Passion Region Finals GameChangers: Stock Riser Edition
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We’re nearing the end of the summer and it’s showing for some prospects. The guys below showcased a skill set that will earn them more minutes during the high school season. There’s plenty of talent below and a few of them will be fresh faces in future rankings.
Levi Hubbard Levi Hubbard 6'4" | CG University | 2025 FL
The 6’2 2025 CG has the skills to play on and off the ball. With the ball in his hands, he’s a shifty ball handler that can get in the paint for kick outs. Without the ball, he’s a knockdown shooter off the catch. His combination of size, shooting, and playmaking makes him a 2025 prospect to track in the Orlando area.
JoJo Scott
Scott is a two-sport athlete with a good set of athletic tools for a 2025 prospect. His speed helps him on both sides of the ball. When Scott pushes the ball in transition, he leaves a gap between himself and the defense. He blows up, passing lanes with his quickness and length.
Karmello Branch Karmello Branch 6'3" | SF Tampa Catholic | 2023 State FL
Branch has been a do it all wing for the past two seasons. His game has transformed over the summer to include playmaking. He can run an offense, find bigs out of the pick and roll, and create for himself. Branch is doing all those things while guarding every perimeter position and smaller fours. The 6’5 swingman may need his position changed to combo guard.
Bermhan Pyram
Pyram came out of nowhere to make an impact for Sunshine Elite. He’s listed at 6’5 but looked to be just as tall as 6’7 Ermil Fleurinvil. He’s a good defensive prospect with the vertical and activity level to protect the rim. Pyram is raw but the nose for defense and activity level are all there.
Elyjah Freeman
Wellington is getting a 6’5 Swiss Army knife that will contribute to a winning culture. The 2025 prospect played in all three age groups and did his thing on each. At the 15U level, he’s the best player on the floor. He controls the offense and gets where he wants on the floor as a 6’5 guard. At the 16U level, he fits in perfectly as a swingman that can play different roles. During 17U play, he held his own defensively against bigger stronger bodies. His upside will add him to our 2025 rankings.
Gunter went from high energy athletic forward in high school to high energy athletic combo guard this summer. He plays hard on both ends, uses his athleticism to penetrate the paint, and improved his handle. He recently received an offer from Keiser University and will see his stock rise if he continues this level of play.
Powell was one of the best players all weekend. The 6’6 combo guard can finish above the rim, has deep range, and has moves with the ball in his hands. He plays well on both sides of the ball. Powell uses his size to defend multiple positions and to take advantage of smaller players.
Eric Baldassarre Eric Baldassarre 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2024 State FL
I’ve long thought Baldassarre was one of the best shooters in Florida’s 2024 class and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is the way his body has filled out and his defensive presence. He may have grown an inch or two since the high school season and his coach says he gained 30 since arriving at IMG two years ago. Defensively, it’s quick hands and long arms that keep him in the ball handlers dribbling pocket. If he can continue his defensive intensity while shooting almost 50% from three on 7 attempts a game, he’ll see his recruiting increase.