Ragland had two productive games on Friday in wins for the Hawks. Ragland posted 8 points and 7 rebounds against DeMatha and 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in a win over Bullis School. The highly touted rising sophomore has a unique combination of strength, skill, toughness and feel for the game. He is a versatile scorer, rebounds at a high rate and competes at the defensive end.

Ragland is one of the nation’s top forwards in the 2029 class. The rising sophomore has a unique combination strength, skill, toughness and feel for the game. He is a versatile scorer, rebounds at a high rate and competes on the defensive end of the floor.

When Highland rolls our their starting lineup with Ragland being one of the taller players, the easy assumption is that they’ll get dominated in the paint. That’s far from the truth. Ragland is one of the strongest players in the area and uses that brute strength and excellent lower body strength to hold and maintain leverage on the block that prohibits opposing bigs from burying him under the rim. He has more pop playing off two feet than you’d think and he’ll quickly showcase that in the dunker’s spot on dump-offs where he punches two-hand flushes with authority. Ragland also has the ability to step outside and knock down three’s with space and did so at a 37 percent clip (19 attempts) last weekend. He’d finish his four-game showing averaging 10.3PPG, 5.2RPG and 2.5APG on a Highland team that plays with great balance throughout.

One of the state’s top freshmen, Ragland is a skilled and physical forward who combines strength, toughness, and a high basketball IQ with consistent production on both ends of the floor. A versatile scorer, he can impact the game in multiple ways offensively while also rebounding at a high rate and bringing a strong competitive edge defensively. Ragland plays with maturity and feel beyond his years, and a combination of skill, motor, and versatility. He is playing this spring with DC Assault on the New Balance P32 circuit.

Brayden Ragland Brayden Ragland 6'6" | PF Highland School | 2029 State VA is a young rising sophomore for Highland School, playing his AAU basketball for DC Assault. The first thing that stands out for Ragland is his physical maturity at his age. He’s 6 feet 6 and built like a senior. This gives him an already high floor while he puts his skill set together. He’s shown flashes of a developed back-to-the-basket game along with improved ball handling and shooting ability from the mid-range and three. Due to his physicality, he draws alot of double teams due to his overwhelming nature. I’m looking for him to improve his court mapping and add some more post moves. Overall a well rounded player with alot to like thus far.

Even in a loss, Brayden Ragland Brayden Ragland 6'6" | PF Highland School | 2029 State VA made it clear why he’s a focal point for DC Assault.

Ragland is a physically strong and skilled prospect. He brings a blend of shooting, athleticism, and toughness. This combination makes him difficult to contain. He can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. He’s equally comfortable attacking inside. He finishes above the rim with ease.

Ragland logged heavy minutes and maintained a high motor throughout, continuing to compete on every possession. He rebounds well, plays through contact, and shows the ability to impact the game on both ends.

He is remarkably versatile. He can score at multiple levels. He adapts to different situations within the game. With his physical tools and skillset, he has a very high ceiling.

Ragland is the type of prospect who will continue to be in conversations nationally as his development continues.

Probably the most productive member of the state’s 2029 class at this stage of his career, Ragland used his strength, skill, toughness, and basketball IQ to help lead Highland School to an MPSC Championship. The freshman is a versatile scorer who can produce from anywhere on the floor—comfortable posting on the block, attacking off the dribble from the perimeter, and knocking down open shots from beyond the arc. He rebounds at a high rate and competes defensively, bringing a physical, winning presence that stands out for his age.

There were plenty of fun individual matchups heading into this game, but none lived up the hype quite like the top 2029 prospects from Maryland and Virginia meeting in the paint. Ragland, who will likely debut as the top freshman in VA, brings extreme versatility as a 6-foot-6 forward who can guard opposing fives thanks to his sturdy frame and ability to demand leverage. In this head-to-head matchup against Nas Abraham Nas Abraham 6'9" | PF/C Clinton Grace | 2029 State MD , Ragland’s ability to play on the perimeter off the catch would come in handy, but when he got his touches on the block he played well through contact and brought a bruising presence on the defensive end while maintaining legal guarding position. Ragland’s effort would result in a critical double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Ragland has is off to a great start to his freshman season for Highland. The 6’6 forward has inside/outside versatility at the offensive end and uses his strength and athleticism to be a force in the paint. The freshman is a productive rebounder and is making a major impact in the Elite Prep League for the Hawks

Ragland is a young prospect with clear long-term upside. He displays strong IQ and awareness, consistently making smart reads and understanding how to impact the game within the flow. Offensively, he’s already showing the ability to score from multiple levels, giving glimpses of a versatile skill set that will only expand as he continues to grow and develop. Ragland’s foundation and feel make him a name to watch in the 2029 class on a national level.