They aren’t the prettiest of basketball players....

They aren’t the prettiest of basketball players. In fact, at times, they play pretty darn ugly. But they’re among the most important players on the court, and their teams wouldn’t win without them.

They’re the push-and-shove players, the forwards who pull down rebounds, set brick-wall picks and intimidate the opposition.

Here’s our mid-season all-push-and-shove squad:

Tony Gonzalez, Huntington Beach--Our honorary captain is averaging 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. He’s brutal on the offensive boards and is one tough customer. In his younger days, he used to spar with his brother at the Westminster Boxing Club.

Pat Barnes, Trabuco Hills--Football Coach Jim Barnett describes him as a quarterback with a linebacker’s mentality. That also applies to basketball.

Brian Willmer, Sunny Hills--He is a linebacker. Enough said.

Derrek Uhl, Trabuco Hills--He’s 6 feet 5, only a junior, and will likely be Barnes’ replacement at quarterback next season. He’s averaging 9.3 rebounds.

Kyle Murphy, Edison--Headed to Arizona State for football, he sets one mean screen.

Jason Celmer, Brea-Olinda--He was one of the county’s leading rebounders last season, but he re-injured a knee in practice and is out for the season.