Updating the Top 5 rankings in the 2029 class, but in what order?

The 2029 rankings officially drop on Wednesday, and this class has quickly turned into one of the deeper young groups we've evaluated in a while. So much so that I've been going back to get my eyes on more players at our events. While a ton did not play varsity, we've gotten to see how their game translates when they're up against their age group, and some even playing up.   Here we focus on the Top-5, who all led their varsity teams and look to put their teams on the pay. The names in the Top-5 are there, but the order is where things get interesting. Stay locked in as we break down the players who will headline the 2029 class.    Use code dev30 for 30% off and secure access as we're going through rankings and got you covered for the grassroots season. You don't want to miss any of our scouting.     Elias came into the year as the No.1 player in the class, and it wouldn't even look right with him not being the No. 1 player again with the season that he just had. He not only led the class in points at an astounding 44.3 points per game, but he also led the entire nation. He had some video game numbers in some of the performances, like a 70-point and 60-point outburst. People try to reach 1,000 points scored for their career. He already has 842 in his first 20 games of his career. I personally wish that the competition were up, but he can't control who is in front of him. He put up 44.3 points and had 6.7 steals to go along with it. This was one of the most insane stateliness that we've seen in Colorado, and he will pick that up in Year 2. I've heard positive things about his summer session, and we hope to see him continue proving himself then and with the showcase season. No surprise that he will be the No.1 player this go round.     Cruz had himself quite the year and was the sole bright spot for Smoky Hill this past year. His stat line is an enigma if you really dig into the numbers, as he put up a team-high 15.3 points a game, but there was only one more player who put up double digits, and a huge drop off after that. Yet somehow he still averaged 4.8 assists a gam,e which means that he pretty much contributed to every single basket that Smoky Hill generated. Cruz led the Buffaloes in every category statistically as he put up 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 steals a game. He's the class's best true point guard and is amongst the top guards in the state, in my opinion. He will be back in the Top-5 and is off to a hot start to the summer as he gets to showcase his level of play helped him prepare for the year. I'm high on Valdez.     Coleman was the other freshman who put up numbers that just don't look real. To put up 28.7 points, 6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 4 steals a game as only a freshman, it makes you wonder what Year 2 will look like. The thing about his numbers is that it came with wins to back it up. I'm a bit shocked that he wasn't named to an All-State team or Honorable Mention with his play and how he was able to affect the game against that level of play. He's a two-way scorer who cannot be denied getting to his spots. He has a good feel for the game, gets inside and does damage, and had his way as only a freshman and got even better with conference play. This season, I'm expecting him to be up for Conference POY honors if he's able to duplicate his play, and this is a year of getting on even more radars, as I feel he could take it up a notch. He's undoubtedly in the Top-5 after the season he put up.     Wade is a player on whom there were high expectations heading into the season, as he brings a physical advantage to every game. He's a nightmare for opponents, especially at the 2A level, as he's so dominant defensively that he can change the entire complexion of a game. Who he started the season as is not who he ended the season as, and he's only getting better. He put up 12.8 points and 9 rebounds a game as a freshman. Heritage Christian made a late playoff push behind their 6'7 freshman big, and this year I think they go even further. He was named to the 2nd Team All-State for his class, and he's turned plenty of heads to begin summer ball. This was a season of growth, and what's scary for the rest of the state is he's certainly getting better. He's a name to know moving forward and will remain in the Top-5.     Dowling got handed over the reins and got to experience what it's like to be the no.1 option for opposing teams to gameplan for as a freshman, and while there were growing pains and ups and downs this season, there's plenty to like about his play as well. Dowling delivered as he was having to face off against one of the tougher conferences for guard play out of the other Top-5 candidates here. Dowling put up 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds a game as an aggressive 6-foot guard. He showed flashes as a freshman and has taken that play into the summer, where the game has slowed down for him. Dowling is a player that I feel will be undeniable soon if he continues to add layers to his game. This is a solid class, and his two-way capabilities have him as a Top-5 player in the class. Just keep adding to the game.

The 2029 rankings officially drop on Wednesday, and this class has quickly turned into one of the deeper young groups we've evaluated in a while. So much so that I've been going back to get my eyes on more players at our events. While a ton did not play varsity, we've gotten to see how their game translates when they're up against their age group, and some even playing up.