AAU Awards: Defensive Players of the Year

It's never easy to judge defensive prowess. Given that there are so many different facets of defensive excellence – from rebounding to shot blocking to ‘help' to on-ball ability – it's difficult to decide just who deserves defensive accolades. In the past we have usually named a top defender, a runner-up and some honorable mentions. We have chosen all-defensive teams, too. This year, in keeping with how we've done some of the other post-season AAU awards – we're picking two players per class.   Apologies in advance to those who have been left out. There are so many deserving players in every class whose defensive efforts make an important difference to their team. Let the debating begin. These are our choices for Prep Girls Hoops 2025 AAU Defensive Players of the Year.   CLASS OF 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='205310' first='Tori' last='Oehrlein'] – 2026 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns']   This season, the 5'11 guard from Crosby-Ironton has a chance to become Minnesota's all-time leading scorer. We've been talking about her elite scoring and skill set since 7th grade, but what often gets overlooked is her defense. Oehrlein is one of the top rebounding guards we've ever covered, averaging 16 boards per game last season, 15 the year before, and 14 as a freshman. In AAU she defends some of the best in the country and consistently excels. Her all-around impact, leadership, and toughness make the University of Minnesota commit one of the most complete players in the 2026 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='515673' first='Brielle' last='Janssen'] – 2026 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise']   The 6-footer from MACCRAY has been dominant for several seasons. A runner-up for our Class A Player of the Year last winter, she led her team to its first state appearance in nearly two decades. This summer, Janssen once again showed why she's a top-15 prospect in the Class of 2026, locking down opponents and leading on both ends. Though a D1-level talent, she's committed to national D2 power Minnesota State-Mankato. Brielle has great length, high skill, and the kind of consistency and effort level that coaches love.   CLASS OF 2027   [player_tooltip player_id='529357' first='Emma' last='Millerbernd'] – 2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan']   When we named Millerbernd our high school Defensive Player of the Year as an 8th grader, it felt like a bold call. But it's one she's lived up to ever since. Now a standout junior at Providence Academy, Millerbernd is the definition of a lockdown defender. She's consistent, athletic, and intense – reliable game after game no matter the opponent. A top-5 prospect in the Class of 2027, Emma impacts every game with her defense, leadership, and work ethic. She hasn't chosen a college yet, but whichever coach lands her is getting a game-changer.   [player_tooltip player_id='644100' first='Annika' last='Kieser'] – 2027 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury']   At 5'10, Kieser is one of the most versatile and determined guards in her class. The Wayzata standout brings a unique combination of strength, effort, and defensive grit. When we think of Annika, we think of toughness – she's a bulldog who never backs down. Her defensive mindset, physicality, and focus make her a nightmare for opposing guards. Offensively, she's capable and smart, but it's her ability to dictate the other team's success (or lack thereof) in such a big way with her effort that's special. She's a legit D1 prospect and a consistent tone-setter for her team.   CLASS OF 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='905146' first='Harper' last='Vossen'] – 2028 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan']   [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] is loaded with D1 talent but not everyone on the 2028 roster gets the recognition they deserve. Take Vossen, for example. The 5'9 guard from Woodbury made her mark this summer by anchoring her team's defensive identity. A key piece in Tartan's AAU state title run, Vossen proved she can shut down top scorers while playing unselfish, winning basketball. She doesn't need big scoring numbers to be impactful – she affects the game with energy, communication, and effort. Vossen's rise to #35 in the 2028 rankings reflects her ability to consistently defend and lead from the backcourt.   [player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'] – 2028 guard/wing, [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United']   At 6 feet and athletic, Youngberg is already one of the most complete wings in Minnesota's 2028 class. Ranked #6 and holding multiple D1 offers, she's proven herself over and over on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she's skilled and reliable. Defensively, she's a force – her length allows her to contest shots inside, while her quickness lets her defend all five positions. Youngberg's rebounding toughness and motor stand out every time she plays. She's physical, focused, and relentless. There's a reason she has become a coveted player in her class.   CLASS OF 2029   [player_tooltip player_id='1263671' first='Madeleine' last='Hamiel'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan']   Hamiel moved from Canada last year and immediately helped Cretin-Derham Hall reach the Class 3A State Tournament. The 5'10 guard is an elite defender with non-stop energy, a relentless motor, and a team-first mindset. Her ball pressure and hustle make her a disruptive force. Though her offense is strong, it's Hamiel's intensity and commitment on defense that elevate her profile as a future D1 player. She rebounds well, communicates constantly, and brings a competitive edge to every possession. Her ceiling continues to rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1233136' first='Korbin' last='Tanner'] – 2029 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United']   When we first saw Tanner, she was a developing big with raw ability. Now she's a 6'2 powerhouse with length, strength, and nice agility for her size. The New London-Spicer product has emerged as one of the most promising post players in her class. She moves well, plays hard, and is starting to tap into her offensive potential. Like other top Minnesota bigs before her, Tanner possesses the physical gifts you can't teach – size, mobility, and motor. With continued development, Korbin looks more and more like a future D1 player.

It's never easy to judge defensive prowess. Given that there are so many different facets of defensive excellence – from rebounding to shot blocking to ‘help' to on-ball ability – it's difficult to decide just who deserves defensive accolades. In the past we have usually named a top defender, a runner-up and some honorable mentions. We have chosen all-defensive teams, too. This year, in keeping with how we've done some of the other post-season AAU awards – we're picking two players per class.