Rankings Update: New England’s 2025 Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we'll continue to analyze our latest rankings update by taking a look at some <em>Newcomers</em> to the 2025 New England rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highest ranked <em>newcomer</em> to our update is [player_tooltip player_id='1106050' first='Que' last='Duncan'] (<strong><em>#27</em></strong>). Originally ranked in the class of 2024, Duncan has taken full advantage of the spring evaluation period, gaining the attention of numerous Division I coaches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he is our most notable <em>newcomer</em> in this rankings release, he is far from the only one. In fact, 23 prospects made their debut in our most recent rankings release!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, we'll take a look at five notable <em>newcomers</em> and the improvements to their games that allowed them to shine this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2452949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6663cbdca274c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Melson made his debut in these rankings at <strong><em>#52</em></strong> after a strong spring season with the New England Storm. A big guard/wing that can really shoot the ball, Melson has shined as a floor spacer playing alongside creative guards. He does a good job of running to his spots in transition, is a high IQ cutter off the ball, and is a willing ball-mover. He's shown an ability to make plays off the bounce and uses his strength to finish through contact at the rim. Defensively, he does a good job of competing, can guard multiple positions, and is a quality rebounder for his size. He'll be a fun prospect to follow over the next few months as he has a chance to play his way up the board, especially if he continues to knock down shots at a high clip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2313081"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6663cbdca27a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams, who just earned his first Division I offer from Binghamton, checks into these rankings at <strong><em>#53</em></strong>. Originally a member of the class of 2024, Williams will do a post-graduate year at Putnam Science Academy. The combo forward suffered a significant leg injury just prior to the travel season during his junior year, but bounced back nicely as a senior at Windsor. He has some definite next level tools including solid vertical athleticism, an ability to handle the ball in space, and a consistent shot from behind the arc. He intrigues as a point forward type that makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he's strong enough to defend on the interior but also does a good job of moving his feet on the perimeter. The extra year at PSA should allow him to continue to increase his stock, and I'd expect more offers to roll in this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2379278"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6663cbdca27e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lopes, another prospect originally in the class of 2024, checks into these rankings at <strong><em>#93</em></strong>. A state champion at Wareham, Lopes will spend his post-graduate year at Bridgton Academy. A true combo-guard, he's comfortable playing with the ball in his hands or sliding off the ball to be a primary scorer. He's crafty, creates space off the bounce, and has good floor vision. He knows how to score the ball and has become a high level perimeter shooter over the past 12 months. Defensively, he can really sit in a stance and move his feet laterally to keep ball-handlers out of the paint. He's a decent athlete that knows how to use his physical gifts to his advantage on the defensive end. Most importantly, Lopes is a proven winner that should have a chance to impact winning and futher impress college coaches during his time at Bridgton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2453000"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6663cbdca282c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Breen makes his debut in the 2025 rankings at the <strong>#129</strong> spot. A long and lean forward with deceptive athleticism, Breen has had a strong spring with Rivals Elite and continues to turn the heads of college coaches any time he takes the floor. He's all of 6'8" with long arms and a good motor, allowing him to make impact plays by the rim on both ends of the floor. While he's comfortable playing out of the dunker spot, he's capable of sliding to the perimeter where he can put the ball on the floor and attack bad closeouts. As he continues to add strength, his stock should rise due to his ability to consistently finish at or above the rim. He competes for rebounds, contests shots, and is able to start the break off the bounce in transition. Now that he's in the rankings, he'll be an interesting prospect to track and could potentially be a riser by the time our next update rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2453001"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6663cbdca286e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Orleans, who didn't play during the high school season this winter, checks into our latest rankings at <strong><em>#135</em></strong> after a few solid showings on the travel circuit. A physically imposing post, Orleans stands out in layup lines with his power and athleticism. Once the games start, he makes his presence known as a rim runner in transition and strong post defender. He has good hands for a big, can finish with either hand by the rim, and is relentless in his pursuit of the basketball. Defensively, he's capable of switching onto the perimeter in ball screen action, but is best when guarding in the post. He does a good job of walling up, holds his box when the shot goes up, and can rebound in and out of his area. He should continue to draw the attention of regional D3's this summer and is another potential stock riser going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->