Top new names from 2025 Rankings Update
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The 2025 rankings update saw only slightly over a dozen new names enter the rankings for the first time, however we want to shine a light on these players. In this article, we’ll break down the new names from our…
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Continue ReadingThe 2025 rankings update saw only slightly over a dozen new names enter the rankings for the first time, however we want to shine a light on these players. In this article, we’ll break down the new names from our list.
Burnett had an excellent season for the CMAC champions as the guard duo of Burnett and Jaiden Arnold Jaiden Arnold 5’10” | PG Cincinnati Aiken | 2025 State OH averaged 17.2 and 17.3 PPG respectively. A quick guard who shoots a high volume from the outside, Brunett has the ability to beat you with his outside shot and his slashing ability off the bounce. It was fitting that the only game I caught of Burnett this season was his season high 37 points Vs Western Hills to clinch the conference title. Burnett also gets after it from the point of attack defensively, averaging 2 steals a game due to his pressure. For Burnett to rise in our rankings, he’ll need to take a step as a playmaker, he averaged 2 assists and 2 turnovers a game this winter.
A big upside swing here, Hines got limited action this season for Saint Edward but flashed serious potential. In the first game I caught of his, Hines had three blocks Vs NDCL. Moves well for a prospect his size with a frame that should be able to put weight on, Hines is a forward who could look completely different 12 and 24 months from now. With a ton of seniors graduating for the Eagles this season, Hines could be a key piece of their team next season.
One of the top scorers in the GWOC this season, Gentile has an old school game. A high IQ player who uses his bigger frame for his size to create space off his physicality. An efficient scorer as well, Gentile scored over 16 PPG on 51/39/80 slash marks. In a Fairmont system that requires half-court execution, Gentile does a nice job on set plays designed for him. With his feel for the game and production, Gentile should have no trouble getting small college interest and should be a problem in men’s over 40 leagues when he gets older.
Ellerbe is a track stud but we wanted to add him to our rankings after scoring 14.5 points per game and grabbing 5.2 rebounds a game in the GWOC. Obviously fast in the open court, Ellerbe fits the high pressure and high tempo system that Beavercreek plays at. His explosiveness at the rim also was impressive, he threw down an alley-oop dunk to wrap up their win at FTTH this January. Even if his college athletics future likely isn’t on the hardwood, Ellerbe is a name to know in the Dayton area who has been a steady performer over the past two seasons.
I sadly wasn’t able to catch Thomas Worthington this season but his production with numerous 20+ point scoring performances caught our eyes. We were impressed with what Johnson showed us at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo back in the Fall, Johnson showed off his shiftiness with the ball in his hands and perimeter scoring ability. Hopefully we’ll get to see Johnson in an organized setting with either his grassroots team or high school team this summer. He’s a name we’re intrigued by and want to continue to see more as he prepares for his senior season.