Top 250: DEFENSE Part 1
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The Prep Girls Hoops Michigan Top 250 Expo put a lot of players and their skill sets on display. We can’t forget about the defensive end. Any coaches that are searching for defenders, now and in the future, may want…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Girls Hoops Michigan Top 250 Expo put a lot of players and their skill sets on display. We can’t forget about the defensive end. Any coaches that are searching for defenders, now and in the future, may want to take a look at this article.
* This is derived straight from my notes from the event. There are plenty of outstanding defenders in the field, but these are a few that drew my eye.
Taylor Anderson Taylor Anderson SF South Lyon East | 2022 State MI (2022, 5-8, G, South Lyon East)
Anderson made her presence felt defensively at the Top 250. Her D on the perimeter was intense and impactful. Anderson hustled all over the floor, locking down opponents.
Braxcynn Baker Braxcynn Baker 5'11" | CG Lowell | 2024 State MI (2024, 5-8, G, Lowell)
Baker will be driving opponents crazy for the next 4 years. She’s a hustle player on defense that literally never stops moving. Baker doesn’t give her opponent any time to make a decision with the ball.
Anaya Billups Anaya Billups 6'0" | PF North Farmington | 2024 State MI (2024, 6-0, F, Detroit Edison)
Billups was so fundamentally sound on both ends in Grand Rapids. She seemed comfortable defending anywhere on the floor. Billups talked a lot on the denfensive end.
Jordyn Byrd (2022, 5-6, G, Lansing Waverly)
Byrd seemed to know what it would take to influence the game on the defensive end. She stayed low on D and limited the offensive player’s options. Byrd could really create a niche with this type of performance.
Lexi Boyke Lexi Boyke 6'1" | PF Frankenmuth | 2023 State MI (2023, 6-0, F, Frankenmuth)
Boyke was a difference maker on D. She was versatile with her ability to defend on the perimeter and in the paint. Boyke blocked a lot of shots and protected the rim at the Top 250.
Faith Carson Faith Carson 6'4" | C Buchanan | 2023 State MI (2023, 6-4, C, Buchanan)
If somebody finds an easy way to score, let me know. She’s so strong and physical in the paint, in addition to having solid footwork if an opponent tries to take her outside.
Grace Goodnough Grace Goodnough 5'11" | PF Lakeland | 2022 State MI (2022, 5-11, F, International Academy West)
Goodnough is a disciplined player on defense. She rarely bit on opponents go to offensive moves. Goodnough could be a defensive weapon for any coach that she plays for.
Maddie Petroelje Maddie Petroelje 6'1" | SF Hudsonville | 2023 State MI (2023, 6-1, G, Hudsonville)
We knew going into the event that Petroelje was an elite shooter. But her physicality is what stood out at the Top 250. That extended to the defensive end where she showed toughness, grit, and physical strength.
Brooklyn Robak Brooklyn Robak SG Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes | 2021 State MI (2021, 5-8, G, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes)
Robak is just flat out tough. She can buckle down 1-on-1, as well as play a physical defensive game. Robak is a physically strong player that can keep her opponent from getting to their spot on offense.
Hannah Taylor Hannah Taylor 5'7" | SG Grand Haven | 2024 State MI (2024, 5-7, G, Grand Haven)
Taylor had a great day defensively at the event. She could be an immediate presence on that end as a freshman. Taylor’s defensive development will be fun to watch.