Speed Kills: Hampton Roads Guards Who Push the Pace

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The saying goes that speed kills, and basketball is no exception. Players who cover ground quickly become invaluable when their movement translates into efficient, productive basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few sights are more exciting than a quick guard or explosive wing leaving defenders behind on the way to the basket. However, speed becomes even more dangerous when paired with control, decision-making, and the ability to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fortunately, Hampton Roads has no shortage of players who bring those qualities to the floor. Here are some of the fastest players you'll see across the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["995750"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeba427ce1ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Babb may be Virginia's quickest player from point A to point B with the basketball. The left-handed guard gets downhill in a hurry, using an explosive first step to leave defenders chasing. From there, she covers ground quickly and attacks the rim for strong finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["978258"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeba427ce25e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I once compared Hodge to Nightcrawler from the X-Men because of how quickly she closes gaps in passing lanes. Beyond her speed, her anticipation and timing help her recognize opportunities before the ball arrives. Whether moving laterally or covering ground upcourt, Hodge disrupts passes and turns defense into offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1809430"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeba427ce2c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen is a major reason Manchester can operate at such a fast pace. The guard wastes no time advancing the ball from the opposing baseline and getting her team into its offense. Meanwhile, her low stance and elusive movement make that speed equally disruptive defensively. Allen closes quickly to pick an unsuspecting ball handler's pocket, ending possessions before they can develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1804844"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeba427ce348"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Everything Byrd does happens at a different speed, but her ability to change gears makes her especially difficult to contain. She accelerates downhill, then stops abruptly to find a teammate or rise into a midrange jumper. As a result, defenders must account for both her burst and her ability to control the pace. That combination makes Byrd one of Hampton Roads' must-see guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether attacking the rim or disrupting passing lanes, these players make every second count and every possession worth watching. In a game where hesitation can get you beat, it there is minimal opportunities here to do so.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->