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High School Sports

St. John Bosco, Paul VI headline way

Familiar names are expected to be in the mix once again for the No. 1 spot in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25 heading into the 2025-26 high school basketball campaign. Our way-too-early look at next season features St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) as the team to beat with Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) at No. 2. […]

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St. John Bosco, Paul VI headline way

Familiar names are expected to be in the mix once again for the No. 1 spot in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25 heading into the 2025-26 high school basketball campaign. Our way-too-early look at next season features St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) as the team to beat with Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) at No. 2.
St. John Bosco is led by a trio of top 10 Class of 2026 prospects as Westchester transfer Tajh Ariza is expected to join top returners Christian Collins and Brandon McCoy Jr. After falling in the first round of the Open Division state tournament in 2024-25, the Braves are the early favorite to capture the Open Division crown next season.
Following a run to the top spot in the final MaxPreps Top 25 in 2023-24, Paul VI finished the season in the top 10 of the national rankings for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25. The defending WCAC champions will again by guided by MaxPreps National Junior of the Year Jordan Smith.

2024-25: 26-7

After
winning the Division I state championship in 2023-24, the Braves were
knocked off in the first round of the Open Division state championship
this past season. Although conference player of the year Elzie
Harrington will be a big loss due to graduation, top 10 Class of 2026
prospects Collins and McCoy are expected to have have big-time senior
campaigns next season. St. John Bosco also recently received news another top 10 prospect would be joining the mix as Tajh Ariza announced his transfer from Westchester (Los Angeles) yesterday.

2024-25: 27-6, No. 10 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The back-to-back Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champions will be among the teams to beat next season led by MaxPreps National Junior of the Year Smith. Despite graduating four starters following a run to the top spot in the rankings in 2023-24, the Panthers were able to win the WCAC regular season and tournament championships this season. Expect the Panthers to build on a strong supporting cast of Brown, Daniels and Mena in the offseason.

2024-25: 28-8, No. 11 in final MaxPreps Top 25

Some questions surround whether top-ranked Class of 2026 prospect Stokes may reclassify into the Class of 2025 after announcing he would forgo club basketball this summer. However, if Stokes returns for his senior campaign, he will anchor an ultra-talented returning core of Bowman Nance and White. The Knights got better as the season went along in 2024-25, ultimately advancing to the Open Division state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Roosevelt (Eastvale) 79-76.

2024-25: 29-3, No. 7 in final MaxPreps Top 25

After making a run to their fourth state championship in the past six seasons, the Wildcats sit in a strong position to continue their dominance next season behind a talented returning backcourt. MaxPreps All-America selection Landrew will again be the catalyst, while top 50 Class of 2027 prospect Savage is expected to take another step in his development. Although Wheeler is currently lacking in the front-court, they may possess the best group of returning guards in high school basketball.

2024-25: 26-4, No. 24 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The Crusaders have a loaded senior classification expected to return next season that features the most talented front-court in high school basketball anchored by the twin sons of former NBA all-star Theo Ratliff, Adonis and Darius Ratliff. Along with the talented 6-foot-11 duo, MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Jervis and do-it-all wing Koureissi headline the top returners for the three-time defending CHSAA Class AA champions.

2024-25: 30-3, No. 1 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The loss of the Boozer twins and the departure of head coach Andrew Moran leave plenty of questions for the four-time defending Class 7A state champions. Top 20 Class of 2026 prospects Gaskins and Richardson would form one of the top duos in high school basketball as both players are expected to see major role increases after earning MaxPreps Junior All-America honors.

2024-25: 25-2, No. 9 in final MaxPreps Top 25

Four-time defending Class 2 state champions are again expected to be formidable in 2025-26. MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Allmond headlines the notable returners while four-star Mississippi State commit Givan and promising Class of 2028 prospect Carter are expected to play pivotal roles.

8. Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.)

2024-25: 21-9

Notable Losses: None

The Vikings took their lumps early against a brutal schedule but responded by winning 13 of their final 15 games, advancing to the Open Division state championship game. Sunnyslope returns each of its top six scorers led by MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Wabbington, Portela and Prescott.

9. Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

2024-25: 22-1, No. 5 in final MaxPreps Top 25

Despite the loss of McDonald’s All-American selection Shon Abaev, the Eagles possess the returning talent to make another run to the top 10 of the national rankings. MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection Daughtry is expected to take over as the catalyst while Francis, Hallas and four-star Class of 2026 prospect Paul should see increases in production after playing key roles in Calvary Christian Academy’s run to the Class 3A state championship.

