Highlighting Selfless Athletes: Key Contributors

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   Oftentimes we as spectators, coaches, players, don't give a lot of credit where credit is due. As a spectator we see the final action and that is who normally gets all the glory. Like in this scenario, loose ball is bouncing in the right corner of the court. Player A saves it by throwing a over the head pass to player B. Player B throws it ahead to Player C who had been streaking on the opposite side down the floor. Player C finished with a nice up and under move as she gets fouled and shouts for joy as she exudes excitement.    In that scenario, we see the action that has happened, but in the mist of all that, it's Player C who sprinted from the help position to save the ball and give that extra effort that started the whole play scenario. In basketball, we don't score or calculate like they do in hockey where two people would give the assists. However, it was Player C that made the hustle play which led to the outstanding finish. When you are in the game, sometimes action like this gets overlooked. Coaches get caught up in the moment, players, ect. It's not until you go back and look at the film and go “wow,” that was an awesome play that so and so just did. That's normally when someone gets noticed. Unfortunate, but it's true.   Within this state, we have those kids, call them what you want, unsung heroes, glue girls, whatever, but we have a lot of those girls who compete to the umph tenth degree who don't get the glory. They may not shoot lights out scoring in double figures. They may not be the most shiftiest girl on the team. What they do well is spark a club, keep possessions alive, and just allow others around them to work diligently. The young ladies I am talking about are the ones who are trusted the most to get a job done no matter what it is.   Here are some young ladies who in my opinion (there are more out there) who you can stick anywhere on the court and they are going to do their darness to carry out the assignment no matter what.    Just an athlete. Pure and simple. This kid does things that makes everyone around her more efficient and makes it easy for them to operate. She does all the things people hesitate to do. She dives on the floor for loose balls, goes out of bounds for balls, defends like crazy, on the boards, gets steals, she just active and gets things going. Named to the All-Region team, she was nominated based off her hustle and how she went about her business. Yes, she can score it, but what she does is make those around her get open looks. It doesn't matter if its a screen or a tussle for a ball, this kid is going to be right there in the mix. It's hard to describe how much value she brings to the Lady Mustangs program. Just know that she has helped elevate them this year into some contenders for state.     The saying the apple doesn't fall far from the tree rings true when speaking about this young lady. Her dad was a very talented center who played at the University of Tennessee. Just like the center position where you have to make checks prior to starting a play, she too has those leadership qualities to run an offense efficient and effectively. Lilly is a three level scoring threat who is a selfless leader that makes those around her better. She gets after it on both ends and doesn't gloat or want the glory. She just puts her head down and goes to work, competing every single second she is on the court. Very talented kid who is solid on both ends of the floor, she is going to give you everything she has and then some.     First year in the Lady Rockets program and she has impacted their squad right from the jump. She plays with an edge and she has brought even more swagger and confidence to this ball club. She can get two feet in the paint with ease to either pull up or get to the rim, knock it down from three, and then turn around and defend causing havoc for opponents. She too will get after it on the boards as well as block shots. She is a solid kid who is taking off!     People may think this talented freshman as come out of nowhere, but she has been right under everyone's noses. This kid can play for sure. She can handle the ball with some sauce on it, shoot it from the arc or within the painted area, and challenge and attack bigger defenders around the rim. She's a smooth criminal on the defensive end, getting steals like crazy. Quick hands, quick feet, she is going to put the opponent to work in how active she is on the defensive end. Nothing comes easy when playing this young lady. What I love about her the most is her temperament. She does what she does with a smile and knows she is frustrating you, making you work. Very talented kid who is going to cause fits over the next couple of years.     Solid big who works and works and works. Used down low and in the screen game, she knows how to seal or reseal to give herself an advantage to receive a pass to go finish. Has a nice mid-range game to go along with her ability to score. She is a great communicator where she voices to her teammates about what's happening or what's about to come. She can block shots and she is big-time on the boards. I love how she sprints down the floor to establish her dominance near the basket. She just plays and she does so with high energy at a high level. Solid kid who has been a tremendous asset to the Lady Irish program.

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION