2025 Rankings Update: Top Shooting Forwards
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The 2025 class is one of the most talented classes we have seen in Kentucky from top to bottom. When I look at the shooting forwards, I see versatility and strength. Most of these players could be listed under another…
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Continue ReadingThe 2025 class is one of the most talented classes we have seen in Kentucky from top to bottom. When I look at the shooting forwards, I see versatility and strength. Most of these players could be listed under another position group and would still remain at the top. Here’s a look at the top shooting forwards per the latest 2025 rankings update. Note: I wrote about the top two players on this list just last week, so rather than write about them again, I will take some of the words that I wrote about them in the top ten article before diving into the other top players in this position group.
Johnson is doing something that I don’t think we’ve ever seen done in girls’ basketball in Kentucky, which is saying a lot because 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 and MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year twice, MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year, MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, and the list goes on and on.
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 3rd leading scorer (27.1 PPG) and 2nd leading rebounder (14.4 RPG). She also finished the season with the 27th best field goal percentage in the state (55.6%) and with a top 50 free throw percentage (76.8%).
It’s safe to call Jones a walking double-double after she finished her sophomore season averaging 10.5 PPG and 11.1 RPG. Defensively, she is as disruptive as they come. She can elevate to block shots, grab rebounds, and to get steals or deflections. To put it simply, she has a knack for getting her hands on the ball. Offensively, she continues to grow her game and now has an ability to knock down outside shots on top of her strong inside game. When she catches on the perimeter, she can make things happen off the dribble. Jones is also a very strong rebounder on both ends of the court.
Ridderikhoff couldn’t play Varsity basketball this past season because of KHSAA transfer rules, but she was able to practice and play at the JV level. From everything I’ve heard, her game has only grown and she will be 100% ready to make a huge impact next season, as was expected this season had she been cleared to play. Ridderikhoff is a versatile offensive threat. She is an excellent shooter with deep range on her shot, but she also can score off the bounce or in the paint. The lefty can finish in crafty ways as well. One thing I feel she has really improved is her defensive abilities, specifically using her length to come up with steals.
Widelski’s sophomore season did not go as planned, tearing her ACL at the very beginning of the season. However, it seems she has been working extremely hard to come back even stronger than before. Working hard is something Widelski has always done too – her love for the game is evident when you see her on the court. She can score inside or out, and she can create space off the dribble. She is very disruptive defensively and can apply a lot of pressure. Look out for Widelski as she comes back from this injury!
Noe surpassed the 1,000 career point mark and the 500 career rebound mark during her sophomore season. She can score inside or out and she can score in creative ways at the rim. She has good outside shooting form and catches the ball ready to shoot. She also makes great drives to the basket and has several moves that she can utilize in the paint. Her mid-range game and passing abilities are strong as well. As a defender, she reads the passing lanes to get steals and works to come up with rebounds. Overall, she is a very tough player. She averaged 16.3 PPG and 5.9 RPG throughout her sophomore season. Noe is poised to have a big summer.
Highlights
Frey may not get the recognition that a lot of her teammates do, but she was a vital part of Sacred Heart’s team. For starters, she had to go against some of the best players in the state every single day in practice. Sacred Heart was a top 15 team nationally, so think about how much talent she had to face in practice daily. Frey also had to be ready every time her number was called this season. While she wasn’t getting major minutes, she was getting consistent minutes on an extremely talented team. When she came into the game, they could rely on her defensively and on the boards. Frey also finished the season shooting an impressive 63.3% overall.