Updated 2025 Rankings: Forwards (5-1)
In this article:
We recently updated our class of 2025 rankings in the state of Virginia, with a lot of new faces and movement throughout the rankings. The rankings consist of 83 prospects, making it the most in depth rankings in the state.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe recently updated our class of 2025 rankings in the state of Virginia, with a lot of new faces and movement throughout the rankings. The rankings consist of 83 prospects, making it the most in depth rankings in the state.
We will take a look at the rankings by position over the next few days. Here’s a look at the top 5 of the power forwards and centers in the sophomore class.
5) Jaquan Womack Jaquan Womack 6'7" | PF Paul VI | 2025 State #284 Nation VA | 6’7” PF | Paul VI (#11 Overall)
Womack at times got overshadowed on a PVI team that was one of the best in the country, but this spring with Team Takeover he’s reminded everyone that he’s one of the most versatile forwards in the DMV. The 6’7” forward has a mix of strength with a frame like a big man, and he has great ball skills that make him a tough matchup for other teams. The 6’7” forward can bang in the paint and clear out space as a rebounder and finisher in the post, he can run the floor and is an athletic finisher in transition, he can put it on the deck and get to spots in the half court and he can make shots from deep as well.
4) Martez Harris Martez Harris 6'10" | PF Cape Henry | 2025 State #269 Nation VA | 6’10” C | Oak Hill (#10 Overall)
Harris announced he will transfer to Oak Hill from Cape Henry and as one of the top bigs in VA it could be the opportunity he needs to continue to develop and get better. The 6’10” big man has great physical tools with a frame that should sure up and fill out nicely, he moves well and is able to face up and put it on the deck and use his size to clear out space and finish in the paint and he can step out where he has nice touch in the midrange and out to the three-point line. He already holds a handful of offers and will have every opportunity to get more exposure in the NIBC.
3) Silas Barksdale Silas Barksdale 6'7" | PF Woodside | 2025 State #176 Nation VA | 6’7” PF | Woodside (#9 Overall)
Barksdale has been on of the biggest stock risers so far this spring, as he’s been very impressive on the E16 Circuit with Boo Williams. The 6’7” forward has so much potential as he’s young for his grade and things are starting to click for him as he looks more mobile and physical in the paint, he can step out and face up where he can attack the basket off the bounce and he has good touch on the perimeter and he can score it around the rim with either hand. He has picked up recent offers from VCU, Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Illinois, and he will continue to shoot up rankings and pull in more offers as he continues to polish and improve.
2) Kareem Stagg Kareem Stagg 6'8" | PF IMG | 2025 State #399 Nation FL | 6’8” PF | Oscar Smith (#3 Overall)
Stagg is one of the players in this class with the most upside moving forward, as the 6’8” big is also young for his grade and he’s starting to turn the corner with his production and skill set to match his freakish athleticism at his size. He moves unlike most young bigs as he not only gets up and down the floor well but he moves laterally and can stay in front of defenders, he’s an explosive leaper who can play above the rim and has excellent timing as a rim protector, he shows good touch around the rim and is starting to extend his range beyond the three-point line and he is likely still growing at this point. He has spent the spring playing up on the Boo Williams EYBL 17U team and already holds a handful of offers with more to come soon for sure.
1) Christian Gurdak Christian Gurdak 6'9" | C Gonzaga | 2025 State #156 Nation MD | 6’9” C | Paul VI (#2 Overall)
This will be the last time we have Gurdak in the VA rankings, as the recent rumors that he will be transferring to Gonzaga in DC and he will be moved to the Maryland/DC rankings in our next update. The 6’9” big man was part of one of the most talented teams in the country last year, and while he sometimes got overshadowed there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best bigs in the DMV, as he’s shown with Team Takeover this spring. At 6’9” he’s an absolute load in the paint earning the nickname “big country” and he has fantastic feet and hands when he catches in the paint, he’s surprisingly quick and has good back-to-the-basket moves and counters to them, he has great touch with both hands and he dominates the paint with his size and strength. He’ll be one of the best bigs in the WCAC next year and already is garnering national attention in the class.