Defense Finalists
Wisconsin Sports Network is proud to showcase the WSN High School Basketball Awards presented by Taco Bell.
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 15 semi-finalists, and five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state tournament.
WSN Senior Girls Basketball Awards -- Defense Finalists:
Katelyn Hoppman, Southwestern - Hoppman is a game-changer defensively, able to use her height and length to disrupt shots and control the interior. She averaged 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game this year for the Wildcats.
Alexis Lindstrom, Howards Grove - The Tigers had one of the toughest defenses in the state this season, allowing just 27.8 points per game. Lindstrom is the catalyst, putting pressure on the opposing guards to get them out of their comfort zone and force turnovers. She averaged 4.6 steals per game this year, and led the team in rebounding with 5 per game despite standing just 5-7.
Emily Neitzel, Lomira - Neitzel has been a very well-rounded player for the Lions for four years, leading the team to four Flyway titles and a 82-11 record during her career. Lomira allowed just 32.6 points per game this season, with Neitzel leading the team in rebounding at 6.8 per game and steals at 3.5 per contest. She has good length and athletic ability and is able to defend pretty much any spot on the floor.
Courtney Smith, Nicolet - Against a strong Division 1 schedule this season, the Knights have been very good defensively, allowing just 38.6 points per game. Smith makes it tough on the opponent by placing tremendous ball pressure all over the court, making the opposing guards uncomfortable the entire time she's in the game. She had four steals in last year's state tournament as Nicolet captured the D1 title.
Deysha Smith-Jenkins, Dominican - Smith-Jenkins is one of the state's best athletes (she has three state track & field championships and has committed to UCONN for track) and uses that ability to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Her combination of length and speed allows her to defend virtually every position on the floor and force turnovers to jump-start the Knights offense.
To view the Semi-Finalists, click here.
To view the Watch List, click here.
Lists are compiled from statistical information available to WSN, coach nominations, player evaluations, and other resources.
Tag(s): GBB News Travis Wilson Senior Awards
