Tennessee's Top Glue Girls in Girls' Basketball

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   Everyone wants to be the best player on the floor. What does that entail? I was listening to a podcast with Jon Scheyer from Duke University, and he mentioned that players spend 98% of the time during the game without the ball in their hands. Which led me to the question: who in women's basketball throughout the state would be considered “glue girls” and are most effective without the ball in their hands?   See, in my opinion, a glue girl serves multiple roles. Sure, they could be your leading scorer, but they could also be your 2nd or 3rd option. More importantly, these are the girls who are willing to do whatever it takes to win a ballgame. They are unselfish. They put the team over themselves. Yes, they may be a district, region, or state player, but ultimately they are impactful to their ballclub.    I am sure there are plenty of girls out there who could be considered the best or the linchpin to their club. But I wanted to touch on some girls, in my opinion, who do impactful things 98% of the time they don't have the ball. These girls are the ultimate competitors, kids who are reliable, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.   In Tennessee, we have a special group of young ladies who can do a multitude of things. They are the captains, a kid who scores at a high clip, lockdown defenders, and so forth. I wanted to take a look at just a few young ladies who have piqued my interest in being these glue girls. It's what they do when the ball isn't in their hands that truly stands out in my opinion. You can call them the glue, but it's what they do outside the 2% with the ball in their hands that has gained my attention. There are plenty more of these girls in the state, but here are just a few who have jumped onto my radar as must-have kids who need to be on the floor to help win ballgames.    A gritty ballplayer who is willing to do whatever it takes to help her club win. A heady floor general who can not only take someone off the bounce and get paint touches, but thread the needle on her passes leading to the success of others. She gets after it, not only producing in multiple categories on the offensive side of the ball but also doing her thing on the defensive end. A fearless leader, she will give it her all and leave nothing to chance. Look for her to have an outstanding junior year, helping the Lady Bears reach new heights. Her stock is on the rise, and you better believe she will be an asset for a program at the next level.     A selfless ballplayer who puts in the work and just grinds a way. A player who plays with poise, she does the little things to help her ballclub win. She leads by example, giving them an edge, willing to do whatever it takes. Scoring, rebounding, defending, she is going to get after it and do so efficiently and effectively. A Belmont commit, she's worked to reach the status she is in. Believing in herself and executing, she has made her hard work pay off. Look for her to have a great senior season where she not only helps Nolensville towards postseason contention, but also grabs some personal accolades along the way.     This young lady is a go-getter, and her game has evolved over the years. A lunchpail-and-hard-hat kind of girl, she has put in the work and just grinded. From being a workaholic inside to expanding her game to stretch the floor, she can score in a multitude of ways, giving her team a viable scoring option when needed. She's on the boards, a solid defender, one who has been the glue for her squad for some time. She doesn't need the publicity; she just loves to play the game and compete. A solid ballplayer who will help TKA go deep this upcoming season.     A solid two-way ballplayer who plays with speed. A downhill threat on the offensive end, she is going to slash through defenses and get paint touches with ease. She can knock down the three-ball, but exploiting the mid-range and getting paint touches are what she does best. Defensively, she's a lockdown defender. Active hands, quick feet; she is going to create chaos for an opponent. She's reliable, dependable, a selfless teammate. Freed-Hardeman is getting a steal in this kid. She will definitely push the issue for more playing time the moment she steps on campus. Until then, look for her to continue terrorizing the high school scene and help Southside return to state contention.     A pure difference maker. No matter what is asked of her, where she is on the floor, this girl gets it done. A selfless leader who can score the basketball at a high clip. She's a true floor general, one who plays with poise. She picks her spots to exploit and gets everyone around her involved. She's smart, recognizes weaknesses in defenses, and attacks. On the other side of the ball, she is solid. A dual-sport athlete (soccer), she is an effective defender with a knack for being around the ball. A champion, someone who is at the center of all things, she is a selfless leader who gives her club an advantage. Look for her to help PCA be in position once again to bring the trophy home. A stellar athlete who gets after it every time she steps onto the floor.     A true definition of what a “glue girl” is. It's not about recognition for this young lady. She is one who competes at a high level and just gets her assignments done. A selfless ballplayer who stars in her role and then some. She finds multiple ways to impact games. From scoring and making assists to moving without the ball to free someone else up, defending, etc., you will see her name in the box scores, but her impact goes beyond that. The ultimate teammate, she puts the well-being of others before her own. A kid who gets it, and Harding University is getting a diamond in the rough with this kid. Look for her to help Lipscomb compete for state this season. One last ride for a superb student-athlete.

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