Active Defensive Guards To Watch in Post Season Play

As the regular season comes to a close and the focus shifts to District tournaments, we take a look back at several prospects who delivered consistently on the defensive end. From ripping ballhandlers and jumping passing lanes to turning defense into instant offense, these players have made their presence felt all season long. Their ability to disrupt, pressure, and create plays on the defensive end will be instrumental in their teams' push to make deep playoff runs. While their impact shows up across the stat sheet, their greatest value will likely be felt on the defensive end.    [player_tooltip player_id='892014' first='Kelsey' last='Sharpe'] is one of the top on-ball defenders in the State, and she makes it very difficult for the opposing guard to operate. Sharpe leads her team with just "south" of 6 steals per game and knows what to do with it once she gets it. Sharpe is fast with lightning-quick instincts. She plays smart in the passing lanes and prevents drives to the rim with her ability to move laterally and backwards - faster than the guard running toward her. Sharpe is active and will be a problem in the postseason. There are some talented teams in the playoffs, and any team that faces Sharpe and Green will have to have a good ball handler, or the night could prove to be a long one.       [player_tooltip player_id='743520' first='Kimora' last='Green'] has always been one of the most impressive players on the floor when she suits it up. Green is a rare prospect who can get in the paint and elevate enough to secure rebounds over the bigs. Green has quickness and serious elevation. These skills allow her to average over 5 rebounds per game and help produce steals on a consistent basis. Green has great lateral movement and speed on the court. She beats players to the spot and has the strength to physically prevent players from getting past her. There is not a loose ball that Green doesn't dive for. If the ball is anywhere in her vicinity, Green is given it all to secure the ball. Green is active, and her defensive effort will be observed by many. She has the ability to impact the game from the defensive side of the ball.      [player_tooltip player_id='805961' first='Jazlynn' last='Curtis'] frustrated teams all season, and the young guard was a menace in the District finals against Providence last year. Curtis is one of the most physical guards you will find and has the strength of a big man and the toughness of a power forward. Curtis bodys up defenders and turns the game into a physical battle all game long. She has strength, has good footwork, and protects the paint with her quickness. Curtis will be a defensive player to watch in the playoffs, and she has a legitimate chance to make some noise this upcoming playoff season.     [player_tooltip player_id='768731' first='Roslyn' last='Weston'] is one of the toughest defenders on the First Coast. Weston has speed and plays with great physicality. She has very good speed and she embraces the physical play. Weston plays up on the ball handler and takes away space and driving lanes. Weston has good length, long arms, and gets her hand on a lot of passes. She plays the passing lanes well. She is also a versatile defender who can cover point guards or shooting guards, and even forwards with her size.     [player_tooltip player_id='514522' first='Morgan' last='Cremen'] has had a season for the ages and her emergence as an offensive weapon has been impressive to watch. Cremen is averaging 21.4 points per game and still dishes 5 assists per game. What really stands out about this year is that even with the monster offensive numbers, Cremen still remembers her defensive roots with an average of 6.4 steals per game. The senior guard has a high basketball IQ, and it really shows up on the defensive end. She reads passes well and is very good at ripping away steals and turning them into points. Cremen is the type of player who could lead her team to a big upset win. Her defensive effort steals momentum and is capable of stealing games.     [player_tooltip player_id='514627' first='Yamise' last='Haygood'] is another elite defender who is accustomed to leading the state in steals. Haygood presently averages 21.5 points per game, and a lot of those points are a result of the relentless pressure she puts on guarding the ball. Haygood plays the passing lanes and rips ball handlers to a tune of 8 steals per game. She is a player who definitely can turn a game upside down just by her defensive effort. She will be a player to pay attention to on both ends of the floor.

As the regular season comes to a close and the focus shifts to District tournaments, we take a look back at several prospects who delivered consistently on the defensive end. From ripping ballhandlers and jumping passing lanes to turning defense into instant offense, these players have made their presence felt all season long. Their ability to disrupt, pressure, and create plays on the defensive end will be instrumental in their teams' push to make deep playoff runs. While their impact shows up across the stat sheet, their greatest value will likely be felt on the defensive end.