#NEOpenGym - Best of the 2025 Frontcourt & Wings

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

While the New England Recruiting Report staff had traveled state to state for open gym sessions in the past, this year we brought everyone together in one place, and the results were great. A number of schools arrived in the gym to coach and scout the prospects, while guys all across the high school age ranks filed in for the day.

To kick things off, we're going to start with the class of 2025's frontcourt. A number of big time prospects lie in this class with talent at multiple levels of the college game. There's a lot to like about this group oozing size. Let's get into the standouts. 

Terence Thompson, Redemption Christian - The Rochester native had coaches in awe in his showing on Sunday. His athleticism at 6'7" truly shined as he was able to overpower defenders inside and slam down dunks. He excels as a screener in PnR's, rolling to the basket and getting to the rim. His footwork on defense is another notable aspect of his game and he should continue to build his name up this year at Redemption Christian.

Jakub Lomicka, Suffield Academy - Colleges looking for a forward with versatility should look no further than this Suffield Academy senior. Lomicka stands a towering 6'10" and can put the ball on the floor, making reads as a passer or hunting the shots he wants. His post-game is very impressive and he's got a smooth stroke from outside. The native of the Czech Republic has interest from high-academic's at multiple levels and is a top stock riser from the session returning from injury last season with Bergen Catholic.

Leo Ryott, Hoosac - Ryott's a big time 6'7" scoring forward at the Hoosac School, who's looking to build on a strong season last year. He does a great job getting interior shots using moves with his back to the basket, hunts his mid-range shots and can convert from behind the three-point line. In this setting, he did a great job of limiting mistakes with the ball in his hands, and playing with composure.

Brandon Burke, Suffield Academy - Tons of college looks have came into play for this bouncy forward as he's picked up interest at the scholarship level. At the four spot he's an effective shot blocker with tons of athleticism and bounce to get high above the rim for dunks. As he continues to work on his offensive game, the upside he has at the college level is definitely worth noting. 

Courage Agbekpornu, Redemption Christian - Joining Redemption Christian this year from Lawrence Mass, Agbekpornu's skillset at the forward spot caught our eye. He's very athletic and can finish over contesting defenders with power to flush down dunks. His length, quickness and strength give him a great advantage when fighting for boards too.

Adam Barton, Hoosac - Barton is a big 6'8" forward that a few D1 schools in the area looking for size have checked in on. He uses his big physical body well to overpower defenders, scores it in the post and operated well as a post-playmaking hub in the event. Barton has high level experience under his belt in New Zealand.

Zane Brewer, Wheeler HS (CT) - Brewer built himself quite a reputation at Wheeler High School up to this point and is an unsigned senior CIAC prospect of note. At 6'4", Brewer scores the ball in bunches thriving as a pull-up shooter behind the three-point line and slasher who's complied over 1,000 career points in just three seasons.

Jared Smith, Redemption Christian - The upstate New York native has caught some well deserved looks throughout his career and once again impressed. He's an enforcer on the court with physicality and athleticism to burrow through the lane and pop up to throw down dunks. He can hit shots from outside, and plays tough defense while being switchable as well.

Amare Marshall, Saint Bernard's (CT) - A big 6'5" forward with college interest, Marshall enters his senior year with upside to continue to tap into. He was a factor in the squads championship game run last year in the top division of the CIAC, has great length that he uses effectively on defense, and a growing offensive game as he works on becoming consistent from outside. Colleges gauging the class of 2025 for size should give him a look.

Colmn Gilroy, Darrow - A native of Massachusetts, Gilroy joins the Darrow School this year. He's got size as a 6'7" forward and uses it to his advantage on both ends of the floor. His post game on the offensive end is notable, as well his movement off ball and rebounding skills, while his ability to read PnR's as a defender is impressive.

Gus Fried, New Hampton - Fried's a do it all player with versatility to play either the guard spot or operate on the wing. He does a great job of getting into the lane for shots inside, and looks to make the right pass when he touches the ball. Schools looking for a 2025 who can contribute in all facets of the game should give him a look.

Raphael Nibishaka, Hoosac - The 6'8" forward made his mark at the open gym as a threat both inside and outside of the paint. On the offensive end he was able to knock down shots off the catch, while crashing the glass at-will to keep possessions going with his rebounding motor.

Andrija Susic, Hoosac - Susic's play on the wing was very notable, and with a 3.9 GPA high academic schools should consider adding him to their lists. He's got great size at 6'6", moves around the floor well, finished a number of shots in the paint, and plays with a great motor on the offensive glass.

Jonathan Niv, Suffield Academy - Niv is a pull-up shooting threat at 6'5", with a knockdown shot in the mid-range. His motor on the offensive glass stood out as he positions himself well to grab boards, and did a good job of using his body to finish in the paint.

Luka Stankovic, Hoosac - The 6’7” forward made a living inside at the event by using his strong body. On defense, he forced turnovers and created transition opportunities

Stay tuned as we make our way into the backcourt of 2025 prospects who came out this past Sunday!