An Introduction to 2029 Forwards/Posts

Brandon Bradley July 22, 2025 @ 06:26 AM

For the first time in about three years, back in June we launched the initial watchlist for the incoming Freshman class. It was our common practice to release the names of a few incoming Freshmen during our Summer updates, but over the past couple of years we had waited until the Freshman Showcase in September was completed before addressing the Freshmen for the first time. Our recent release included 40 members of the 2029 class, arranged alphabetically, and while we attempted to do our best at identifying the top prospects in the class, we surely missed a few who will be added as we expand that list this September during our Fall update. Below is a look at a handful of forward & post prospects who stand out at this time.   .   [player_tooltip player_id='1263949' first='Cora' last='Loveless'], 2029, 6-1 PF, West Lafayette H.S. - Because of her age, Cora is likely still growing, but she has a very intriguing game already. She is extremely long, wiry, and bouncy. She can handle the ball, shoot it a little facing the basket to the 3-point line, and she definitely isn't a post. She will need to quickly adjust to the physicality of the Varsity game, but she could very well affect the Varsity level as a Freshman in 2025-2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263958' first='Leighton' last='O'Connor'], 2029, 6-1 PF, Ben Davis H.S. - I was able to see Leighton for the first time at the IBCA shootout in mid-June, and she is one of several taller young prospects for the Lady Giants who could contribute immediately. What I like about her is, she has a lot of length, some bounce, and some skill, but she also tries to play physical with a wiry frame. She'll get inside to rebound & defend, plus she is a nice shot-blocker.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263970' first='Natalie' last='Whelan-Edwards'], 2029, 6-3 C/PF, Carmel H.S. - Natalie is rare in this class, because she can play a more traditional post role, but she also has the skill and versatile to play facing the basket, also. She has good size, some strength, long arms, and she plays with a nice motor. She can score around the paint and defend inside with her size, but she also possesses some touch and a good understanding of the game while playing out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263971' first='McKenzie' last='White'], 2029, 6-1 C, Fort Wayne Snider H.S. - Kenzie is more of the "bully" of the group, as she is a big, powerful, physical people-mover inside. She establishes position early and doesn't relinquish it, she has soft hands and solid footwork, and she can score it in a variety of ways from the pivot. At the same time, she has nice touch in the mid-post and can bury shots from there. She also protects the paint solidly with her size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263977' first='Malia' last='Williams'], 2029, 6-1 PF/C, Homestead H.S. - Malia might be the lesser-known statewide of this group but the most intriguing. She has a strong, almost muscular, athletic frame, a little bounce, and she can get out and run or play physical down low. She has broad shoulders and some length, and she can score it from the mid-post or take smaller defenders to the block. She's also a versatile, hard-working defender/rebounder.

For the first time in about three years, back in June we launched the initial watchlist for the incoming Freshman class. It was our common practice to release the names of a few incoming Freshmen during our Summer updates, but over the past couple of years we had waited until the Freshman Showcase in September was completed before addressing the Freshmen for the first time. Our recent release included 40 members of the 2029 class, arranged alphabetically, and while we attempted to do our best at identifying the top prospects in the class, we surely missed a few who will be added as we expand that list this September during our Fall update. Below is a look at a handful of forward & post prospects who stand out at this time.