10 Summer Names to Know: Kansas 2029

With several standout prospects, the class of 2029 is poised to make waves in high school basketball — watch for these rising players to leave their mark early this winter.    [player_tooltip player_id='2715470' first='Braylon' last='Jones'] continues to establish himself as the top prospect in the state of Kansas as he enters high school. He brings a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility that makes him a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Jones thrives with the ball in his hands — using his handle and downhill ability to create for himself and others. He's highly effective in ball screen actions, showing the ability to roll with purpose, find gaps in the defense, and finish around the rim with either hand. On the defensive end, Jones is already an elite rim protector. He excels at walling up without fouling, using timing and length to alter and block shots consistently. With his advanced tools and feel for the game, Braylon projects as a high-impact player from day one — and his ceiling is as high as any prospect in the region.     Trey'von has been on the radar for years, and his upward trajectory continues as he enters high school. Widely regarded as one of the most skilled players in the Midwest, Gillum combines deep shooting range with a long, fluid frame that allows him to slice through defenses with ease. He's at his best with the ball in his hands, consistently creating advantages off the dribble and making smart, timely reads. Whether it's pulling up from deep or attacking downhill, Gillum brings a dynamic offensive presence that makes him a constant threat. With his advanced skill set and high ceiling, Gillum is poised to make an immediate impact at the high school level.     Josiah is a rapidly rising prospect in the 2029 class, known for his elite handle and competitive edge. He uses change of pace and speed masterfully to create separation, making him tough to contain off the dribble. Akognon plays with relentless energy on both ends of the floor, often letting his defensive intensity spark his offensive production. He features a strong finishing package around the rim and a consistent perimeter jumper, which he can get off quickly — whether off the catch or the bounce. With his skill, toughness, and all-around game, Akognon is quickly emerging as one of the top young guards to watch.     Jacob enters St. Thomas Aquinas this fall riding the momentum of a strong spring and summer. One of the more promising bigs in the 2029 class, McCullough blends physicality with skill and a high long-term ceiling. He's a force in the paint, using his strong frame and impressive wingspan to control the interior on both ends. Whether it's rebounding, setting hard screens, or protecting the rim, McCullough consistently does the little things that impact winning. Offensively, he shows advanced touch for his size — capable of playing with his back to the basket while also knocking down perimeter shots with range. With his combination of strength, skill, and upside, McCullough is a name to watch closely in the coming years.     Amari is a smooth, skilled guard who continues to gain attention heading into the fall. Known for his elite shooting ability, Parga has a quick, balanced release and deep range, making him a constant perimeter threat. He's equally effective off the dribble, getting downhill with ease and using contact to create space for his strong mid-range pull-up. Parga also finishes well at the rim, showing the ability to extend around help defenders and score with touch. With his scoring versatility and poised approach, Parga is firmly on the radar as one of the more dynamic guards in his class.     Kipton may be the best pure shooter in the state of Kansas. With unlimited range and a lightning-quick release, Smith is a constant threat to score the moment he crosses half court. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations, always staying shot-ready and showcasing elite mechanics and confidence. Beyond his shooting, Smith has made noticeable strides physically and athletically. He plays with excellent pace in transition and shows improved body control, consistently getting to two feet in the paint to make composed finishes or reads. With his shooting prowess and growing all-around game, Smith is emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons around as he enters high school.     Deaven is an emerging point guard prospect with significant long-term upside. He plays with excellent pace and feel, consistently navigating defenses and making advanced reads that elevate his team's offensive performance. Carr-Cooper thrives in ball screen situations, getting into the paint where he showcases a wide range of finishes and creative passing. Over the past few months, he's also made notable strides as a perimeter shooter -- adding another layer to his offensive game and making him more difficult to guard. With his vision, composure, and growing skill set, Carr-Cooper is quickly establishing himself as a high-upside lead guard to watch.     Maze is one of the top ball handlers in the 2029 class, showcasing elite control and creativity with the ball in his hands. He keeps his dribble alive under pressure, consistently breaking down defenders and forcing help rotations with his ability to create off the bounce. What sets Maze apart is his vision -- he sees passing windows two to three seconds ahead, allowing him to deliver high-level reads and elevate the play of those around him. As a scorer, he's consistent from both the mid-range and the perimeter, often favoring step-backs in isolation situations where he creates space with ease. With his advanced handle, vision, and scoring ability, Maze is quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic guards in his class.     Jovan may be one of the more underrated names on this list, but he's poised to make a strong impression at Sunrise Christian this winter. His game took a major leap over the summer, showcasing his natural scoring ability and improved feel in both transition and half-court settings. Welch is a confident perimeter shooter with a smooth, consistent stroke -- often hunting his shot and forcing aggressive closeouts. He complements that with a crafty finishing game around the basket, using both hands and a mix of floaters and touch finishes in the restricted area. With his ability to score at all three levels and play with poise, Welch is a breakout candidate to watch closely this season.     Hunter is a passionate, high-motor guard who makes a clear impact on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he thrives in full-court pressure, using his quickness and anticipation to force turnovers and disrupt opposing ball handlers. Offensively, Junior is at his best in transition, where his elite speed allows him to beat defenders down the floor and finish creatively at the rim -- often showcasing smooth scoop finishes with either hand. He also has a quick, confident catch-and-shoot jumper from the perimeter, keeping defenses honest in the half-court. With his energy, toughness, and two-way presence, Hunter brings an edge to the game and consistently lifts the level of those around him.

With several standout prospects, the class of 2029 is poised to make waves in high school basketball — watch for these rising players to leave their mark early this winter.