Those Key Unsung Players (Part II)

 Prep Hoops Missouri features another group of those unsung players who may not get as many headlines as their heralded teammates, but have been very important to the team’s success this season, especially during the state playoffs. The first group of players we featured included Jemarco Burse of South Iron, Javin Shaw of Liberty, Jake Closser of Blair Oaks, Recko Bailey Recko Bailey 5'10" | PG Vashon | 2021 State MO of Vashon, Cam Liggins of Kickapoo and Nate Straughter Nate Straughter 6'2" | SG Chaminade | 2022 State MO  of Chaminade.

Donnie Ray Brown (New Madrid Central): On an undefeated team full of talented freshmen and other underclassmen doing a lot of heavy lifting, the 6’7″ 240-pound 2021 forward provides the veteran leadership and calming influence. He is also an excellent 3-point shooter who can really stretch the floor for his younger, slashing teammates that attack the basket.

Sean Mitchell (Van Horn): The 6’3 2021 forward is a standout quarterback on the football field and a high energy performer who makes all of the hustle plays on the basketball court. His motor keeps running as he rebounds, takes charges on defense and dives for every loose ball he can get to. A great teammate.

Brennan Lovette Brennan Lovette 6'6" | SF DeSmet | 2022 State MO (DeSmet): The 6’6 2022 forward plays multiple roles for the Spartans. He scored when needed and can facilitate offense with his ball handling and passing skills. He has the size also to play inside. Had 18 points and 15 rebounds in a victory over St Dominic in the sectionals.

Gage Salsbury (Mound City): The dynamic duo of Tony Osburn Tony Osburn 6'2" | CG Mound City | 2022 State MO and Landon Poppa Landon Poppa 6'4" | SG Mound City | 2021 State MO has been getting big buckets and making headlines in NWMO together for the past three seasons. Another big reason for the school’s trip to the Class 1 Final Four has been the 6’0″ Salsbury, a 2021 guard who has emerged as an excellent third option. He can really shoot the 3-pointer and he’s had a few breakout scoring nights of his own this season.

Nyjahl Vaughn Nyjahl Vaughn 5'11" | CG Cardinal Ritter | 2021 State MO (Cardinal Ritter): You may not see this young man’s name at the top of any scoring charts, but what he does best is guard, guard and guard some more. He is a tremendous on-ball defender and when he enters the game, the intensity level of Ritter’s defense ticks up dramatically. He’s quick and he plays with a bulldog mentality.

Bud Crawford Bud Crawford 6'7" | PF Lee's Summit | 2021 State MO 6’7 Lee’s Summit: The 2021 forward provides the toughness and physical play inside for a skilled Tigers’ team that advanced to the Class 6 state quarterfinals. On a team full of talented juniors who can get buckets, Bud is content to rebound, block shots and have a physical presence. Very important.