Ranked 2025 Players by Region Part 5: North Central/I-79 Corridor
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We’ve ranked the top 50, now let’s examine how it breaks down regionally and what part of West Virginia they are from. Long debated amongst high school sports fanatics is where do the greatest players hail from. Well, we’ve broke…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve ranked the top 50, now let’s examine how it breaks down regionally and what part of West Virginia they are from. Long debated amongst high school sports fanatics is where do the greatest players hail from. Well, we’ve broke it down into regions as follows: Southern/Coalfield, Huntington/Teays Valley, Charleston Metro, Ohio Valley, North Central/I-79 Corridor, Eastern Panhandle
Preston Luzader Preston Luzader 6’7″ | C Clay Battelle | 2025 State WV is currently the top ranked Center in this class. He’s a proven commodity with a great skill set and performances to prove it. Luzader has no hesitation in the post with the ball and is a relentless defender without it. Has great feet and bodies up on the interior while on defense as well as adding shot blocking to his toolbox. Luzader might give hesitation to recruiters being from a small school has had great showings versus big school competition in AAU and most recently Anderson Court Fall League while on the WV BlueChips roster. D3’s absolutely have him on their shortlists with D2’s waiting to track his development over the next two seasons.
Highlights
Trevan Bonner Trevan Bonner 6’0″ | CG Tucker County | 2025 State WV took the state by storm in Charleston and will continue to work to lead his team back. Bonner is a fantastic two-way guard who has a great combination of all things needed to succeed at the point guard position in today’s landscape. Trevan can transform his game to fit any situation, game or roster and guards at a high level for high school. Look for him to continue to put up big scoring numbers while leading a single A title contender.
TD Bodkins TD Bodkins 6’5″ | SF Philip Barbour | 2025 State WV is a hybrid guard/wing/forward with dynamic skills and hustle to match. Comfortable shooting from the wing, slashing into the teeth of a defense or being physical to bang down low, Bodkins is a true match up nightmare for WV opponents. TD has a great understanding of the game at both ends and will use it to capitalize on his opportunities. Look for him to have some monster scoring games this upcoming season. Also a standout football player, Bodkins could have a big decision in his future as to which sport to continue at the next level.
Landon Sanders Landon Sanders 6’1″ | PG Bridgeport | 2025 State WV might be the most unheralded of this list but definitely not the least talented. Playing hoops at a football powerhouse isn’t always easy but Sanders is destined to become a household name in WV basketball recruiting and give himself a chance to play beyond high school. A great skill set complete with ball handling, vision and shooting skill from all levels, Sanders will be a cornerstone of the Bridgeport program for the next two seasons and likely continue to have great offseason progress. Sanders will show up big in many box scores as well as stat sheets this upcoming season and earn some next level attention.
Jack Spatafore Jack Spatafore 6’2″ | SG Bridgeport | 2025 State WV is a dynamic guard from Bridgeport HS and joins above mentioned Sanders to form one of the better guard tandems in WV. Spatafore the younger brother of a current Fairmont State player knows very well the path to get to that level and undoubtedly work towards that goal. Talented and athletic enough to play either guard spot as well as guard at a high level, Spatafore gives college coaches alot to look at while on the floor.
Demarcus Bandy Demarcus Bandy 6’0″ | CG University | 2025 State WV is a tough and talented guard. At 6’0″ Bandy plays much bigger and makes plays in transition vs. bigger defenders while finishing near the rim. A strong defensive presence and quick first step, Bandy is able to have a big impact on games at both ends meanwhile score at three levels on offense. Having that speed and athleticism that coaches desire, Bandy will start to see some recruiting interest as early as next summer/fall.
Ben Putnam Ben Putnam 6’5″ | PF Lewis County | 2025 State WV fills it up no matter where he plays. AAU or school season it doesn’t matter, he has the skill set and size to create and finish plays that result in points. This upcoming school season will be a perfect opportunity to solidify himself as a next level player and elevate his game yet again. With recruiting he’ll post numbers that will garner attention considering his size.
Tristan Smith Tristan Smith 6’7″ | PF Preston County | 2025 State WV is a much-improved player that has a high ceiling and could take some huge steps forward in the recruiting world this year. Great length and instincts for the game, Tristan is quickly developing into one of North Central WV’s top players. Likely to be Preston County’s top player, Smith could lead them in several categories night in and out. His development on both ends will determine the level and intensity of his recruitment.
Josiah Kimble Josiah Kimble 5’11” | PG Pendleton County | 2025 State WV is likely tabbed as Pendleton County’s best returning player this coming year, however that doesn’t necessarily mean top scorer. Kimble will be tasked with applying and handling ball pressure from opponents, facilitating and balancing the floor, creating opportunities for teammates, controlling tempo and when all that is in place he’ll need to score. Josiah is more than capable of taking care of all those things, its what he does, his strength. He’s a pure basketball player and competitor and plays for one of WV’s top single A programs with lofty expectations. There’s little doubt IF Kimble continues his ascent of improvement, a college career is within reach and he has tools to make it happen.