4A/3A Metro League Under The Radar Glue Guys

These aren't the names everyone circles first as we already know who the stars are. Every team survives and wins because of the others. The guys who steady the ship, swing momentum and do the work that doesn't always show up in the box score. They defend, rebound, communicate and make winning plays when it matters most. Take them away and teams fall apart. These are the glue guys who are the backbone of the conference.    Ash has become a major X factor for Kent Denver, doing the little things that swing games without always showing up in headlines. His steady 8.5 points, 3.1 assists and reliable decision making give the Sun Devils a calming presence when possessions matter most. Lately he's raised his scoring punch, reaching double figures in two of the last four games and proving he can step up when needed. Ash's value goes beyond numbers and he protects the ball, keeps the offense organized and delivers in late game moments. That trust factor makes him the glue piece defenses can't ignore and teammates lean on when pressure ramps up     Czaja has put together a solid season for Kent Denver, but his recent play shows he's peaking at the perfect time. Averaging 8.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, he's elevated his impact by scoring in double figures in each of the last three games while also controlling the glass with rebounding efforts of 9 and 12 boards. At 6'3”, he brings valuable size and toughness, consistently doing his work in the paint and battling for extra possessions. What makes him even tougher to guard is his reliable mid range jumper, giving Kent Denver a versatile option who can punish defenses inside and out when games tighten up     Still has been one half of a dynamic duo driving Forge Christian's success this season, consistently filling the stat sheet in multiple ways. He's averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, showing his ability to impact the game well beyond scoring. At 6'3”, he brings a strong blend of size and skill, capable of knocking down shots while also handling the ball and initiating offense. His feel for the game stands out, as he routinely puts himself and his teammates in advantageous positions. Whether it's making the right read, creating a bucket, or securing a key rebound, Still's all around approach is a major reason Forge Christian continues to win     Eye has been the other X-factor powering Forge Christian's strong season, bringing consistency and reliability every night. His 11.4 points and 7.4 rebounds underline the steady value he provides, and he's scored in double figures in nearly every game, including a current stretch of four straight. He's also coming off a season high 13 rebound performance, showing his impact on the glass. Eye's game is built on instincts and effort as he's quick, plays smart and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. That combination makes him a constant problem for opponents and a key piece in Forge Christian's winning formula     Vasquez has season averages of 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds but that only tells part of the story, because his recent play has elevated him into a dangerous duo for Prospect Ridge Academy heading down the stretch. The sophomore has turned quality minutes into real production, ripping off four straight games in double figures and showing growing confidence on the offensive end. What stands out just as much is his emergence as a vocal leader on the floor, directing teammates and setting the tone with his energy. That combination of rising scoring, maturity and leadership makes Vasquez a key part of Prospect Ridge's duo as games get bigger and margins get tighter     Huffman has quietly become an increasingly important piece of Prospect Ridge's sophomore duo as the season heads into its most important stretch. While his averages of 5.3 points, 1.6 assists and 1.9 rebounds may fly under the radar, it's the recent uptick in playing time and trust that tells the real story. He brings maximum effort on both ends of the floor, impacting games with energy, toughness and attention to detail. Huffman also mixes in timely, clutch shooting, making defenses pay when they overlook him. That blend of grit, reliability and competitiveness makes him a valuable glue guy who's earning his role when it matters most

These aren't the names everyone circles first as we already know who the stars are. Every team survives and wins because of the others. The guys who steady the ship, swing momentum and do the work that doesn't always show up in the box score. They defend, rebound, communicate and make winning plays when it matters most. Take them away and teams fall apart. These are the glue guys who are the backbone of the conference.