2029 Rising Freshmen Who Finished the Summer Strong

Several rising freshmen made the most of the final stretch of the grassroots season, showcasing their talent, competitiveness, and ability to step up when it mattered most. Whether it was consistent scoring, defensive intensity, or playmaking that elevated their teams, these prospects ended the summer on a high note and head into their freshman campaigns with momentum and confidence.    [player_tooltip player_id='2725101' first='Vijay' last='Keshaav'] is a multi-level bucket getter with a polished scoring arsenal, a knack for getting to his spots, and a deadly mid-range game. His mid-range shooting off the dribble is a major weapon, lethal off pull-ups, stepbacks, fades, and quick one or two-dribble rises. What makes Vijay even tougher to guard is the way that his shooting touch is steadily stretching out to the perimeter, where he's becoming just as comfortable creating space for threes.     Braylon Manning has been torching defenses with a jumper so pure and effortless that it demands attention the moment he crosses halfcourt. Manning showcased a smooth, fluid shooting motion that translated seamlessly off the catch, drilling threes at a high clip with pinpoint accuracy. His shot mechanics were clean, repeatable, and quick, giving him the confidence to fire without hesitation. Because of his floor-stretching ability, Manning's shooting gravity alone warped defensive spacing and made him a constant focal point for opposing defenses.     Mikho Huynh's game is built off craft and creativity from his shaky dribbling skills to his deep layup package. His penetration is relentless and his finishing is unpredictable, as he scores fluidly off soft floaters, inside or off leg layups, and midair adjustments. Along with scoring Mikho adds playmaking when he sees defensive shifts, often quickly accessing the situation and finding his an open teammate on the wing.     Off the dribble, Demetrius Degilormo leverages his upper body strength and polished footwork to create separation. He uses his physicality to bump defenders off their line while maintaining balance, which opens up clear driving lanes. At the same time, his ability to stop on a dime and use controlled pivots or step-backs makes him a dangerous pull-up threat. The blend of strength and skill allows him to dictate the pace of the possession while keeping defenders off balance.     Terrance Johnson is an explosive leaper who finished with authority off one foot, two feet, with two hands, or even tomahawk dunks. As an incoming freshman, Johnson already boasts athleticism that rivals upperclassmen, often leaving defenders and spectators in awe of his high-flying finishes. His upside as a vertical athlete is sky-high, with plenty of room to grow as he continues to round out his game.     Dylan Butler thrived as a natural scorer within the flow of the offense, often striking from three-point range. Butler relocated smartly without the ball, firing with a quick trigger off the catch. He let the game come to him, punishing defenders when given space with knockdown shooting and slipping in timely passes once the defense collapsed. His blend of scoring efficiency and unselfishness made him a steady offensive presence.     Kynnedy Sims impacted the offense by shredding defenses with his knack for running the show and getting everyone involved. A true pass-first point guard, Sims consistently looked to advance the ball and push the offense ahead, keeping teammates engaged and the pace flowing.

Several rising freshmen made the most of the final stretch of the grassroots season, showcasing their talent, competitiveness, and ability to step up when it mattered most. Whether it was consistent scoring, defensive intensity, or playmaking that elevated their teams, these prospects ended the summer on a high note and head into their freshman campaigns with momentum and confidence.