2025 Rankings Update: Top Shooting Forwards
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The class of 2025 is one of the most talented classes this state has had. There are multiple players that can go on to play at the highest level, and there are many players that already have Division-I offers. As…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2025 is one of the most talented classes this state has had. There are multiple players that can go on to play at the highest level, and there are many players that already have Division-I offers. As these players prepare for their sophomore seasons, let’s take a look at the top 5 shooting forwards in the latest rankings update.
Johnson is a once in a lifetime type of player, plain and simple. In an era of positionless basketball, she fits the mold better than almost anyone. She can play any position and she can guard any position, but no matter what she’s playing, she seems to dominate. Johnson is not just a top player in the state, but I believe she’s a top 3 player in the nation and I feel she proved that with her WV Thunder squad this Summer. On the biggest possible stages, she showed that she can score on anyone from anywhere on the floor and there’s not much you can do to stop her. There just aren’t many weaknesses in her game and if there are, she certainly hides them well. As a freshman, Johnson won a state championship in which she was named the MVP, the Kentucky Gatorade POY award, and it seems like every possible award in Kentucky besides Miss Basketball, an award that can only go to a senior. This summer, Johnson won the Girls UAA 17U Finals and picked up offers from nearly every women’s basketball powerhouse, including South Carolina, UConn, Baylor, and Maryland. Like I said earlier, Johnson is a once in a lifetime type of player, especially in this state, so if you get the chance to watch her work, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.
Collins had one of the most impressive freshman seasons from the 2025 class, and honestly, her stats are probably the most impressive. She nearly averaged a double-double (19.2 PPG/9.3 RPG) as she led her team to a 20-9 record. And as if those numbers aren’t impressive enough, she also had one of the highest field goal percentages in the state last year at 54.3% overall. Collins work ethic is special. You never have to question her effort and she has a lot more strength than most high school players. She can score in a variety of ways inside and she mixes things up enough that her defender is always left guessing what move she’ll make next. Collins is one of the strongest rebounders in the state, she’s a good passer, she defends, and she should have a phenomenal sophomore season ahead of her.
Jones has a lot of speed and her defensive instincts are excellent. She goes after rebounds strong and she seems to come up with boards that most players wouldn’t be able to get to using her length and athleticism. Jones can shift around the rim to give herself better scoring opportunities and she showed her ability to finish at the basket this Summer. She can really elevate to get deflections and steals on the defensive side of the floor. I expect Jones’ stats to go up exponentially this season as she begins her sophomore year with her Central Hardin squad.
Ridderikhoff just looks like she belongs on the court when you watch her play. The lefty can really put the ball in the basket and she can do it in multiple ways. Her shooting form is beautiful and she can knock down 3’s from deep range, including with a defender running at her. However, she has a strong shot fake that she can use to drive around defenders and she uses it so well. Once she gets a step on her defender, it’s game over. Ridderikhoff can score at the rim or in the paint through floaters or jump shots, but she also is a willing and impressive passer. It’ll be really fun to watch Ridderikhoff play with some of her Richmond Heat teammates next season at Madison Central as their chemistry is undeniable, and I would be shocked if she doesn’t average 15+ PPG.
I’m always shocked when I’m reminded that Morris is only a rising sophomore because she plays like an experienced vet. She’s a 2-way player that simply makes stuff happen. Morris has good length and she plays smart. She knocks down shots even when there is a hand in her face, but she also has impressive moves to score around the rim as well. Her fakes always seem to get her defenders because she really sells them well. She makes strong drives and she really recognizes what the defense is giving her. Morris is an excellent rebounder and she can do a little bit of everything when she steps onto the court. She’s going to continue turning a lot of heads this season as she goes into her sophomore year at Nelson County.