10. Owasso (Okla.)

2024-25: 25-5

The departure of 6-foot-11 center Jax Kerr leaves a major hole in the frontcourt but Owasso has plenty of potential behind two-time MaxPreps Oklahoma Player of the Year Montonati. Despite losing in the first round of the Class 6A state tournament, the Rams spent time in the national rankings after an impressive showing at the City of Palms Classic. Three-star guard Williams leads a strong supporting cast.

2024-25: 30-2, No. 18 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The defending Class 6A state champions are expected to return all major production from last season outside of their second-leading scorer Wimbley. Under-the-radar Class of 2027 prospect Westbrook led the team in scoring last season while Drake Sandi, Sandi, Accius and Elliott each played key roles in the Red Raiders championship run.

2024-25: 39-1

Notable losses: None

The Eagles began their 2024-25 campaign with 39 consecutive victories before falling to eventual state champion West Brook in the Class 5A Division 1 state semifinals. Each of the team’s top six scorers from last season are expected to return to the rotation headlined by MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Mondragon. Couture and Moore also averaged in double-figures last season.

2024-25: 34-2

Graduate just one starter from their run to the Division II Class AA state championship. Six of the seven players to receive playing time in the state title game were underclassmen as Leeth, Lentz, Luton and Swearengen are each expected to return to the starting rotation.

2024-25: 28-4

Expected to return each of their top three scorers from a group that finished the season ranked No. 48 in the final national rankings after capturing the Class AAAA state championship. MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Wiggins is a state POY candidate while fellow Class of 2026 prospects Anderson and Olmstead add to the firepower.

2024-25: 28-4, No. 16 in final MaxPreps Top 25

Expect the Rams to be active in high school basketball’s transfer portal this summer after graduating four of five starters from a team that reached the Class AAAAAA state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Wheeler. Despite the losses, MaxPreps All-American Holt anchors a returning core that includes promising Class of 2028 prospect Johnson and Rampersant. Grayson has already added touted Class of 2027 guard Marcus Curry from Grovetown.

2024-25: 31-3, No. 3 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The loss of five-star Duke signee Khamenia will be immense for the Wolverines but four of the top six contributors return. After winning back-to-back Open Division state titles, Harvard-Westlake fell in the state quarterfinals in 2024-25. Incoming seniors Bentho, Jones and Sterling return to the starting lineup.

2024-25: 26-6

The Buffaloes came up short against No. 5 Calvary Christian Academy in the Class 3A state championship game in a heartbreaker. They are again expected to be a formidable again next season behind top returners four-star Class of 2027 prospect Britt, four-star Class of 2026 prospect Brutus, Bernard and Thompson.

2024-25: 20-6

Notable losses: None

Made a run to the Class 5A state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Olympus (Salt Lake City) without a senior on the roster. Rueckert will likely be heavily recruited by top basketball academies but if he remains, each of Timpview’s top seven contributors from last season will be seniors.

2024-25: 23-9

Notable losses: None

A youthful group took its lumps last season as the Cougars started 5-5 before winning 23 of their final 27 games. Chambers knocked off nationally-ranked Christ School (Arden, N.C.) and eventual Class 4A state champion North Mecklenburg (Huntersville) to display their elite potential. Following a run to the Class 4A state semifinals, expectations will be high entering next season led by a pair of returning 20-point per game scorers in Bouie and Kerr.

20. Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.)

2024-25: 29-2

It will not be easy to replace the interior production of Notre Dame-bound center Ahneman and Dixon, but the Red Raiders have the pieces to compete for the Class AAAA state championship next season behind top returners MaxPreps Sophmore All-America selection Ty Schlagel and under-the-radar Class of 2026 guard Mitchell. Outside of Ahneman and Dixon, Cretin-Derham Hall is expected to return virtually all of its production from a team that ended the year ranked No. 69 in the national rankings.

2024-25: 31-0, No. 21 in final MaxPreps Top 25

The Rams own the nation’s longest win streak at 60 games after completing their second consecutive unbeaten run to the Class 2A state championship. Although MaxPreps Junior All-America selection Neal and four-star Oregon signee Harrison are the only potential returners who saw significant time last season, the Rams have a strong track record with the dynamic duo leading the charge over the past three seasons.

2024-25: 14-15

Notable Losses: None

The Mustangs got off to a disastrous start last season as they lost their first nine games before getting on track. A leap of faith is required for a team that finished under .500 but the talent combined with wins over nationally-ranked Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.), DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) and Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.) is hard to ignore. Top 20 Class of 2026 prospect Samuels leads an ultra-talented group of high-major prospects.

