Defensive Anchors in the 9 0 4

In this article we look at some of the prospects on the First Coast who are special on the defensive end of the court. Many look at games and focus on the offensive scores, but a common phrase is that defense wins championships. These prospects are making their presence felt with grit, determination, and tenacity - anchoring the defense of their respective teams.    [player_tooltip player_id='934210' first='Kristyonna' last='Harris'] is that player on the roster who can cover anyone you put her on. She has the ability to disrupt the opponents entire game plan. Harris just wrapped up her Freshman year and has already established herself as a defender to be reckoned with. Not only can Harris defend on the perimeter, but she can battle on the inside. She averaged 1.5 blocks per game and nearly 6 rebounds per game. It's not just the stats that are impressive, but the effort she plays with. That alone makes her the anchor of her team's defense.       [player_tooltip player_id='515110' first='Jacoreyn' last='Andrews'] just makes plays when she is on the court. It all starts on the defensive end. Andrews will stick her nose in on the play and risk it all. If there is a loose ball on the court, Andrews is near the ball or was probably the reason the ball is rolling around in the first place. She gets her share of steals, and deflects even more. Andrews averaged nearly 3 rebounds per game last year from the point guard position. She plays on the ball and makes the opposing guard work. Andrews usually gets the tough assignment on defense. That's saying a lot since she came off the bench in the first half of the season. By seasons end, Andrews was part of the starting line up and matching up against the opponent's top offensive player.     [player_tooltip player_id='805961' first='Jazlynn' last='Curtis'] is undoubtedly the anchor of San Jose Prep's defense, and you could poll some of the top guards in the city and it Curtis would probably be the unanimous choice. She is arguably the strongest player on the First Coast and she is a guard. The physicality she plays with is almost unfair to point guards and shooting guards. Curtis is built different. Her training regimen is legendary. It includes daily runs and weightlifting. On the court she is special too. She bodies up players, knocks them off their line, and often affects their psyche. Curtis helped lead her team to a historical season and two wins away from going to the State Championships in Lakeland.     [player_tooltip player_id='514527' first='Arianna' last='Walker'] has had a summer to remember and has solidified herself as one of the top defenders on the First Coast. She was already borderline elite in that area and helped lead Bolles to it's first ever trip to Lakeland. Throughout last season, Walker put the clamps on the fast guards and accepted the challenge against the elite ones. This spring, Walker has taking it to another level and has garnered a lot of interest. A solid Live period and Walker could receive an offer to anchor a college team's defense in a few years.     [player_tooltip player_id='843397' first='Karli' last='Torres'] was co-anchor of Ed White's defense last year and heading into next season, Torres will be the defensive catalyst. Last season Torres averaged 1.1 blocks per game had 32 blocks for the season. She also grabbed nearly 8 rebounds per game. Torres has good mobility, she is very athletic, and brings physicality to the game. She was a recent standout against elite opposition at the Demetrius Richardson Showcase.

In this article we look at some of the prospects on the First Coast who are special on the defensive end of the court. Many look at games and focus on the offensive scores, but a common phrase is that defense wins championships. These prospects are making their presence felt with grit, determination, and tenacity - anchoring the defense of their respective teams.