Unsung Heroes at Big Schools

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some guys make highlight plays and get the headlines. Others fulfill smaller, equally important roles on the floor. These are the unsung heroes. Here are five players from Classes 6,5, and 4 who deserve to be recognized as heroes for their teams despite not getting a lot of recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jude James, 2024, Francis Howell:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James is a Mizzou football signee and plays a selfless role for his basketball team. The senior isn't a dynamic scorer, however, he does all the little things that have led this team to becoming one of the best in St. Louis. He's a dominant rebounder who controls both sides of the glass and hits double figures most nights. He has been a double digit rebounder four games in a row. Add in that he's an exceptional passer from the top of the key and you have a perfect compliment to your offense. James allows the stars to shine and plays his role extremely well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425344' first='Bryce' last='Walker'], 2025, Springfield Central:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Springfield Central team is extremely dangerous. They matchup well with most teams in the state and a big reason why is the dirty work Walker does around the rim. He's a 6'6 big that competes, runs the floor hard, and has serious bounce on drop off passes. The junior is a top notch rebounder and gives this team a spark during points in the game. Without him they wouldn't be nearly as dynamic on the defensive end. His contributions do not go unnoticed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Muhirwa, 2025, Rock Bridge:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muhirwa does so much for Rock Bridge and keeps the entire team in order. He's a PG who plays with speed and change of pace. He has had games where the shot is falling and during those times he's a dynamic perimeter scorer. Add in that he's a player who sets defensive pressure and brings an element of quickness to the lineup. A true two-way guard looking to make an impact on the game. He's a steady starter. Their emotional leader.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2346155' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'], 2026, De Smet:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd has been a player who contributes to winning for De Smet this season. At 6'3 he competes at the basket and makes plays well above his size. A very good rebounder that attacks the ball. He plays all over the floor and fulfills many of the various forward duties. He's a crafty scorer who sees the floor and makes plays going downhill.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1430530' first='Sam' last='Goellner'], 2024, Ladue:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goellner is the added toughness guy for Ladue. He's a willing defender that will switch 1-5 and put his body on the line for a win. He's averaging 9.6 PPG and does everything on the floor. At 6'3 he's a physical player that loves to compete each night. His football background shines as a rebounder. He highpoints the ball well. This article is about unsung heroes and Ladue wouldn't be 20-1 without the help of Goellner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->