First Month of Hoops: Underrated Seniors Part 1

We're about six weeks into the boys basketball season, and it's already been packed with exciting matchups, surprising starts, and plenty of movement in our team rankings. Over the past month, I've had the chance to attend a handful of games and keep a close eye on league action from home. This two-part series shines a spotlight on underrated seniors—players who might be flying under the radar but have been instrumental to their teams' success. Dive into Part 1 of First Month of Hoops: Underrated Seniors to meet the first five standout 2025 players!    Sharkey effectively uses ball screens to create openings and demonstrates a smooth rise on his shot off the dribble. He has an eye for finding mid-range spots and play with patience, avoiding the tendency to settle for threes or force overly aggressive drives to the rim. A confident deep-threat shooter off the catch, he commands respect from defenders on the perimeter. Additionally, he shows promise as a guard who can post up and create plays. He's helped Marian Catholic to a 11-5 start while also going up against top ranked programs in the greater Chicago area. A prospect for lower-level college programs, Sharkey has the potential to make an impact with his shooting abilities and sound basketball fundamentals.     The 6'3" combo guard brings a scoring spark for the Eagles despite their challenging early-season schedule. With a lean frame, Dempsey excels at putting the ball on the floor and attacking, where his length helps him finish effectively. He also shows promise as a shooter from distance, boasting a clean release, though improving his efficiency from beyond the arc would elevate his scoring impact. Dempsey complements his scoring with court vision, delivering passes and finding open teammates. His well-rounded skill set makes him a solid prospect for junior colleges, where his length, versatility, and scoring ability could make an impact.     An effective all-around player with the potential to excel at the D3 level, Sladky is a 6'6" senior who brings versatility to the court. As a stretch forward, he can knock down shots from three, contribute from the mid-range, and create plays from the post. On the boards, he's a dependable presence, securing misses and generating second-chance opportunities for his team. Defensively, his length and height pose challenges for opponents, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. With a multi-faceted skillset and a frame that offers room for further development, Sladky stands out as a well-rounded prospect for collegiate programs.     The combo guard from Lane brings energy and intensity off the bench for the Champions, making an impact whenever he's on the floor. Rosenkrantz is swift off the ball, using his speed to breeze past defenders and finish with quick layups. On the defensive end, his hustle shines—he's quick on his feet, good at jumping passing lanes, and has a knack for diving on loose balls. An experienced senior, he's an asset to Lane's reputable program, though there's room for growth, particularly in building physical strength and refining his overall game. With his energy, speed, and defensive tenacity, Rosenkrantz could be a solid prospect for junior colleges looking for a high-effort player who can contribute on both ends of the court.     Johnson's skillset and physical playstyle make him an impressive prospect. He's a versatile scorer, able to knock down shots from three and the mid-range, including creating off the dribble. His physicality shines on drives to the rim, where he absorbs contact, plays off two feet, and uses his height and frame effectively on the glass. As a passer, Johnson demonstrates strong vision, finding open windows and executing accurate pocket passes in pick-and-roll situations. A true playmaker on both ends of the floor, he's been a driving force behind Curie's early success. With continued development, Johnson has the potential to excel at the D3 level.

We're about six weeks into the boys basketball season, and it's already been packed with exciting matchups, surprising starts, and plenty of movement in our team rankings. Over the past month, I've had the chance to attend a handful of games and keep a close eye on league action from home. This two-part series shines a spotlight on underrated seniors—players who might be flying under the radar but have been instrumental to their teams' success. Dive into Part 1 of First Month of Hoops: Underrated Seniors to meet the first five standout 2025 players!