Full-Court Family: Herbert Brothers Carry On Grain Valley Basketball Legacy

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

It was a homecoming of sorts for the Herbert family, before a recent Grain Valley High School practice session.

Owen, a junior at the University of Missouri and a manager on the Tigers' men's basketball team, made the trip from Columbia to visit his family.

Eli, a senior who was the Suburban White Conference Co-Player of the Year last season, has become one of the most dominating players in Eastern Jackson County.

And Isaac, a freshman, who has been a part of the program many years at the team scorekeeper, is now a freshman member of the team.

"Owen was the first of the three brothers to play, and there was so much talk about me playing him because he is my son," Coach Herbert said. "It became apparent very soon that he was playing because he earned that spot on the team.

"And, as it turned out, he was a senior when Eli was a freshman. "And no one I've ever been around has worked as hard as Eli to enjoy his success. He really is one of the best players in the metro area."

Eli finished last season averaging 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks for the 16-9 Eagles, who claimed the Suburban White title with a 13-1 record and two wins over Raytown.

"The best thing about coaching Eli is that he only cares about winning. His hard work has paid off with individual success on the court. But even if he didn't score a point in the game, he'd be smiling after the game was over."

Isaac, who became such a respected scorekeeper that his scorebook was often used to decide scoring questions, is excited about his chance to be a part of the team Eli's senior year.

"Eli had Owen when Owen was a senior and I'm going to have Eli my freshman year, and I'm excited about that. And we are all so fortunate to play for our dad.

"He's a great coach and a great dad. We're lucky to be a part of our family."

Eli nodded in agreement.

"I look at this kid over here (his brother Isaac) and get so excited having him be a part of our team my senior year," Eli said. "I was excited when I was a freshman, and Owen was a senior.

"And playing for our dad makes it even more special. Sometimes, I just stop and think about how lucky we are all - including our mom (Natasha), who's the best."
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Grain Valley High School coach Andy Herbert, left, has some fun visiting with his sons - Eli, a senior who was the Suburban White Conference Co-Player of the Year in 2024, and Isaac, a freshman, who has been a part of the program as a scorekeeper - before a recent practice session. Photo credit: Bill Althaus