Defensive Stoppers: Matt’s upper echelon of defenders
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In todays game, many players tend to only focus on one aspect of the game — scoring — It goes without saying, scoring is indeed a top priority, but defense is what wins championships. Both Individual defense and team defense.…
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Continue ReadingIn todays game, many players tend to only focus on one aspect of the game — scoring — It goes without saying, scoring is indeed a top priority, but defense is what wins championships. Both Individual defense and team defense. If a player or multiple players cannot win their respective matchup(s) and keep the opposing player(s) from scoring, it usually indicates a long night is in store at the gymnasium. Defense is how a team sets the tone for their style of play; Are they going to be physical, can they guard in the interior, do they hedge or switch etc. Knowing personnel is also key for a defender to be elite. If the defender can identify schemes, realize their opponents’ weaknesses and exploit them, that makes them a more of a complete player. (EX Player A, likes to take a pull up jumper when going left but goes all the way to the cup when going right — the plan would be, do not allow Player A to drive right, force Player A to take jump shots going left by taking away strong hand)
“Those to whom defense is not important will have the best seat in the game.” – The late Rick Majerus, former TV analyst and NCAA Division 1 Coach: Marquette University, Ball State University, the University of Utah, and Saint Louis University.
Top 25 Quotes by Rick Majerus, https://www.azquotes.com/author/24876-Rick_Majerus. Accessed 17 Sept. 2022.
Highlights
Bella Hines Bella Hines 5'10" | CG Eldorado | 2025 State NM is as talented of a combo guard that there is; Who is so extraordinary on the offensive end, there are times she does not get enough credit on the defensive end — Hines had 92 steals during the regular season, which averaged out to 3.5 steals per game respectively! Adding on to that, Bella is only one of four returning Guards in the entire state to average one block per game, minimum ten games played. She had 26 blocked shots in 26 games played for the Eagles of Eldorado — Opposing teams know Eldorado’s system runs through Bella, so the try to attack her on defense. Get her in foul trouble hoping she wont be so aggressive back down court. That is were teams runs into trouble. Bella has a good IQ, and knows how to jump passing lanes or “pick pockets” of opposing forwards who try to post her up.
Caylee Benavidez Caylee Benavidez 5'6" | PF Tucumcari | 2025 State NM is a promising underclassmen from Tucumcari that had herself a solid 21-22 season. Benavidez, who is now going in to her Sophomore campaign, finds herself already in elite company. As a Freshmen, Caylee appeared in 24 games at the Varsity level for the Lady Rattlers and had 30 blocked shots to go along with 69 steals for the season — splits of 1.2 BPG & 2.9 SPG — Resulting in Caylee being one of only seven players to average at least one block shot per game and one steal per game, minimum 10 games played, in the State of New Mexico!
Ema Rose Ema Rose 5'11" | PF Gadsden | 2023 State NM is a hard working Forward from Gadsden who takes pride competing on the defensive end. Rose has an “old school” feel to her defensive approach, as she likes to bump inside and does not shy away from contact; Especially when opposing Forwards are trying to back her down. Ema has good size and knows how to use her body well, she hardly surrenders any defensive position and plays straight up on the block, hardly ever looking for help. Rose was by far the best shot blocker last season; In 26 games played, she led the State in blocked shots with over 100+, which averaged out to just under 4 blocked shots per games — 3.9 BPG — Rose also had 70 steals on the year which averaged out to 2.7 steals per game, showing she can get a stop in multiple ways. Opposing players beware, Ema has active hands and traps players into thinking they have easy “drop-offs” in the lane but then comes away with the ball.
Emma Christiano is a lightning quick guard who has good instincts and anticipation, active hands and moves her feet very well. Emma does an outstanding job understanding help side principles and rotations. Last season, Christiano had over 100+ steals on the year which had her in the Top 5 for that category. What stands out immediately on the defensive end for Christiano, is her commitment and communication. Emma is vocal on matchups and when opposing picks or screens are happening. She is also willing to sacrifice her body to make winning plays. Christiano will dive for loose balls and absorb contact amongst “the trees” in the lane as she had eight charges drawn last season for the Las Cruces Bulldawgs — again Top 5 in that category —
‘One of the quickest ways to get a coaches attention, “take a charge,” that shows commitment‘ – Head Coach Destiny Bragman, Trinidad State College in Colorado.
Leilani Love who is the Top Ranked player in the Class of 2023, has earned that ranking due to her versatility on both ends of the floor. Leilani was a 1st Team All-State Selection in 5A for the 21-22 season, and was one of the leaders on a tough Lady Bulldogs team that was the District 5 champions in 5A. Love was a major factor in anchoring down the teams defense; Leilani was one of only two players to have a 60/60 season on the defensive end — Lani had 68 blocks and 60 steals during the regular season, which averaged out to 2.6 BPG & 2.3 SPG respectively — Love stands at 6’1″ with long limbs and has the ability to cover the entirety of the floor relatively easy. What differentiates Lani from other forwards around the State is her ability to guard out on the perimeter. She can guard multiple positions and switch onto opposing backcourt players if needed and will typically have no trouble staying in front of them thanks to her quick speed. Whether they are playing man-to-man defense or zone defense (2-3, 1-2-2), Lani is usually in good position to block a shot or two almost each and every time someone reaches the lane.