Glue Guys from #PHGatewayToTheWest

<p>The success of any team requires players players to be a star in their role and do whatever it takes to win a ball game. That can mean doing the dirty work inside, making the extra pass which often goes unnoticed, or working hard without the basketball. The players below proved to be ultimate glue guys for their teams, all of which had great success in the win column in Omaha. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="" first="Brady" last="Williams"] | 6’1" CG | Arena Basketball Club 2022 (pictured)</strong></p> <p>On a deep 17U roster, Williams found ways to contribute on every possession. He is about as steady as it gets as an initiator, rarely turning it over and always in control. He can shoot, but never forces shots. He passes very well, but did not take unnecessary risks when trying to facilitate. His unselfishness and intelligent decision making was a big factor in Arena’s offensive success. In addition to all of that, he was one of the best rebounding guards at the event. He had a knack for finding the basketball and winning physical battles for it inside.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="784987" first="Raydden" last="Grobe"] | 6’2" SF | SW Iowa Impact 2022 Black</strong></p> <p>Grobe could direct a masterclass on moving without the basketball. His teammate, [player_tooltip player_id="784974" first="Jamison" last="Gruber"] did a terrific job all weekend of getting into the lane and drawing attention. Grobe took advantage of that frequently with cuts into the high post and back cuts from the wing and along the baseline. His teammates were highly cognizant of his activity and rewarded it often. It’s amazing how easy the game of basketball can be with constant ball and player movement. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958705" first="Alex" last="Lang"] | 6’0" PG | SW Minnesota Stars 2022</strong></p> <p>Lang proved to be one of the better lead guards in Omaha thanks to his prompt decision-making and court vision. He would fly in for rebounds, and immediately tap it to an open teammate off the scramble before anyone had a chance to react. He had the vision to see the play ahead of time, and the passing touch to capitalize quickly on the play. Lang put pressure on the defense by attacking hard closeouts and playmaking from the advantage. His footwork was efficient in these situations which extended the window of the advantage, and when he got into the lane he could finish with a nice push shot or make the next pass.</p> <p><strong>Sam Lootens | 6’4" SF | Team Factory 2022</strong></p> <p>The Millard North big man took care of a majority of the rebounding responsibilities for Team Factory over the weekend. His ability to grab the rebound and sprint the ball up the floor himself gave Factory countless advantages in transition. He had no problem giving up the basketball to shooters and athletes and going back to battling in the paint. Lootens has a skinnier frame, but he worked hard to deny the ball against larger matchups. His awareness was high, and was able to rack up several deflections with digs against drivers.</p>