This Season’s Breakout Player from All 50 States

Wimberly has become known as the general considering his intelligence as a lead guard. He is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. He has had a terrific summer, and many believe that this is the year that he will move from being one of the most underrated prospects to one of the most respected.

t
• Contributed by Terry Drake

Marsden is a wing with length. He can be a slasher and also post up. He is poised for a big season.

t
• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

This long and lean power forward has incredible length, size and fluidity to cover ground on the perimeter and inside to block shots. Nyeri has patience in the post and then can fall away from his defender to score. He can now shoot it from mid-range to the three off the dribble or catch. His post footwork is improving and he is a highlight reel waiting to happen on the break with his speed and quick-twitch athleticism way above the rim.

t
• Contributed by Gregg Rosenberg

Muldrow makes scoring look effortless and he looks to elevate his game even further during his junior season. He’s quick when attacking down hill, giving off a slippery appearance as he glides by defenders and can avoid contact to score at all three levels. After an a run to the Final Four of Nike’s E16 Peach Jam with Team Griffin, Muldrow’s recruitment has heated up. Expect for that to continue as Muldrow proves he’s one of the best scorers in the Natural State.

t
• Contributed by Sam Duren

An individual that is ready to have a major senior season is 6’7, Cole Epperson of Jesuit High School. Epperson is a combo guard/small forward, that has size and skill when the ball is passed his way. In all of the major contests that Epperson competes in, he is always using his length over smaller defenders and knocking down shots from deep at a high rate. When he has space, his shot form is always identical to the last, giving it a good chance of going in. It’s one of those shot forms that as soon as you see it, it makes you say, “Yup, he can shoot.” Epperson will play off of this elite ability this winter and leave it all on the court. There is no doubt about that.

t
• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Hammond’s potential as a three-level scorer and offensive engine for Cherry Creek will be on full display this season. Highly effective creating shots through his change of speeds, there are few guards in the state’s class with his offensive upside.

t
• Contributed by Clayton Conover

Simpson Jr. is a strong built guard. He has good handles and can score at three levels.

t
• Contributed by Justin Feinberg

Webster is a scoring guard who plays with an edge. He can fill it up by attacking off-the-catch or by off-the-dribble. An aggressive defender, he uses his bounce to block shots with the same intensity as when he tried to dunk on opponents. After losing their top three players from last season, the Bucks will look to Webster early and often.

t
• Contributed by Chad Graham

Orvill has good positional size and causes matchup nightmares. His length is one of his biggest assets, and his shot is tough to contest when he elevates for the jumper, or he is in the paint for a floater or a finish at the rim. He is one of the most dominant interior players on the board. With his size, understanding of the game, smooth techniques, and athleticism, he is poised to make a lot of noise this year.

t
• Contributed by Terry Drake

Central-Carrollton is quickly becoming a serious player in Class 4A behind a balanced attack spearheaded by Cochran. He is a knockdown shooter off the catch and bounce and has exploded athletically this offseason becoming a consistent above the rim threat. College programs are starting to track Khaven.

t
• Contributed by Kyle Sandy

Kaimana Lau Kong is one of the island’s tallest players. Standing at at 6’6″, he moves well for his size. He has an above average motor and displays coordinated balance/footwork on a consistent basis near the hoop. Against the competition he has matched up with in the past and looking toward this winter, there is no reason to think that Kong won’t have a junior season to remember. He will have a height advantage on most teams he plays and demonstrates having a good head on his shoulders. If his coaches can put him in the position to keep it simple at the rim, he will have a breakout year.

t
• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Bowie just had an absolute monster football season and last year he had a record setting basketball season. The Boise State commit will likely be in the top five in scoring as he is just hard to stop.

Sularski is the top ranked sophomore in Illinois, but didn’t see much playing time last year on varsity for a team that went to the state championship game. He had a monster spring and summer both with his high school and travel teams showcasing his array of skills at his size. The 2026 prospect can score from all three levels, passes with flair, and competes on the glass/defensively. He will be a star and it will start this year!

t
• Contributed by Scott Burgess
• Local story: 2025 Prospects Primed for Breakout Seasons and 2026s

It has started to happen a bit already, but King is a guy who could play his way into high-major offers and a national ranking over the next year. He is so physically gifted which he pairs with good ball skill to be an absolute terror off of the dribble. King can finish above the rim, create his own shot in the mid-range, and is a high-percentage three-point shooter.

t
• Contributed by Brandon Ramsey

Dzolota didn’t get any varsity run on a loaded Northwest team as a sophomore, but looks primed to have a huge junior year for the Wolves. He’s a skilled lead guard who sees the floor incredibly well, has the ball on a string, and is a terrific shooter from deep. Playing at one of the top programs in the state, Dzolota’s name will be known around the state by the end of the year.

t
• Contributed by Tony Roe

Starks transferred from rival Bowling Green in December of last year and sat out the eventual state title run by the Dragons. As a senior, Elijah has a huge role to fill for a squad that graduated a lot last spring. An energizer bunny on both ends, the athletic forward plays with a tremendous motor and could mean the difference between Warren Central repeating as champs or failing to get out of their regional tournament.

