2025 Frosh/Soph #E75 - Best of the Wings pt. 1
Today, we will take a look at the first batch of wings that caught our eye over the weekend at both editions of the Frosh/Soph Elite 75.
Wings are versatile in their skillsets and ability to impact the game on both ends. Both offensive skillsets and the ability to guard multiple positions are becoming more and more important at the next level, and these standouts proved they are on the right track to be able to execute this well at the high school level, with potential to do so at the college level as they continue to develop their games.
Let's take a look at some of the top performers.
Finn McCauley, Portsmouth - A part of a young duo at Portsmouth High School that is really making waves in the class of 2028, McCauley's true potential was evident in his showing at the event. Standing at approximately 6'7", the New Hampshire native brings a blend of size, strength, and the seamless ability to play fast and fluid, thanks to his high-level experience from this past summer. McCauley's quick step-through drives led to baskets as he attacked in straight lines and played competitive defense. His upside is definitely amongst the most notable of the group.
Chance Finlayson, St. George's - In the last year or so, it's pretty tough to find a prospect in the freshman class who has developed as quickly as Finlayson. Going from more of a forward to a wing has been a pretty seamless transition for Finlayson as he showed at the event in his ability to take defenders off the dribble. He's really added the ability to self-create off the dribble, with some polished moves to both get to the basket and finish through contact. Becoming more consistent from outside is another aspect of his game to unlock as he scratches the surface of his potential.
Israel Muzela - A big 6'5" wing out of the state of Maine, Muzela has built up a reputation for himself thus far, and stood out in a setting of top underclassmen from all over the region. The big wing plays a fluid game, attacking the rim when lanes open up, and showing off a solid shooting stroke. His length allows him to guard multiple positions on the floor, and his upside is evident as he grows into his body.
Hermann Kone, CATS - The tallest wing to touch the floor at either event, Kone has evident upside, even though he left early due to injury. Just a few inches off of seven feet, the CATS freshman has a very unique shot creation skillset in his bag. He has smooth footwork and can get low with the ball to create space, and knock down shots with a high release. We've seen him have some big outings in the prep world already to this point.
Noah Ferguson, Master's (NY) - Ferguson's shooting touch stood out throughout the entirety of the showcase at Hamden Hall as the 6'5" wing was able to connect swiftly on outside shots. Thriving as a shooter off the catch, his IQ to get off-ball screens and float to open space led to many made threes in his favor. He will be a name to watch at Master's NY this season.
Brandyn Clarke, New Hampton - The Canadian native's upside showed in his showing despite not looking like he was entirely bought in with his showcase squad. Clarke has good wing size at 6'6 with the ability to get up and pressure the rim, as well as generate shots with his handle off the bounce. Playing with more energy and being part of a system will be what he looks to unlock, amongst other aspects, in his time in New Hampshire.
Robert Hall, Bloomfield - Hall was all over the place in his outing at the Frosh/Soph Elite 75, playing with a motor and looking to make plays all over the floor. On the defensive end, his anticipation to jump lanes and get deflections that led to turnovers made a huge difference in his showcase games. When off-ball on offense, he made great cuts to the rim to finish lobs or take standstill shots. Developing some offense off the bounce to get into shots is a major stride he can take down the line.
Elkin Pena, Central Catholic - Pena was one of the top freshmen playing in the MIAA this past season alongside Javi Lopez and co. Pena is a tough wing that does a great job of relocating off screens, getting into the lane to score the ball, and can rise up into shots. He will look to continue to grow his name in MIAA play this winter.
Daniel Wheeler, Macduffie - Wheeler joins Macduffie from Longmeadow, where he helped his team make an appearance in the MIAA playoffs as a sophomore. The 6'4" wing's development within in the program will be worth a watch as he brings a strong shooting base, plays off two feet on drives, and makes high IQ plays.
Lucas Short, Dexter Southfield - Another standout from North Quincy High School, Short figures to have a big role ahead of him down the line in the Dexter system. The 6'4" wing has proven himself as a competent finisher around the basket as he does so consistently attacking the basket using his length and athleticism very well. He can stop and pop from three with a growing efficiency, as well as play stout defense on players at different spots in the lineup.
Sekou Toure, NDWH - Toure cracked the Elite 75 list last season as the upside he possesses with his combination of size and athleticism definitely stood out, but the work he has put in the gym should not go unnoticed. Toure went from strictly downhill driver who had a little awkwardness to his movement last year, to becoming a much more competent shooter. The added shooting element caught our eye throughout the day as he released the ball at its highest point and was a formidable threat for his team.
Elijah Cornell, Stonington - Cornell is primed for a big season as one of the top sophomores playing in the Connecticut State Association this winter. At around 6'6, the big wing brings a versatile skillset as he can put the ball on the floor to self-create shots at multiple levels, as well as move around a bit defensively and switch onto different positions.
Leo Fauver, Hotchkiss - Fauver had one of the top outings of anyone at the Connecticut edition of the event on Sunday, as the Hotchkiss product showed just what he can do. Hailing from Minnesota, Fauver brings. unique blend of size, shooting, and fluidity to the court. He can handle the ball a bit, does a great job of creating space for his own shots, and has a really consistent release.
Travish Burnett, NDF - Burnett enters a big sophomore year for Notre Dame Fairfield as he continues to make a name for himself in the class of 2028. The wing has a plus wingspan with his 6'4" frame to go along with good athleticism to attack the rim and finish dunks. He does a good job of scoring the ball off the bounce, weaving through defenders while protecting the ball, and will be an underclassman of note in the CIAC this season.
Ernest Ezekiel, NDWH - The freshman is a big 6'6 power wing who is looking to be the next man up at NDWH. Ezekiel has a strong body, gets aggressive as a rebounder, plays with a high motor, and has shown the ability to knock down shots from beyond the three-point line.

