Looking ahead: Prospects with huge responsibilities

Courtney Smith August 14, 2025 @ 04:00 PM

We're at the halfway point of August.   Preseason conversations have already started about the best teams in the state, and the best players on each team.   That's going to be a story for down the road.   But, for right now, let's turn the attention to prospects who are going to have important responsibilities during the 2025 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2236659' first='Anthony' last='Wiggins'], Pope John Paul II: [player_tooltip player_id='1508978' first='Jarron' last='Talley'] transferred to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy. Now, it's [player_tooltip player_id='1560719' first='Trey' last='Pearson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1578715' first='Osby' last='Cavin'], and Wiggins as the team's big three. Talley was a solid piece for the Knights, thanks to his athleticism, ball handling, and scoring. Wiggins will have an opportunity to showcase his talent on both ends. He's a pesky defender, so with him and Pearson on the floor together will make for a long night for the opposing team's guards. Wiggins is a good ball handler and scorer. He has a quick, first-step. As a sophomore last season, Wiggins averaged 8.5 points per game. He should be a double-digit scorer in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='2364360' first='Jayden' last='Mitchell'], Bartlett: Two seasons ago, Mitchell was a reliable shooter for the Panthers, making timely baskets when they needed them. Due to an unfortunate situation, Mitchell had to miss his junior season. He's back in the fold in his final season of his high school career. Mitchell can defend. Bartlett is big on defending for four quarters. Mitchell doesn't need a lot of shot attempts to be impactful. He was efficient from the field two seasons ago. Mitchell was a sniper. He will need to provide his sharpshooting in 2025 to help the Panthers balance their offense out after losing junior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2291122' first='Dylan' last='Jones'].   [player_tooltip player_id='2345574' first='Brayden' last='Hazelbaker'], Knoxville Webb: Hazelbaker walks into a situation where he has an opportunity to compete for a TSSAA Division II-AA state title. The Spartans are looking to go back-to-back. Webb just had to replace point guard Jaylen Pompey. Hazelbaker steps into that role. He will need to be a good defender. Hazelbaker will need to be a leader. He will need to make shots from the perimeter in a friendly offense that's orchestrated by head coach Ricky Norris. Hazelbaker is in a great spot. I'm not saying he has to be Pompey, but Hazelbaker will need to buy in to how Webb runs its operation.   It's an operation that's structured and has a true identity.   [player_tooltip player_id='2283590' first='Carter' last='Ezell'], Centennial: Ezell will be one of the best guards in 4A this upcoming season. He will finish his high school career without his former teammate Daniel Patton, who transferred to Cypress Falls High School in Houston, Texas. The 6-4 guard will have to score 20 or more points each night for the Cougars. Ezell is an efficient scorer. He knows how to finish at the rim. Ezell is a threat from 3-point range. He will be on teams' scouting report throughout the season. Ezell will have to be prepared for a lot of attention. That's going to come with being Centennial's best player. Ezell has to be ready for it.   [player_tooltip player_id='2796643' first='Kylon' last='Terry'], Fayette Ware: Terry got a taste last season of what it's like to play in the state tournament. The Wildcats graduated key senior guards Quaylan Hampton and Tacarien Freeman. Now, it's time for Terry to lead Fayette Ware and play a huge role in winning big games in Class 3A. He's a talented prospect in the 2028 class. Terry defends with a purpose. He scores with confidence. As a sophomore, it's a good time for Terry to show the entire state he's one of the better guards in 3A now and moving forward.

We're at the halfway point of August.