Updated 2025 Rankings: SEPA New Names to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday we published our updated Class of 2025 prospect rankings. By now you are aware that stretch-4 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2235863' first='Matt' last='Gilhool'] has ascended to our No. 1spot. Gilhool is followed closely by Philadelphia Catholic League standout [player_tooltip player_id='1197607' first='Jaron' last='McKie'] who landed at No. 2 in our latest rankings of the 2025 graduate year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we want to dig deeper into the 2025 rankings and review four players who broke into our Class of 2025 rankings for the first time.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of four <em>“new” prospects </em>from southeastern Pennsylvania's Class of 2025 who caught our eye. College coaches need to familiarize themselves with the skill sets of these “new” players and start texting them immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#80…</em></strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1450989' first='Beckett' last='Currie'] </strong><strong>– 6'0” / Phelps School / Elite 24 / Combo Guard:</strong> Beckett makes his debut in our 2025 rankings after transferring to Phelps School from Camas HS in Washington. Last season at Camas he posted 23 points, 5.6 assists and 6 rebounds per game. Currie is 3-point sniper who averaged 5+ made triples per contest. His ability to hit threes off the dribble and in transition is especially impressive. After the 2023-24 season Currie (1,300+ career points) was an all-state selection. Currie is committed to Lafayette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#154…</em></strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423943' first='Adrien' last='Varella'] </strong><strong>– 6'2″ / Holy Ghost Prep / [program_tooltip program_id='2428023' first='Philly' last='Revolution'] / Wing:</strong> Varella (20.8 ppg. &amp; 8.5 rpg. in 2023-24) increased his recruiting stock significantly in recent months by proving he could register impressive stats against elite competition. Over the last three months this fast prospect with the skills of a guard and frame of a small forward showcased his ability to score at every level. He thrived in transition where he frequently powered through contact for buckets. Varella also did a remarkable job of distributing on the fast break too. Additionally, Varella showed that in the half-court the combination of his dribble drive skills and 3-point shooting make him difficult to guard. Varella possesses the high IQ and many of the other intangibles that college coaches love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#235…</em></strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2478662' first='Javere' last='Russell'] </strong><strong>– 6'6” / Abraham Lincoln / Baker Hoops All-Stars / Small Forward:</strong> Russell was one of the breakout stars from Session 1 of Philly HS Live after he exploded for 28 points and snatched 13 rebounds against Cedar Creek (NJ). With his length, solid frame and aggressive approach, Russell is an offensive force on the interior. In close he can catch and then finish with either hand. Plus, Russell can work the offensive glass for put backs. When he was double teamed, Russell flashed the ability to kick the ball out to the open shooter. Russell also displayed good rim-to-rim speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#325…</em></strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2478639' first='Josh' last='Smith'] </strong><strong>– 6'1” / 2025 / Mechanicsburg Area / Combo Guard:</strong> Smith posted a fantastic junior campaign after which he was named as a 3^rd Team 5A All-State selection. In June, he continued to play at a high-level at Philly HS Live. Smith is sneaky athletic and owns a quick first step as well as crafty handles. That trifecta got him into the paint with ease where he unleashed floaters and scored at the rim. His dribble pull-up game was effective at Philly HS Live as well. Plus, Smith played with an edge and physicality that separated him from other guard prospects. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->