Under the Radar Names to Know in the Class of 2025
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At Prep Girls Hoops we take pride in attempting to cover every athlete across the country in high school basketball. The D1 commits, Top 10 lists, and players that everyone is already talking about are generally easy to cover, and…
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Continue ReadingAt Prep Girls Hoops we take pride in attempting to cover every athlete across the country in high school basketball. The D1 commits, Top 10 lists, and players that everyone is already talking about are generally easy to cover, and there are tons of resources out there to aid in the scouting of these kids. These players however are a little more “under the radar” and are talented kids who aren’t talked about as often but have great talent. Take a look at 5 kids who are getting the spotlight and are great stock-riser candidates in their class and in the recruiting process.
Maya Nelson Maya Nelson 5'5" | CG Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD – Sioux Falls Christian – 5’5″ G
Maya is a natural point guard who shows off a high basketball IQ, a competitor’s heart, and a savvy game with great decision-making abilities. A noticeable part of this talented young ladies’ game is the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper off the dribble or coming off of a screen. She knows when to get her shot up and takes high-quality shots, not forcing or rushing decisions. Spacing, movement without the basketball, and the ability to use cuts and screens effectively allow her to get open and knock down shots from three. She operates extremely well in the dribble drive and has great vision and selfless play, which allows her to create shots for her teammates. She’s a hard-working defender and rebounder as well and does the “little things” better than anyone in this class, bringing pure value in all aspects of the game for her team. Look for her playing for the Sanford Sports Academy and showing out all summer!
Tyann Mortenson Tyann Mortenson 5'10" | PF Faith | 2025 State SD – Faith – 5’11” Forward
TyAnn is a dynamic forward and a walking stat machine! She puts up double-double type numbers nearly every game and is capable of going off for 20+ points per contest. She is one of the best rebounders in this class and does a great job positioning herself to clean up the glass at both ends. On the offensive board, she can explode back up and finish around defenders for second-chance points. On defense, she’s an effective shot-blocker and changes the game with her presence in the paint. At 5’11” she runs to the front of the rim for transition layups effectively and can put the ball on the floor with confidence and handles if necessary. This is an underrated player in SD Class B basketball who looks like she could be a steal for a program at the next level!
Josie Brouwer Josie Brouwer 5'7" | SG Andes Central/Dakota Christian | 2025 State SD – Andes Central/Dakota Christian – 5’7″ Guard
Josie is a talented guard playing for the AC/DC Thunder and looking to push her team to legit playoff contenders. She has great range and can knock it down from well beyond the arc. The most impressive part of her game for me is the explosiveness she demonstrates in getting to the rim off the dribble. She can blow by the defense and does a great job of finishing around the basket. Great vertical ability and zero fear allow her to get up and finish over defenders around the rim and keep from turning it over or getting blocked. As a perimeter defender, she does a great job of pressuring the basketball and making it tough on opposing guards.
Makinley Lawrenson Makinley Lawrenson 5'11" | SF Harrisburg | 2025 State SD – Harrisburg – 5’11” Forward
Makinley is an intriguing prospect with all of the physical tools of a high-level prospect who could play at the next level. She has great length, understands the game, and moves well in transition. She is a dynamic athlete who has the frame and fundamentals to play inside and the speed and skillset to play on the perimeter. Her ability to change the game on the defensive end brings value as she has the frame and quickness to be able to defend multiple spots. Positioning herself in fundamentally sound places allows her to create turnovers and keep opponents from penetrating the lane. She can change the game as a shot blocker as well with solid defensive instincts. Keep your eye on Makinley as she heads into her junior year as a game-changer for the Tigers!
Avery Reitz Avery Reitz 5'9" | SF Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD – Sioux Falls Christian – 5’9″ Forward
Avery is a true stretch-forward that gets it done on both ends. She moves well on offense and is really effective off of screens and basket cuts to get herself to the rim and score. Her skill set is deceptively impressive at 5’9″ with really solid handles and the ability to create shots for herself or for others on the dribble drive. She is a talented rebounder on both ends who reads the ball off the rim well and goes and gets loose balls for her squad. On defense, she can guard a variety of positions with the strength and length to defend inside and the lateral quickness and smarts to guard the perimeter.