2027-2029 Public School Reclass Candidates

Reclassifying has become commonplace in youth basketball, and for good reason. An extra year gives young players an opportunity to work on their body and get used to playing older and stronger players before they're thrust into the college basketball world.   Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/10/post-grad-candidates-in-the-class-of-2026/">Post-grad candidates in the class of 2026</a>   With that being said, here are some public school players in the 2027-2029 classes that should be looked at as reclass candidates by many of the New England prep schools.    Neal looks bigger and stronger every time I watch him play. The 6-foot-4 wing has grown a ton in the last year and is really starting to come into his own as an athlete. Most importantly, the Lynnfield High School senior plays HARD; he goes after every loose ball, runs the floor consistently in transition, and makes multiple efforts on the defensive end. And, though his shot looks a little bit odd, he makes it enough to make the defense defend him on the perimeter, which opens up his southpaw driving ability. Neal should be looked at by local prep schools as a D3 prospect who does all the right things and will seamlessly fit into any system. He should be a star for Lynnfield this season.     Katznelson is one of the more impressive freshman I've seen this fall. The 6-foot-5 forward looks like he grew up playing the guard position and just recently grew into his body; for a freshman at his size, he has really good coordination and hands and is significantly lighter on his feet than you'd think he would be. He handles the ball well on the perimeter, he can shoot it a bit, and he has crafty finishing moves at the rim. The Sharon High School freshman will probably be a key cog for their varsity team this year, and all of the local prep schools should be all over Katznelson as both a long term potential guy but also someone who can help out a program right away.     Reclassifying was literally made for players like Cornell. The 6-foot-6 forward shoots it well from the outside — especially for his size — but also has some solid athletic pop at the rim. He looks more comfortable each time I watch him, and the potential is very clearly there with his combination of shooting touch, size and athleticism. Cornell needs some extra time, though; he's still learning his body, and an extra year of time in the weight room and reps on the ball will go a long way in his development. He could look A LOT different in a few years, and transitioning to a prep school environment would aid that change and help his college recruitment.     Alimadhi is only a sophomore but is going to play a large role on what should be a really talented Lexington varsity team this year. The 6-foot-2 wing is awesome when facing up to the hoop in the triple-threat position, but he also moves well off the ball and shoots it well off of screens, which makes him a super versatile offensive player. For his size and age, he's incredibly under control and showcases some really impressive balance and strength. An extra year, in addition to more reps against better players, would be really helpful for his college hopes. Alimadhi will almost certainly be contacted by local prep schools after this year, if he isn't already.     Caterino is another public school sophomore who is primed for a solid varsity season. The Watertown southpaw guard has a quick first step and solid elevation and touch at the hoop, which makes him a solid driver. His superpower is his shooting, though; he always has his legs engaged, and he knows how to move without the ball while always being ready on the catch. I'm not sure if he's done growing yet, but an extra year to get stronger and quicker laterally would be really helpful for his college hopes.     Weaver is a ridiculously skilled point guard who has the IQ and feel of a seasoned varsity star — size is literally the only factor holding him back. The 5-foot-10 floor general has excellent quickness and is able to breeze by whoever he wants with his dribble moves, but he can also slow down and make on-time, on-target passes to teammates. Bigger offensive players can sometimes take advantage of him in the post, but he holds his own on the perimeter because of his quick hands and lateral speed. Some added strength — by way of an extra developmental year — could be the difference in where Weaver ends up playing college ball.

Reclassifying has become commonplace in youth basketball, and for good reason. An extra year gives young players an opportunity to work on their body and get used to playing older and stronger players before they're thrust into the college basketball world.