Updated 2025 Player Rankings: Quick-Hitting Observations
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Our updated player rankings for MD/DC released earlier today and it can be made as a strong argument to be the most talented group of them all. The potential of the top tier is limitless and other prospects throughout show…
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Continue ReadingOur updated player rankings for MD/DC released earlier today and it can be made as a strong argument to be the most talented group of them all. The potential of the top tier is limitless and other prospects throughout show plenty of promise as being highly sought after by colleges of all levels. Let’s dive into some initial observations.
The No. 1 battle
With the release of any sort of rankings, the No. 1 spot is always what eyes are drawn to first. Largo/ Team Durant F Cameron Ward Cameron Ward 6'6" | SF Largo | 2025 State #30 Nation MD remains the top prospect and has protected it with outstanding performances this season. His most recent outing came against Freedom where he tallied 41 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, four blocks and four steals in a win. Very closely behind Ward is Gonzaga/ Team Takeover point guard Nykolas Lewis Nykolas Lewis 6'2" | PG Gonzaga | 2025 State #146 Nation MD . Lewis is the most polished overall prospect to this point, but Ward’s upside over time combined with his size comes as an intangible that cannot be overlooked. Make no mistake, Lewis’ ceiling is extremely high and he’s displayed advanced feel, ability to score or distribute with the best of them and brought leadership qualities that has lifted his team into the national spotlight.
Perhaps one of the hottest names this winter in this class has been St. Frances/ Team Thrill combo guard Tyler Jackson Tyler Jackson 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2025 #40 Nation MD . The 6’2 sophomore is as entertaining as they come thanks to his elite shot-creating ability. He’s liable to go off for 25-30 points any time he takes the floor and will have plenty of highlight plays for the cameramen on the baseline. Jackson moves up to the No. 3 slot in our rankings.
Watch out for No. 4 Jalen Rougier-Roane Jalen Rougier-Roane 6'5" | CG Sidwell Friends | 2025 State #142 Nation MD long-term. He’s already impressive with his balanced approach as a scorer and his size, versatility and athleticism make him an interchanging piece at both ends.
Other names to watch in the top 15
At No. 5 is Gonzaga/ Team Durant guard Derek Dixon Derek Dixon 6'4" | SG Gonzaga | 2025 State #153 Nation MD , who will go down as one of the best shooters in this class. He has a pretty, compact shooting stroke and gets to it fluidly whether he shoots off the catch or off the dribble. He has good feel on drives creating for others and brings a strong, sturdy frame that results success throughout physical play.
Jackson-Reed/ Team Durant forward Jayden Fort Jayden Fort 6'8" | PF Jackson-Reed | 2025 State #128 Nation MD (No. 9) has some of the highest upside in this class, in my opinion. He stands 6’8, has good functional strength already and eye-popping athleticism making plays around the rim at either end.
Georgetown Prep/ Team Durant guard Akbar Waheed (No. 10) has taken on a much bigger role as a sophomore emerging as a primary playmaker. He has adjusted well and continues to improve his balance as a scorer or distributor based on the flow of the game.
Archbishop Curley/ Team Thrill guard Omarr Smith Omarr Smith 6'3" | SG City | 2025 State #319 Nation MD (No. 13) is trending quickly up our board and for good reason. At 6’3, the lefty is another lethal outside shooter, but has also improved dramatically in the athleticism category to the point where he’s finishing above the rim with authority and regularity.
Others who could position themselves for a boost
Bigs tend to take longer to become a finish product. This list of names are ahead of schedule already, but as time progresses, should only see their stocks rise:
Gwynn Park/ DC Premier F Shane Pendergrass Shane Pendergrass 6'8" | PF Mt. Zion | 2026 State MD (No. 16)
McDonogh/Team Final F Rob Fields Rob Fields 6'7" | PF McDonogh | 2025 State MD (No. 17)
Georgetown Prep/New World F Frank Siaca-Bey Frank Siaca-Bey 6'8" | C Fairfax Christian | 2026 State VA (No. 21)
Takoma Academy/DMV Stags Oliver Spence Oliver Spence 6'10" | C Takoma Academy | 2025 State MD (No. 35)
Who are the guards trending in the right direction?
Mt. Carmel/ Team Durant G Mario Tatum Mario Tatum 6'2" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2025 State MD (No. 18)
Bishop McNamara/New World G Jaren Curtis Jaren Curtis 6'1" | PG Bishop McNamara | 2025 State MD (No. 25)
Glenelg Country/ Team Melo G Patrick Curtin Patrick Curtin 6'2" | SG Glenelg Country | 2025 State MD (No. 26)
Archbishop Carroll/ DC Premier G Omari Witherspoon Omari Witherspoon 6'4" | CG St. John's | 2025 State MD (No. 28)