2029 Rankings Release: Top Forwards

Our 2029 rankings release saw 16 players added to our list as these players have established themselves as potential top prospects in the 2029 class after their freshman season. While a lot will change from now until these players graduate high school in just over three years, these are some forwards who are making waves early.    Sam had a big freshman season for Centerville, averaging exactly 10 PPG while shooting just under 50% from the field and just under 40% from 3-point range. Sam is a fluid athlete who should be able to add strength to his frame over time as he matures. Sam's perimeter shot making ability at his size is rare and when you combine that with his athleticism you get a prospect who will likely be recruited by mid to high major Division I programs. The biggest key for Sam will be putting his athleticism and physical gifts to use defensively, as he averaged just over one steal + block per game. I think that's going to be the area where he can grow the most from this year to the next. Expect to hear a lot about Wildcat Select 3SSB 15 U this summer, as they have Sam and a handful of talented Kentucky prospects that should allow them to compete for the 3SSB championship.     Da Silva came to Ohio from Denmark, where he played for the national team at youth levels. Showing impressive ball skills and perimeter ability for a player of his height and age, Da Silva has a ton of natural talent. Figuring things out against much older competition for Andrew's Osborne Academy in the Elite Prep League this season, I expect that experience against players mostly two to four years older than him to pay off in the long run. I think Da Silva will have a monster summer for Indiana Elite 3SSB and continue to pick up momentum as a prospect.     Trenz was one of the first 2029 prospects I got to scout last summer when he played up for [program_tooltip program_id='2076317' first='Midwest' last='Basketball Club 3SSB'] on their championship winning 15 U team. I was impressed with the size and fluidity of Trenz on both ends of the court, showing the ability to rebound, play physically and beat opposing bigs down the court. Developing as an offensive player, Trenz averaged just under seven points and five and a half rebounds a game for Moeller. After missing the first half of the season, Trenz became a valuable piece for their team by the end of the season. In two rivalry wins over Cincinnati St Xavier, Trenz scored 20 points on 6/7 from the field with 15 rebounds combined in those contests. Trenz also flashed some perimeter shooting ability, going 7/11 from 3-point range as a freshman. You obviously expect the volume on those shots to increase next season but also want Trenz to continue to look to dominate in the paint.     One of the more physically talented bigs in the 2029 class, Ramsey got some minutes as a freshman on varsity but is a prospect whose best basketball is in the future. Hitting his stride late in the season, Ramsey played over 10 minutes in a game just once before January 17th but exceeded that mark in eight of his final 10 games of the regular season. Ramsey has a long wingspan and uses that to rebound and protect the rim. Offensively, Ramsey will need to improve his touch around the rim and finish through contact but that will come with continued work in the off-season. One of the highest upside prospects in the greater Dayton area, Ramsey has a ton of long-term potential.     Patterson got on our radar at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase where he stood out as one of the best forwards in attendance. A versatile forward, Patterson has long arms and swatted a handful of shots away that day. Bishop Hartley had a senior laden team last season and Patterson is projected to be one of their key returners for 2026-27. I expect Patterson to make a big jump from freshman to sophomore season as his best basketball is in front of him. Long term prospect to monitor from central Ohio's 2029 class!

Our 2029 rankings release saw 16 players added to our list as these players have established themselves as potential top prospects in the 2029 class after their freshman season. While a lot will change from now until these players graduate high school in just over three years, these are some forwards who are making waves early.