2024-25: 31-3

Following a strong regular season, the Tigers were upset in the opening round of the Sweet 16 state tournament by Jeffersontown (Louisville) 64-59. Class of 2026 wing Jackson will again be the catalyst while promising Class of 2028 guard Lindsay is expected to take a major step forward next season.

24. Fishers (Ind.)

2024-25: 30-1

Despite
graduating five of their top seven scorers due to graduation, a
returning backcourt of MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection Gardner
and Zachary goes a long way toward making this group formidable again
next season. There are question marks but a record of 59-2 over the past two
seasons under head coach Garrett Winegar leaves reason for promise.

2024-25: 27-5

The Statesmen won the Class 5 state championship with their top two
scorers being a sophomore and freshman, respectively. MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year Adkinson and Freshman
All-America selection Simpson anchor a talented group that will
be expected to take a significant step onto the national stage next
season.

High School Sports

Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports. Many of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers or have shined on the Olympic stage. Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning […]

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Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports.

Many
of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers
or have shined on the Olympic stage.

Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning with the graduating class of 2001. Selections were based primarily off of prep accomplishments and accolades.

(Graphic: Ryan Escobar)

(Graphic: Ryan Escobar)

1. Derrick Henry, Yulee

Class: 2013 Sport: Football

Before being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, the
Heisman Trophy winner was a machine in the backfield for Yulee. As a
freshman Henry ran for 2,788 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a senior he
broke Florida records with 4,261 yards and 55 scores on the ground.
Henry finished his high school career with 12,124 rushing yards,
breaking the national mark set by Ken Hall in 1953.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Arguably the most accomplished high school basketball player of
all-time, Boozer is the only two-time MaxPreps National Player of the
Year. He won four consecutive state championships in the state’s highest classification, captured three straight Nike EYBL Peach Jam
titles, won a pair of gold medals and took home the national title in
2024-25.

Class: 2005 Sports: Baseball, football, track and field

Batted .709 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI as a senior. McCutchen was also one of the top football recruits in the state, reportedly turning down an offer from the University of Miami to play wide receiver. His speed showed up on the track where he won a state championship in the 4×100 relay.

Class: 2008 Sports: Football, track and field

Known as Patrick Johnson in high school, Peterson compiled 733 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while intercepting five passes on defense as a senior. He was also one of the top sprinters in the state, running the 100 meters in 10.92 seconds and 200 meters in 22.24 seconds.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Although
he played just two full seasons with Montverde Academy after moving
from Australia to Florida during his sophomore season, Simmons left his
mark on the high school scene. The versatile forward helped the Eagles
go 62-1 during his time on the floor with three consecutive Chipotle
Nationals titles. As a senior, he piled up 27.1 points, 11.8
rebounds and 4.1 assists per game to earn MaxPreps National Player of the Year
honors.

Class: 2024 Sports: Football, track and field

The 2023 MaxPreps All-American is already one of the most dominant
college football players in the country heading into his sophomore
season. It started in high school as Smith helped lead Chaminade-Madonna
to three consecutive state championships. As a senior, he caught 90
passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns for the No. 2 team in the
nation. As a junior, Smith won the 110- and 400-meter hurdles at the Class 2A state meet.

Class: 2013 Sport: Swimming

Although
he didn’t compete in the Olympics while in high school, Murphy has won
five Olympic gold medals in his swimming career and nine total. He was a
six-time gold medal winner in high school at the state meet and he
still holds the state record in the 100 backstroke, an event he won four
times. He is also a part of three other relay state records.

Class: 2002 Sport: Baseball

A Cy Young winner in the MLB, Greinke started his
baseball career as a shortstop in high school, hitting over .400 with 31 career home
runs. It shouldn’t be any surprise that he won two Silver Slugger awards
in the Major Leagues. Compiled a 0.55 ERA with a record of 9-2 and 118 strikeouts in 63 innings as a senior.

Class: 2001 Sports: Football, basketball, track & field

In 2007 Taylor was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s All-Century Team, which selected the top 33 players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state. As a senior, he was a star on both sides of the ball as he rushed for 1,400 yards and scored a state-record 44 touchdowns while also piling up more than 100 tackles. Taylor won the state Class 2A 100-meter dash in 2000.

Class: 2024 Sport: Basketball

The
recent No. 1 overall pick is the only player to earn state MaxPreps
Player of the Year honors as a freshman, which he did in Maine. Flagg was also the leader of an undefeated
2023-24 Montverde Academy squad, averaging 16.4 points,
7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocked shots per game as a senior.

