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2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2

2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2
Adrian Maloney Jr
Adrian Maloney Jr August 25, 2025 @ 11:50 PM
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In this article:

Elijah Pendergrass
Elijah Pendergrass 6'7" | PF/SF | 2029
KS
Junior Hunter
Junior Hunter 2029
KS
Jaxen Young
Jaxen Young 2029
KS
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players—Mason, Elijah, Junior, Jaxen, and Kale—are all on the watchlist for the next rankings update, each making a significant impact on the court in their own way. Mason's high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor, Elijah's 6'7” versatility, Junior's elite guard play, Jaxen's off-ball movement and shooting, and Kale's transition finishing and deep shooting have all caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Their consistent performances, ability to make winning plays, and overall skill sets make them names to watch as the season progresses and the next rankings take shape.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mason Stephens ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad3cb531391"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason is the kind of player who elevates everyone around him, using his high IQ on both ends of the floor to impact winning in every way. Offensively, he sees plays develop before they happen, making the right reads and creating opportunities for teammates while knowing when to score himself. Defensively, he anticipates actions, communicates, and positions himself perfectly to disrupt opponents, turning stops into fast-break chances. Whether it's a timely pass, a smart rotation, or a clutch bucket, Mason consistently makes winning plays that don't just show up in the box score—they change the outcome of games.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2925520"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad3cb5313f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elijah is a versatile 6'7” talent whose skill set makes him a matchup nightmare on the court. He can handle the ball with ease, attack the rim with confidence, and knock down shots from all levels, making him a constant threat on offense. His size and agility allow him to create mismatches, stretch the floor, and contribute in multiple ways. Beyond his scoring ability, Elijah's presence is a huge asset to his team, impacting both ends of the floor with his basketball IQ, energy, and ability to elevate those around him.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2917497' first='Junior' last='Hunter'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad3cb531476"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior is an elite guard who is quickly putting the entire state on notice with his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability. He possesses a rare combination of speed, skill, and basketball IQ, allowing him to break down defenses, create for teammates, and finish at the rim with authority. His shooting, ball-handling, and court vision make him a constant threat every time he touches the ball, and his leadership on the floor elevates his team's performance. Junior isn't just playing the game—he's changing the level of competition wherever he goes.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848981"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad3cb5314bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaxen is a versatile player with good size and a polished skill set that makes him tough to defend. He has a reliable shooting touch and a keen ability to move without the ball, finding open spots and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. His off-ball movement, combined with his size, allows him to stretch the floor and be a constant threat on offense, while also providing value on the defensive end. Jaxen's awareness and timing make him a smart, impactful player who can change the flow of the game.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kale Castenanda","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ad3cb531536"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kale is a dynamic playmaker who excels in transition, consistently pushing the pace to finish at the rim with speed and precision. His ability to run the floor makes him a constant threat on fast breaks, while his reliable 3-point shot keeps defenses honest and spaced out. Whether attacking off the dribble or spotting up from deep, Kale's scoring versatility makes him a key weapon for his team, capable of changing the game in an instant on both ends of the floor.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

These players—Mason, Elijah, Junior, Jaxen, and Kale—are all on the watchlist for the next rankings update, each making a significant impact on the court in their own way. Mason's high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor, Elijah's 6'7” versatility, Junior's elite guard play, Jaxen's off-ball movement and shooting, and Kale's transition finishing and deep shooting have all caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Their consistent performances, ability to make winning plays, and overall skill sets make them names to watch as the season progresses and the next rankings take shape.

Mason Stephens

Mason Stephens

POS N/A
CLASS 2029

Mason Stephens

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Elijah Pendergrass

Elijah Pendergrass

HEIGHT 6'7"
POS PF/SF
CLASS 2029
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​
Elijah
Pendergrass PF/SF
Class
2029
Height
6'7"
HS
Blue Valley North
|
KS
2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2
Elijah is a versatile 6’7” talent whose skill set makes him a matchup nightmare on the court. He...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Elijah Pendergrass

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State: Kansas
School: Blue Valley North
Club: Mokan Elite
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Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(247,101,23, 0.95) 0%,rgba(247,101,23, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/08/2029-rankings-watchlist-players-to-watch-part-2/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/PGHFeaturedImage9.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">2029</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2</span>
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Junior Hunter Junior Hunter State KS

POS N/A
CLASS

Junior Hunter Junior Hunter State KS

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Jaxen Young

Jaxen Young

POS N/A
CLASS 2029
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​
Jaxen
Young
Class
2029
KS
2029 Rankings Watchlist: Players to watch part 2
Jaxen is a versatile player with good size and a polished skill set that makes him tough to...
Written by Adrian Maloney Jr
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jaxen Young

State: Kansas
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Kale Castenanda

Kale Castenanda

POS N/A
CLASS 2029

Kale Castenanda

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