2025 Rankings Update: The Top Ten

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing is very clear when you look at the 2025 class as a whole: they are one of the most talented classes we've ever seen. The top two players in Kentucky are both nationally ranked and just returned from the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team Minicamp, which says a lot in itself. However, the talent in this class certainly doesn't stop there. There are more than a handful of other players in the 2025 class that have already garnered D-I offers or interest. I would even go as far to say that if you put the top ten kids in this class in any of the other classes (including older classes), they would each have a case for being seen as the top player in those classes. Here's a look at the top ten in the latest 2025 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254273"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Johnson is doing something that I don't think we've ever seen done in girls' basketball in Kentucky, which is saying u003cemu003ea lot u003c/emu003ebecause of how much talent this state has produced. In her freshman and sophomore seasons, she has won two state titles, been named the state tournament MVP twice, been named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year u003cemu003eandu003c/emu003e MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year twice, and the list goes on and on. In fact, she was just named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year this morning, a year after being named their National Freshman of the Year. It's hard to find any big flaw in her game because she can do it all at an elite level. This may sound crazy to say if you haven't seen her play, but barring no unforeseen obstacles occur, she will be the best girls basketball player to ever come out of Kentucky.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["254279"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"There are not many players that can do what Macy does on the court. She is a very special player who will also be one of the best players to ever come out of Kentucky. She's a nationally ranked talent who just continues putting up unreal numbers. What's even more impressive? She does it every single game, no matter who they are playing and no matter how many double- and triple- teams she faces. In fact, Macy averaged 25 PPG and 13.2 RPG this past season, both of which were in the top six on the state's statistical leaderboards. She also finished with the 7u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best field goal percentage in the state (61.4%) and the 19u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best free throw percentage (80.8%). Macy was named a Second Team MaxPreps Sophomore All-American team today, meaning she was one of the top ten sophomores in the nation this past season. Macy is an extremely special player that will continue moving up the national ranks.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["311967"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"When it comes to all-around talent, Byars is one of the best you'll find. She has all the talent in the world, but is also such a team player, so her impressive numbers really only tell half of the story. Most people would be impressed when they saw a player averaging 18.2 PPG and 8.8 RPG while shooting 51.2% overall, but when I say that she could probably double both her points and rebounds if she played on a weak team, that honestly might be an understatement. She led her team to the state tournament semifinals and gave the top team in the state their two best in-state games of the season. She also is doing this while playing with other D-I talents, including her sister who will be playing for the University of Cincinnati next season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["254274"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Not having as many GBB reporters in her area, Collins does not always get the recognition she deserves on the state-wide level for what she brings to the floor, but it is truly special. She finished her sophomore season as the state's 3u003csupu003erdu003c/supu003e leading scorer (27.1 PPG) and 2u003csupu003endu003c/supu003e leading rebounder (14.4 RPG). While those numbers are impressive in themselves, keep in mind that she often has to go against multiple defenders and constantly has to play through a ton of physicality. She also finished the season with the 27u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best field goal percentage in the state (55.6%) and with a top 50 free throw percentage (76.8%). Collins just keeps growing her game and should continue garnering P5 interest/offers. She can score inside or out, she's extremely strong, and she just has a knack for the ball. Keep an eye on this special talent.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["254562"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Bradley is one of the best shooters you can find and not just at the state level. If you don't pick her up as soon as she passes that half court line, you better watch out. For the second straight season, Bradley finished in the top five on the state's leaderboards for most 3-point field goals made per game. After hitting 3.4 triples per game last season (which was top in the state), she matched that average this season while shooting an impressive 44.3% from deep. What makes that even more impressive is how much her opponents focused on shutting her down. I watched her get face-guarded and double-teamed in every single game I saw her play in this season, but she has a unique ability to create shots for herself. Bradley can score at any level, create for her teammates, and has a ton of skills as a floor general. Additionally, she finished the season as the 17u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best scorer in the state (21.9 PPG) and had the 10u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best free throw percentage in the state (83.8%).","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["403464"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"As impressive as some of the numbers above have been, Mbugua's are right up there with them, if not at the top of the list. She was actually the state's top rebounder for the second straight season as she pulled down 16.6 RPG. To add to that, she was also 15u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e on the scoring leaderboard with 22.2 PPG and tied for the 24u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best field goal percentage after shooting 56% overall. Despite not playing AAU ball in the summer like most of the top players do, she continues to grow her game and remains as one of the top talents in the class. She has excellent hands and touch, especially around the basket. Mbugua is extremely athletic and can leap over players to grab rebounds or score the ball. She is on par to finish as one of the most prolific rebounders we've ever had in Kentucky.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["158176"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Another player you better pick up as soon as she crosses the half court line, Barrier can really shoot the ball at a high level. She continuously works hard on bettering her game, including increasing her range, and that is very clear when you watch her play. Every time I see her, it feels like she's improved from the last time I watched her play, no matter how impressive that last performance was. Barrier is a true 3 level scorer though, so while you must stay up on her to prevent her from getting her shot off, she can also make strong drives to the basket or score in the mid-range. What I really love about her game is that you can never question her work ethic or passion for the game. She is constantly getting her teammates involved in the offense and has continued to grow as a defensive stopper. Barrier finished this season in the top 35 on the state's leaderboard for 3-point field goals made per game after knocking down 2.5 three pointers per game. This class may be one of the most talented overall, but there's a reason Barrier remains at the top of the 2025 rankings.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["320855"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Green is certainly a walking double-double, but she honestly takes it beyond that as she produced multiple triple-doubles in her sophomore season. She uses her length and athleticism to elevate over opponents to score and to grab rebounds. She is also an excellent shot blocker. Her timing is special, and she was able to get 10+ blocks in a single game on more than one occasion this year. Green can score in a lot of different ways around the basket. She has a ton of moves she can utilize and she can finish well on both sides of the rim. To make her scoring ability more impressive, she also finished the season with the 3u003csupu003erdu003c/supu003e best field goal percentage in the state (63.7%). Green's potential is limitless and she is poised to have a big summer on the AAU scene.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["254285"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Waller did not play this past season, so I haven't gotten to watch her play in recent months, but she is a very talented player and floor general. She can score the ball at all 3 levels and in very crafty ways. She can finish really tough shots and is a very efficient player. Her freshman season numbers were extremely impressive as she scored 15.8 PPG on 51.9% shooting overall, while also shooting 40.5% from deep and leading the state in free throw percentage at 90.2%. While she can certainly create looks for herself, she can also create really well for her teammates. Waller has great ball handling skills and a high basketball IQ.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["631212"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Nichelson was a player that had to be moved into the top ten after showing her high-level talent all season long. While she is an excellent scorer, her game goes so far beyond that. She has a high basketball IQ, strong handles, and is a really good defender. She can create and she has a quick first step that makes her especially tough to defend. She can score inside or out and off the dribble or catch. I feel like Nichelson's numbers from her sophomore season really illustrate how special of a player she is all-around as she shot 54.7% overall and 40.3% from three while averaging 14.9 PPG and 5.6 RPG. She finished with the 36u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e best field goal percentage in the state as a guard. Don't be surprised to see college offers come rolling in for Nichelson this summer as she continues to open eyes on the AAU circuit.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-642f2217f2930"} /-->