Traveling between Ohio and Minnesota over the last couple of weeks, I decided to focus more on some of the players who are going to be next in line. Both states offer massive amount of D1 prospects in each class, so I spent a few weeks looking at players who are the future in both states. In fact, both rank amongst the top ten in the nation in terms of producing D1 prospects, so there is no shortage of D1 talent on the horizon.

Here are a number of the top youngsters I evaluated in my recent travels:

Darryn Peterson, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (OH), 2025 6-5 SG
The consensus No. 1 shooting guard in the class of 2025 nationally was matched up against defending D1 (highest classification) state champs Akron St. Vincent St. Mary over President’s Day weekend and despite constant face guards and double teams, certainly lived up to the hype. He dropped 28 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks from the two guard spot at the Ken Ganley Nissan Scholastic Play-By-Play Classic. Most impressive, he got to the line 17 times (hitting 15 of his free throws) via a variety of scoring moves with limited dribbles. Peterson will enter the spring AAU circuit as one of the most highly sought after players in the national class of 2025.

Jackson McAndrew, Wayzata HS (MN), 2024 6-9 PF/SF
The epitome of a new age forward, McAndrew brings the inside/outside game that college coaches are dying for out of someone standing 6-foot-9. He owns a picturesque stroke from the 3-point line with a fluid release, knows how to utilize his height to exploit mismatches, and has improved his level of physicality drastically over the past year. McAndrew holds a number of high major offers and will continue to add more running with Howard Pulley on the EYBL circuit.

Dorian Jones, Richmond Heights HS (OH), 2025 6-3 SG
The highest touted prospect from arguably the best team in Ohio regardless of division that recently cracked the Ballislife FAB 50, Jones is a name that is about to blow up nationally. Ranked by some in the top 50 nationally, the bouncy two guard has been essential piece for the defending D-4 state champs who own a 42-game winning streak. Jones is a freak athlete who plays well above the rim, has deep range well beyond the 3-point line, and has the potential to be a lockdown defender. Already the owner of offers from programs such as Michigan State, Houston, Ohio State, and a host of others, Dorian will be one of the hotter names from the Midwest in the EYBL.

Jaleel Donley, Benilde St. Margaret’s (MN), 2025 6-1 PG
The best lead guard in Minnesota’s sophomore class has continued to put his footprint on that spot and doesn’t appear to be moving off it anytime soon. In a recent game I saw Donley matched up against a team that featured two D1 prospects, he simply dominated to the tune of 26 points (4 3-pointers), seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds while sitting the final 12 minutes of the game. The combination of blinding speed, ability to make high level passes with both hands, and improved jumpshot make him one of the most intriguing 2025 point guards in the Midwest.

Calvin Little Jr., Garfield Heights HS (OH), 2024 6-2 PG
One of the best defensive guards in the state of Ohio, Little Jr. showed that he can provide great on ball defense to all three perimeter spots. “C.J.” is a big time athlete, uses his strong frame to offer physicality on the perimeter, but also uses his athleticism to stay in front of guys laterally. The explosive guard has already visited West Virginia and owns a handful of mid-major offers.

Zashon Rich, Minneapolis North (MN), 2024 6-2 SG
A D1 prospect on the gridiron as well as on the hardwood, Rich has proved to be one of the best defensive guards that the Land Of 1,000 Lakes has to offer. The powerful lefty provides immense pressure on the rock, has no shortage of heart, and is a threat to put anyone on a poster with his serious bounce. Rich is playing for former NBA 20 ppg scorer Ricky Davis for the city league champs and is one of biggest under the radar guys in Minnesota.