NEPSAC Glue Guys

While big time scorers often get most of the press and publicity, all winning programs have one thing in common - a glue guy that ties everything together.   The term Glue Guy sometimes get a bad rep, but it shouldn't, as these are the players that make everything work for their teams - they plug whatever gaps are needed, do whatever is asked of them by there coaches, and in turn, help their teams win a lot of games.   Below are five prospects that have stood out to me this winter with their ability to make everyone on their team's better by doing whatever was needed of them to win.    Ricca, a senior guard out of the St. Paul's School, has taken his game to another level this winter while continuing to do all the little things that help his team wins games. He's done a nice job of developing his body, allowing him to make a difference as an on-ball defender and also to play through contact as a driver on the other end of the floor. He does a good job of moving without the basketball, consistently knocks down shots in catch and shoot situations, and makes quick decisions as a ball mover. Defensively, he's almost always in the right spot in rotations, gives up his body to chase down loose balls, and is willing to mix it up on the glass. He's a St. Lawrence commit that will have the chance to quickly carve out a role there in the fall and should help them win a lot of games over the next four years.     O'Neil, a post-graduate guard out of Phillips Exeter Academy, has done a great job of adapting to a higher level of competition, while continuing to make winning plays on both ends of the floor. The lead guard is a shifty ball-handler that does a nice job of getting into the paint off the bounce and then spraying it out to teammates for easy shot attempts. He can score it over size in the paint, knocks down shots from behind the arc, and shows some comfort as a late clock creator. His decision making with the ball in his hands stands out, as does his willingness to sit in a stance and work on the defensive end of the floor. He creates turnovers at a high level and does a nice job of playing with strength on that end of the floor, allowing him to guard three or four positions effectively. Currently uncommitted, he's got plenty of D3 interest and ultimately, will help whatever program he ends up at with his leadership, playmaking, and defensive intensity.     Cyr, a junior guard out of Deerfield Academy, plays as hard on both ends of the floor as any guard in the region. He's an incredibly disruptive defender that can guard in space or at the point of attack in the half-court and often finds himself in the mix for loose balls and long rebounds. On the offensive end of the floor, he operates as a secondary ball-handler but shows terrific vision as a creator off the bounce, with the ability to sling passes all over the floor both on the move and from stationary positions. On top of that, his IQ and competitiveness stand out on the offensive glass, where he consistently keeps plays alive for his team. Only a junior, Cyr should garner plenty of attention from D3 programs this offseason and is the type of guard that will make an impact at the next level from Day 1 with his effort, energy, and desire to win.     Padgett, a post-graduate wing out of Bridgton Academy, has taken full advantage of his PG year, continuing to prove that he can impact games in more ways than just by scoring. A big guard, he has the ability to handle and make decisions in the half-court, can operate as a screener when needed, and knows how to slide off the ball and get into his scoring game as a defender. Where it really all comes together is on the defensive end of the floor, as he's able to guard any position on the floor, rebounds in space and in traffic, and does a nice job of quickly turning defense into offense as a decision maker in transition. Still uncommitted, Padgett should have plenty of suitors at both the D2 and D3 levels, where he'll be able to make an immediate impact with his two-way versatility.     O'Connell, a senior guard out of Cushing Academy, continues to impress with his ability to make an impact at the highest level of prep basketball. The 6'1" guard plays mostly off of the ball for Cushing, but flashes as a decision maker when the ball is in his hands. He shows the ability to get to his spots off the bounce, has some creativity as a finisher around the rim, and consistently makes high level reads out of ball screens. His ability to play on or off the ball, both in the half-court or in transition, is what makes him a terrific connector on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively, he guards either spot in the back-court and does a nice job of reading plays before they develop, allowing him to create plenty of turnovers on that end of the floor. Molloy and Bentley recently offered and I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't the last ones to pull the trigger for O'Connell, who does all the little things a coach looks for out of a lead guard at the next level.    Keep an eye out this week as we start to highlight prospects that are in contention for the Player of the Year awards in the NEPSAC.

While big time scorers often get most of the press and publicity, all winning programs have one thing in common - a glue guy that ties everything together.