2025 Bigs Stepping Into Bigger Roles
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The month of August here at Prep Hoops MD/DC is utilized for updating rankings, dishing out reflection articles on the grassroots season that wrapped in July and publishing some way-too-early high school content. Rankings will come later in the month,…
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Continue ReadingThe month of August here at Prep Hoops MD/DC is utilized for updating rankings, dishing out reflection articles on the grassroots season that wrapped in July and publishing some way-too-early high school content. Rankings will come later in the month, but for this series, I’ll be shedding light on some 2025 prospects that are expected to take on a bigger role in 2023-24 for their respective schools. We move onto the bigs.
Jayden Fort Jayden Fort 6'8" | PF Jackson-Reed | 2025 State #128 Nation MD | Jackson-Reed
In this class, I still believe Fort has some of the highest upside when you consider his size, athleticism and budding skill set. He had his share of moments with a talents Team Durant 16U squad this summer, but was a critical piece to Jackson-Reed’s run to a Capitol Hoops Summer League title. He’s shown more aggression as a rebounder and proving that he has put in the time to expanding his bag on the offensive end in quick face-up scenarios. Fort will the be the rock for a tough Tigers team this winter.
Marcus Jackson Marcus Jackson 6'8" | C John Marshall | 2025 State #161 Nation VA | Edmondson-Westside
One of the safest bets for this high school season would be Jackson averaging a double-double. I’d argue that he will be the favorite for Baltimore City Player of the Year along with 2025 Omarr Smith Omarr Smith 6'3" | SG City | 2025 State #319 Nation MD at Baltimore City. Jackson’s emergence since the spring has been noticed on a national level. A violent finisher and shot blocker, it isn’t often that you see prospects with Jackson’s size that bring a level of intensity in those to aspects. The Red Storm are the reigning Class 1A champions and if their roster stays intact, they’ll be the heavy favorites entering this season.
Rob Fields Rob Fields 6'7" | PF McDonogh | 2025 State MD | McDonogh
Fields remains an under-the-radar name that more colleges need to be aware of. His improvement and progress over the last five months are noteworthy and as he continues to grow and improve his frame, the results will follow. Even as a sophomore, Fields was a double-double threat every time he stepped on the floor. One of my predictions for the MIAA A Conference this season is that Fields will average a double-double as he anchors a McDonogh team that has a chance to shake things up if they can avoid the injury bug.
Tyrell Bowles Tyrell Bowles 6'8" | C Flowers | 2025 State MD | C.H. Flowers
Bowels is another forward with plus length that can greatly impact the painted area on defense. Even when Bowles isn’t getting his hand on a shot attempt, the shear threat of him quickly rotating for a swipe makes the opposition think twice. Offensively he is most effective around the rim. Whether he’s rolling, cutting or awaiting the ball in the dunker’s spot, Bowles gets off his feet quickly and looks to flush it whenever the opportunity presents.
Francis Folefac Francis Folefac 6'6" | C Mt. Zion Prep Academy | 2025 State MD | Mt. Zion Prep Academy
Admittedly so, Mt. Zion Prep Academy was one of my favorite teams to watch last season and when you consider the talent they return to the 2023-24 roster, it’ll be the same this winter. In their collection of players is Folefac, a 6-foot-6 forward with a relentless motor that is shown in his willingness to control the glass. One aspect that remains overlooked is his passing out of the post or at the top of the key. When Folefac gets the ball on the block, he understands how to use leverage, create contact and use soft touch on over the shoulder hooks.