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High School Sports

HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025. Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of […]

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HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025.

Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of Alcorn Football Media

The 4Kasters are a group of four young sports enthusiasts who will serve as sideline reporters for Braves home games. With microphones in hand and badges around their necks, these mini media pros will interview players, coaches, and fans in real time.

Their name is a clever play on “casters” and “4K” resolution — a nod to both broadcasting and high-definition quality. More importantly, they represent a bold new way to connect with the community and showcase HBCU football through fresh eyes.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation and Community

“Alcorn has always embraced innovation and community,” said Athletic Director E. D’Wayne Robinson. “With the 4Kasters, we’re combining both. This initiative gives kids an incredible opportunity to grow and engage while connecting fans to the game in a whole new way.”

That new connection comes in the form of real-time interviews, fun sideline banter, and questions that bring out the heart of the HBCU game day experience. Whether they’re getting the scoop from a star running back or talking to a kid in the stands, the 4Kasters are all about energy and engagement.

HBCU Alcorn State University 4Kasters
Where to Watch the 4Kasters in Action

Fans can catch the 4Kasters in multiple places throughout the season:

  • On the jumbotron at home games
  • Across Alcorn Athletics’ social media channels
  • In special video features shared online

Their interviews and game day coverage will be part of a larger effort to spotlight HBCU culture, school spirit, and student-athlete stories.

Building the Next Generation of HBCU Storytellers

By putting microphones in young hands, Alcorn State is doing more than entertaining fans. It’s inspiring future journalists and showing that storytelling has no age limit.

This fall, as the Braves chase wins on the field, the 4Kasters will be chasing answers, reactions, and unforgettable moments.

Be sure to follow Alcorn State University on social media for all the updates. The 2025 season is about to get a whole lot brighter — and bolder — thanks to four young voices bringing 4K flair to HBCU football.

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High School Sports

TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region. The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26. […]

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TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region.

The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26.

Attendees can expect various fair games, tractor pulls, themed family-fun days, demolition derby, extreme music bingo, a rodeo and more.

General admission to the fair is free. Some grandstand events, including the rodeo and demolition derby, require separate tickets costing up to $30.

See below for schedule highlights of the remaining fair days.

Wednesday, July 23

  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Brain Freeze
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Shoe Toss
  • 5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Water Trough Race
  • 7 p.m. – Grandstand event: Flying Star Rodeo

Thursday, July 24

  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Don’t Spill the Beans!
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Hay Toss
  • 4 to 7 p.m. – Steak Fry: Muskegon Mounted Unit
  • 5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Race

Friday, July 25

  • 9 a.m. – Shooting sports at the Fairgrounds Updyke Building
  • Noon – Showman of Showmen
  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Flying Chickens
  • 2 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Egg Toss
  • 6 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
  • 6:30 p.m. – Stock & Modified Truck and Tractor Pulls
  • 9 p.m. – Youth dance/Live entertainment

Saturday, July 26

  • 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Farm Bureau Pancake Breakfast
  • 9 a.m. – Silent auction opens
  • 10 a.m. – Baked goods auction
  • 1 p.m. – Talent Show
  • Noon to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1 p.m. – Silent Auction Closes
  • 3 p.m. – Awards ceremony
  • 4 p.m. – Release of Horses
  • 5 p.m. – Grandstand event: TNT Demolition Derby
  • 9 p.m. – Fair closes to the public.

To learn more, visit muskegonfairgrounds.com.

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HIGH SCHOOL Alan Arsenault Special to the Telegram & Gazette Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025. Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and […]

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Photos

HIGH SCHOOL

Alan Arsenault

Special to the Telegram & Gazette

Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) tipoff in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) tipoff in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drains a 3-pointer versus Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Jyzeer Fiske drains a 3-pointer versus Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Robert Williams drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Josiah Bates defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Robert Williams drives as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Josiah Bates defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Tylib Jenkins looks to pass as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Tylib Jenkins looks to pass as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jayden Orhon defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon, left, and Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Miguel Numez reach for a rebound in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jayden Orhon, left, and Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Miguel Numez reach for a rebound in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jariel Hernandez defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Jyzeer Fiske drives as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jariel Hernandez defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) compete in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) compete in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Ryan Dennis shoots over Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Joseph Jaddah in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Ryan Dennis shoots over Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Joseph Jaddah in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Hezaki Brown leaps towards the basket versus Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Hezaki Brown leaps towards the basket versus Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) poses with their trophy after defeating Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) poses with their trophy after defeating Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

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Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights? New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time […]

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Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights?

