Texas Live Period: Top Defenders

We are all aware that there are two sides to the game of basketball like in most sports; offensive and defense. The ability to guard extremely well versus basically changes the entire dynamic of the team. Watching players have the intensity on defense to stop their opponent is one of the best parts of the game. Rebounding well, tips and touches on the ball, slide over for help defense, banging on the inside, running full court to catch a player, etc. The awareness and ability of these players on the defensive end are easy to notice anytime you watch these players. Here are some of the top defenders that easily took notice in the first Live period in Texas. &nbsp; <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><u>Top Defenders</u></span></p> <strong>#35 Cymirah Williams, Junior, 5’11, Forward, Millwood HS, BlueStar Dallas RBL</strong> Goes up strong to get the rebound each time. Great ball protection on rebounds and going for the lay-up. Seals opponents well in order to go get rebound or prevent her player from rebounding. Important to add in she likes blocking shots and does well in executing blocks without fouling. <strong>#11 McKinzie Washington, Freshman, 5’9, Guard/Forward, MacArthur HS, Oklahoma Swish</strong> Great defense from multiple levels of on the floor. She uses her solid body from the hips to move defenders allowing her to defend mid-post and lower. Executes timing well on using the body in order to go for the steal. <strong>#13 Ryley Beard, Junior, 5’10, Forward/Guard, Ponca City HS, Team Oklahoma </strong> I love her readiness and willingness to play help defense. She moved quickly to get into help and talks on defense. What’s also most impressive is her mechanics on defense as she usually always has her hands up and is shoulder square to her defenders when she helps which often forced the defense to miss the shot or make a pass. <strong>#24 Kinley Gentry, Freshman, 5’9, Forward, Muldrow HS, Tulsa JYD</strong> Another chance to witness her defensive prowess! Often watched with her high school team, Muldrow, on executing defense. It’s insipid she is used to working on defense. Secured her rebounds, almost each possession got a touch on the ball, and stepped over to cut off drives in help. She makes the defensive part of the game look easy. &nbsp; Follow us on all social media platforms at @PGHOklahoma for news, updates, events and more!!