6 Defensive Monsters in the 2022 Class
As with the 2021 class there are 2022s monsters whose abilities get overshadowed by storms of offensive highlights. In this article we look at six defensive monsters of the latter class. And, as before, for sport we look at them…
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Continue ReadingAs with the 2021 class there are 2022s monsters whose abilities get overshadowed by storms of offensive highlights. In this article we look at six defensive monsters of the latter class. And, as before, for sport we look at them from lowest to highest rank.
#56 Ashlyn Alloway, 5’9″, F, Olathe North, Missouri Phenom – Alloway made the Sunflower Smack Show‘s all-Sunflower league freshman team. Offensively she is fast with the ball and able to slash across the lane to finishing with her left. Defensively she is strong, physical, has a strong motor, and is able to guard the ball well.
Uniontown 2022 point guard Danielle Howard elevates for a left-handed lay-in. Image courtesy of Bret Howard.#47 Danielle Howard, 5’8″, PG, Uniontown, Next Level Eclipse – Howard was a Three Rivers League first team all-league selection. She was also selected as a pool all-star at a USJN St. Louis event in July. Howard has long arms and quick hands, is able to jump passing lanes and pick pockets well, and anticipates well for the shot block. Offensively, she has a ability to catch and shoot quickly on the perimeter.
#13 Abby Augustine, 5’9″, G, Blue Valley Southwest, Team KC Hoops – Augustine gets a fair amount of attention for her offensive abilities. As a lefty with a terrific motor she shows good vision and IQ in transition. Additionally she has legitimate 25′ three point range, makes good use of a crossover on the bounce, and can finish on both sides. Her IQ and athleticism on the defensive end can, but should not, be lost in the shadow of her offensive skills. An active defender against screens and dribble-drive attempts, Augustine can be described as tenacious.
#11 Kyla Frenchers, 5’6″, PG, Eisenhower, Next Level Eclipse – Frenchers was a Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) 5A honorable mention all-state and a Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div II first team all-league selection. What stands out is her competitiveness and how quick her feet and hands are in her work defending opposing point guards. Offensively Frenchers has the ability to no-look pass, cross over strongly, finish, and shoot the three. She averaged 14 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals in 2019. Read more about her here from October.
#7 Harper Schreiner, 5’6″, PG, Eudora, Wheat State Elite – Schreiner was a major factor in Eudora’s run to the Class 3A state basketball tournament a year ago. Notable at the tournament was her ability to dish inside off the drive, athleticism around the basket (including showing a good floater), and speed with the ball. At this summer’s Reign the Plains in Wichita her defense took center stage. She proved to be very disruptive in disallowing ball handlers the ability to use high screens, repeatedly beating them to the spot or fighting over the screen to stay with the ball.
#5 Beatrice Culliton, 6’3″, C, St. Thomas Aquinas, Missouri Phenom – As a member of the class 5A state championship team Culliton earned substantial accolades a year ago. She was selected to the Sports In Kansas 5A all-state tournament team and was a KBCA 5A honorable mention all-state and Eastern Kansas League second team all-league selection. Along with being physical, having great size, and showing good hands with an ability to finish around the basket, she was the second leading rebounder in the 5A state tournament. In late April, 2019, Steve Reynolds with Lady Baller Insider commented “One could argue the Culliton was the most well-rounded center in Virginia this past weekend. She defends her position very well.” He also noted her solidness on the offensive end working pick and roll action and catching and finishing in traffic.
Featured image: Eurdora’s Harper Schreiner is shown being guarded on the wing during a 2019 class 3A Kansas state basketball tournament game.