<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Next up for the 2025 rankings are another group of sticklers on the defensive side. These names are all electric in transition, adding value to their teams regardless of having the ball in their hands. This class will be especially deep in the backcourt, starting off with [player_tooltip player_id='1369809' first='Dominic' last='Rhoades-Martinez'].</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1369809' first='Dominic' last='Rhoades-Martinez'] - Denver South</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Rhoades-Martinez brings an electric pace of play, seeking out looks for himself or teammates on the break. The 6' lead guard has continuted to set the tone for 13-11 Denver South. Starting with his on-ball defense, Rhoades-Martinez prides himself on the defensive end, possessing a strong frame with quick feet. His low center of gravity provides leverage versus hits, aided by his frame but most importantly by his low defensive stance. Through his sophomore season, Rhoades-Martinez has put up 16 points, 5.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and a staggering 5.1 steals per game. The guard still hangs around the 42% mark from beyond the arc for his career, an important trait at his position.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1369811' first='Anthony' last='Nettles'] - Douglas County</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Nettles has pushed himself to another level, creating ample opportunities off of drives. The lead guard has the ball on string going either direction, utilizing quick crossovers or in and outs to freeze defenders. The guard has taken a larger volume of perimeter shots this season, contributing 31% of those three point attempts, on par with last season despite the rapid increase in attempts. On the opposite end, he maximizes his wingspan to deflect passes or tip the ball away from direct matchups. Through his sophomore year, the guard has posted 18.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game with 10-14 Douglas County. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1369816' first='Lorenzo' last='Contreras'] - Smoky Hill</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Contreras brings immediate stability on both ends of the floor. At roughly 5'8, the point guard not only has excellent vision but equally valuable awareness. The best playmakers limit their turnovers, Contreras is rarely an issue from that front. Posting 9.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.4 steals per game with 20-6 Smoky Hill, the point guard provided value around a group of high level athletes. Although undersized, he is one of the most proactive players in the state at taking charges, inviting contact. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1369853' first='Bryce' last='Riehl'] - Mesa Ridge</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Riehl has been emphatic throughout the playoffs, embracing competition and shining when needed most. The 5'10 guard is automatic from beyond the arc, needing very little space to get the shot off in time. Similar to most of these undersized guards, Riehl brings all the intensity on the defensive side. Possessing a wiry frame alongside great processing speed, the shooting guard is slouch at the point of attack. Through the sophomore's season, he has put up 13.7 points, 4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. This all comes off of an undefeated season with Mesa Ridge, quite literally the perfect storm. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1577485' first='Jean' last='Paul Ndong'] - Northfield</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Ndong is no doubt a heavy riser through this update, providing a legitimate two-way skillset at 6'5. The forward is notably skilled, knocking down 40% of his 103 attempts from beyond the arc. It is not often to find efficient shooters who are above the rim athletes, Ndong will be next up. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
Next up for the 2025 rankings are another group of sticklers on the defensive side. These names are all electric in transition, adding value to their teams regardless of having the ball in their hands. This class will be especially deep in the backcourt, starting off with Dominic Rhoades-MartinezDominicRhoades-Martinez
6'0" | PG Denver South | 2025State#369NationCO
.