HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: JAN 19 Spalding Hoophall Classic - Long Island Lutheran vs Arizona Compass Prep - Source: Getty

5 high school ballers to watch out for in the 2025 Chipotle Nationals ft. Kiyan Anthony and Darryn Peterson

Modified Mar 14, 2025 22:12 GMT

The stage is set for the 2025 Chipotle Nationals, where ten of the nation’s best high school boys basketball programs will slug it out in a thrilling three-day competition. Held at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indianapolis, the tournament will feature some of the country's brightest rising stars. Here, we spotlight five players poised to make a significant impact.

Kiyan Anthony

Kiyan Anthony is set to make waves in Indianapolis, following in the footsteps of his father, Carmelo Anthony. Known for his skills on both ends of the court, Kiyan combines skilled scoring with exceptional defensive abilities. A key player for Long Island Lutheran, making its third appearance in the competition. Kiyan aims to finish his high school career on a high note by leading LuHi to a championship before he begins his college journey with Syracuse.

Darryn Peterson

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: JAN 19 Spalding Hoophall Classic - Highland School vs Prolific Prep - Source: Getty

Peterson heads into the Chipotle Nationals as one of the top youngsters. The Kansas recruit was recently named the 2025 Naismith High School Player of the Year. According to the USA TODAY 25 in ’25 Boys Basketball Recruiting Rankings, he is the No. 3-ranked player in the country. This season, he has averaged 30.4 points, 7.4 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game, helping Prolific Prep end with a 28-5 record.

Cameron Boozer

The Columbus star, Cameron Boozer, is another young hooper who could take the Chipotle Nationals by storm. The No. 3 overall prospect, according to ESPN rankings, led Columbus to their fourth consecutive state title as they beat Windermere, 68-36.

Boozer scored a game-high 20 points in that game and added nine rebounds, going an efficient 8-15 from the floor. He is also one of the players named to the 2025 McDonald's All-American team. The Duke commit is surely one to watch heading into the competition.

Darius Acuff

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: JAN 18 Spalding Hoophall Classic - Brewster Academy vs IMG Academy - Source: Getty

Darius Acuff is the biggest name on the IMG team that last won the Chipotle Nationals in 2019. Known for his speed and ability to attack the paint, his skills will be crucial for his team. The Arkansas commit was recently named in Jersey Mike's Naismith high school All-America Team, which is a testament to his talent.

Isiah Harwell

Isiah Harwell is a standout talent from Wasatch Academy and is the first male athlete from Idaho to earn McDonald’s All-American honors.

The Houston signee has been great for Wasatch showcasing his versatile scoring abilities and diverse skill set. Averaging over 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, Harwell is clearly one to watch.

About the author

Oluwajoba is a High School Sports writer with more than eight years of experience in the field. Oluwajoba is a graduate of Agricultural Economics and Extension from the Federal University of Technology Akure.

Oluwajoba has written for publications such as Soccernet and Pulsesports (as Chief Editor and Managing Editor) and was nominated for Football Journalist of the Year in 2019.

While he is a Dallas Mavericks fan, mainly due to Luka Doncic, Oluwajoba's favorite sporting moment came when LeBron James helped the Cleveland Cavaliers get past the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

When not at work or watching sports, Oluwajoba can likely be found enjoying a movie.

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