2025 Players to Have On Your Radar
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There is going to be a ton of Senior talent going into next year and I’m thrilled to see it taking shape. Below are a handful of student athletes that are a must-see whenever you get the chance to catch…
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Continue ReadingThere is going to be a ton of Senior talent going into next year and I’m thrilled to see it taking shape. Below are a handful of student athletes that are a must-see whenever you get the chance to catch them this summer and next season.
Shadrach Morris
Shadrach Morris
Morris is a strong, energetic forward that elevates his entire team in multiple ways. His footwork is impeccable in the paint – he patiently works his way around and away from his defenders and if that doesn’t work, he elevates for a fadeaway and a clear look at the basket. Opponents tend to pick up on his talent quickly and he draws a lot of attention from the defense, which he smartly uses to make quick, jaw-dropping passes to wide open teammates. He stays ready down low at all times – grabbing offensive boards, hitting high-percentage shots, exhausting the defense, doing the dirty work – you name it, Shadrach has it covered. He’s got a nice pump fake ability, which toasts his opponents if they fall for it, which they often do. At times, there’s no pump fake needed because he’ll simply overpower and outhustle his defender. He can alter his shot in mid-air with solid hangtime and he’s calm when double-teamed, often times scoring anyway and leaving his opponents shrugging. Morris is going to make plenty of noise this summer and next season and he’s a must-see player whenever you get the chance to catch him.
Kyle Kihlberg
Kyle Kihlberg
Kyle has a super solid build and he can SHOOT and significantly stretch the floor for his squad. His release is so pretty from mid-range and behind the arc, with nice rotation and impressive accuracy. Kihlberg’s a versatile big, though, and he’s much more than just a shooter. He can post up his defenders effectively in the paint, often using his large frame to shield the ball and make his shots virtually untouchable. He’s a rebounding machine on both ends and he can elevate with the best of his opponents to alter and block their shots consistently. He’s a dominant presence on the floor and he’s excellent at using his elite focus to create blocks without any contact whatsoever. He’s fantastic in the pick and roll because he can beat you with his shooting ability or his aggressive drives to the hoop. Kyle’s a wonderful addition to any team looking for a big that can do it all – hold down the paint on D, create and capitalize on offensive opportunities, and be an ultimate glass cleaner and shot blocker. Kihlberg is going to turn a lot of heads this summer and next season and I can’t wait to be one of them.
Landon Short Landon Short 6'2" | CG Stony Point | 2025 TX
Landon Short Landon Short 6'2" | CG Stony Point | 2025 TX
Let me tell y’all – Landon is a BLAST to watch play. He seems to do everything right and mistakes are incredibly rare. His handles are next level and he can do it all, he’s everywhere on the court and is constantly making a positive impact for his team. He can dribble out of virtually any trap you throw at him and he’s not afraid of contact in the least. He’s an excellent shooter with a quick release but he’ll take it to the house on his defender as well. He’s a smart defender himself with wonderful anticipation – often disrupting opposing passing lanes and timing his elevation on block attempts perfectly. Short is a leader for his team on the hardwood – constantly communicating, directing traffic, and finding his teammates in their sweet spots with quick, accurate passes. He’s fantastic on the fast break and always seems to make the right decisions when it comes to getting the best shot – whether that involves the ball in his hands or a teammate’s or both. Short is already garnering attention, but I expect that to get heavier and increase substantially with the waves he’s set to make this summer and next season.
Malachi Vaughn Malachi Vaughn 6'2" North Crowley | 2025 TX
Malachi Vaughn Malachi Vaughn 6'2" North Crowley | 2025 TX
Vaughn has incredible hustle on both ends of the floor – never taking a play off, staying toe to toe with his man on defense, and constantly making heads-up plays for his squad. He’s got a solid handle and can drive in either direction on his defender and quickly rack up points on them. He uses his body impressively in the air to create separation for open shots and to create contact and get to the charity stripe for easy points and establishing his rhythm. He’s QUICK and has the ability to easily go coast to coast on his opponents. At times, he’ll catch his defenders off-guard using his speed alone and before they know it, he’s scored yet another bucket on them. On top of that, he’s an excellent shooter and often beats his opponents on the boards on both ends of the floor. Malachi is one of those guards that is indispensable to their team because they put in the work and it shows in multiple ways on the court. His energy is contagious and flows throughout his squad. He’ll even stick out his tongue occasionally on his drives for a little bit of that MJ swagger. Vaughn is already a special player and he’ll continue to get better and demonstrate his skills this summer and next season.
Tyler Henry Tyler Henry 5'8" | SG Tyler Legacy | 2025 TX
Tyler Henry Tyler Henry 5'8" | SG Tyler Legacy | 2025 TX
Tyler is a quick and shifty guard who can dizzy his opponents with his impressive ballhandling ability. He’s a fantastic shooter and represents a HUGE threat for his opponents from mid-range and beyond the three-point line. He’s no stranger to the paint either, he’ll drive as aggressive as anyone in order to create contact or open space for his teammates to capitalize on open shots. Henry never gives up on a play even if it seems impossible, sometimes chasing his man down the full length of the court to ensure his team’s rim is protected. He has an elite passing ability and you see that often throughout his games – no look, full court, cross-court – you name it, he can do it. Tyler puts in the work on both ends which makes him an extremely effective two-way player. He’s relentless on defense – staying with his man for every step and displaying an impressive ability to swipe the ball without contact and create steal after steal. Tyler is going to turn a ton of heads this summer and next season with his hustle and skill and I can’t wait to see it.