2025 Rankings Round Table

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore class steps into their second varsity season with a lot of fanfare. It's a deep and talented group that just infused national talent via Montverde and IMG Academy. We've seen these prospects grow this summer, and it's caused some shakeup in the expanded rankings. I answer a few burning questions on this class below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who's your favorite riser?<br>Allen Pettigrew Jr.:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1578256' first='Carter' last='Reins'] takes the cake. He grew a bit over the summer, and his frame filled out more, but most importantly, his offensive skillset developed, and he's become more aggressive. I've got to see him at Hillsborough County Basketball Showcase and Prep Hoops Top 250, where he banged with older bigs, rebounded and showed toughness in the paint. The summer has been good for Reins, and the growth is evident.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Which prospect from your area is ranked too low?<br>Allen Pettigrew Jr.:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1301754' first='Joshua' last='Lewis'] has one of the highest ceilings in the class. The 6'7 wing is a high riser, can hit the outside shot, and rebounds bigger than his position. He's just scratching the surface of what he's capable of, and a deep run at peach jam points to it. The frame and quick twitch bounce are part of a compelling package that will only get better as his frame fills out and he improves his ball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who has the potential to outplay their ranking next season?<br>Allen Pettigrew Jr.:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1620357' first='Joseph' last='Gayle'] is still under the radar after a strong summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit. His ability to play on and off the ball will complement his new surroundings with fellow top 40-ranked Maxon twins. Gayle is an explosive athlete that defends both backcourt positions and hits outside shots off the catch. At Central Fort Pierce, he'll have a chance to play against a loaded division that will give him the resume and film against older players he'll need to improve his stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anyone you think will play their way onto this list?<br>Allen Pettigrew Jr.:</strong> I finally get to cheat on a question! I have a list. I think [player_tooltip player_id='1499469' first='Kentrell' last='Martin Jr']., [player_tooltip player_id='1301766' first='Sian' last='Morris'], [player_tooltip player_id='1301757' first='Shamar' last='Council'], [player_tooltip player_id='1450211' first='Jacob' last='Daniels'], and <strong>Jacob Douglass</strong> will all have a chance to break through the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin's been growing like a weed and is constantly working on his game. Now at 6'5 with all the skills to get to an efficient shot and in a situation with a little more freedom, he'll have a chance to put up numbers without dealing with the growing pains he experienced last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris is in a similar situation. While he hasn't grown like Martin, the opportunity for him to be an on ball creator will grow as Wesley Chapel looks for new faces to replace the production of three seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Council had a steady role with Blake last year, but he comes back older and more confident. Look for him to assert himself more and follow suit with a natural maturity to his role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglass and Daniels could mirror each other. Both are smaller quick guards with the heart everyone wants a player to play with. Both will return to starter roles, older, stronger, and better as playmakers. Another year of production and a deep run in the playoffs will help their case come late April.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->