An Introduction to 2029 Guards

Brandon Bradley July 5, 2025 @ 08:44 PM

For the first time in about three years, Monday we launched the initial watchlist for the incoming Freshmen class in June. 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 guard prospects who stand out at this time.   .   [player_tooltip player_id='1050683' first='Laine' last='Lyles'], 2029, 5-10 PG, Culver Academy - Laine will be an exciting prospect new to Indiana this Winter. She comes to Culver Academy from Tennessee, where she has earned a reputation as a playmaker growing up. She is athletic, strong for her age, and she changes directions with ease. She has been a scoring guard/wing at times, but I think she will ultimately be a scoring point guard at the next level. She was electric for the Eagles during June, and she should more than make up for the loss of Kayla Herron (2027), who moved back to Illinois this Spring.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263952' first='Savayah' last='Mitchell'], 2029, 5-8 CG, Pike H.S. - I understand the sensitivity in comparing a female hooper to a male, but in this case, I want to compare one Pike ballplayer to another. Where Savayah is in her skillful development and understanding of the game, it reminds me of former Red Devil and Notre Dame star, Chris Thomas. She has such a mature feel for the game, she has tirelessly worked on developing her skillset, and she can play on or off the ball as a shooter, a scorer, or a facilitator. Additionally, she competes every position, and she will defend.   [player_tooltip player_id='1166593' first='Jillian' last='Sanderson'], 2029, 5-9 PG, High School TBD - For the second time in this article alone, I would like to welcome you to another ballplayer who is on her way to Indiana from Tennessee. She is reportedly looking to move to the South Bend area, and there are two specific schools of note she is considering. She is a strong-for-her-age, athletic, and skillful lead guard who already possesses MAC interest/offers. She is an effective shooter when she's able to get set and find rhythm, plus she is an effortful and savvy defender. Look for her to make noise here soon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263966' first='Jordyn' last='Suggs'], 2029, 5-9 SG, Lawrence North H.S. - The Lady Wildcats are down their top four scorers due to transfer and graduation, plus they lost four additional 2025s to graduation as well. That means there should be a youth movement on the Northeast side of Indianapolis, and Jordyn could be key to their success. She is a strong, aggressive wing scorer who uses her frame to draw contact as she attacks the basket. She has good vision and the ability to find teammates, plus she can even initiate the offense. She will also rebound and defend multiple positions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263967' first='Lillia' last='Tapak'], 2029, 5-9 PG, Center Grove H.S. - The Tapak name is familiar to the South side of Indianapolis, as Lillia's father, Ryan, starred at Perry Meridian High School and then later went on to play at Indiana University. Lillia is a long, wiry, smooth lefty who has really worked on her ball skill to the point she can go either direction equally well, she passes with both hands, and she can get into the paint and finish over 'bigs' with a runner/floater from either hand. Additionally, she is a very good rhythm shooter, plus she uses her length well defensively.

For the first time in about three years, Monday we launched the initial watchlist for the incoming Freshmen class in June. 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 guard prospects who stand out at this time.