2025 Central #E75 College Showcase Recap pt. 2

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

Continuing with our Elite 75 recap, here's another mixed group of prospects who caught our eye last week.

Aaron Johnson Jr - Johnson has been one of the biggest risers in the 2026 class this spring and summer with his long, athletic frame at the guard position. His good ball handle and shot creation, combined with his ability to use his athleticism as a finisher to punish the rim stands out. The anticipation he has to get steals and block shots in the lane is impressive as well. His play certainly warrants wide college interest.

Evan Mitchner Jr, Lawrence Academy - Mitchner's quick first step and strong frame allow him to get downhill and create advantages in the lane. He does a good job pushing pace in transition and has shown the ability to find teammates in good scoring spots. His feel for the game shows up on both ends as he can score at multiple levels and competes defensively.

Jackson Southerland - The 6'3" guard nicknamed "The Manchild" brings solid size to the backcourt and showed off his reliable shooting stroke from the perimeter throughout the showcase. His nose for offensive rebounds led to extra possessions for his team, and he's proven to be crafty around the rim when attacking the basket.

Jahzar Greene, Bishop Timon - The Syracuse-based guard left the Western New York edition of the Elite 75 College Showcase offer from Daemen, and once again shined as one of the best guard's in the gym. Greene's natural shiftiness, ballhandling and ability to get to wherever he wants on the floor are next-level. With growing interest from high-level Division II's, Greene is firmly on the radar moving forward.

Javier Lopez, Central Catholic - Lopez has established himself as one of the top public school guards in New England and is poised for a big senior year. His aggressive play around the rim consistently drew fouls, while he also showed that he can convert through contact. The high academic guard brings that same physicality to the defensive end, playing tough defense throughout the night.

Brady Smith, Hudson Falls - Smith has shown noticeable development to his body since our last viewing in July of 2024, and it's translated to improved play on both ends. His rebounding motor and defensive mobility have taken a step forward with the added physicality. The forward's ability to make smart off-ball cuts to score and finish well around the rim caught our eye as well.

Harrison Miles, Deerfield - Miles is another high-academic forward who brings good size to the floor at 6'6". He has solid mid-range touch that extends beyond that to the next level of the floor. His ability to make smart plays and score effectively in the post stands out as well, and he's continuously improved over the past two-plus years.

Makell Hailey, Wilbur Cross - The 6'6" forward is another impressive college prospect from the Team Ready program in CT. He's excellent as a rim-runner that can rise up to finish lobs, or contribute as a rebounder. He can attack a bit off the bounce as well, using long strides.

Patrick Ricca, St. Paul's - Ricca showed off his shooting skills, pulling up from deep and converting from well beyond the arc. His pull-up jumper is a reliable weapon that keeps defenses honest throughout games. Ricca gets to the basket with power as well, and can finish through contesting defenders.

Ethan Handley, Thayer - The big 6'7" forward caught our eye in his Elite 75 debut last week. Handley's post game stands out as he brings a blend of touch and footwork to get his shots off in the paint, and he made a number of hustle plays in his outing as well.

Ethan Kaplowitz, Thayer - Kaplowitz's motor and willingness to make winning plays were evident in his outing. His ability to finish strong through contact around the rim is impressive, and that same high-energy play carries over to the defensive end.