2025 Rankings: Musical Chairs At The Top
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There was not much movement in the higher echelon of the 2025 rankings, but the top three spots did change as the top three players all competed in the 7A State Finals, and it was there, decisions were made about…
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Continue ReadingThere was not much movement in the higher echelon of the 2025 rankings, but the top three spots did change as the top three players all competed in the 7A State Finals, and it was there, decisions were made about how this edition of the rankings, especially at the top would look.
Jacoby Hill Jacoby Hill 6'4" | CG Central | 2025 State #160 Nation AL (6’4/CG/Central HS)
Instagram: _.jaacoby._
Jacoby comes in this edition of our rankings ranked as the #1 player in the class. As with all three players, you can search my previous article regarding the 7A State Championship, and you will see the individual performances. Jacoby showed his versatility and ability to carry his squad all the way to the championship game. Hoover has two players in the top 3 of the 2025 rankings, along with some key pieces that played huge roles on their way to the championship crown. Many would say Jacoby had to do more with less talent surrounding him. With that looming in the air, there is a significant case as to why, in this edition of the rankings, he is ranked #1. He brings a great set of basketball instincts and versatile scoring as he is ball dominant and very productive. His handles and scoring ability, combined with his playmaking, allow him to run the offense and go for huge numbers. He can shoot well from beyond the arc, he can finish at the rim with high efficiency, and he has success attacking out of the pick-and-roll. His play down the stretch caused the disruption at the top of the 2025 rankings.
DeWayne Brown, II DeWayne Brown, II 6'9" | C Hoover | 2025 State #106 Nation AL (6’9/C/Hoover HS)
Instagram: dewaynebrown2025
Twitter: @Dewaynebrownll
DeWayne has emerged in Alabama as the best post player, regardless of class. He can be as good as he wants to be as he has the size, incredible scoring, playmaking, and footwork in the post. He is a traditional back-to-the-basket post that can take over and dominate a game at any time. He is a game-changing rebounder that dominates and owns the paint and the glass. Some question his agility, and internally, there have been questions about his conditioning, but his presence and production overshadowed the questions. Defensively, he keeps the ball in front of him and rarely gets beat over the top. His high defensive IQ allows him to be one of the better drop coverage bigs I have seen, not just in the state but the country. His presence completely disrupts the flow of opposing offenses, and he single-handedly clogs up the paint. With not many teams matching his size in the state, it isn’t until he is out of state and going toe-to-toe with some of the best centers in the country that we see just how good DeWayne has the potential to become. He comes in as the #2-ranked player in this edition, while many believe he should be holding down the #1 spot.
Salim London Salim London 6'2" | CG Hoover | 2025 State #256 Nation AL (6’4/CG/Hoover HS)
Instagram: leemlondon
Twitter: @IAmSalimLondon
In our last edition of the 2025 rankings, Salim was ranked #1 but came in this edition ranked #3. Many may ask how does he drop after having the performance that he had in the state championship game. Don’t get me wrong, if I could, the top of this class rankings would be 1a, 1b, and 1c. Salim has done nothing but continue to elevate his game, become one of the most highly sought-after players in the state, and lead his team to the 7A State Championship. He is still one of the most aggressive and physical slashers in the game and is an absolute beast off the bounce. He is an excellent finisher at the rim, and with his athleticism continuing to develop, he is looking to make posters. He brings pace, scoring, and playmaking, and when he is really locked in, he can score in droves. He is one of the best in the state when it comes to creating his own shot. He may be at the #3 spot in this edition but don’t think he won’t be moving back up as these three guys continue the game of musical chairs.