Prep Hoops 2025 Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2025 in the Natural State is a talented group of basketball players. In this article we are going highlight several prospects to keep an eye on this season. Many of the players have already had strong summers on the club circuit. Meanwhile, several others are still lighting up it on the football field as the state championships wind down over the next two weeks. Here are some players to watch as the high school basketball season heats up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1450416' first='Robert' last='Wherry']-Power Forward-Little Rock Catholic-6'5”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Little Rock Catholic forward is a player that does not mind doing his work in the paint. He will get in the lane and battle for the rebounds on both ends of the floor. Wherry can drive the lane and finish above the rim. Meanwhile, he has the range to step out and drain the jumper from outside the paint. Wherry does a good job on the defensive end of the floor and can force the opponent into making mistakes with the basketball. Wherry is a prospect to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021840' first='RJ' last='Newton']-Combo Guard-Bryant-6'0”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021840' first='RJ' last='Newton'] is another talented guard coming up in the Bryant system. Newton is a good ball handler, and he does a good job of being able to find the open shooter. He has a smooth jump shot and can knock down the jumper with confidence. Meanwhile on the defensive end, he is a defender that does a great job of anticipating where the ball is going to go. Newton is able to make steals and start the fast break with no problems. Newton is someone to watch as he continues to develop this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2028613' first='Kade' last='Keller']-Point Guard-Vilonia-6'0”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2028613' first='Kade' last='Keller'] is an active player on both ends of the basketball court. From a defensive perspective, he keeps his hands active and will force opposing players into turning over the basketball. Meanwhile, on the offensive end he does a great job of finding his teammates for open shots. Keller is a player that can knock down the deep three pointer with impressive consistency. Vilonia always has a talented team, and this season should be one to watch for both Keller and Vilonia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2120116' first='Jace' last='Washburn']-Point Guard-Booneville-6'1”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once football season winds down for the Bearcats, [player_tooltip player_id='2120116' first='Jace' last='Washburn'] will be a prospect to watch out for on the hardwood. Washburn handles the ball extremely well and does a great job of finding his open teammates. Washburn can hit from all areas of the court and is a player that earned all-conference honors a season ago. He is a player to watch out for once he settles in on the court this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1963962' first='Blayk' last='Mars']-Point Guard-Atkins-5'7”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1963962' first='Blayk' last='Mars'] is a shooter that can heat up quickly from three-point land. He has a smooth jumper and can rack up the points in bunches. Passes the ball well and finds the open shooter with consistency. He stays active on the defensive end of the court and pressures players into making mistakes with the basketball. Mars is a player to watch as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->