Class of 2025 Stock Risers
In this article:
Every time we crank out new rankings some of the most pivotal pieces are the athletes who are putting in the work and performing well enough to make a move upwards in the rankings. One of the most trusted platforms…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEvery time we crank out new rankings some of the most pivotal pieces are the athletes who are putting in the work and performing well enough to make a move upwards in the rankings. One of the most trusted platforms for keeping an eye on up-and-coming talent is Prep Girls Hoops which puts the spotlight on kids who are improving their game and raising their stock.
Here are several incoming juniors who are climbing the South Dakota state rankings and making a name for themselves.
Grace Peterson Grace Peterson 6'0" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2025 State SD – Sioux Falls Washington High School, 5’11” F
At Prep Girls Hoops we rank athletes on how they project at the college level and the value they can bring to a team from a variety of angles. To me, Grace knocks it out of the park and screams next-level potential. She may not be the top 3-point shooter, the number 1 shot blocker, or put up the most points per game in this class, but she literally does everything well! She is a diverse scorer who is capable of posting up, driving, pulling up off the dribble, shooting threes, and knocking down FTs. Her patient approach to the game makes her ball secure and her decision-making is impeccable. On the defensive side of the ball, she can guard a variety of positions, rebounds hard, and uses her length to generate steals and block shots. Grace is the most complete player in the class and has found herself at the top!
Ryan Hanssen Ryan Hanssen 5'11" | SF Lennox | 2025 State SD – Lennox High School, 5’10” G/F
Ryan had a great day at the recent Top 250 Expo, put together a really solid summer playing for Sanford Sports Academy , and looks primed for a great junior year at Lennox. Her game has continued to improve season after season and her experience is beginning to show more and more. She has an excellent shot with great mechanics and shot preparation. Her shot selection continues to improve and she is becoming a more efficient scorer game in and game out. One of the skills that set her apart from others in the class is the diversity of her scoring game in that she is extremely effective at both catching and shooting, as well as taking her defender off the dribble and finishing at the rim. Stock is up on the junior Oriole G/F!
Emery Thury Emery Thury 5'10" | SF Watertown | 2025 State SD – Watertown High School, 5’10” F
Emery is another stock riser making a big difference for her team and continuing to improve her skillset. At 5’10” and athletic, she’s a dynamic presence on the court, contributing on both ends of the floor and playing with high energy. Transition basketball is a huge plus for this talented young lady as she handles herself well both with and without the ball in her hands, runs the floor hard, and finishes layup opportunities. She’s a physical defender and rebounder who can adapt to guarding and/or playing every position 1-5. She has great rebounding instincts and has a vertical that sends her through the roof. Emery has untapped potential yet as she gains more experience and is a prospect to keep your eye on!
Alexa Goertz Alexa Goertz 5'9" | SG James Valley Christian | 2025 State SD – James Valley Christian High School, 5’9″ F
Alexa brings a unique blend of versatility and athleticism to the court on both ends. She can play in and out of the paint on offense and shows off an effective jump shot as well as fundamentally sound footwork to finish shots around the basket. She is long, athletic, and an effective transition player on both ends with the ability to get out and run. One of the most important but undervalued portions of the game in rebounding is yet another box checked for this talented young lady. She gets after it on both ends and understands the value of doing the little things for her team in addition to being the leading scorer most nights. Stock is up on this talented forward from James Valley Christian!
Makinley Lawrenson Makinley Lawrenson 5'11" | SF Harrisburg | 2025 State SD – Harrisburg High School, 5’11” F
Makinley made the greatest jump of anyone in the Class of 2025 and for good reason! She has all the physical attributes that translate to the next level in terms of athleticism, length, and physicality, and she brings a diverse skill set to go along with it. She is steadily becoming a more consistent shooter on the perimeter and is increasing her scoring toolbox all the time. Pairing with her ability to knock down the outside shot is her ability to utilize her length and physicality to catch and score around the basket and finish off the drive. On the defensive end of the floor, she shows off her knowledge by using her length to alter shots, disrupt passing lanes, and funnel her opponent to tough places to score on the floor.
Claire Woods Claire Woods 5'6" | CG Sioux Falls Washington | 2025 State SD – Sioux Falls Washington High School, 5’6″ G
Claire is an impressive guard out of Sioux Falls who has the potential to be an excellent leader both for the Warriors and for another school at the next level. She has true point guard traits and has all of the intangible skills necessary to make a great teammate. One of the most effective communicators I have watched in person she is constantly talking on defense, encouraging her teammates, and sharing her thoughts in the huddle. Showing off solid ball handles, the ability to control tempo, and play-making ability, Claire can change the game on offense with her ability to create for herself and others. On defense, she absolutely gets after it puts pressure on the ball, and gets herself in position to make the right play for her team. An all-around very talented guard, stock is up on Claire!
Avery Reitz Avery Reitz 5'9" | SF Sioux Falls Christian | 2025 State SD – Sioux Falls Christian High School, 5’9″ F
Avery is a 5’9″ standout from Sioux Falls Christian and she is leaving her mark as a stock riser in the Class of 2025. Her speed, length, and ability to control the tempo of the game set her apart from other prospects. She has a unique ability as a true stretch forward who can play with her back to the basket if pace or matchup requires it, but in the same breath, she can run the floor, knock down outside shots, and handle the ball for her team. Look for Avery to continue her upward trend as she heads into the winter season and expands her role for the Chargers!
These talented athletes have their eyes set on the winter as they enter their junior season in high school basketball. All of these stock risers demonstrate the work ethic, improvement in basketball IQ, and development of their skill sets to rise up the rankings of their class. As they continue to hone their skills and gain experience, it’s certain that we’ll see even more exceptional performances from these girls over the next two seasons. Check out these talented prospects in a gym near you this winter!