The defensive side of the game is by far the most overlooked aspect of the game, but that doesn’t stop some players from taking great pride in getting stops. Whether it is sliding their feet, being a pest, using great length to make shots difficult, or blocking shots, defense is and always will be fun to watch when executed at a high level. Take a look at our 1st team All Defensive Team!
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Wing Defender</strong></span></h3>
2021 5’10 SF [player_tooltip player_id="85877" first="MJ" last="Bruno"] (Central Valley HS) is one of the best defenders in the state. The University of Portland signee slides her feet laterally very well, she has great length and underrated wiry strength for defending slightly bigger players. Bruno was a key member of Central Valley’s state title team this past season and she had the assignment of defending Montana State signee [player_tooltip player_id="82922" first="Mia" last="Hughes"] who is a load to handle inside and Bruno made everything as difficult as she possibly could. In any other game you might find her defending the opposing team’s shooting guard, showing her versatility. *Feature image
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Great Shot Blocker</strong></span></h3>
If I had to choose someone to protect the paint, I’m rolling with 2021 6’3 C [player_tooltip player_id="48039" first="Faith" last="Bergstrom"] (Camas HS). Bergstrom has and outstanding wing span that covers a lot of ground on the court. The Cal Poly signee can swat shots consistently with fairly good timing and she also uses her size well on the boards.
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Versatile Athlete</strong></span></h3>
2021 5’9 SG [player_tooltip player_id="82946" first="Linsey" last="Lovrovich"] (Peninsula HS) is a big time athlete out of the Key Peninsula. She can run and jump with some of the better athletes and she plays really hard to go along with it. Her ability to get in the paint and board with the bigs after defending out on the perimeter is impressive. At the high school level, The future Boise State Bronco can defend 1-3 quite comfortably.
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Quickest Defender</strong></span></h3>
In terms of all around quickness and burst, there is no one with better feet than 2021 5’5 PG [player_tooltip player_id="144520" first="Aaliyah" last="Collins"] (Glacier Peak HS). Collins has blazing quickness and a next level burst of open court speed to match. She plays with a lot of aggression that may even get her in foul trouble at times, but I will take her effort any day of the week on the defensive end. *Chicago State commit
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Super Effort and Physicality at 4 Position</strong></span></h3>
Rounding things out to give some more bulk inside, I would have to go with 2021 6’0 PF [player_tooltip player_id="48031" first="Chenoa" last="Louie"] (Royal City HS). Louie is tough as nails, very strong and plays with a great motor in her 6 foot frame. She can defend 3-5 at the high school level, but provides a perfect matchup for most players at the 4 position. Diving on the loose balls, taking charges, blocking shots, whatever is required to win, Louie will do it. *Signed to Saint Martin's University
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