2023 Rankings Breakdown: Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some of the premier defenders featured in the recent <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/virginia/rankings/2023-rankings/">2023 Virginia Rankings</a></strong> Update? Here's a rundown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#33 | [player_tooltip player_id='1483002' first='Paul' last='Anderson'] | wing | South County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson was one of the first names that came to mind when thinking about the players to include on this list. He's a hard-nosed, no-nonsense player who prides himself on locking down the best scorer on the opposing team each time his team takes the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#44 | Nasir Coleman | guard | Patriot</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman sets the tone for the Pioneers on the defensive end. He applies relentless pressure on the ball and that forces foes into mistakes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#57 | [player_tooltip player_id='1403923' first='Dj' last='Holloway'] | guard | Hayfield</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holloway is often seen overachieving defensively. He's a good rebounding guard who usually draws the toughest matchup and doesn't blink. Holloway loves competing against and limiting the opposing team's best scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#70 | [player_tooltip player_id='1483055' first='Amir' last='Crawford'] | guard | Woodberry Forest</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crawford's reputation is that of an excellent on-ball defender. He has drawn "Jrue Holiday" type comparisons from his high school coach because of how well he shadows his matchup. Crawford's hands are like magnets for the ball. He is always getting deflections and steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#130 | [player_tooltip player_id='1539780' first='Andrew' last='Nields'] | guard | Annandale</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nields is a bigger guard who can be tough to beat off the dribble. He boasts strength and quickness along with the confidence to take away air space on the ball in the backcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->