Stock Rising Guards from 2025 Rankings Update
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Our 2025 rankings update saw some prospects move their way up our rankings. In this article, we’re going to take a close look at five guards who have increased their stock with strong winter performances with their high school programs.…
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Continue ReadingOur 2025 rankings update saw some prospects move their way up our rankings. In this article, we’re going to take a close look at five guards who have increased their stock with strong winter performances with their high school programs.
One of the biggest winter risers in the state, Williams has taken a huge leap for a Beavercreek squad that turned some heads this season. One of the most athletic guards in SW Ohio, Williams is a tough cover with a head of steam and has an excellent first step and burst to attack the rim. The up-tempo style of play suits his skillset to perfection playing for his Dad. Finishing third in the GWOC in scoring, Williams has taken a clear leap this season. I’ll be interested to see how Williams looks on the grassroots level, a majority of his production comes due to his athletic advantages at the high school level. Williams only made eight 3-pointers all season and shot 65% from the free throw line, his perimeter shooting needs to be the main area of improvement this summer.
Noles is a prospect who ended his Sophomore season with a string of strong performances and found his rhythm again with the Ohio Buckets in July. A big piece for their 17 U EYCL squad this coming spring, Noles will have the opportunity to be seen by college coaches from a variety of levels with this program. I like his size, decision making and strength from the lead guard position. A multi-sport athlete, Noles success on the gridiron is no surprise when you look at his frame and athleticism. Always like to bet on kids who make an impact in multiple sports at a high level and who are coachable, Noles checks both of those boxes. Making a leap as a perimeter shooter as well during the high school season, I’ll be interested to see how well he shoots it against better athletes during the grassroots season. I expect Noles to get heavy scholarship interest this spring and summer from college programs at a variety of levels.
The GCL-South is one of the most competitive leagues in the state and Williams was a big time performer all season, leading the conference in scoring. A winner from the point guard position, Williams impacts the game in a variety of ways. Defensively with his length, making plays for others with his passing ability and leadership. An inconsistent shooter from the outside, Williams had seven games with 3+ 3-pointers made showing signs of progress in that department. A huge step from making just 11 3-pointers his entire Sophomore season. I expect scholarship programs to flock to Williams games this spring as he already holds an offer from Concord with more to come soon.
One of the most skilled guards in central Ohio, McClure has a ton of talent with the ball in his hands. Shifty and able to create his own shot, McClure was a perfect fit on a Dublin Coffman team that let him rock with shooters surrounding him. McClure’s ability to get a bucket will give him value at the college level and despite his lack of his, his high skill level will make up for it. I expect McClure to get interest from a variety of levels this summer playing with Midwest Basketball Club Gold and Dublin Coffman in June.
Transferring from the GMC to the CMAC, it was an easy transition for Arnold who helped turn Aiken from worst to first this season en-route to winning co-CMAC offensive player of the year. Arnold also quickly jumped on his lone Division I offer from Purdue Fort Wayne, becoming the first OHSAA commit from the 2025 class. A shifty guard who has a lot of craft as a below the rim finisher with good change of direction ability on the ball, Arnold and Aiken will again be a must watch team as they return their guard duo that helped lead them to this conference title.