#NEXTSouthwestKickoff: Notable 2025 Performers (Pt. 1)

Cypress, Texas — The Southwest Kick-Off presented by Prep Hoops Next brought out prospects and teams from all over the country to showcase their talents on one of the biggest up and coming circuits around. Talent oozed out of just about every team at this event, there were bigtime scorers, defenders, rebounders, and more involved in making this tournament so special. The 2025s were loaded with skills, size, and the basketball mindset to become the basketball stars of the future. Let’s take a look at a few of the most outstanding performers from the Class of 2025.

Ian Rizzo | San Antonio, Tx | Class of 2025

I’ve had the opportunity to watch Ian Rizzo play at all kinds of events, on a number plus occasions, and he seems to get better and better across the board every time I see him play. At the Southwest Kick-Off Rizzo displayed solid 3-and-D potential and was automatic from his sweet spot in the deep corners. Ian Rizzo appeared to be a terrific teammate to have, he brought great leadership and high energy, he was very engaged in the game even when on the bench, constantly cheering his teammates on, and being the first guy off the bench giving out high fives during timeouts and huddles. 

Eric Lavergne | Humble, Tx | Class of 2025

Eric Lavergne proved to be an all-around point guard on both ends of the floor. He was a major threat inside the paint where he found multiple ways to score and facilitate. Defensively, Lavergne wreaked havoc with his quick hands and eyes, showing top-notch reaction time and causing several turnovers, often before the offense could even cross half court. Eric is as smooth as they come, he’s a slippery player that get to any spot in the gym. 

Angelo Reyes | Katy, Tx | Class of 2025

Angelo Reyes was a left-handed assassin, you cannot allow him to get the ball on the left side of the floor or he will find a way to score. Angelo picked up the bulk of his points from the left side of the basket, whether it was a layup or a jump shot, he just couldn’t be stopped. Nifty finisher at the hoop, Reyes was not phased by contact, bigger defenders, or being contested, his eyes were locked to the basket all the way until the ball went through the net. He excelled in the open court due to his lateral speed and his great control of the ball. 

Cody Wilson | Katy, Tx | Class of 2025

6-foot-7-inch, Cody Wilson was one of the longest prospects in the building, his standing reach is incredible. Wilson has raw skills talent, a lot of plays he made showed just how good he can actually become over time. Once he becomes more aggressive his production across the board will be surely shooting through the roof. Cody Wilson has the height and wingspan to block shots at a high rate, shut the paint down, and grab every rebound. 

Jimiren Ratliff | Humble, Tx | Class of 2025

Ratliff has great hands and a true eye for the ball, whether it’s rebounding or blocking shots his timing was impeccable. Jimiren made a play that showed just how much effort he’s willing to give on each and every possession. He jumped so high when swatting a guy’s shot from behind that he fell down, but he immediately got back up, and blocked the very next shot that went up, sending the ball all the way to another court. He displayed a determination that you just can’t teach when rushed over to the other side of the basket and made that outstanding play that saved his team from giving up two easy and open layups. 

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