River City Run: Top Defenders
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While there were a ton of offensive shows being put on this weekend, there was also a lot of defensive talent in the building. From locking down opponents to coming up with multiple steals, blocks and rebounds, let’s take a…
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Continue ReadingWhile there were a ton of offensive shows being put on this weekend, there was also a lot of defensive talent in the building. From locking down opponents to coming up with multiple steals, blocks and rebounds, let’s take a look at the top defenders from PGH’s River City Run. The following players all played on teams in the 16U division.
Haleigh Crum Haleigh Crum 5'9" | SG Spring Valley | 2024 WV | 5’10″ | Class of 2024 | OV Lady Dragons 2024 Red
Crum has so much speed and she really allows her defense to propel her offense, where she can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways I must add. She is a great on-ball defender and she has the ability to lockdown the opponent’s best player. Crum has great hands and stays ready to jump out into the passing lanes to come up with steals. She also has good length and she utilizes it well when it comes to blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. She did an excellent job on the boards overall.
Noel Smith
Noel
Smith
5'7" | PF
Whitefield Academy | 2025
State
KY
| 5’9″ | Class of 2025 | Kentucky ICE 2024
Smith is not going to make it easy on the offense. She seems to come up with all the 50/50 balls, hustle plays, and every rebound even somewhat in her vicinity. She plays extremely hard and really forces the offense to work hard. Smith slides her feet well and she can guard multiple positions. When she guards someone bigger than herself, she does a great job of not letting them catch it and if they find a way to grab it, she guards them straight up. She also gets into the passing lanes and she isn’t afraid to be aggressive.
Mara Mitchell Mara Mitchell 5'6" | SG Jackson Northwest | 2024 State MI | 5’6″ | Class of 2024 | MSF Flight 2024
Mitchell did a great job on the offensive side, but her defensive skills cannot be overlooked. She is always active as a defender. She was stopping players from making drives, she was bringing the intensity both on and off the ball, and she was seeing opportunities to come up with steals then making it happen. Mitchell was really not afraid to take on any challenge that was thrown at her.
Laila Abdurraqib | 5’7″ | Class of 2025 | Indiana Blaze 16U
Abdurraqib was so impressive on the defensive end, much like she was on the opposite end of the court. She is a lockdown on-ball defender. She slides her feet and doesn’t allow the offense to get even a step past her. Off-the-ball, she is just as effective. She reads the offense’s eyes and the passing lanes really well, and that leads to her coming up with a lot of steals. Abdurraqib can elevate to get deflections and she is absolutely fearless.
Paige Medley Paige Medley 5'5" | PG Meade County | 2024 State KY | 5’4″ | Class of 2024 | Team Firstep 2024
Medley really did not let anything get in her head this weekend, including some really tough defensive assignments. She really moves well and she does a great job of stopping drives. Medley is very active and aggressive as a defender. I really loved the intensity she brought every time she was out there.