These 2029 Underdogs Are Building Something Special

In Oregon hoops, some names dominate the headlines. But beneath the noise, a quieter group is building something special: the underdog Class of 2029. These players aren't always the flashiest or the highest-ranked, but they bring skill, heart, and a relentless work ethic that can't be ignored. They're the ones who grind every day, grow every game, and push their teams forward.   This isn't just about potential, it's about players already making waves in gyms across the state, ready to rise and reshape the future of Oregon basketball. The grind never stops, and this class is coming fast.    [player_tooltip player_id='1208220' first='Zoe' last='Sanders'], a 5'8" guard in the 2029 class from Sherwood, Oregon, features prominently on the [program_tooltip program_id='1035055' first='Northwest' last='Select'] roster. Her combination of quickness and court awareness makes her a key facilitator. She's not the loudest on the floor, but always the most effective. Zoe sees passing angles before they open, tipping the offense into flow and creating rhythm without forcing the issue. She plays with calmness under pressure, maintains control in the roughest moments, and thrives in motion-based sets that depend on timing and IQ. On defense, she's disruptive and disciplined, using anticipation and length to bother ball-handlers and break momentum. What makes her one of the most underrated names in Oregon hoops is how she changes the game without chasing stats she sets up others, ignites shifts, and consistently makes the right play. [player_tooltip player_id='1208220' first='Zoe' last='Sanders'] isn't just part of the overlooked class of 2029, she might be the engine.     Sa'reiyelle Carstens-Cornwell is a sharp-shooting guard in Oregon's 2029 class known for her length, scoring ability, and basketball IQ. She uses smart off-ball movement to find open spots and consistently knocks down shots with calm confidence. At the same time, Sa'reiyelle brings an aggressive defensive presence, using her length and anticipation to disrupt opposing offenses. She plays with poise beyond her years, balancing scoring and team play without forcing the game. Her ability to push the pace and read defenses makes her a consistent threat in transition and half-court sets alike. What sets her apart is her relentless work ethic and growth mindset she's not content to be good; she's determined to be great. Sa'reiyelle is quietly shaping up to be one of Oregon's most reliable scoring options in the class of 2029.     [player_tooltip player_id='1264985' first='Brynlee' last='Young'] standing at 5'5" leads the Crater High backcourt as a poised Class of 2029 point guard. Her acceleration off the bounce instantly puts opponents on their heels, and her ability to slice seams with precision makes her an immediate threat. Brynlee sees the floor and delivers crisp, on-time passes, shifting defenses without telegraphing a read. Her game isn't built on volume it's built on efficiency and court sense. She trusts herself under pressure and maintains pace even when defenders ratchet up intensity. On the defensive end, Brynlee's quick feet and instincts allow her to disrupt the ball and set the tone. She's the kind of guard whose presence elevates the entire roster not flashy, but essential. When Crater needs calm control and sharp execution, [player_tooltip player_id='1264985' first='Brynlee' last='Young'] is the engine that keeps everything rolling.     Emily Pillars, a 5′10″ forward from Oregon City in the Class of 2029, brings a versatile edge to every lineup. Standing at 5′10″, she operates with both muscle and finesse crashing the boards, basting through contact, and finishing with purpose around the rim. Emily's feel for spacing gives her the ability to step into perimeter shots and stretch defenses when defenses drop. She sees the floor well off the catch, showing subtle passing instincts that shift offense into motion. Defensively, she controls the glass and denies easy angles, using positioning and effort to tilt matchups. Off-season she joined FBC Oregon Flight, enhancing her polish in elite flow-based systems. Across each possession, Emily plays with a steady confidence her game is grounded in smart reads and physical presence, not flair. She's one of the most reliable, still-growing options in Oregon's 2029 class, and her two-way impact is quietly taking over.     [player_tooltip player_id='1264962' first='Aubrey' last='Pentecost'] stands at 6′1″ and commands the floor as a power forward in Oregon's Class of 2029. She impacts both ends with physicality and smarts, locking down opponents with tough rim protection and dominating rebounds. Offensively, Aubrey finishes through contact with strength and confidence, while also extending her range to hit consistent mid-range and three-point shots. Her basketball IQ shows in how she reads defenses and makes smart decisions in transition and half-court sets. Aubrey's energy is steady and infectious, the kind that changes momentum without needing to showboat. She's not just filling a role, she's shaping how games unfold. As one of Nelson's most reliable two-way players, Aubrey is a quietly relentless force whose impact grows with every possession.    These players make up Oregon's overlooked Class of 2029: the grinders, the quiet catalysts, the ones building their game without the national spotlight. They bring skill, IQ, and a relentless work ethic that don't always show up on highlight reels but shift games and change lineups. This isn't just the future of Oregon hoops, it's the now. Stay locked in and follow the journey.   For the real, unfiltered take on who's rising next, hit me up at @TravisDresslerScout on Instagram, or drop a comment right here.

In Oregon hoops, some names dominate the headlines. But beneath the noise, a quieter group is building something special: the underdog Class of 2029. These players aren't always the flashiest or the highest-ranked, but they bring skill, heart, and a relentless work ethic that can't be ignored. They're the ones who grind every day, grow every game, and push their teams forward.