Talented Two-Way 2025’s
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These prospects boast plenty of scoring gravity within a few dribbles, proving effective without slowing down the pace of play of their team. Derrek Sims – Standley Lake Sims provides value as a shotmaker of the bounce, capable of rising…
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Continue ReadingThese prospects boast plenty of scoring gravity within a few dribbles, proving effective without slowing down the pace of play of their team.
Derrek Sims – Standley Lake
Sims provides value as a shotmaker of the bounce, capable of rising into shots off of movement. The guard possesses a high release point on the shot and great elevation with his base, making potential blocks much tougher for opponents. The guard is effective at scoring following the ball screen, getting plenty of speed attacking downhill for mid-range jumpers or inside hand finishes. Another aspect of Sims’s impact has been his playmaking instincts and quick processing speeds. The guard does well at finding the next opening on passes, even contributing on very difficult mid-air passes. His immediate first step is a problem for opposing guards, capable of generating an immediate advantage off the first step.
Nathan Baack Nathan Baack 6'6" | SF Cherokee Trail | 2025 State CO – Cherokee Trail
Baack is an impactful complementary scorer who shows upside contributing tough shots. The incoming junior guard is a capable spot-up shooter, rising up following jabs. The guard has notable confidence in himself, showing flashes of side step three point shots. Given his prowess scoring off the ball, Baack does well finding opportunities to attack the rim regardless of the contest. Contributing a decent volume of high hand finishes in traffic, Baack has soft touch on the glass, scoring a few very high above the square. This is all on top of the wing’s positional height, standing right around 6’4.
Owen Hovis Owen Hovis 6'2" | CG Forge Chrisitan | 2025 State CO – Forge Christian
Hovis will be an intriguing two-way prospect, given his bounce that allows him to capitalize on defensive opportunities. The guard is a capable shot blocker in transition, effectively sending shots off the backboard. Offensively, he has quick instincts for passing opportunities. Whether flowing off the defensive rebound into an outlet pass or making the extra pass for a wide open shooter, Hovis seeks the best shot possible for his team. Spot-up shooting is another clear strength for the guard, knocking down 35% of triples through his sophomore season. His progression as an above the rim player will be worth tracking, given his immediate value with that skillset.
Alijah Sawyer – Dakota Ridge
Sawyer will be incredibly valuable for Dakota Ridge’s incoming new look squad, featuring a bit more youth. The guard is among the best point of attack defenders in the class, providing especially quick feet and hands. He does well moving with opposing 1s and 2s, sticking onto matchups like glue. He prides himself on getting stops first and foremost, given the positive impact that creates. Offensively, Sawyer is progressing as a playmaker off the bounce, digging into opponent’s hips while driving to the rim. He can finish through contests with either hand, possessing a strong base while attacking off the pro hop. He has taken a step up in volume for drives, in turn allowing him more opportunities for free throw attempts. Three point shooting is a necessity for guards at this point, although Sawyer has taken the initiative to improve his efficiency throughout the summer.