It’s not the steal itself, or even the ensuing fast-break layup that excites Hannah Hidalgo.
It’s the following possession.
The one where she can sense discomfort in her opponents. Suddenly they’re aware of Hidalgo’s predator eyes trained on the ball. They see her thieving hands, her shuffling feet, and they know it’s hopeless.
When she clocks that defeated look, Hidalgo knows she’s won the matchup.
“It definitely hits their heart when they’re dribbling and you’re able to pick their pocket,” Hidalgo said with a wry smile. “It’s heart crushing.”
And on the court, that’s what Hidalgo lives for.