The Herald asked area coaches to name their best defensive players. Here’s who they nominated:
Becca Smith, Glacier Peak | 5-8, Sr., Guard
Key defensive contribution: 1.5 steals per game.
Coach’s comment: “She is a smart player who sees the floor well and can read what the offense is going to do. This puts her in a good position to give help-side or pick off a pass.” — Brian Hill, Glacier Peak coach
Lexi Sarver, Arlington | 5-11, Jr., Wing/Guard
Coach’s comment: “She is quick and strong with a great wing span. She loves the challenge of playing against the best players in the league.” — Nathan Davis, Arlington coach
Sondra Mainord, Mariner | 5-7, Jr., Guard
Coach’s comment: “Sondra is a very smart and energetic defensive player. She isn’t afraid to match up against the opponent’s best player, and is always willing to accept a challenge.” — Corey Gibb, Mariner coach
Carrie Barnes, Kamiak | 6-1, Sr., Post
Key defensive contributions: 4.0 defensive rebounds, 3.7 deflections, 1.9 steals, 1.0 block per game.
Coach’s comment: “She is a great defender because she is quick, athletic, anticipates well, has great timing, and can guard multiple positions.” — Jody Schauer, Kamiak coach
Karlie Storkson, King’s | 5-10, Jr., Guard/Forward
Key defensive contributions: Led King’s in blocks and charges taken; No. 2 in defensive assists.
Coach’s comment: “Our term for when she blocks a shot is, ‘You just got STORKED!’” — Dan Taylor, King’s girls basketball coach
Kiana Hood, Cascade | 5-9, Jr., Post
Coach’s comment: “Kiana is an intense player that is more athletic than most of the posts she will match up against.” — Ed Bowers, Cascade coach
Mickey Greenburg, Shorecrest | 5-9, Jr., Forward
Key defensive contribution: Led team in charges taken despite coming off the bench.
Coach’s comment: “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Mickey since kindergarten, and she showed a passion for playing ‘D’ at a very young age. She will be the anchor in the middle of our defense this season.” — Dori Monson, Shorecrest coach
Madeline Kasper, Edmonds-Woodway | 5-5, Jr., Guard
Key defensive contribution: 3.0 steals per game.
Coach’s comment: “Madeline guards the opposition’s point guard. She is the first line of defense and consistently sets an intense tone for the defensive possession by disrupting the opposition’s ability to enter easily into their offensive set.” — Duane Hodges, Edmonds-Woodway coach
Mokun Fajemisin, Lynnwood | 5-11, Jr., Forward
Key defensive contributions: 3.0 steals, 4.0 blocks per game.
Coach’s comment: “Mokun has been our stopper since she was a freshman. I expect her to be a dominant force again this year.” — Everett Edwards, Lynnwood coach
Brady Coad, Snohomish | 5-7, Sr., Guard
Coach’s comment: “Although she doesn’t get a lot of steals, she makes the opponent work very hard for shots. Brady works hard … and is focused on doing her best at all times on the defensive end of the court.” — Ken Roberts, Snohomish coach
Brooke Pahukoa, Lake Stevens | 5-9, Soph., Guard
Key defensive contribution: 1.6 steals per game.
Coach’s comment: “Her ability to read situations, respond and even make up for mistakes with her athleticism sets her apart defensively perhaps to everyone on our team, with maybe the exception of her twin sister Brittney, who could be just as tough defensively.” — Randall Edens, Lake Stevens coach
Jess Castor, Cedar Park Christian | 5-10, Jr., Post
Key defensive contributions: 3.5 blocks and nearly two charges taken per game.
Coach’s comment: “She loves to play defense, and enjoys the physical play that is required to be a good post defender. She also has very long arms and good jumping ability.” — Bill Kelley, Cedar Park Christian coach
Natalie Raymond, Lakewood | 4-11, Sr., Guard
Coach’s comment: “Last season she played man (defense) on a number of the Cascade Conference’s best (6-foot and taller) players and due to her ‘lack of size’, but abundant quickness and tough attitude, made offensive moves and cuts to the ball almost impossible for her opponents. … A very frustrating player to deal with.” — Chris Walster, Lakewood coach
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