2029 Rankings: Top-8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>2029</strong> rankings are out! We only ranked <strong>66 players</strong> so far and last year this time we had 90 exactly for the 2028 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Time will always tell how good classes are and many more will be discovered in the next few months of the AIA season. I will go to freshman and JV games to find some new freshmen talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here is the Top-8 Freshmen ranked so far</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2194474' first='Isaiah' last='Rider IV'] <strong>Higley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top ranked player has the game and even the offers to back it up. He shoots the ball at a high clip off the catch or dribble and is deceptively fast to burst past his initial defender. He also makes players around him better and plays at his own pace to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2639549' first='Mamadou' last='Issa Sow'] <strong>Bella Vista Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top forward in the class moves gracefully from end to end. He is a top of the food chain shot blocker and rebounder. He explodes up to dunk the ball and runs the floor well. He scores with dunks, offensive rebound put backs and occasional perimeter jumpers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2759176' first='Trevin' last='Davis'] <strong>Liberty</strong> <strong>(Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top ranked wing forward has a strong frame with great size already. He is in the conversation as the best shooting forward in the class but has the brawn to get to the basket and score. He rebounds well and will also play above the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2767903' first='Jacobi' last='Thompson II'] <strong>Arcadia </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another top tier wing is in the conversation as the top ranked pure athlete of the class. He seems to glide in the air with a graceful gait and also comes with a motor to compete on defense with blocks, rebounds and throws it down on the break like a college player already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2194805' first='Marquice' last='Pless'] <strong>Higley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most versatile players in the class can probably play three positions from the 2-4. He plays with a motor, he comes with length, some athleticism and skill. He can hit shots from all three levels and plays with toughness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2574808' first='Ruach' last='Gony'] <strong>Bella Vista Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger forward with incredible fluidity and athleticism. He is one of the top defensive forwards in the class as he gobbles up all rebounds, alters and/or blocks shots and moves exceptionally well in space. He will dunk it plus shoot it from the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2855988' first='Jose' last='Dias']<strong> Bella Vista Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tallest player in the class and in the entire state is Dias. He moves gracefully for his size and will block a ton of shots and rebounds about as well as you can despite his leaner frame. He is starting to improve his skill and his motor is picking up some steam. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2506518' first='Azariah' last='Reetz'] <strong>Carl Hayden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the bigger and more athletic power forwards in the AIA. He is very fluid from end to end and runs the floor swiftly with longer strides. He makes his money with his rebounding, rim running and defending multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->