Standout Glue Players – Class of ’25 Blueprint Basketball
Every team needs players who bind the individual talents of the group and enhance the abilities of their teammates; fortunately for Vermont based Blueprint Basketball, their 9th grade group has a number of them. Such players often have high basketball…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEvery team needs players who bind the individual talents of the group and enhance the abilities of their teammates; fortunately for Vermont based Blueprint Basketball, their 9th grade group has a number of them. Such players often have high basketball IQ as they space the floor well, make extra passes, and ultimately desire team success over personal statistics. Unfortunately, a lot of glue players go under the radar because the degree of their impact doesn’t show up in the box score. Well, this one is for the players making hustle plays, serving up hockey assists, and bringing positive energy to the gym day in and day out.
Lexi Rabidoux, 5’6 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
Rabidoux plays at her own pace, consistently maintaining body control and ball control, even in pressure situations. She’s proficient at pushing the ball in transition, constantly scanning the floor to make an advance pass for scoring opportunities. Lexi is skilled around the rim too, able to finish on either side with either hand, but she’s also an aware passer out of the paint, deftly setting up shooters. Rabidoux is an adept help defender as she gets in position early, discouraging slashers with her length all while communicating her help rotations. Lexi brings a calming presence to the team with her even keeled approach, and I often see her applauding teammates’ success. Rabidoux brings important intangible skills along with her savvy basketball abilities.
Eloise Liley, 5’7 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
Tough, aggressive, selfless; these are just a few words that describe Eloise’s game. You’ll often find Liley working the glass with hard box outs, diving on loose balls, or pressuring ballhandlers with her anticipation, hustle, and strength. She’s highly capable of ripping the ball off a handler or rebounder with her impressive timing and sheer muscle. Moreover, she can push the ball in transition, set up teammates, and she also knows how to use her body to create space for a strong inside finish. Liley leads by example, pushing herself to outwork others as she maintains a competitively healthy relationship with opponents and teammates. Liley stands out as someone who enjoys doing the dirty work of hustling and muscling; what’s not to like?
Tori Griffin, 5’6 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
Tori is as steady as they come, never wavering in her determination to work hard on the court and maintain a growth mindset regardless of if her squad is weathering a big run or putting points up themselves. Griffin has a solid handle and ensures everyone within the offense is engaged by getting the ball into teammates’ hands. Tori moves well off the ball too, finding open space to allow others driving lanes while setting herself up for clean looks on the perimeter or cutting to space. Griffin puts her defensive work in with active hands and a willingness to matchup with the other team’s top guard. Griffin doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and her composure makes for great leadership.
Meghan Thompson, 5’8 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
First off, I feel I have to note that Meghan has an absolutely beautiful stroke. Her shot is consistent and has great arc, and when it rips through the net it just feels good, even as a spectator. Honestly, she could reason to find a shot for herself most every possession, but that’s not her game; Thompson is unselfish. Meghan understands that her looks get cleaner when her teammates are also attuned and aggressive, and she guarantees other’s involvement with her willing passing. Meghan works hard defensively, communicating well as an on-ball defender or someone in help position, and her length allows her to guard a variety of positions. Thompson carries herself with poise and is able to fit in with various systems or players due to her offensive adaptability and basketball instincts.
Nylah Mitchell, 5’9 G/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
Upon first seeing Nylah hoop, I noticed how intuitive of a player she is. It seems natural to Nylah to make the right play, whether she is receiving a pass into the post and looking opposite or getting rebound position on the weak side after a perimeter shot goes up. Moreover, Mitchell plays selflessly, consistently hustling for 50/50 balls or setting teammates up for success. Her energy is infectious, and it’s clear how much she enjoys working with her teammates from listening to her ongoing chatter, cheer, and strategizing. Mitchell is a positionless two-way player with the ability to take over a game, do the dirty work, and make the players around her better. I really enjoy Nylah’s game.