New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time plays, High School On SI will break down New Mexico’s top players by position heading into the 2025 season.

Not only does this preseason coverage highlight the best returning players ahead of the fall, but it allows the New Mexico high school football community to VOTE on which player could have the biggest 2025 season.

Could it be a rising sophomore? A highly-touted prospect? Could it be a player not listed below?

Some of the players might not be the most highly touted, recruited or covered, but their numbers indicate they are performing at their respective level — and likely impacting victory for their programs.

Below is a list of New Mexico’s top wide receivers to watch ahead of the 2025 season based on a few factors: stats from the previous season (from MaxPreps.com), recruiting status (from 247Sports), and the discretion of the reporter (Tarek Fattal).

(Athletes listed in alphabetical order | Voting poll at bottom of page)

Cox-liggins was one of the state’s best sophomores in 2024. He caught 64 passed for 1,112 yards and 12 TDs. The 6-foot-3 wideout averaged 101 yards per game and averaged 17.4 yards per catch.

Duran tallied 941 yards on just 37 catches and 12 TDs in 2024.

Erickson hauled in 57 passes for 906 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior in 11 games.

Smith led all freshman in receiving yards in 2024. He had 62 catches for 698 yards and 12 TDs for a 10-2 squad last fall.

Lee was one of few 1,000-yard receivers in 2024. He caught 58 balls for 1,182 yards and 17 TDs in 11 games as a junior for the 8-3 Warriors.

Maldanado could be considered the No. 1 wideout in the state heading into 2025. While others on the list could breakout into big seasons, Maldanado is expected to deliver after 918 yards receiving and 11 TD catches to help Cleveland win the 6A title.

La Cueva reached the 6A final in 2024 and could be a force to be reckoned with again in 2025. Montano had 35 receptions for 417 yards and five TDs last year and will likely double his production in 2025.

In 13 games as junior, Winnikoff brought in 51 catches for 781 yards and five TDs for a 6A Cruces team that could see Winnikoff turn into its No. 1 wideout in 2025.

The voting poll will close on Wednesday, July 30 at 8 p.m. (PT).

Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school sports news.

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: 

Download iPhone App | Download Android App

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Recent arrest in Connecticut highlights concerns about safety of children online

A former law enforcement officer turned safety expert explained how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems. SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — After a recent arrest in Connecticut involving possession of child sexual abuse material, a former law enforcement officer offered advice Tuesday on how to protect kids while they use social media […]

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Recent arrest in Connecticut highlights concerns about safety of children online

A former law enforcement officer turned safety expert explained how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems.

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — After a recent arrest in Connecticut involving possession of child sexual abuse material, a former law enforcement officer offered advice Tuesday on how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems.

On July 19, Connecticut State Police arrested Daniel Lowell, 63, of Norwich after a year-long investigation uncovered more than 400 images of child sex abuse materials inside his home.

Scott Driscoll, a formal law enforcement officer who investigated internet crimes against children, said he’s seen cases like this too many times.

“It just fuels my passion on trying to prevent it, because what I saw as an adult made me go ‘wow,’ and now we’re going back 22 to years when I started,” Driscoll said.

He also addressed a concerning trend he said has stuck with him all these years.

“It was shocking how quickly someone would send an inappropriate picture, ask for an inappropriate picture,” he said.

Driscoll encouraged parents who have kids that use personal devices and go on social media to keep close tabs on what they’re doing online.

“Parents need an active role, and it’s not easy, but it’s something that is very important. We’ve got to keep instilling in our children, if you don’t know someone, they are a stranger,” he said.

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Driscoll offered a number of ways parents can monitor their child’s social media and online habits. These include:

  • Understanding how technology works
  • Considering family pairing on social media
  • Setting an appropriate age limit for children to be on social media
  • Talking to kids about what is going on in their lives

Emily Pacheco said her eight-year-old son has started learning online safety at his school.

“He comes home and lets me know you can’t chat with people you don’t know online, you can’t friend people you don’t know online so it’s really good they teach him that,” Pachesco said.

Robert Young said he’s constantly monitoring his niece’s and nephew’s devices.

“I’m always very skeptical about what they are watching and what they are looking at and I’m always taking their tablets and making sure like, ‘I want you to go outside.’ If I can be with you, I feel like you’re safe with me. So yeah, I’m always watching them,” Young said.

Driscoll said the best apps for kids are ones that do not have messaging abilities.

Kaye Paddyfote is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at kpaddyfote@fox61.com. Follow her on X and Instagram.

RELATED: Connecticut man arrested after troopers uncover 400 files of child sexual abuse material

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