Week Four Review: Top 2025/2026s Tony Saw
In this article:
Payson Nietert IA #17 SF #4 HEIGHT 6'6" POS SF CLASS 2025 View Profile Payson Nietert Instagram Twitter State: Iowa School: Linn-Mar Club: Kingdom Hoops Nietert is one of the better shooters in the 2025 class, but he has gotten…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNietert is one of the better shooters in the 2025 class, but he has gotten off to a slow start from deep. He started the year 6-27 (22.2%) from behind the arc before having a bit of a breakout game against Senior, going 4-5 from 3, looking more like himself. A 6-6 wing who moves well without the ball in his hands, has a high, quick release, and unlimited range, his ability to get scorching hot from the arc is part of what makes this Linn-Mar team so dangerous. His form reminds me a bit of AJ Green’s, a little behind his head, but it works for him, and when combined with his size, it’s nearly impossible to contest. Hopefully his showing against the Rams gets him jumpstarted for the rest of the year. He finished with 14 points on 5-7 shooting to go with 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
Highlights
Kern showed why he’s one of the best players in the 2025 class on Tuesday night against Senior, finishing with 22 points on 7-14 shooting (3-4 3P, 5-5 FT) with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. A mobile 6-8 big man with tremendous footwork and touch around the rim and a pure stroke out to the arc, he’s nearly impossible to defend with his combination of mobility, size, and floor stretching. He has great timing as a shot blocker, recognizes the double team coming early and can find open teammates, and is a switchable defender.
A quick guard who can blow by defenders and get into the teeth of the defense, Matson had 10 points on 4-8 shooting (1-3 3P, 1-2 FT) and 5 assists in the Lions’ loss to Senior last Tuesday night. He does a nice job playing with pace, changing speeds but still playing under control, and he’s really good in ball screen action. Defensively he’s a solid defender who moves his feet well and makes opposing ball handlers work hard to get anything going against him.
Highlights
Medinger was outstanding off the bench for the Rams against Linn-Mar, scoring 15 points on 5-6 shooting (2-3 3P, 3-3 FT) to go with a rebound, an assist, and two steals. A bouncy 6-2 guard oozing with confidence, he has a quick release off the catch, great body control around the rim, and is a really good ball-handler who can get by defenders and to the rim for finishes. He provides the Rams with a scoring spark off the bench, and is a player who is due for another bump up the rankings when they are updated in January.
Porter isn’t the same explosive athlete that Medinger is, but he’s a really good player in his own right for the Rams. He plays more like a senior than a sophomore, never getting sped up, limiting mistakes, and getting his teammates involved and taking advantage of his opportunities when they present themselves. He sees the floor well and is a good, willing passer. He’s also a really good defender who moves his feet and communicates well on that end of the floor. He had 6 points on 2-7 shooting (2-4 3P), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block against the Lions while turning it over just once.
Driscoll is buying into his role on his new team and has played really well for the Vikings, giving them more ball-handling, shot creation, and solid defense. A quick 6-2 guard with a great feel for the game, he doesn’t force anything, playing within himself and the offense and taking advantage of good looks. He can turn the corner and get to the rim, knock down shots off the catch, and create looks for himself and his teammates at a high level. He had 10 points on 4-8 shooting (1-1 3P, 1-1 FT), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals against Hudson.
Highlights
Cael LaFrentz
Cael LaFrentz
The son of former Kansas standout and NBA player Raef LaFrentz, Cael is an intriguing young big man with a skill set that is starting to catch up with his body. He’s 6-10 and has good, soft hands, and he does a good job keeping the ball high on post catches and when pulling down rebounds. His footwork is still a work in progress, but he does a good job establishing post position and sealing his man. Defensively he does a good job contesting shots without fouling, and he rotates well. He had 6 points on 3-4 shooting with 6 rebounds and 4 blocks against Hudson. He still needs to add some strength to his frame, as most young bigs of his size do, but there are a lot of tools in the toolbox here.