2029 Rankings Release: Top Guards

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 guards who are making waves early.    Our top ranked point guard, Peagler had a dominant freshman season for Kettering Alter, where he led the GCL Co-Ed in scoring. Peagler Jr has special end to end speed and is able to attack and finish with both hands. I also think Peagler Jr is an elite passer who makes tremendous cross-court passes and can get to the rim with ease and kickout to shooters. [program_tooltip program_id='2320052' first='All' last='Ohio Red'] 15 U went unbeaten at Midwest Mania with Peagler Jr helping lead the charge and it will be interesting to see how they fare during the EYBL season.     Another prospect who had a dominant freshman season, Hill finished second in the GMC in scoring. Hill has a high feel for the game and uses his frame well on drives. A high-volume shooter, Hill was tasked with leading the Sycamore offense this winter and attempted 3-pointers and free throws at an extremely high rate, types of shots that can be very efficient at the college level. Hill really caught fire at the end of the season, scoring 20+ points in six of his final eight games. A season-high of 32 points in a win over Lakota East was Hill's marquee performance of the season.     A prospect who got on our radar by attending the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase, Swift was as impressive as any player at the event. The lefty lead guard is shifty on the ball and extremely tough to stay in front of. Swift is at his best when he's able to play in isolation or pick and roll sets that allow him to get downhill. Swift is a prime candidate to breakout next season with the graduation of two-time reigning Mr Basketball winner [player_tooltip player_id='1705948' first='Marcus' last='Johnson'].     A prospect I caught at a preseason scrimmage, Gambrell played a heavy role for a young Padua program that is on the rise. Leading his team in assists while also scoring over 11 points per game shows Gambrell's combination of scoring and playmaking ability. A quick-twitch athlete, Gambrell is explosive in the open court and has the athleticism and frame to be an impact defender on the ball. Gambrell's highlight moment of his freshman season came on a buzzer-beater to defeat Elyria Catholic at home. Keep an eye out for Gambrell on the New Balance Circuit with Grind Until this summer as well as with Padua in June.     Southwest Ohio had a handful of freshmen guards make an instant impact at the varsity level and Woeste finished fourth in the SWBL in scoring this winter. Woeste is a skilled off-guard who plays at his own rhythm on the ball and has a pretty jumper. When you combine those skills you get a guard who is able to play off the ball and become a threat playing off the catch next to other slashing guards. Expect Woeste to have some big scoring games for [program_tooltip program_id='2320052' first='All' last='Ohio Red'] this EYBL season.     The last guard added to our rankings, Fortino got a year of development with the Saint Ignatius JV team this season which allowed him to play with the ball in his hands and face different defensive coverages. That can be very beneficial for young players at talented programs to then get ready to hit the ground running when they get called up to the varsity level like how [player_tooltip player_id='2891904' first='Carlos' last='Vaughn Jr'] at Saint Ignatius and lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2885759' first='Bubba' last='Donald'] at Moeller did this season as sophomores who played JV as freshman. Fortino impressed me with Phenom United 15 U with his overall activity when he was in the game. Fortino has a nose for the basketball and seems to make things happen when he's on the court. Get ready for Fortino to become a household name sooner rather than later around northeast Ohio.

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 guards who are making waves early.