Unsung heroes: Every team has and needs them

The recent weather certainly put a kink in the high school basketball season as teams hope to make up for two weeks of lost games. That means plenty of games in a short amount of time with coaches needing outstanding play from all players as they fight for playoff position.

There are plenty of players, some of whom are top scorers and some who are not, who have always given outstanding play. No matter the quarter, no matter the score, no matter the situation, they are the ones diving on the floor, fighting underneath the baskets, playing hawking defense and doing all the little things that sometimes go unnoticed.

It is now time to present my Randolph County All-Unsung Basketball Teams.

The Girls

Mara Meservay (Wheatmore) — Like a true team player, she will play whatever position she’s asked to play. Because of some injuries to teammates this year, she has been thrust into some difficult situations and thrived. She is very dedicated.

Reagan Burris (UCA) — As versatile a player as anyone in the county, she can perform well at both inside the arc and outside. She’s knowledgeable of every position on the floor and she’s a steady and reliable presence.

Stella Brown  (SWR) — Rebounding is about hustle, heart and desire and no one shows more than Brown. She is an extremely hard worker who will sacrifice her body for the good of the team. She is fundamentally sound.

Ava Nance (Trinity) — Her dedication, grit, importance to the team and coachability are reasons she’s on this team for the third time. An unselfish player who is a second coach on the floor, she leads the team in rebounding and keeps the Bulldogs going in a positive direction.

Katelyn Brown (ER) — She is everything a coach hopes to see in a player. She is dedicated, works hard to improve and helps to keep the girls motivated. Her hustle is easily detected every game.

Kadie Green (RHS) — I don’t know in all my years have I heard a greater compliment from a coach toward a player. Brandon Varner said Green is the type of person you would recommend for any job she wished to have. She plays hard, listens and makes everyone around her better. She is the ultimate team player.

Kendal Mundy (PG) — One of the very talented group of freshmen on the team, she is a strong defender and no one is going to play harder. She comes off the bench and gives the Patriots a big lift.

Kailey Brown (AHS) — She transferred in and was asked to handle the ball a lot more this year than in previous seasons. Her playing time has increased significantly from past seasons and her numbers all across the board reflect that. A very good vocal leader as well.

The Boys

Levi Dalke (SWR) — The anchor of the Cougars’ defense, he may not be the biggest on the floor but he has plenty of fire and knowledge. The team’s leader in assists, he provides solid rebounding and can get his teammates in the right spots on the floor.

Hoyt Sparrow (ER) — His importance to the Wildcats’ success is going to continue to grow. A hard worker underneath the boards, he can provide the team with a spark on both ends of the floor. He needs to expand his game a bit, but the effort is there every time he takes the floor.

Jeremiah Stanback (AHS) — Only in his third season of organized basketball, he’s starting to show the maturity that could move him to the next level. He’s slight in stature, but is good underneath the basket and gives his team a spark with his hard work.

Truman Auman (Wheatmore) — He is not only strong in the blocking department, but his presence causes the opposing team to alter plenty of shots in the lane. A hard worker who pushes himself, he gives the Warriors plenty of solid minutes.

Damari Garner (RHS) — Although he’s gone through a transition move, going inside for his senior season, the move has been smooth. A strong rebounder, his effort does not go unnoticed, especially when the ball is loose or is considered a 50-50 ball. His work in the weight room can be seen on the floor. 

Gabe McKoy (PG) — He is far more than a scorer. He is the catalyst to this high-scoring juggernaut, distributing the ball to his teammates. He gets other players involved in the offense. He is a strong rebounder and his defense is outstanding. 

Colton Bryant (UCA) — The Eagles are vastly different roster-wise from a few years ago, but he has remained steady and a force underneath. He is a great passer for an inside player and a strong rebounder.

Zaire Gill (THS) — A top athlete, he gives the Bulldogs a strong presence on the floor. He defends, can rebound and can take the ball inside quickly. Solid effort on both ends of the floor.

There are a number of other student-athletes who can be on this list. It’s important you realize your efforts aren’t going unnoticed. What you give your team brings them a little closer to a conference championship, a higher seed in the playoffs and a deep post-season run.