Top glue guys added to 2024 rankings

<p>We updated our 2024 rankings, and a lot of the time scorers are the ones who receive all the attention and publicity. However, some prospects make their mark without scoring the basketball. In this article we’ll look at players who impact winning in other areas of the game and might be flying under the radar.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1421140" first="Caden" last="Kruse"], 6’6 PF Napoleon 2024: Kruse impressed me with a Hopson Elite 16 U squad that is winning a high percentage of their games so far this spring. Kruse provides good size at the forward position and rebounded a high percentage of misses, which allowed him plenty of second chance opportunities. I’ll be excited to watch Hopson Elite 16 U again next weekend at the Grit Region Memorial Classic.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1426736" first="Baboucarr" last="Njie"], 6’5 PF Centerville 2024: Baboucarr is the third Njie brother to come through Centerville, the oldest Mo just transferred to SMU, while Kebba is going to start his college career in Happy Valley. Baboucarr has a great wingspan and has all the physical tools to be an elite defensive prospect. With his height and potential to grow taller considering both his brothers are 6’9+ I’m also confident in Njie’s ability to rebound the basketball on both ends. Njie has a chance to play a role similar to [player_tooltip player_id="1368783" first="Ryan" last="Keifer"] did last season for the Elks, taking charges and bringing the energy for his team. Even if Njie isn’t a primary scorer next season, he could be a vital piece for the Elks as they aim for their second state title in three seasons.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1426737" first="Samuel" last="Springer"], 6’5 PF Saint Ignatius 2024: Springer is another prospect who will be playing on one of the most talented high school teams in the state and have a clearly defined role for the Wildcats in their quest for a third straight regional title. Springer is going to be a high energy rebounder who will look to finish off drives created by [player_tooltip player_id="1222353" first="Ace" last="Buckner"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1222357" first="Carter" last="Jackson"]. Springer plays a similar role for Wildcats Select 16 U and shouldn’t have any difficulty making an impact as a Junior.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1368787" first="Matt" last="Ellis"], 6’0 CG Saint Ignatius 2024: Ellis is a knockdown shooter who will be playing next to Springer this winter for Saint Ignatius. Ellis is going to replace some of what [player_tooltip player_id="1082243" first="Jonathan" last="Effertz"] brought to the team with elite spot-up shooting from long range. Ellis had some impressive scoring games against top competition last season, and I’d expect that to be a more regular occurrence with more consistent playing time. Ellis will make shots and compete on the defensive end without turning the ball over.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1068241" first="Kyle" last="Havens"], 6’1 PG Moeller 2024: Havens is Moeller basketball culture defined in a player. While playing 17 minutes a game last season, Havens barley took over one field goal attempt per game. As an old school point guard, Havens used his bigger frame to open up passing windows and work with his back to the basket. Havens also works hard defensively and isn’t afraid of guarding players taller than him. I would like to see Havens become a little bit more of a threat to score next season, but I love the intangibles that he brings to the court.</p>