Six 2029s Primed for a Sophomore Leap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the high school season on the horizon, the 2029 class is entering an important stretch of development. After evaluating these prospects throughout the summer, several have the tools and momentum to take a significant step forward as sophomores. Here's a look at six 2029s who could emerge as major names in South Carolina basketball this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2537763"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af490342"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leading off the list is Wren's [player_tooltip player_id='2537763' first='Kamden' last='Rice']. I like what Rice brings for the Hurricanes, and the see them as one of the best teams in 3A Upper State. Kamden is at his best attacking the rim, either as a half-court slasher or with a head of steam in transition. His length gives him an advantage even despite a smaller frame, so if they can keep him engaged defensively, Wren will have one of the better "Big 3's" in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2882627"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af4903f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another athletic, combo-guard type who showed some good things in June was Wright. He looks primed to step into a starting role for the Gamecocks in 2026-27, and his constant energy and bounciness around the rim will be key factors for a team with smaller guards. Wright will be asked to rebound, block shots, and finish in the paint on an efficient basis, but he has the makeup to be an effective player despite his age. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2881251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af49047c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If I were picking a full list of 3A All-State players, [player_tooltip player_id='2881251' first='O'Bryan' last='Clark'] would certainly be in the mix. The Lions lose a host of key contributors from a year ago, but Clark showed his potential in spots last season and had an excellent summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2830220' first='Palmetto' last='Pride']. O'Bryan is a versatile backcourt piece because of his ability to hit shots off the catch or off the dribble, but I think he will have the ball in his hands a lot for Loris this year, which will end up in positive things for the more often than not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3240752"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af4904e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3240752' first='Leiland' last='Fripp'] is the lone SCISA player to brace my list of 2029s primed for a sophomore leap. People around the JPII program are very high on Fripp, and he's played up with WIN on multiple occasions, proving he's capable of contributing against older and more phyiscally developed players. Leiland has a plus wingspan, which allows him to shoot and finish over defenders, along with being a disruptive defender. That combination should compliment their upperclassmen and make the Golden Warriors one of the top teams in SCISA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2971033"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af490552"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keeping it in the Lowcountry, Jace looks like he could be ready to step into a bigger role for Berkeley this season. I was introduced to Watson at a September practice last season, and although he didn't have a ton of varsity opportunity, he was one I kept tabs on this summer. He has grown to 6'5", giving him the size to be effective as he continues to learn the game. I'm intrigued by some of the tools Jace has, so he's defintely one to watch out of Charleston in 2026-27. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2887702"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a762af4905bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2887702' first='Nevaeh' last='Willingham'] rounds of this list of Six 2029s Primed for a Sophomore Leap. He is another one who fits the mold of a solid foundation along with a projected role increase, so he looks ready to produce for Newberry this winter. Nevaeh has an exciting combination of length and shooting ability, so if he gets the opportunity, he could prove himself as one of the top perimeter threats in South Carolina's 2029 Class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to boost your ranking? The <strong>Prep Hoops Expo: Carolinas</strong> gives players an opportunity to compete against top talent, showcase their skills, and gain valuable exposure in front of <strong>Prep Hoops Scouts and College Coaches</strong>. 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