2025 Rankings Update: The Watch List

As we wrap up our rankings week coverage, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the prospects that appeared on our Watch List.   There are a variety of reasons for why someone could end up on the Watch List; but, the most important piece of information regarding these prospects is that by ending up there, it means they're on our radar.   Often times, we'll get a better evaluation of these prospects once they've appeared on the Watch List, leading to a spot in future rankings.   Below are ten prospects from the Watch List that we'll get a better look at in the coming weeks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547012' first='Brandon' last='Nicastro']   A 6'0" lead guard at King Philip, is a well-rounded prospect on the offensive end of the floor that is also a high IQ defender. He's a capable shot maker from behind the arc that uses shot fakes to create space and get into his jumper. He pushes the ball in transition where he has proven to be a strong finisher around the rim. Defensively, he moves well laterally and does a nice job of creating steals and deflections in passing lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2452928' first='Chinedu' last='Odinigwe']   Odinigwe, a 6'9" forward at Reason Prep, has an impressive combination of positional size, length, and athleticism. A state champion at Charlestown last winter, he plays with a high motor that allows him to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He's a good rim runner, can offer rim protection from the help side, and continues to show the ability to score with touch in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453029' first='David' last='Smith']   The Glastonbury product is a 6'4" wing with serious athleticism and a phyiscal frame. Smith has the ability to take over games as a downhill driver, finish through contact at the rim or making tough shots in the mid-range. His quick first step, athletic pop, and competitiveness give him an edge on the offensive end, while his physical gifts allow him to rebound at a high rate while guarding multiple positions on the defensive side of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547060' first='Griffin' last='Sward']   Sward, a smooth shooting wing from South Kingstown, has the chance to be one of the RIIL's top performers this winter. He's a high level shooter from behind the arc, capable of doing it both off the bounce and in catch and shoot situations. He knows how to leverage his shooting to open up driving lanes and is a good decision maker with the ball in his hands. He has a high IQ on the defensive end and knows where to be in team schemes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2418877' first='Jackson' last='Libby']   A powerful 6'4" forward out of Lake Region, Libby is a nightly double-double threat. He keeps plays alive on the offensive end of the floor with an aggressiveness on the offensive glass, quick second jump, and motor that never stops. He can finish over either shoulder, carves out deep space on the block, and can past out of the post when a double comes. On the other end, he provides a physical rebounding presence in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2633492' first='Langston' last='Woods']   Woods, a 6'5" shooter at Frederick Gunn, is a high academic prospect that can score in bunches from behind the arc. He does a nice job of running his lane in transition, does his work early to get his feet set, and has a high release on his jumper that allows him to get it off against anyone. He has a solid work rate, can put the ball on the floor for a few bounces, and has proven to be a solid ball mover.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547102' first='Oliver' last='Ford']   A big wing at the Newman School, Ford does a nice job of using his body to gain an advantage on the offensive end of the floor. He can create off the bounce, getting into the mid-range, and knocking down tough, contested jumpers. Defensively, he does a nice job of using his frame to hold his position and be a physical rebounder in traffic. On top of that, he turns defensive rebounds into quick transition opportunities with his outlet passes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547111' first='Ryan' last='Close']   Close, a shifty combo guard at ConVal, has the potential to be one of the NHIAA's top scorers this winter. He does a nice job of creating space off the bounce, can quickly change speeds with nice burst into his drives, and is a crafty finisher around the rim. He has deep range on his jumper and the ability to get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. His twitchiness also comes through on the defensive end of the floor where he has quick hands and feet as an on ball defender.   Tyrese Acevedo   A long and bouncy combo guard at Lowell Catholic, Acevedo has a reputation for being a big time scorer with some serious creativity off the bounce. He can get it done at multiple levels, but does a nice job of utilizing his length and bounce to finish in the paint. Defensively, he has the ability to be disruptive in passing lanes, can generate steals on the ball with his quick hands, and can guard any spot on the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1499598' first='Zheyan' last='Zhang']   Zhang, a 6'4" forward at Arlington Catholic, does a nice job of stretching the floor as a shot maker. He's capable of making shots from the trailer position or as a pop guy in ball screen actions. On top of that, he's a willing ball mover that can also make an impact offensive around the rim as a finisher. Defensively, he has the ability to make an impact on the glass while also showing to be an effective drop defender in ball screens.   Keep an eye next week as we unveil our rankings update for the Class of 2026!

As we wrap up our rankings week coverage, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the prospects that appeared on our Watch List.