Glue Players: Heart, Hustle, and Impact

Over the years in gyms across North Florida and around the state, I've seen plenty of stars light up the scoreboard. But some of the most impactful players I've covered are the ones who don't always show up in the headlines. These are the glue players — the ones who hold everything together. They bring toughness, leadership, and unselfishness. They set the tone in practice and in games. When momentum starts to swing, they are often the ones making the hustle play, getting the key stop, or making the extra pass that leads to a big shot. Every winning team has at least one, and as indicated below, some have two.    [player_tooltip player_id='1204369' first='Charlie' last='Scibelli'] is another player who clearly fits the glue player role. When you go back and look at her numbers, you'll see it in the areas that matter for winning — assists, rebounds, three-point percentage and steals. Those categories tell the story of a player who is constantly involved in the game. She impacts possessions by moving the ball, tracking loose balls, and creating extra opportunities with her activity and anticipation. Her contributions may not always jump off the scoring column, but her all-around production shows how valuable she is to her team's success. Scibelli is a glue player or a staple - take your pick.     [player_tooltip player_id='748532' first='Whitney' last='Hudson'] is one of the glue players I talk about often. She may be one of the smallest players on the floor, but her impact is anything but small. Hudson brings constant energy and speed to the game and plays with a motor that never stops. While she doesn't always lead the team in scoring, she does lead the team in three pointers made. She makes a lot of winning plays — pushing the pace in transition, knocking down timely threes, and doing all the little things that help swing momentum. She may not always get the spotlight, but she provides the spark that helps keep her team connected on both ends of the floor.     Gardner Spencer has been another true glue player this season. While both of Coach Justice's daughters make big contributions, Gardner stands out with her relentless effort and activity level. She is constantly attacking, keeping the offense moving, and setting up her teammates for scoring opportunities. She does have the ability to knock down the open three and can also get to the rim and score. She also brings strong defensive energy and is one of the top defenders on the team. Her glue is her effort — every possession, every game. She hustles, competes, and does whatever is needed to help her team win. That consistency and motor make her the glue that holds the team together.     For Orange Park, Kai fits the glue player role perfectly. She puts it on the line every night, especially on the defensive end. A lockdown defender, Kai brings toughness and intensity and is willing to take on any matchup. She plays with confidence, competes, and does not back down from challenges. Her defensive effort, physicality, and willingness to bring energy to the floor make her a major reason Orange Park is successful and competitive. Her impact goes well beyond the box score.     Zoe Boone is an impressive young glue player, especially for her age. As an eighth-grader playing national varsity at Zephyrhills Christian, she is already being trusted to run the point and lead the team. She shows maturity beyond her years as a floor general, controlling the game, running the system, and keeping her team organized. That trust at such a young age highlights her basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to impact winning even without filling up the scoring column. At the Tampa Bay Christmas tournament, Bone's glue ran over, and she left a lasting impression that has stuck with everyone.     As a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='1702451' first='Stefany' last='De Jesus'] has already taken on a major role, especially on the defensive end. She does a lot of the dirty work — guarding, pressuring the ball, and taking on tough assignments.   Her willingness to defend and compete every possession makes her a key glue piece for her team. For a young player, that level of responsibility and effort speaks volumes about her impact and trust from the coaching staff.     [player_tooltip player_id='514545' first='Mariah' last='Young'] is like a coach on the floor, and her calm demeanor keeps a team full of predominantly sophomores loose on the floor in crunch time. Young doesn't get high after a great play and doesn't fall apart in pressured moments. Young can knock down the three and does a good job of filling the gaps to get clean looks. She doesn't always fill the stat sheets in multiple categories, but if unflappable were a category, Young, the veteran, would be listed.     [player_tooltip player_id='1046157' first='Siun' last='Crowley'] has glue sticks shoved in her book bag. If ever there was a prospect who was a glue player, it's Crowley. Her team relies on the power forward to break the press and initiate the offense. Crowley can also shoot the three-ball and drive to the rim. It's not just the stat sheet that defines her production. She consistently shifts momentum on shear effort.     [player_tooltip player_id='1444837' first='Cami' last='Felsing'] is the player who gives every ounce of effort on the court and then some. Felsing makes timely cuts and smart defensive plays at the right moment - which is every play. Her ball movement and movement without the ball is what separates her from other glue players. If you are looking for Felsing on the court- just find the loose ball and you will find her.

Over the years in gyms across North Florida and around the state, I've seen plenty of stars light up the scoreboard. But some of the most impactful players I've covered are the ones who don't always show up in the headlines. These are the glue players — the ones who hold everything together. They bring toughness, leadership, and unselfishness. They set the tone in practice and in games. When momentum starts to swing, they are often the ones making the hustle play, getting the key stop, or making the extra pass that leads to a big shot. Every winning team has at least one, and as indicated below, some have two.