New Wing Forwards from 2025 Rankings Update
In this article:
Our 2025 Rankings Update saw dozens of prospects make their debut in our rankings, in this article we’ll break down five new wing forwards who were added to our rankings. Noah Knostman OH #118 SF #20 HEIGHT 6'5" POS SF…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur 2025 Rankings Update saw dozens of prospects make their debut in our rankings, in this article we’ll break down five new wing forwards who were added to our rankings.
We’ve seen a couple prospects from the Midwest Basketball Club Sever team debut during this ranking update and Knostman is the latest. A skilled wing who can put the ball on the floor and score while attacking the basket has been a staple for the Whetstone program. Playing sports during all seasons of the school year, Knostman is an impressive athlete with a variety of skills. His marquee moment came on a buzzer-beating layup to defeat All Ohio Red in July. The lefty is also a capable shooter from the perimeter and has been productive in the Columbus City League during his underclassmen years, earning first team all-city league north as a sophomore.
Highlights
Lots of central Ohio and Ohio United representation in this article, McFadden is an undersized wing forward who is a big-time athlete. Very explosive when he gets a runway to the basket, McFadden has the athleticism to throw down some powerful dunks. We saw a lot of McFadden with Ohio United at different Prep Hoops Circuit events, but his most impressive outing was at Midwest Live with Pickerington North. Expect McFadden to play a major role for the Panthers this winter as they continue to mature with a young but talented core.
Highlights
The second Ohio United prospect on this list, Theado had a huge weekend at the Grit Region Finals where he helped his Ohio United squad get the championship at the Prep Hoops Circuit. Improving as an athlete over the past couple months, Theado looks more explosive at the basket. His ability to use the inside-outside game to score is impressive with the ability to overpower opponents at the rim or space them out and attack off the bounce and finish off two feet. With Bishop Watterson graduating some key contributors from their team last season, expect Theado to be a focal point of their offense this season.
Another Columbus Catholic League forward and another Midwest Basketball Club Sever prospect, Schaffer is the younger brother of Kaleb Schaffer who is headed to Walsh after leading Bishop Ready to an unbeaten regular season and a state final four. I like the natural athleticism of Kayden Schaffer Kayden Schaffer 6’3″ | SF Bishop Ready | 2025 State OH with fluid movement skills which translate to the gridiron as a wide receiver. Gaining confidence as a shooter and creator this summer, expect to see a lot more of the Silver Knights offense to run through Schaffer after the graduation of their stud trio of seniors.
Butterfield was another prospect who caught my eye at Midwest Live with Olentangy Liberty. He had some big games with Midwest Basketball Club McElroy this summer as well. Butterfield showed the ability to hit an open jumper, moved well without the ball and attacked a closeout after using a pump fake to get a defender in the air. Once he adds strength as he matures physically, he’ll be even tougher to stop in the paint. I expect Butterfield to blossom into a small college target starting next spring.