t
• Contributed by Steve Quattrocchi
• Local stories: Senior Breakout Candidates, Juniors, and Sophomores

Lofton is a player who came into his own as a sophomore. Being a point guard at a 5A school can be daunting but he accepted the challenge. Now, moving into his junior year, he has become more of a vocal leader and a better shooter. His shooting and passing ability will separate him from others.

t
• Contributed by Preston Edwards

Pow flew under the radar a bit as a sophomore as Maine had a loaded classes of 2023. I don’t expect that to be the case this year as he might be the best wing in the state regardless of class. A long and explosive athlete, Pow can play above the rim, but has really come a long way with his skill development in the last 12 months and could be a guy who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds this winter. His name should be one to know for area colleges looking to get a jump on their recruiting for the class of 2025.

t
• Contributed by Will Armishaw

Fowlkes is a skilled and quick floor general who brings high-quality intangibles to his team. It’s rare to see such a young player display the maturity that he possesses.

t
• Contributed by Adam Ayalew

Pachucki is a lights-out shooter that moves well without the ball. He consistently gets open on the perimeter and can heat up quickly from three. In a game to start the season against Putnam Science, Pachucki went off for 48 points including 14 threes to lead his team to the one point victory.

t
• Contributed by Aasim Sullivan

When you transfer into the state as a top-5 player nationally. I would say you are pretty safe bet to breakout. Considering his pedigree, there is not much Williams cannot do. He is also entering a strong program at Brother Rice.

t
• Contributed by Jonathon Gilbert

Ijadimbola is a nationally-ranked top 50 player in his class that was playing behind four Division I talents last year. He played his role well off the bench but this year he will step into a bigger opportunity game to game.

t
• Contributed by Ryan James

Holliday is an athletic lead guard who balances scoring and facilitating. He has a brilliant middle game off the bounce, as he knows how to get to his spots and get into his shot. He commands the game at the point guard spot and does a good job keeping his teammates in the flow of the game. By the way, at 6-foot, he will put you on a poster.

t
• Contributed by Terry Drake

The 6’1″, 2025 point guard is ready to step into a bigger role after averaging six points off the bench for a senior-laden Pioneers team that finished 22-2 last season. He is a prime offensive talent who can create his own shot off the dribble and score from all three levels. He has shooting range that extends well beyond the 3-point line.

t
• Contributed by Earl Austin

At 6’5″, 230 pounds, he was the best player on the Class B State Championship team last year. He can shoot the ball, has fantastic footwork and touch when he goes to use his body. He loves finishing through contact, has a very old-man game, and has taken a massive leap. Johnston will absolutely be in contention for Gatorade Player of the Year this year and next. He is sitting on five offers currently and I imagine that number will jump dramatically in the coming months.

t
• Contributed by Michael Herrick

A super athlete that plays above the rim. You will see highlights of Parker dunking on people all year. He is a good defender, protects the rim really well, can also step out and shoot the three.

t
• Contributed by Michael Herrick

A wing with impressive fluidity and size, Rabb gets it done around the rim on both ends of the floor. He continues to prove capable of playing on the wing and add ball skills to his game. Rabb is already rising up our rankings continuously, but his stock should continue on that trajectory.

Clay has a smooth game He is athletic and can score from all over the hardwood.

t
• Contributed by Justin Feinberg

Spencer has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. The 6’2″ guard is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. Spencer has a solid handle and is an underrated passer.

t
• Contributed by Joe Esquivel-Murphy
• Local story: Players Looking to Breakout for the 2024 Class, 2025, and 2026 by Andrew Herman

With the Eagles losing lots of key players from last year, Jackson will be the primary option for them offensively. He is an extremely versatile stretch four who has a silky smooth jumper that he has developed over the course of his high school career. Jackson has also been able to play the role of a monster paint presence, using his frame and motor to be a nuisance near the basket. He will take over a lot more responsibility this year and will, no doubt, be up for the task.

t
• Contributed by Sky Hatcher

Smith is a lengthy forward, who uses his height and athleticism to his advantage. He gets his hands in passing lanes, and get steals which leads to transition dunks often. He is also a high-level, rebounder and perimeter defender.

t
• Contributed by Aasim Sullivan

Jayan Walker is a prospect who grew as a mid-major prospect over the grassroots season with 1 of 1 Elite and really blossomed when he joined Garner Road on the 3SSB stage. He’s an impressive 6-foot-4 wing who isn’t afraid to operate in isolation, utilizing his frame and ball-handling to knock down easy shots. Look for his stock to grow in 2023-24 in North Carolina after averaging 17.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG and 1.3 APG on 50 percent shooting from the floor at Millbrook High this past year.

t
• Contributed by Jay Anderson

Austin is a big guard with strength, blow-by speed, bounce, court vision, a versatile finishing package, and toughness that could make a demon cry. Dre has a great work ethic, is a fierce competitor, and will do anything to help his team. He will put up splashy numbers this year, get his team to State, and be selected to the All-State Team. Austin will not stop there, the BHS kid is a worker, a grinder, and his game/skill will continue to evolve.

