I’ve watched a lot of basketball over the last couple of weeks and the more I watch, the more it becomes clear that teams need ‘glue’ players to be successful. Any team that wants to put together a postseason run, must have a handful of players who are willing to sacrifice their scoring to set screens, play defense, and crash the boards.

Here are a few of the area’s players that I’ve seen shine in these roles.

Victor Idris, Austin

The sophomore big man is still finding his feet with the Packers, but he has already shown the ability to go up and block a shot or come down with a big rebound.

As Idris’s offensive moves sharpen up in the years to come, he could develop into a go-to player, but at the moment, he is thriving as a high energy guy who protects the paint.

Drew Kittelson, Blooming Prairie

When starting forward Karson Vigeland went down for the season, it looked like the Awesome Blossoms were in serious trouble.

But Kittelson, a sophomore, has come in and emerged as an offensive threat around the hoop with a furious intensity on the boards.

Perhaps Kittelson’s best trait is that he never looks for his shot or forces anything. He sticks to wide open looks or he passes the ball along.

Ben Kraft,

Grand Meadow

Kraft, a junior, brings every bit of energy he has to the defensive side of the floor. He is constantly trying to hassle ball handlers or chasing after loose ball.

He’s also capable of knocking down the baseline jump shot.

Erica Lundberg, Austin

Lundberg showed up every night and put it all on the line for the Packers. She chased rebounds against taller opponents and fought through picks with all of the effort she could muster.

The senior didn’t always get a lot of scoring opportunities, but she proved to be a capable shooter and finisher when the ball came her way.

Allison Krohnberg, Blooming Prairie

The junior doesn’t necessarily fit the ideal size for a post player and she does not posses guard-like quickness, but Krohnberg found ways to be productive on both ends of the floor this year. Her work ethic and drive kept her in the position to help her team out.

Krohnberg also showed that she can come up in the clutch as she hit a game-winning shot to beat Hayfield in the Holiday Tournament this year.

Larissa Goslee, Southland

The junior was quick to dive on the ground for a loose ball, even if it meant take an elbow to the jaw or a body to the back.

Goslee also had the ability to handle the ball for Southland, and she was able to score when called upon.