Updated 2025 Rankings: SEPA Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier today we published our <a href="https://prephoops.com/pennsylvania/rankings/2025-rankings/">updated Class of 2025 prospect rankings</a>. 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 Class of 2025 rankings and review four players who used the spring grassroots season as well as June's high school live period season to increase their recruiting stock significantly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of four <em>“stock risers” </em>from southeastern Pennsylvania's Class of 2025 who college coaches need to keep an eye on this summer and into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>21 to 10…[player_tooltip player_id='1589088' first='Justin' last='Houser'] – 7'0” / Phelps School / WeR1 UAA / Center:</strong> This lefty, stretch-five prospect recently committed to Penn State and that program's new head coach Mike Rhoades must be ecstatic. Houser is a versatile big man who can dominate the interior or drag lumbering defenders out to the perimeter and then go to work. In 2023-24, Houser averaged 13 points and 9 boards per contest against an elite national schedule. However, the unexpected departure of all-world prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1865248' first='Will' last='Riley'] (headed to Illinois early) elevated Houser to a primary scoring option for Phelps. During the June live period, Houser proved he is ready for that promotion and was named a standout at the Mid-Atlantic Independent School Team Camp. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>78 to 35…[player_tooltip player_id='1287319' first='Ben' last='Natal'] – 6'1″ / Central York / York Ballers / Point Guard:</strong> During the 2023-24 season, Natal (15.6 ppg., 5 rpg., 4 apg.) was a starter and key part of Central York's 6A state title winner. The graduation of a couple key players from that team forced Natal to take on a more assertive role for CY during June. He thrived in that role at Philly HS Live, as Natal continued to serve as a primary ball handler but took advantage of his scoring opportunities more often. His speed and change of direction dribbling enabled Natal to score off the bounce with ease. Natal also was quick to pull the trigger on open looks from behind the arc. He was a maestro on the fast break as Natal always knew when to distribute or score. Last week Natal received an offer from Loyola (MD).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>104 to 39…[player_tooltip player_id='1874203' first='Jai'tavius' last='Kelly'] – 6'5″ / Chambersburg / Global Squad / Shooting Guard:</strong> Kelly is a ridiculous athlete (football; 2x state champion in the triple jump) who over the last four months has displayed a significantly more polished offensive skill set. When you combine his athleticism, size, and speed with his improved three-level scoring abilities, you now have a Power 5 basketball prospect. During Philly HS Live, the growth Kelly displayed in his half-court scoring game was impressive. His off-ball movement as well as his ability to slash to the rim for a catch and bucket really stood out. Kelly also rebounded at a high-level and proved to be a plus defender who can guard 2 through 5. Kelly holds an offer from UNLV.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>172 to 142…[player_tooltip player_id='1867333' first='Antwone' last='George'] – 6'2” / Conwell-Egan / [program_tooltip program_id='2428023' first='Philly' last='Revolution'] / Combo Guard:</strong> This winter George (14.5 ppg.; 8 rpg.; 5 apg.) put the PCL on notice that he was legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the floor. George continued to fill it up on the HGSL circuit where he was a standout at the Pittsburgh as well as Spring Jam Fests. Then last month at Philly HS Live this ultra-quick, attacking style guard turned heads again with his ability to produce points at every level. His 15-point effort against Lancaster Mennonite grabbed the attention of college coaches. Throughout the June live period, George was a tremendous competitor on the glass too. In short, George is a double-double candidate every time he takes the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->