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X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update

X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Adrian Maloney Jr
Adrian Maloney Jr March 11, 2025 @ 12:31 PM
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In this article:

Kamoni Ford
Kamoni Ford 6'5" | 2025
KS
Kaden Hardy
Kaden Hardy 6'2" | SG | 2025
KS
Eric Smith
Eric Smith 6'3" | SF | 2025
KS
Brandon Schmelzle
Brandon Schmelzle 6'2" | PF | 2025
KS
Lincoln Shafer
Lincoln Shafer 6'1" | CG | 2025
KS
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These rising stars have officially made their mark, earning spots as newcomers in the 2025 rankings. With standout performances and undeniable talent, they've proven they belong among the best. Lincoln's scoring and rebounding dominance, Kamoni's relentless effort on the glass, Kaden's leadership on both ends, Eric's playmaking ability, and Brandon's physical presence have all set them apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2169874"],"_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-67d07379e57c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon, the dynamic dual-sport athlete, commands the court with his relentless physicality on defense and his sheer power when attacking the rim. His defensive presence is suffocating, using his strength and agility to shut down opponents and force turnovers. On offense, he drives with force, brushing off defenders as he powers his way to the basket, finishing with authority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1588413"],"_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-67d07379e5831"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln has been turning heads with his dominant performances, averaging an impressive 26 points and 11 rebounds per game. His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his relentless work on the boards, makes him a standout player on the court. Whether finishing strong at the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or stretching the floor with his shooting, he consistently finds ways to put up big numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2393765"],"_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-67d07379e5879"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eric is the kind of player every team needs—a natural playmaker who elevates everyone around him. His court vision and unselfish style of play allow him to create opportunities for his teammates, whether it's threading the perfect pass, setting up open shots, or controlling the tempo of the game. He has a high basketball IQ, always making the right read and putting his team in the best position to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2498923"],"_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-67d07379e58b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2498923' first='Kamoni' last='Ford'] is a relentless wing whose rebounding ability sets him apart. He crashes the glass with intensity, securing crucial boards and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities with putbacks and strong finishes. His knack for being in the right place at the right time, combined with his high motor, makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412030"],"_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-67d07379e58f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaden has established himself as the leader of this Horns team, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he controls the pace, scores efficiently, and sets up his teammates with smart decision-making. Defensively, he brings intensity, disrupting opponents with his energy and awareness. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been instrumental to his team's success, and his leadership has elevated those around him.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These rising stars have officially made their mark, earning spots as newcomers in the 2025 rankings. With standout performances and undeniable talent, they've proven they belong among the best. Lincoln's scoring and rebounding dominance, Kamoni's relentless effort on the glass, Kaden's leadership on both ends, Eric's playmaking ability, and Brandon's physical presence have all set them apart.

Brandon Schmelzle

Brandon Schmelzle

KS
PF
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS PF
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Brandon
Schmelzle PF
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
HS
Axtell
|
KS
X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Brandon, the dynamic dual-sport athlete, commands the court with his relentless physicality on defense and his sheer power...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Brandon Schmelzle

State: Kansas
School: Axtell
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Lincoln Shafer

Lincoln Shafer

KS
CG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS CG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Lincoln
Shafer CG
Class
2025
Height
6'1"
HS
Greeley County
|
KS
X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Lincoln has been turning heads with his dominant performances, averaging an impressive 26 points and 11 rebounds per...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Lincoln Shafer

Instagram Twitter
State: Kansas
School: Greeley County
Club: Western Kansas Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Eric Smith

Eric Smith

KS
SF
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SF
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Eric
Smith SF
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
HS
Atchison
|
KS
X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Eric is the kind of player every team needs—a natural playmaker who elevates everyone around him. His court...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Eric Smith

State: Kansas
School: Atchison
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Kamoni Ford

Kamoni Ford

KS
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS N/A
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Kamoni
Ford
Class
2025
Height
6'5"
HS
Topeka West
|
KS
X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Kamoni Ford is a relentless wing whose rebounding ability sets him apart. He crashes the glass with intensity,...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Kamoni Ford

State: Kansas
School: Topeka West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Kaden Hardy

Kaden Hardy

KS
SG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Kaden
Hardy SG
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
HS
Holcomb
|
KS
X factor Newcomers on the wing: 2025 Rankings update
Kaden has established himself as the leader of this Horns team, making his presence felt on both ends...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Kaden Hardy

Twitter
State: Kansas
School: Holcomb
Club: Magic Basketball Blue
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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