2025 Players who Will Take a Leap Next Season
The catholic school playoffs are underway with talent scattered across every division. Accordingly each senior, is looking to go out with a bang. And every Freshmans’ focus is on establishing themselves in NYC high school basektball lore. However, there are…
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Continue ReadingThe catholic school playoffs are underway with talent scattered across every division. Accordingly each senior, is looking to go out with a bang. And every Freshmans’ focus is on establishing themselves in NYC high school basektball lore. However, there are plenty of 2025 players, that contribute to winning, have a good attitude on the floor, and appear to be overall great teammates.
As the end of the season approaches, we’ve seen a collection of 2025 players, playing pivotal roles for their teams. Some are spark plugs off the bench for senior heavy squads. But a few of these 2025 players are starters that impact winning from the opening jump. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 players with real potential to take a big leap next season.
Noah Williams Noah Williams 5’10” | CG Mount St Michael | 2025 State NY is a combo guard and gives it his all on both ends of the floor. Against a tough St. Ray’s team, Williams was up to the challenge defensively. Using his speed and basketball IQ, Williams was able to disrupt plays in the paint while making outside passes difficult. On offense, Williams showed the ability to create his own shot. Which is not an easy task against a strong St. Ray’s defense. But because of his quickness Williams was able to get to get to open space and convert. Off the ball, defenses still have to keep track of Williams as he shoots just as well off screens on catch-and-shoot attempts.
Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson has the potential to be a knockdown shooter next season, shooting well off the dribble and when spotting up behind the 3-point line. From both corners, Thompson was close to automatic versus St. Ray’s. But it was against Molloy, where we saw Thompson’s athleticism in the first round of the Catholic School intersectional playoffs. Thompson showed the willingness to drive inside and embrace contact. Plus, his leaping ability makes his layup attempts extremely difficult to block. We look forward to watching the growth Thompson has next season.
Kaelin Destin
Kaelin Destin
Kaelin Destin is playing Small Forward for an undersized Cardinal Hayes team. But you couldn’t tell the way he gives all of his effort on defense. Against a much larger Iona Prep team, Destin assisted on the boards. And with his guard skills, Destin was able to kick it out ahead or take it himself and create an open shot for a teammate. Destin, showed the ability to knock down the long ball, but he is most effective attacking a defense downhill. His quick, shifty handle kept Iona off balance the entire game. Next season, Destin will have the opportunity to embrace roles as a primary and secondary ball handler and showcase more of his playmaking skills. We look forward to watching his growth with the ball more in his hands.
MJ Ford
MJ Ford
MJ Ford is pure energy when he’s on the floor. Constantly, talking to his teammates or shouting directions. As St. Peter’s backup point guard, Ford allows the ball to flow, and is looking to find the open man every time. Because of Ford’s off ball movement, and ability to shoot at a decent clip. Ford was able to create mismatches in the post for his big man, Qadir Martin Qadir Martin 6’6″ | SF St Peters | 2024 State NY , as the defense would rotate to help. As a defender, Ford is a pest and agitated a few players on Monsignor Scanlan, one resulting in a technical foul. Ford will be a player to watch for any team in the market for a scrappy team player, who can stretch the defense with his shot making ability.
Jack Clancy
Jack Clancy
Jack Clancy can really shoot the basketball. It didn’t matter if it was a catch-and-shoot attempt or off the dribble. It certainly didn’t matter, if he was wide open or a hand was in his face. Jack Clancy with the ball at the 3-point line is a threat. Against Scanlan, Clancy needed to make shots in different ways because of a swarming defense. But his ability to put the ball on the floor allows Clancy to escape close outs to find better shots for himself or his teammates. Next season, Clancy will have an opportunity to initiate the offense, and we look forward to seeing the ball in his hands more.
This group will definitely contribute more next season for their respective ball clubs. We have lights out shooters, in Jack Clancy and Josh Thompson. And a few dynamic playmakers who can stretch the floor in, Noah Williams Noah Williams 5'10" | CG Mount St Michael | 2025 State NY , Kaelin Destin, and MJ Ford. In addition each player, will have a larger role next season and have an opportunity to double their production from this year. If you’re in need for playmaking guards who can shoot the basketball. All of these players should be on the list.