Valuable Glue Guys

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of players that may not get a lot of headlines, but what they do really matters to an important group; their coaches. These are the glue-guys.</p> <p>The value of these young men goes well beyond what shows up in the box score. They can score, but they do all of the little things that help a team succeed.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824162" first="Liam" last="Weaver"] 6’4" Pembroke Hill (’21): The consummate all-purpose player who wears a variety of hats for whatever team he plays on. On his high school team, he is the top scorer as well as a facilitator. On his grassroots team, he can score, but he also facilitates, takes charges of defense and sets screens to help teammates get open.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="994449" first="Chevy" last="Brenson"] 6’3" CBC (’21): An athletic wing player with great toughness, "Karate" has been a key cog in the Cadets’ run to two consecutive Class 5 Final Fours. With his athleticism, he is able to guard all five positions on the floor. He is an excellent rebounder in addition to his tenacious defense. If you leave him open, he will burn you from 3-point range. He will be playing football at the University of Illinois next season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824204" first="Nate" last="Parker"] 6’4" Eureka (’21): The experienced wing player has been the flow guy for some excellent Wildcats’ teams during his career. He is an excellent passer who makes good decisions with the basketball. The ball rarely sticks when he gets it. He is a solid offensive player who is taking a bigger role in the scoring, but he doesn’t forsake doing all of the other things to help his team.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1042404" first="Max" last="Black"] 6’5" Truman (’21): The ideal team-first player who makes everyone else better from his Stretch 4 position. His ability to knock down 3-pointers off the catch opens the court for his teammates. He can really pass the ball and he was one of the most impressive screeners that I watched during the summer.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824197" first="Jamaal" last="Davis"] 6’6" Staley (’21): A combo forward who is a real pogo stick and plays with a very high motor. He is a very productive player without having plays run for him. He runs the court constantly in transition and he gives maximum effort as a rebounder and shot blocker. He has the size and athleticism to defend mulitiple positions.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824210" first="Drake" last="Stevenson"] 6’5" Fort Zumwalt North (’21): An all-purpose combo forward who helped the Panthers win a district championship last season. He is a good low-post defender with his size and he can stretch the defense with his 3-point shooting. He is an excellent passer who will also rebound and make the extra hustle play for loose balls.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824187" first="Isaiah" last="Johnson"] 6’2" Battle (’21): A high energy wing player who plays the game with a lot of athleticism and activity. He is a solid rebounder who will put in an excellent effort of the defensive end. He can defend smaller guards and post players and deliver several big plays in the transition game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984270" first="Jamarco" last="Burse"] 6’3" South Iron (’21): A talented wing player who makes the sacrifice of playing inside on a team full of talented guards. He is athletic and strong enough to battle with the bigger players in the post. He rebounds and he will block his share of shots for a player his size. He is making his return to the lineup after suffering a season-ending knee injury last season.</p>