Class of 2029 Rankings: The Top 5 in Kentucky

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first official ranking for Kentucky's Class of 2029 is here. This initial list highlights over 100 prospects from across the Bluegrass State. Keep in mind, these rankings are only a starting point and a projection based on college potential, not just a player's current ability. The list will continue to grow and evolve with each update. Here's a look at the "Top 5"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1060383"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bef58c6f3d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The one and only [player_tooltip player_id='1060383' first='Jayden' last='McClain'] claims the No. 1 spot in our initial Class of 2029 rankings. At 6'6, the 14-year-old phenom and youngest-ever Bluestar 30 selection has already made her mark on Kentucky girls basketball. Last season with the Ryle Lady Raiders, she averaged 10.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while setting the school's single-season blocks record with 128. McClain showed flashes of being an elite shot blocker and high level rebounder, but could also make a case as the best three-point shooting big in the state. With a plethora of Power 4 offers already on the table, it will be fascinating to see where she lands nationally among the top 2029 prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050509"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bef58c6f48f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at No.2 is another member of the exclusive Bluestar 30 club, [player_tooltip player_id='1050509' first='Charlotte' last='McCurry']. An all-everything guard, she impacts the game in a myriad of ways. She can score, rebound, defend, and make plays for others. Last season, she averaged 22.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, surpassed 1,000 career points, and earned All-Region and All-Area First Team honors for John Hardin. Charlotte then turned heads on the Adidas Circuit playing up with Lady Phenom United 16U, where she was named to the 16U All-Circuit Second Team. Entering her freshman season with four Division I offers in hand, she projects as a future high-major prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050025"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bef58c6f502"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At No.3 on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='1050025' first='Kennedy' last='Deener']. As an 8th grader she played a pivotal role in guiding Taylor County to a historic season that included a 25-9 record, 20th District and 5th Region championships, and the program's first Sweet 16 state tournament appearance in more than 40 years. Kennedy has a competitive edge you simply can't teach. She's extremely good at getting to the rim, can take on contact and finish, and shoots it really well from the mid-range and from three. After averaging a team-leading 19 points per game with impressive 48/42/82 shooting splits and picking up two Division I offers over the summer, she looks poised to once again be the catalyst for the Lady Cardinals' success as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903256"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bef58c6f5d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We have [player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide'] as the No.4 freshman in Kentucky. A fearless scorer who can shoot it from the perimeter at an exceptionally good clip, also has tremendous playmaking skills, and always looks to make her presence felt on the defensive end. During the 2024–25 season, Tamia averaged 12 points per game and was instrumental in the Lady Broncos success, helping them win the 42nd District title and their second 11th Region championship in three years, while also reaching the quarterfinals of the Sweet 16. With a Division I offer already in her bag along with all sorts of upside, she is definitely a name to watch moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203721"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bef58c6f633"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding out the top 5 is [player_tooltip player_id='1203721' first='Callie' last='Jones']. A 5'10 guard with a great feel for the game and a high basketball IQ. A steady contributor all season, she averaged 8.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for South Laurel, one of the top teams in the 13th Region. Jones played a key role in helping the Lady Cardinals capture the 50th District title and advance to the region championship game. While she has proven three-level scoring ability, it's her defensive impact that truly sets her apart. A true two-way player with high upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->