PGH Defensive Player of the Year: London Harris

Elite defenders never seem to get the same level of recognition the top scorers do. I guess that's just human nature. Points are easy to see, simple to tabulate, obvious to anyone who's paying attention. The work of top defensive players is more subtle. It's not always measurable. It's difficult to quantify in a concrete way.. But one thing is for certain: top defenders have an enormous impact on the outcome of a basketball game. We do our best to recognize the stoppers as much as the scorers which is why we're happy to salute our Prep Girls Hoops Defensive Players of the Year.   [player_tooltip player_id='215457' first='London' last='Harris'] – 2025 guard, Hopkins   When Hopkins won the Class 4A State Tournament two weeks ago, much of the glory went to sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='659130' first='Jaliyah' last='Diggs'] and [player_tooltip player_id='558627' first='Erma' last='Walker']. It was earned and deserved. Those two played great! Truth be told, the Royals don't win the title if London doesn't put together a string of outstanding defensive performances over the past few weeks against some of the state's more potent offensive weapons. That's just how she rolls.   We first wrote about the now 5'10 combo guard back in 2020 when she played for a talent-laden [program_tooltip program_id='713136' first='The' last='City'] AAU squad. “Write down the name and remember the game,” we said back then, “because London is going to be a big-time player. The latest in a long line of quality prospects to emerge from Coach Mo's Hospitality House youth program in North Minneapolis, Harris has Division I written all over her.”   In the years since then, Harris has honed her defensive skills to a T. She's devoted to the task, relishes every defensive assignment as a challenge worth pursuing, and takes enormous pride in preventing top scorers from having a big night. It's been a ton of fun to watch London as she's honed her craft. Harris takes charges, forces turnovers, hawks balls routinely, and delivers at the other end when it's her turn.   It has been somewhat perplexing over the past few months as the top-20 prospect has gone unsigned. Since the transfer portal opened, however, and roster spots have  opened up, things are happening this week for London. I've personally spoken to a half dozen college coaches about acquiring London's services in the past few days, and she picked up an offer from new North Dakota coach Dennis Hutter as a result. I'm confident there are more to come. Whoever lands London will have scored a winner. Right now she is the state's top defensive player.   HONORABLE MENTIONS   [player_tooltip player_id='529357' first='Emma' last='Millerbernd'] – 2027 guard, Providence Academy   Perhaps when she's done playing we should name the top defender award after Emma. It seems like she's been in mix every year, including when she won the category two years ago as an 8th grader. Millerbernd has made the grade among elite defenders in both high school and AAU and continues to emphasize this aspect of the game even though her offensive productivity and skillset has blossomed over time. Defense, after all, is a mindset and Emma is hardwired to make life difficult for members of the opposition. Millerbernd, who averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, is the #4-rated prospect in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2027   [player_tooltip player_id='344333' first='Cail' last='Jahnke'] – 2026 guard, St. Michael-Albertville   Length is a weapon at both ends of the floor. That's why it is such a highly sought-after asset by Division 1 college coaches. Is there anyone in Minnesota who's longer than Cail? The 6'2 wing from STMA has used her prodigious length to become one of the most disruptive defenders in the state. The combination of height, arm length and ability to elevate makes it nearly impossible to get the ball over Jahnke's reach. Her ability to block shots, alter shots, tip passes and force opponents to go elsewhere on the floor is remarkable. Combined with nice instincts, a big motor and strong focus, Cail's defensive prowess is among the state's very best. She's ranked #3 in the Class of 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='567389' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'] – 2027 guard, Benilde-St. Margaret's   Like Millerbernd, Friedly's defensive abilities came to light very early in her varsity career. As an 8th grader she was already an elite stopper, a player who continuously delivered on the defensive end of the equation on a daily basis. Her basketball IQ, court vision, superior sense of timing and stoic, steady demeanor have been huge assets. It's not surprising that Friedly – just like Harris, Jahnke and Millerbernd – is a state champion. Others may have received more glory during BSM's three-year run of excellence but nobody has played a more important role. The 5'9 combo guard is a top 25 sophomore who will be an impact performer at the next level.

Elite defenders never seem to get the same level of recognition the top scorers do. I guess that's just human nature. Points are easy to see, simple to tabulate, obvious to anyone who's paying attention. The work of top defensive players is more subtle. It's not always measurable. It's difficult to quantify in a concrete way.. But one thing is for certain: top defenders have an enormous impact on the outcome of a basketball game. We do our best to recognize the stoppers as much as the scorers which is why we're happy to salute our Prep Girls Hoops Defensive Players of the Year.