Best paint protectors
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The most essential part of having a great defense is how well you can protect the paint. If teams can’t get easy buckets around the rim, it usually means they won’t score many points. These girls are the anchor of…
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Continue ReadingThe most essential part of having a great defense is how well you can protect the paint. If teams can’t get easy buckets around the rim, it usually means they won’t score many points. These girls are the anchor of their team’s defense.
Emma O’Connor Emma O’Connor 6’0″ | PF Westfield | 2024 State VA won DPOY in a fantastic Concorde district for a reason. Emma has tremendous length and moves well. She is consistently in a good position and understands where she needs to be effective as a defender. She either blocks or alters shots around the rim, and I see her repeating as Concorde district DPOY.
Laura Williams Laura Williams 6’2″ | PF Paul VI | 2024 State VA does almost everything at a high level for a big, but her defensive ability makes her unique. Three things usually make you an elite defender in the paint. Having the physical tools is one, putting in the effort and energy is the other, and the last is defensive instincts that are hard to teach. Laura has all 3. She has the length and athletic ability and takes absolute pride in that end of the floor. Her shot-blocking and defensive IQ help her lead an excellent PVI defense.
Avery Griepentrog Avery Griepentrog 5'10" | PF James Madison | 2024 State VA
Avery Griepentrog Avery Griepentrog 5'10" | PF James Madison | 2024 State VA
Avery Griepentrog Avery Griepentrog 5’10” | PF James Madison | 2024 State VA is the shortest player on this list, but she is as impactful as anyone here. James Madison was one of the best defensive teams last year, and their most impactful player on that side of the ball was Avery Griepentrog Avery Griepentrog 5’10” | PF James Madison | 2024 State VA . She plays bigger than her size, and her defensive versatility is outstanding. She blocks a lot of shots and is a rim protector overall.
Peyton White Peyton White 6’0″ | C Gainesville HS | 2026 State VA had a terrific first year. She was one of the leading shot blockers in the state at 2.3 per game. Peyton has excellent length and good athleticism. She uses both well by playing vertically. Gainesville should be a terrific defensive team again, and you could see Peyton get to 3 blocks a game.
Abuna Ruop Abuna Ruop 6’8″ | C Norfolk Christian | 2026 State VA is 6’8, so naturally, you would expect her to be on here. I see her leading the league in blocks, and with how raw she is right now if she can pick up things mechanically on defense, she will be special. But for now, her length will make it near impossible for teams to be productive in the paint. Im excited to see what this season has in store for Abuna and where the improvements she’s made this summer will get her.