2025 Rankings: Stockrisers to Know Outside the Top 100
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While many eyes are focused towards the top of our rankings here at PH, we know that there are guys having big years outside the top 100 players and deserve a boost. This article highlights some guys who made the…
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Continue ReadingWhile many eyes are focused towards the top of our rankings here at PH, we know that there are guys having big years outside the top 100 players and deserve a boost. This article highlights some guys who made the biggest jumps outside the top 100 in our spring rankings update for the 2025 class.
Little is a massive stockriser in these rankings, jumping over 100 spots in the recent update up to 105th in the state. As part of a Hickory team that went undefeated on the year until their loss to Central Cabarrus Tuesday, he provided a scoring presence as well as an athletic, versatile defender for Hickory all year long. A two sport athlete, also excelling as WR for the Tornado, he’s got the quickness and shiftiness to put together a big time senior season next year.
Dempsey is another mover in our rankings, rising 81 spots to 117th in our latest edition of the rankings. He’s been a force for 1A semifinalists Bertie all season, even putting up a 52 point performance in the 3rd round of the playoffs against Voyager Academy. A downhill combo guard with size and toughness, he knows how to attack the rim or get to the charity stripe and make his presence known offensively.
Highlights
Freeman put up a big time season at Ardrey Kell this year, and it paid off as he jumped over 100 spots to 125 in the state in this update. He averaged 16 PPG, 4 RPG and 2.3 APG in an offense where he operated as one of the main scoring threats all year long. He’s been able to be both a scorer and creator with the rock in his hands, looking to spray passes to teammates or hit shots. Confident shooter from 3, knocking down 45 makes on 37% shooting on the season as well.
Henson was a name that stood out at our Top 250 Expo this past fall, and he continued to shine all season long at Clayton. While only averaging 7 PPG and 2.5 APG, he played on a loaded team and still certainly made an impact every game night in and out. He jumped almost 80 spots up to 165th, solidifying his status as a good player in the state. We’ll hope to see him more in the spring and summer as he looks to get college coaches attention, as well as load up for a last ride at Clayton.
Highlights
Railey led Watauga to a 4A playoff spot and a top 10 seed, as well as leading the Pioneers in scoring, rebounding and steals per game. This season-long performance helped him jump 80 spots up to 172nd place in our new rankings. An electric athlete that can play above the rim or at it, he looks to finish with power every time no matter what. Also a dangerous guy in passing lanes and on the ball defensively. Will be an exciting NLPB prospect to track this summer.
Blackwell had a breakout year for Dudley, scoring 15 PPG and averaging 5 RPG as well. Coming into his own as a secondary scorer behind teammate C J Jones, he was a big part of Dudley’s continued resurgence and state tournament appearance earlier this season. Mostly an inside the arc scorer, his 52% FG rate on the year shows he can be efficient and finish through contact in order to score the ball.