Class of 2029 Rankings: Initial Look

Prospect rankings at any point of a high school prospect's career is like trying to hit a moving target. Especially as usually within a month or even a week that they're out of date. Still, they can be useful snapshots to measure a class' growth. In this case, they should be taken with a grain of salt. As these players will all look drastically different come next March.   The Top 2 Debate    Young entered high school with an advanced skillset as a shooter and passer, which led to instant individual success with big time scoring games. And leading Heritage Hall to their first State Tournament since 2022. While there were high points during his season, he also had the typical roller coaster moments that come with youthful growing pains. There are times his shot selection could be better, but when he's ON the aspects of his game that could one day make him a professional scorer are very apparent.   One trait that could help Young separate at a national level is his eye for passing. Once or twice a game he'll make a transition pass or a crosscourt find in the halfcourt that simply few players can make or even see. Continuing to refine those skills and improving his decision making between scorer and passer will be crucial for Young to continue to ascend.     Fitting into a team heavy with underclassmen isn't easy, which led to a quieter year than expected for a prospect with such high longterm upside. There's a natural learning curve for a still physically maturing to compete against upperclassman. Still there were flashes of his potential with dunks around the rim. And the ability to punish defenders on post ups. During 14U play he did consistently show the ability to step out and hit threes, push the ball off rebounds and attack off the dribble. With a prospect like Robinson, it's often a question of when not if, that his production starts to match his big time potential. And it could start as soon as this spring with Brad Beal Elite in EYBL play.      Productive Guards vs Long term upside Forwards<   More-so than any other stage in a prospect's high school career, potential drives the long term projection of prospects when they're freshmen and sophomores. Which is why there's a group of post prospects who are currently rated highly but might not have had the loudest freshmen seasons. While throughout the top of the rankings, there's quite a few guards who are already making their mark at the varsity level. When speaking on the long term upside of prospects, there's a natural inclination to put the forwards with next level potential higher. Because it's quite simpler, there's a lot less prospects 6 foot 7 or taller which makes them more valuable to college coaches. Here's an attempt to balance the guards who are already producing against forwards that have long term traits.    One of the most productive freshmen in the state, he often produced in the biggest games for Catoosa this season. With impressive scoring outings in games against fellow Class 4A State Tournament teams, North Rock Creek (27 points) and Fort Gibson (26 points). Even handing out 6 assists in the January win over Fort Gibson. Hall is a lefty who can fill it up from all over the court and is starting to finish above the rim. Production places him near the top of his class, and it will be fun to see how the rest of the game develops as he physically matures.     Pinder is one of the best passers in the state, regardless of class. Has years of experience playing with and against older competition, and it shows in how he reads the floor. Seemingly has eyes in the back of his head with some of the fancy feeds he distributes. Good pace as a driver, with a patience not common for his age. Deep range from three helps open the floor as he's a certified sniper. Advanced skill level should help him continue to be one of the top producers in the class.     Pierce is still an incredibly raw prospect, but there's very promising factors for his long term potential. He's a legit 6 foot 10 and might still be growing. Along with his height, he has an older brother, Trent, who is a starter at Missouri. While it's not an one for one comparison between the brothers (Trent was a 6'5 guard as a freshman), it's still a good way to judge that the younger Pierce has a chance to a big time prospect. A spring and summer with MOKAN on the EYBL will be a big indicator of how quickly Pierce could live up to his potential.     Mendez's freshman campaign was a success, as he helped anchor a Class 3A semifinal runs for his squad. Including making key plays on both ends of the court in State Tournament victory. There's lot to like on Mendez, with good mobility for his size. And the ability to hit the occasional mid-range or three pointer. Is at a stage of developmental where he should look a completely different play in six months, hopefully starting to complete dominant Oklahoma high school level games. Especially if he keeps working on his explosiveness and a mindset to "dunk everything" around the rim.

Prospect rankings at any point of a high school prospect's career is like trying to hit a moving target. Especially as usually within a month or even a week that they're out of date. Still, they can be useful snapshots to measure a class' growth. In this case, they should be taken with a grain of salt. As these players will all look drastically different come next March.