2025 Class 5A Elite 8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024-25 High School Basketball Season is near! Over the next few weeks Prep Hoops SC will begin to preview the players and teams that you need to watch for this Winter, including the 2025 Class 5A Elite 8. This preview will go in-depth on the 8 highest-ranked Seniors in Class 5A. This list includes prospects both committed and uncommitted, defending state champs, transfers, and players of various archetypes. Take a look at the prospects in this year's 2025 Class 5A Elite 8: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332455"],"_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-670987245e960"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beginning the 2025 Class 5A Elite 8 is Lexington's [player_tooltip player_id='1332455' first='Kaleb' last='Evans']. This year the Wildcats will play in 5A Region 4 after going 28-2 and winning the 5A State Championship in 2023-24. Kaleb is a gifted scorer capable of creating his own bucket at all three levels. He is shifty, quick, and has good size which will cause him to be a matchup problem this season and allow him to fit in from day 1 at the next level. Although he can use his good handle to create space, Kaleb can also rise up and hit shots over tough defense. Evans committed to Winthrop University on September 14th. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1265263"],"_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-670987245e9c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Next up is [player_tooltip player_id='1265263' first='Melvin' last='Teal Jr'] of Summerville High School who are in 5A Region 8. He has been a major producer for two seasons in a row but will have full reign of the offense in his Senior Season. Melvin turned many heads with his play for the [program_tooltip program_id='2246675' first='Charleston' last='Raptors'] this spring and summer, which helped his recruitment pick up steam quickly. Although he can score the ball at will, particularly in the paint, Teal affects winning in several ways including playmaking, rebounding, on-ball defending, and vocal leadership. Melvin has a strong frame to go with good positional size which will help him be ready to play his Freshman Year in College. Teal committed to Flager College on September 15th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1266488"],"_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-670987245ea08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Third on the 2025 Class 5A Elite 8 is [player_tooltip player_id='1266488' first='Evan' last='Enos']. Enos attends Byrnes High School, the 2024 Upper State Champs. Evan was 3rd on the team in scoring with 9.5 Points Per Game on 38% 3 Point Percentage while also averaging 4.2 Rebounds Per Game. He took his game to the next level in Region Play averaging 13 Points Per Game and shooting over 50% from three. Enos is one of the best perimeter shooters in the class and has the length to shoot over most defenders. Evan is most used as a spot-up shooter or in pick-and-pops, but he will also work in some post moves and pull-up jump shots. Enos committed to Coker University on September 14th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1336825"],"_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-670987245ea4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1336825' first='Shane' last='Potts'] is the highest uncommitted 2025 prospect in Class 5A. Potts is quick, has a good handle, and is capable of creating shots for himself and his teammates. He also is athletic, has polished footwork, and can finish with either hand in the paint. Shane is a good defender who reads plays and jumps passing lanes on the other end of the floor. Potts was All-State in his Junior Season and will be a major weapon for the Gators in 5A Region 7 in 2024-25. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1122271"],"_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-670987245ea8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next on the 2025 Class 5A Elite 8 is [player_tooltip player_id='1122271' first='Kaleb' last='Phillips']. Kaleb was one of the class's best shooters last season, averaging 10.1 Points Per Game while shooting 49% from three with nearly 70 makes. Phillips can heat up quickly, as he did on multiple occasions this summer. Phillips has a smooth jump shot that he can get up quickly and confidently with limited air space. Phillips plays his High School ball for Gaffney High School in 5A Region 2 and does a great job of creating space for the rest of his offense by staying shot-ready in the corners, on the wings, and even making some plays off closeouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1406403"],"_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-670987245eac9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1406403' first='Tre'von' last='Walker'] is the lone transfer on this list after making the move from Aiken to Lexington. He was a key player for the Fighting Green Hornets in 2023-24, averaging 13.4 Points Per Game and a team-high 7.4 Rebounds Per Game. He should have similar production for the Wildcats this year, who lose two important players on the wings. Tre'von will not be relied on the create or have the ball in his hands often, but rather to be efficient in his opportunities, be decisive in scoring the ball, and use his versatility on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1892485"],"_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-670987245eb05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Next up is [player_tooltip player_id='1892485' first='Roman' last='Cooley'] of Greenville High School, who reclassified from 4A to 5A and now will be in 5A Region 1. The Red Raiders have dominated their regions for the past several years and will be one of the favorites this year not just in their region but for the State Championship. Roman is a big part of that. He is one of their most versatile pieces and has a knack for changing the game in multiple ways. Cooley is a key defender, hustle player, and interior scorer. Roman will often be used on the opposing team's best Wing or off-ball Guard but also averaged 15.0 Points Per Game on 60% Field Goal Shooting with 6.8 Rebounds Per Game. Cooley has offers from Bob Jones, Dean, and Erskine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1330680"],"_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-670987245eb40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding off the 2025 Class 5A Elite 8 is [player_tooltip player_id='1330680' first='Nas' last='Berry']. Berry attends Fort Mill High School in 5A Region 3 and has been a standout in back-to-back years at the SCBCA Team Camp. Nas averaged 11.9 Points Per Game in 2023-24 but also added over a steal and a half per game. He is quick with the ball in his hands and creates his own bucket off the dribble. The Yellow Jackets have a couple of solid Guards on their roster, but Berry is the most experienced of the group and he will be used as an offensive weapon on and off the ball. Nas recently took an official visit to Wingate University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->