Exciting 2024 Defensive Prospects
In this article:
Much like the Class of 2025, the rising junior group is strong in South Florida. Ten prospects sit inside the top 25 of our rankings. Kayla Nelms Kayla Nelms 6'1" | PF Miami Country Day | 2024 State FL (Miami…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMuch like the Class of 2025, the rising junior group is strong in South Florida. Ten prospects sit inside the top 25 of our rankings.
Kayla Nelms Kayla Nelms 6'1" | PF Miami Country Day | 2024 State FL (Miami Country Day/Miami Suns) is the highest ranked player in the region at No. 2 overall. Nelms’ inside-out game and defensive dominance is superb. She averaged 11.3 rebounds, two blocks and 1.9 steals per game across 27 contests.
Of course, there are plenty of other prospects that play great defense.
Here are some of them.
Ka’Zahria Johnson Ka’Zahria Johnson 6'2" | C St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL – Miami Norland/Essence (PGH: 7)
Ka’Zahria Johnson Ka’Zahria Johnson 6'2" | C St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL is probably the best rim protector in the area. The 6-foot-2 center averaged 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Johnson will alter an offensive game plan with her length in the paint alone. Any rebound in her vicinity will likely be collected. Johnson grabbed 25 boards in a game against Somerset Academy Silver Palms. She also moves well as an on-ball defender. Johnson recorded 18 steals in 16 games. Her prospect ability on defense alone will intrigue college programs.
Kaliyah Morales Kaliyah Morales 5'7" | PG Miami Country Day | 2024 State FL – Miami Country Day/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 45)
Kaliyah Morales Kaliyah Morales 5'7" | PG Miami Country Day | 2024 State FL is a great defensive prospect out of Miami Country Day. The 5-foot-7 guard recorded 84 steals (3.0 spg) across 28 games. Morales was much more involved on the floor as opposed to her freshman season. I think her latest experience will help her as a junior.
Jamesha Card Jamesha Card 5'10" | PF South Broward | 2024 State FL – South Broward/CFE 16U 3SSB (PGH: 23)
Jamesha Card Jamesha Card 5'10" | PF South Broward | 2024 State FL was a dominant defender this past season for South Broward. The 5-foot-10 power forward averaged 8.2 rebounds and two steals per game across 26 games. In addition, she recorded 21 blocks. Card’s frame and power will give an offensive opponent problems around the paint. She will hold her ground and force her assignment into a difficult shot. Card also moves well for a prospect at the four position.
Khadee Hession Khadee Hession 5'10" | CG St Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL / Kalia Harrington Kalia Harrington 5'8" | SG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL – Mater Lakes Academy/Essence
Both Khadee Hession Khadee Hession 5'10" | CG St Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL and Kalia Harrington Kalia Harrington 5'8" | SG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL are excellent perimeter defenders. Their length beyond the arc is tough for opposing guards to score against. They also move well as on-ball defenders with their athleticism. Hession averaged a team-best 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 steals per game. Harrington finished second in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and led the Bears in blocks per contest (1.3 bpg). Having both in sync is one reason why Mater Lakes Academy won 16 games.
Unique Horton Unique Horton 6'2" | PF Miami SouthRidge | 2024 State FL – Somerset Academy Silver Palms/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 76)
Unique Horton Unique Horton 6'2" | PF Miami SouthRidge | 2024 State FL is an upside defender out of the Homestead area. The 6-foot power forward averaged ten rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for the Stallions. Moreover, Horton grabbed 11 or more boards in 11 games. Her length and ability to protect the rim contributed to 42 blocks overall. Horton rejected four in a game on three different occasions.
For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.