Bruce’s Best: 5A Key Role Players

<p>We are rounding into crunch time in the season, with playoff time right around the corner. This year features a ton of parity, with teams fighting for their playoff lives. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games, however, it’s usually the little details that decide championships. Several teams will be depending on key players to become stars in their roles. In our midweek report, we break down some key role players for 5A championship contenders. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1123632" first="Robert" last="Gibson"] <em>6’5 PF Durango 2022 (#39PHN 2022)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Gibson is a certified workhorse. The senior forward is the type of player whose contributions rarely show up in the box score. He will be counted upon to defend the interior and rebound. His leadership and work ethic can’t be measured. Gibson is also a high academic guy, who carries a 4.0 GPA. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1355789" first="Isaac" last="Peralta"] <em>6’1 CG Coronado 2022</em> - Peralta provides the Cougars with one of the best backcourts in the state. Look for the combo guard to take the pressure of Texas Tech Commit, Richard Isaacs Jr, with his scoring and ballhandling ability. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859643" first="Shane" last="Thomas"] <em>6’3 SG Durango 2022 (#4PHN 2022)</em> - Hard to think of one of the top players in the state as a role player, however, Thomas fits so many roles for the Trailblazers. He spaces the floor with his three-point shooting ability, he can get easy buckets with his ability to finish in transition and he has the ability to defend multiple positions. When he plays at his highest level, Durango becomes a dangerous team. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1253127" first="Chris" last="Nwuli"]<em> 6’7 SF Bishop Gorman 2025 (#2PHN 2022)</em> - One day we will look back and laugh at thinking of Nwuli as a role player in high school. As it is, he has shown the ability to be successful in several roles for the Gaels. The freshman has shown at times that he can be an elite defender capable of sliding his feet on the perimeter, or banging and protecting the rim in the post. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1041556" first="Kaeden" last="Castillero"] <em>6’0 CG Liberty 2024 (#26PHN 2024)</em> - Castillero is a marksman, who when on provides the Patriots with the top starting 5 in the state. His ability to space the floor not only opens it up for Post ups for [player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"] and the drives of [player_tooltip player_id="986955" first="DJ" last="Thomas"], it also changes the scoreboard providing Liberty with additional scoring power. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1236157" first="James" last="Freeman"] <em>6’5 PF Bishop Gorman 2022 (#9PHN 2022)</em> - Freemen is an elite R&amp;J guy that doesn’t need plays run for him. His size and athleticism help immensely on the defensive end, and If the Gaels earn a trip to Geico, they will need his grit, transition scoring, and rebounding. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1340234" first="Nate" last="Penny"]<em> 6’3 SG Spanish Springs 2023</em> - Spanish Springs has put together a remarkable season, and Penny has embodied the spirit of the club. On any given night he may be called on to score, like in the 23 point effort against Douglas, rebound, like in the 10 rebound game against Damonte Ranch, or defend, like in his three steals against Rancho Solano. </p> <p>Follow </p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>