Debuting the Top-5 in the 2029 rankings

The debut of the 2029 class introduces a talented group that has already established itself as one of Colorado's most promising young cores. Each player has stood out through AAU, showcases, and are anticipated to have early varsity exposure. These five have shown us traits that separate them from their peers. Here's a look at the top-5 players in the class and what makes them special.    Brooks showcased advanced three-level scoring ability throughout the summer, establishing himself as the premier offensive player in the class. He creates efficiently off the dribble, shoots confidently from range, and reads help defense well. His combination of pace and balance always make him a unique offensive scorer and a legitimate go-to option. Brooks will be expected to provide consistent production on a loaded Chaparral roster this season, and I am excited to see how he steps up to the challenge. In our debut, he comes out as the top player in 2029.     Valdez impacts the game in every area and has shown early varsity readiness as that is all that we've seen him up against. His vision, timing, and ability to deliver precision passes make him unarguably the top facilitator in the class. But what sets him apart is his ability to compete. He competes defensively, controls tempo, and elevates teammates through unselfish play. Valdez will shoulder major responsibility as a freshman and already projects as one of the most complete pass-first guards in the state. He finishes at the rim, creates for himself and others off the dribble, and also knocks down the 3-ball. He can only get better and will have plenty of opportunity to do just that, as I feel he will have the most varsity minutes out of anyone in the class. Cruz is one of the top guards not only in the class, but state and has earned his spot in the Top-5.     White's size, versatility, and feel for the game make him one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in the 2029 class, and he can be the best player in the class when it is all said and done. To look at where he is now and where we project him to be in his Senior year is fun. At 6'2, he combines scoring touch with strong floor awareness. He can initiate offense or finish in transition. His ability to process the game quickly and impact multiple areas gives him significant upside, but the game slows down for him, especially when going up against players his age. White's poised to earn early varsity minutes for Valor Christian and is a Top-3 player in the class.     Tarpenning brings size and emerging skill that project well at higher levels. At 6'8, he uses his frame effectively to seal, rebound, and finish through contact and will only get more comfortable with valuable minutes. The more he plays, the better he will be. He's shown developing touch and improving footwork around the basket from the times that we've seen him, and with talking to coaches. Defensively, his length and timing already allow him to alter shots, and now he will only have to become stronger and more aggressive. With continued growth and getting stronger, Tarpenning could develop into one of the premier frontcourt pieces in the class that already has a buzz.     O'Keefe distinguishes himself with decision-making and the ability to control pace. His ability to manipulate defenses, create for others, and still score efficiently separates him from his peers. O'Keefe attacks closeouts, finishes through traffic, and handles pressure with ease. His combination of vision and ball handling gives him clear varsity-ready qualities that his team will need this upcoming season and positions him ahead of the rest of the class with expected varsity minutes. He rounds out the Top-5 as a player to keep an eye on and will have ample opportunity to show that he belongs.

The debut of the 2029 class introduces a talented group that has already established itself as one of Colorado's most promising young cores. Each player has stood out through AAU, showcases, and are anticipated to have early varsity exposure. These five have shown us traits that separate them from their peers. Here's a look at the top-5 players in the class and what makes them special.