Queens of the Court: Best Defenders
Yesterday we published our top ten performers list from this past weekend at Queens of the Court. Now, we are moving into our superlatives of the best from this weekend. Next up, we have the weekend’s best defenders. These lists…
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Continue ReadingYesterday we published our top ten performers list from this past weekend at Queens of the Court. Now, we are moving into our superlatives of the best from this weekend. Next up, we have the weekend’s best defenders. These lists may include players from our top performers, but will be hard hitting on those not mentioned previously. You can find the five best defenders we saw this weekend below.
Hayley Chappell — 2021 5’6 PG — CY Select 2021 / Valley HS
Chappell was really solid on both ends of the ball this weekend. It was her playmaking on the offensive end, and her lockdown defense that stood out to me. Defensively, she was a beast. She’s got really solid lateral quickness and that allows her to stay in front of those bigger guards. Chappell is really feisty too, and doesn’t back down from anyone. She’s a solid two-way player who has a load of potential for the next level.
Cassidy Thompson — 2021 6’2 PF — CY Select 2021 / Ballard HS
Thompson is far from a finished product, but I love what I see. She is still kind of figuring out how to move in her frame but she has all the makings of a defensive stalwart on the inside. Thompson is a thin and lengthy post player who can move and defend out on the perimeter as well. I really think that with a little more strength she can become a very good next level player. Turns guards away from coming into the paint with her shot blocking ability.
Rose Nkumu — 2020 5’8 PG — Kingdom Hoops 2020 / Iowa City HS
Nkumu is your classic point guard that coaches love. She doesn’t pack a ton of offensive scoring ability right now, but there are flashes of it developing more. Defensively she is so good. She’s quick and has great hands allowing her to swipe balls pretty easily. She can turn turnovers into instant offense and that makes her so dangerous. Great speed and basketball IQ allow her to crash into those passing lanes with ease.
Annika Headington — 2021 5’7 G — Iowa Prep Red 2021 / Waukon HS
Headington is a game changer with how hard she plays. She flies around the court and tries to create action wherever she is. She’s built really well and can switch on bigs and not really give up much at all. I really like her ability to switch over onto anyone and that makes her very valuable at the next level. Headington is going to be a sought out player by coaches due to her ability on the defensive end of the floor.
Kennedy Lein — 2021 5’8 G — Play4Him Academy / Carroll HS
Lein is a really solid defender who has the ability to affect the game a ton on that end of the floor. She is a player with a huge motor and never stops thinking when she is on the floor. Lein is an athletic guard who can guard multiple positions on the floor. In the Play4Him defensive scheme she is great because she is able to fly around and be aggressive. Lein is a really underrated defensive player in the class.