Player Rankings Update: 2029 New Additions

Wise has steadily carved out a larger role as his freshman season has progressed, and the trajectory continues to point up. The left-handed guard provides an immediate scoring punch on the perimeter, with shot-making flashes that suggest real long-term upside. He has good positional size for the backcourt and moves fluidly, allowing him to impact the game beyond scoring. Wise rebounds his position well and competes defensively, consistently contesting shots around the rim. As his confidence and consistency grow, his ability to stretch defenses and play within the flow should make him a reliable two-way piece.     Townsend is an impressive tweener whose versatility immediately stands out. Comfortable playing inside or out, he attacks effectively from the wing, creates off the bounce, and knocks down the three at a steady clip. He's particularly tough around the rim, using body control and touch to finish through traffic. Townsend moves smoothly when changing speeds and directions, which makes him difficult to stay in front of. Defensively, his positional flexibility and switchability give him real value, projecting as a multi-positional defender who can impact both ends of the floor.     Whitaker is an explosive two-guard built to absorb contact, with physical tools that translate well to the next level. He thrives as a secondary creator, capitalizing on tilted defenses and turning advantages into easy points. His athleticism pops immediately—elite bounce and strong two-foot explosion allow him to play above the rim. The outside shot continues to trend upward and is becoming a dependable weapon. Whitaker shows comfort playing both on and off the ball and is making noticeable strides as a decision-maker, rounding out his offensive profile.     Pettway has benefited from a recent growth spurt heading into his freshman season, adding intrigue to his long-term outlook. He brings a big frame with soft hands and nimble feet, allowing him to score efficiently with his back to the basket. Beyond his interior game, Pettway has shown growing comfort stepping away from the rim, emerging as a pick-and-pop forward with legitimate three-point range. As his conditioning and confidence continue to improve, his blend of size, touch, and expanding skill set makes him one to monitor closely.     Thompson is a versatile combo-forward who impacts the game in multiple ways. He rebounds his area, defends with effort, and brings a diverse offensive skill set. Offensively, he's comfortable shooting off the dribble in the mid-range and finishing through contact inside. His length paired with vertical pop allows him to play above the rim, while defensively he flashes as a weak-side eraser. Thompson scores effectively as a cutter and straight-line slasher, and as his handle continues to tighten, his overall offensive ceiling rises significantly.     Nelson is a three-level scorer who consistently puts pressure on the defense. He connects from deep, uses floaters effectively, and finishes coast-to-coast in transition. Nelson gets to his pull-up jumper and plays with an attacking mindset, drawing fouls and living at the free-throw line. His balanced scoring approach has helped diversify Hebron Christian's offense, giving the Lions another dynamic weapon. In a short amount of time since his move from Middle Georgia to Metro, Nelson has already established himself as one of the more impactful freshmen in the state.     Moore's smooth athleticism and well-rounded offensive package project well over the next four years. He scores from all three levels and does so with consistent activity and energy. Moore has a knack for filling up the box score, contributing as both a scorer and playmaker. He's a reliable three-point shooter and brings high-alert defensive instincts that translate into winning plays. His ability to make an impact off the bench adds value now, with room to grow into a larger role moving forward.     Richardson has been a bright spot for Jackson County, showing poise and confidence well beyond his years. The freshman guard plays with savvy, brings pace to the backcourt, and stretches the floor as a capable outside shooter. He adds speed and creativity, making him effective in both transition and half-court settings. Developing more comfort attacking with his left hand will further diversify his game and make him a tougher cover. His one-dribble pull-up jumper is already a weapon and a foundational piece of his scoring arsenal.