t
• Contributed by Michael Herrick

Sims is pretty unknown outside of Northeast Ohio but I think he’ll explode this winter with Canton McKinley. With new head coach Sean Weatherspoon implementing an up-tempo system, expect Sims to throw down some highlight slam dunks on defenders this winter.

t
• Contributed by Michael Roth
• Local stories: 2024s Part 1, 2024s Part 2, 2025s Part 1, and 2025s Part 2

Wilson had one of the best spring and summer of any prospect in Oklahoma. He’s an impressive athlete with the upside to be a true above-the-rim, highlight player. The sophomore mixes those athletic traits with an outstanding foundation of shooting, ball-handling and improving passing. He’s most comfortable right now as an off-the-ball scorer, but is starting to grow into more of a combo guard after running the show for his AAU program last summer.

t
• Contributed by Sam Duren

Athletic swingman just starting to scratch the surface of his immense potential. Plays above the rim, uses his length and leaping ability to block shots above the square on the backboard, and is a threat to finish the alley oop in transition. Has deep range on his shot and is improving his game off the bounce.

t
• Contributed by Jed Tai

This shifty backcourt prospect has been the a quiet star during fall ball action. Driver’s speed and elusive dribbling skills make him difficult to keep out of the paint in transition and the half-court. Driver also can knock home threes as well as pull-up jumpers. As a nice bonus, Driver is a solid distributor. At the other end, his non-stop motor and quick hands enable Driver to generate steals and deflections.

t
• Contributed by Carey Smith
• Local story: PCL Potential Breakout Players, PAISAA, and Public League by Chad Graham

Britt really brings great versatility to the floor with his play. He can defend multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor. He rebounds the ball very well from his backcourt position. He scores from all 3 levels on the floor. Britt has great body control going to the basket and does a nice job of fighting off defenders.

t
• Contributed by Bret Swanson

Graham-Howard has really emerged as one of the most potent, powerful, and prolific scorers in the state. He can get it done at all three levels in a variety of ways. He does a good job using his dribble and jabs to create space to get his shot off. Look for him to really make an impact this year.

t
• Contributed by Terry Drake

O’Neal Jr has a diverse game. He is a 6’5″ small forward that likes to shoot the ball from all over the floor. There isn’t a distance too short or too long for O’Neal. If he gets any space from his defender and time to set himself, he is going to let it fly and a majority of the time, it goes in. If a defender happens to jump at his shot a little too much, O’Neal Jr will notice that and adapt. Either taking it off of the dribble all the way to the hoop or to a closer, midrange spot where he can pull up. With the work that he is putting it, it could be a big season for O’Neal.

t
• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Cuff has been building a skill-set on an his high-IQ foundation. His ability to score at all three levels is starting to take shape and look for him to be an absolute stat-stuffer.

The swiss-army knife is plug-and-play. Hauser plays inside or out offensively with his shooting touch, crafty facilitation, and court awareness. Plus, Hauser effectively covers 1 through 5 with his combo of length, athleticism, and constant effort. Kid competes at a high level on both ends with a thorough skillset.

t
• Contributed by Cody Quattrocci

Card has steadily developed within the Hawks program and is expected to take on a bigger role this season. The young combo guard can make 3-pointers in bunches and already has plenty of experience competing in high-level settings.

t
• Contributed by Adam Ayalew

Powers is just a polished scorer who should step into a lot more shots this season. He has good size and athleticism to finish at the rim but his bread and butter is shooting off the dribble. With a variety of one-two moves to create space he’s a deadly threat in the mid-range and does a great job staying balanced and strong in his base.

t
• Contributed by Ryan Morgan
• Local stories: 2023-24 Breakout Prospects by Ryan Morgan & 5 Seniors Ready to Breakout by Devin Record

Crouso has one of the most unique skill-sets for a 6’7″ player. A relentless rebounder and finisher around the bucket, he also is very comfortable facilitating from the high-post, shooting mid-range and 3’s as well as driving to the bucket with either hand. He’s simply flown under the radar since we saw him in June 2023.

t
• Contributed by Scott Strode

You get a little bit of everything with Murphy on the court. You get a tough competitor, a highly skilled player, and a great teammate to the guys around him. There isn’t anything that Murphy can’t do for whatever team he is lacing up with. Like I said above, he has the skill side of the game down pat and he mixes that with his natural length. He is going to be a player that people out of the state of Wisconsin will hear about a few times this winter, as he is sure to make some waves with his Verona High School team.

t
• Contributed by Jeremy Brooks

Summers is a 6’8″ BIG with both post and guard skills, he has great feet and touch around the rim. Summers can finish starting with back to, or facing the basket. He is becoming more of a matchup nightmare because his 3-point shot has improved and he has great vision with passing skills. Summers is a junior with a bright future and a D1-level prospect who has Mountain West potential.

• Contributed by Michael Herrick