Top 10 Versatile Defenders in NJ

These are the players coaches love! They can guard multiple positions, switch without panic and allow defensive schemes to exist.   *in no particular order   [player_tooltip player_id='981918' first='Hailey' last='Benbow'] | Rutgers Prep   While Hailey is averaging 2.3 SPG, the stats just don't tell the full story. She averaging almost a block per game, but tallying many more deflections that don't show up in the box score. She's also averaging just three quarters of play per game, making what she's doing that much more impressive. She's long, stands six-feet tall and might just be the bounciest player in the state, able to grab rim and out-rebound much taller opponents. She's able to switch seamlessly, if/when the defensive assignment calls for it. Hailey has no problem guarding 1-4 and games against Bridgewater-Raritan (3 BLKS & 4 STLS) and Franklin (1 BLK & 4 STLS) prove that.   [player_tooltip player_id='601520' first='Allison' last='Snyder'] | Glen Ridge   I've seen Allison listed anywhere from a guard, to a wing, to a power forward... and it's easy to see why! She's averaging 4.2 BPG & 1.9 SPG for the Ridgers, fueling their defense and being the difference-maker in narrow wins over Mahwah (3 BLKS & 4 STLS in a 2-point win) and Mount St. Dominic (4 BLKS & 3 STLS in a 5-point win). She's lengthy, agile and versatile, able to cover a lot of ground and disrupt the opponent's offensive flow. Her positional awareness is among the best in the state; she knows exactly where she needs to be for an impact play. Allison recently passed 200 career steals and is approaching 400 career blocks.   [player_tooltip player_id='559820' first='Addy' last='Platt'] | Gill St. Bernard's   Addy's game is versatile in every sense of the word, both offensively and defensively. Averaging 2.2 BPG & 4.3 SPG, she's leading the way in both categories and helping GSB secure big wins over Franklin (5 BLKS & 4 STLS), Immaculate Heart (2 BLKS & 5 STLS) and Virginia Academy (2 BLKS & 5 STLS). Strong help defense and communication has totally elevated GSB's defensive prowess this season. She's disrupts passing lanes, puts pressure on the ball and plays a lot bigger than her frame to anchor small-ball lineups.   [player_tooltip player_id='913932' first='Elaina' last='Kraybill'] | Egg Harbor Township   One of the CAL's leaders in defensive rebounds, blocks and steals, Lanie versatility has been on full display all season long. She's been impressive guarding 1-5 for the Eagles, using her physicality and quick hands to wreak havoc. She's a strong weak-side rim protector, fluid at switching to defend quick guards and bigger wings, and is mobile enough to hedge and recover. She's averaging 13.9 RPG, 3.3 BPG & 3.2 SPG through twenty-four games.   [player_tooltip player_id='862966' first='Grace' last='Darling'] | Saddle River Day   Grace has stepped up her game big time since last year. She's improved in all aspects and has executed very disciplined inside-out defense through twenty-three games. Averages of 1.8 BPG & 2.5 SPG have guided SRD to fourteen wins, including significant ones over River Dell (3 BLKS & 2 STLS) and Glen Rock (2 BLKS & 2 STLS). She's been excellent at forcing turnovers and sending back shots near the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='559085' first='Addison' last='Nyemchek'] | Red Bank Catholic   It should come as no surprise to see Addy's name on this list. The Indiana commit has gone head-to-head with some of the best teams and players in the country this season, averaging 1.5 BPG & 2.8 SPG. She's long, fluid and possesses a sharp basketball acumen that allows her to read the floor well and anticipate. Lateral quickness allows her to keep up with smaller guards, while her 6'1" frame aids in effective inside-out defense. Whether it's disrupting the in-bound play, swatting shots or intercepting passes... she gets stops, plain and simple.   [player_tooltip player_id='601333' first='Megan' last='Logan'] | Westfield   Megan's ability to recover on defense makes her a truly dangerous threat. It's one of the most underrated defensive skill, but it's one she fully thrives at. Her fluidity running the floor makes it tough for the opponent to full get ahead on the break in fear of a chase-down block. She's also really good when anchoring the paint and remains vertical going up for rejections. She's able to switch onto perimeter players, using her long wingspan to pick off passes.   [player_tooltip player_id='651517' first='Aleah' last='Sunkins'] | Franklin   A big and strong guard/wing, Aleah has proved her resilient and versatile defensive prowess against some tough teams this season. She effectively guards multiple positions and impacts the game in different defensive situations (not just one specific role), evident in games against Grand Street Campus (3 BLKS & 2 STLS), Hillsborough (3 BLKS & 3 STLS), Union Catholic (3 BLKS & 3 STLS) and Plainfield (1 BLK & 4 STLS). She uses her wingspan to contest shots, pesters the passing lanes and alters shots with limited fouling. Season averages currently have Li at 1.9 BPG & 1.9 SPG.   [player_tooltip player_id='1134560' first='Brooklynn' last='Bell'] | Lacey   The stretch 4 has done a fantastic job expanding her versatility on defense. Brooklynn anchors the interior and can also switch onto a guard and survive for several seconds without giving up an easy basket. She's averaging a strong 3.8 BPG & 2.0 SPG, leading her team in both categories. Crucial stops (2 BLKS & 3 STLS) against Brick Memorial earlier this season got the Lions the single-possession win.   [player_tooltip player_id='919624' first='Nawel' last='Ibazatene Lefebvre'] | Morristown   Nawel can switch from a guard to a big without a problem, displaying her full defensive wizardry. Her IQ is through the roof, making it easy for her to identify offensive actions early, communicate switches, rotate at the right time and know when to help and when to stay home. She reads the floor quickly, allowing her to defend different roles within the same possession. Averaging 1.3 BPG & 4.8 SPG, she's contesting shots at the rim and closing out at the perimeter at a high clip; balanced and tough!

These are the players coaches love! They can guard multiple positions, switch without panic and allow defensive schemes to exist.