2025 Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ranking of 2025 players held pretty steady. We felt good about the order of players at mid-season and focused on adding 12 deserving players to the list. Here are risers, potential risers and guys ready to make their move:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Riser:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1588406' first='Aiven' last='Riley'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Shawnee Mission Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The only player to take a significant leap was Riley, who has impressed with his smooth playmaking ability with his high school after a really nice summer. He is crafty with the handle and adept at penetrating to create his own shot. He is hitting a real nice 49% from deep and averaging 10 points per game. He is a lanky, versatile player who can float on the wing, move without the ball, and break down a defense with the ball in his hands. Riley jumped from #20 to #11 in the latest update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waiting</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1555934' first='Colin' last='Frazier'], 6-foot-5 forward, 2025, Arkansas City (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frazier really stood out last summer. It seems likely he will continue to creep up the list. But his team is just 5-7 so far this season. Without any stats available for him, we chose to hold off bumping him on the list. But this long, athletic forward can get out and run, finish at the rim, defend and rebound. He will be a guy to keep an eye on for future rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pushing for #1</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1588339' first='Amalachi' last='Wilkins'], 6-foot-6 center, 2025, Wichita Heights:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilkins was great in his role with the Falcons last year: protect the rim, intimidate shooters, rip down rebounds, run the floor. He didn't have to score or handle the ball. We were excited to see how he would expand that role this year. He's moving away from the post and facing the goal more, developing a more well-rounded game. After not scoring much as a freshman, he's now averaging 11 points 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. It's tough to move up once you're in the top 5, but if Wilkins continues to develop, he may get the #1 spot yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second sport</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1588391' first='Julian' last='Marks'], 6-foot-7 forward, 2025, Aquinas:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When we got excited about Marks as a basketball player last spring, we didn't realize he was about to blow up as a football line prospect. He has a number of offers from top programs in the Midwest, and reportedly recently received an offer from Oregon. The focus on football may slow down Marks' development on the court. He's having a nice sophomore season with 6 points and 4 boards per game. But it appears basketball will be his second sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Late rise</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1588347' first='Will' last='Goode'], 6-foot-9 center, 2025, Aquinas:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We ranked Goode very high last spring based on his showing as a freshman in the middle for Aquinas. The big man started slowly this season, but is really coming on of late. After only reaching double figures once in the first seven games, he has scored at least 12 in three straight. He shoots a ridiculous percentage when he's getting the ball on the block and pinning smaller defenders. He is powerful, fundamental, and getting more experienced every day. We still expect Good to be one of the best centers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->