State playoffs.

The District playoffs will kick off this week, and we will see some of the top prospects compete in matchups with one goal in mind—to win and advance. These matchups will feature prospects who can put the ball in the rim. Many of these matchups will also feature defensive players who are talented enough to slow down these prolific scorers. In this article (Part 1 of 2), we highlight some of the top defensive guards in the State who could have a huge impact on the outcome of the District playoff games and more.