‘25 Winter Rankings: Hi, My Name Is

Photo: Anna Kitch

Bash Hudson

December 13, 2021 @ 02:16 PM

Many new faces from the ’25 class appeared on my radar throughout the fall and early winter. Below are a few of the prospects to watch this season.   [caption id="attachment_364302" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-364302" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/12/D0CB77EE-624F-4178-997D-4046F738A8EC-crop-1240x814-1639423404-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Photo: [player_tooltip player_id="355399" first="Anna" last="Kitch"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="335470" first="Ndeye" last="Astou Ndiaye"] - Putnam Science - 6’0’’ - SG Rank: #13 I watched Ndiaye at a Putnam Science practice about a month ago, and she is a legitimate 6ft guard with a combination of athleticism, outside shooting, and ball-handling. Through the early part of this season, Ndiaye might not receive as many minutes as other players in the top 15 due to the depth and talent of the Putnam Science roster, but skill-wise, she is the best shooting guard in the class. I like the role she fills on her team too. Ndiaye comes into the game and has been reliable shooting the three, specifically from the corner. Her ability to be an effective spot-up shooter, shot creation off the dribble, and length and quickness to defend three positions makes Ndiaye a top 10 potential prospect.   <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-364305" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/37D04472-BF1D-40A7-9ACF-4EB052FF711F-crop-1537x1010-1639423585-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="335463" first="Layla" last="Facchiano"] - Edward Little - 5’6’’ - CG Rank: #43 I saw Facciano at Ben Teer’s Evaluation Showcase in Maine last month and thought she was one of the most impressive players there. From watching highlights of her over the fall and her proving to be one of the best players on her MBC club, then seeing her in person, left zero doubt in my mind that she is a top 50 player. Facciano’s greatest strength is her playmaking in transition. Whether she is pushing the ball herself up the court or filling the lanes properly and finishing easy fastbreak buckets, Facciano will find a way to put points on the board.   [player_tooltip player_id="364120" first="Molly" last="Sisson"] - Old Rochester - 6’2’’ - PF Rank: #55 I have yet to see Sisson in person, but after reading about her varsity debut for Old Rochester High School, she 100% had to be added to this list. You can’t help but be intrigued by Sisson’s profile. A strong 6’2’’ power forward who can anchor the teams’ defense and score consistently. Finishing her first game with 16 points and 3 blocks in a 14-point victory vs. Fairhaven, it is fair to say this might be the start of a big season for Sisson.   [player_tooltip player_id="269239" first="Stevie" last="Leigh Bannon"] - Holderness - 5’7’’ - CG Rank: #77 Bannon kicked off her season with Holderness with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists in a win vs. St. Paul’s. A point guard who is a willing rebounder is extremely valuable to a team, and Bannon did that the other night at a high level. I don’t think Bannon’s performance is a flash in the pan, either. With her length and athleticism at the guard position, her strong rebounding should be consistent throughout the season. She is certainly a prospect I plan on watching this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id="363769" first="Cece" last="Batchelder"] - Governor’s Academy - 5’6’’ - CG Rank: #99 I watched Batchelder over the weekend in a game against Milton Academy, and she impressed me from the moment she entered the game. She finished the game with 7 points and scored some tough buckets at the rim. Batchelder’s ball protection on her drives and body control when finishing through contact was what stood out to me the most. Her scrappiness, energy, and motor are other characteristics of Batchelder’s game that everyone should appreciate.