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Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled

Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
Brandon Tinnon
Brandon Tinnon December 12, 2024 @ 09:18 AM
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In this article:

Aryanna Ridgeway
Aryanna Ridgeway 6'0" | PF | 2025
TN
Mashawna Ridley
Mashawna Ridley 5'11" | PG | 2025
TN
Maddyn Merritt
Maddyn Merritt 5'9" | SG | 2025
TN
Dacarra Ward
Dacarra Ward 6'2" | C | 2025
TN
Lazaviona Hawkins
Lazaviona Hawkins 5'6" | PG | 2025
TN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you all know, the 2025 Regular season rankings just dropped. This won't be the final rankings as there will be one that comes out in the spring. However, if you payed attention to the list, there were tons of young ladies who can absolutely play this game of basketball. Littered throughout our whole state, we have girls who have some talent. From the Power 4 girls down to the JUCO girls, each and every one of them brings something special to the table. That's why I always say, if you are looking for something special, come get it from our state. We have what you are looking for and then some.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am so proud of this 2025 class for sure. Covering them has truly been an honor and watching them flourish has been amazing. To see these ladies sign for their scholarships has been truly a blessing because not only have I been able to cover them since they were freshmen, but it also helps in creating opportunities for others behind them to follow. College coaches are going to look within our borders for talent. Each year it seems like (well I hope it's like) that the talent keeps growing, getting better and better. I mean these young ladies are a part of the fabric of women's hoops and they have done such a phenomenal job representing the women's basketball culture in our state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going back to what I said earlier, we have tons of talent within our state lines. Some flourished early, while others peaked late. However, it doesn't matter when in my opinion, it's all about how you left your mark. These seniors did a tremendous job, going above and beyond reaching new heights along the way. It's been an exciting journey and one that isn't done yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would like to recognize a few young ladies whose stock has risen due to their play. This is a two part article, and the young ladies chosen doesn't define the end all be all, meaning a lot of girls stock's have risen. Just know that these are just a few of the young ladies who have done their job and have done it well. Check out some young ladies whose stocks have tipped the scale from the 2025 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377303"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-675afe988c46e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This young lady is a heady floor general who plays with poise. She knows when to attack, scans the floor, and exploits her opponent's weakness. Plays with pace and space, and can knock down shots from all three levels. A tough competitor, she is going to battle on both ends of the floor. Last year was her coming out party, leading her team to a three overtime loss in the state championship game. Look for her to take her ballclub back to the big dance this upcoming year.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["631095"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-675afe988c4da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love her story. A tough kid who shows resilience. She stayed the course and just battled daily even when she wasn't getting a lot of playing time. When her number was called, she stepped up and took a hold of her opportunity. Since then she has been an anchor in the middle, finishing strong around the rim and owning the boards. I love her communication skills and how runs the floor in transition. Her hard work has paid off and she has received a scholarship from Belmont. Tough kid who competes night in and night out.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["810517"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-675afe988c52d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most overlooked players in the state, this young lady is a swiss army knife. She can be a matchup nightmare as she can shoot it from the arc at a high clip, or battle down low unleashing a bevy of back to the basket moves. A skill that is overlooked is her ability to finish in the mid-range. Call her what you want, a tweener, whatever, this kid has good size and strength that enables her to battle on both ends of the floor. She is a heady ball player that contributes in every facet of the game. Unsigned as of right now, look for her to be a late signee to whatever university. Just note that this young lady is a steal and whatever school will be getting a gem for sure.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["818992"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-675afe988c57d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This kid caught my eye at the state tournament and I just love the motor she plays with. She can stretch the floor, creating space that gives her a favorable opportunity to exploit. She can put it on the floor, pull up from the mid-range, or finish off two feet in the paint. She is solid on the boards, not just on the defensive end, but offense as well. She just gets after it and leaves nothing to chance. She's a gamer who brings it nightly. A tough competitor who plays with a chip on her shoulder.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1058157"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-675afe988c5c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If there was a comeback player of the year award, she would be a nominee in that category. After suffering a lower body injury last year, she has bounced back with vengeance. A six footer who can play in the low block areas, however is better from the stretch position, getting down hill, full steam ahead! She can spot up on the arc, pull up in the mid-range, play in the air around the rim, leaving the opposition with both feet on the floor. She runs the floor well in transition, big on the boards, and uses her size to get blocks, deflections, and steals. She'os a solid kid who works hard and gives it everything she has each possession she is on the floor.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION

Lazaviona Hawkins

Lazaviona Hawkins

TN
PG
HEIGHT 5'6"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Lazaviona
Hawkins PG
Class
2025
Height
5'6"
HS
Goodpasture Christian
|
TN
Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
This young lady is a heady floor general who plays with poise. She knows when to attack, scans...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Lazaviona Hawkins

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Goodpasture Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dacarra Ward

Dacarra Ward

TN
C
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS C
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Dacarra
Ward C
Class
2025
Height
6'2"
HS
Bartlett
|
TN
Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
I love her story. A tough kid who shows resilience. She stayed the course and just battled daily...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Dacarra Ward

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Bartlett
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Maddyn Merritt

Maddyn Merritt

TN
SG
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS SG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Maddyn
Merritt SG
Class
2025
Height
5'9"
HS
Lipscomb Academy
|
TN
Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
One of the most overlooked players in the state, this young lady is a swiss army knife. She...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Maddyn Merritt

State: Tennessee
School: Lipscomb Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mashawna Ridley

Mashawna Ridley

TN
PG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Mashawna
Ridley PG
Class
2025
Height
5'11"
HS
Marshall County - Lewisburg
|
TN
Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
This kid caught my eye at the state tournament and I just love the motor she plays with....
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Mashawna Ridley

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Marshall County - Lewisburg
Club: B. Maze Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aryanna Ridgeway

Aryanna Ridgeway

TN
PF
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PF
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Aryanna
Ridgeway PF
Class
2025
Height
6'0"
HS
Ezell-Harding
|
TN
Top Rising Stars in Women’s Basketball: 2025 Rankings Unveiled
If there was a comeback player of the year award, she would be a nominee in that category....
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Aryanna Ridgeway

Instagram
State: Tennessee
School: Ezell-Harding
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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