Fresh Faces: 2029 Forwards Pt2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each year that surpasses it allows us to learn about new, bright and young talent entering the helm of high school basketball. The Kansas City and surrounding areas has some of the best young talent in the country that are waiting burst on the scene and take their rightful place. This article will take a look at some of top forwards in the 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://go.teamsnap.com/8553879/roster/player/111341334">Mela Budgetts</a> - 5'9, Forward, Ray Pec High School, KC Dream</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mela is a versatile forward who can impact the game both on the perimeter and in the paint. She's effective catching on the wing, ripping through, and getting downhill to finish with either hand. She also displays a reliable mid-range jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the strongest aspects of her game is her low-post presence—she has excellent footwork and a deep arsenal of moves that allow her to score efficiently on the block. Defensively, she is disciplined and fundamentally sound, and she contributes consistently on the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="http://www.hudl.com/profiles/feed-user/3-28911509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jadeyn Logan</a> - 5'8, Forward, Blue Springs High School, Lady Mentality </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jadeyn is a high-energy, high-motor player who brings intensity to every possession. She's constantly active on both the offensive and defensive glass and always seems to be around the ball. Defensively, she is relentless—using her lateral quickness and physicality to apply strong on-ball pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In transition, she runs the floor well to create easy scoring opportunities, and she's a strong, confident finisher around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hadley Shumate - 5'8, Forward, Pembroke Hill, KC Dream </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shumate is an energetic, hard-nosed defender who takes pride in doing the little things that impact winning. She's a phenomenal rebounder on both ends of the floor and generates plenty of easy baskets through put-backs. Offensively, she shows good range on her jumper and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaiana Bruner - 5'8, Forward, Oak Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruner is an athletic forward with significant potential and upside. She's quick off her feet and an impressive leaper, which elevates her effectiveness as both a rebounder and shot blocker. Offensively, she finishes well around the rim and excels in transition. She's also a strong downhill driver, particularly when attacking with her dominant hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you'd like it to match a specific tone—scouting report, social media caption, or coach's evaluation—I can tailor it further!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225547' first='Zalina' last='Brutsman'] - 5'9, Forward, St. Joe Central, MO Phenom </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic, solid, and speedy forward, she runs the floor well in transition and shows intriguing versatility. She's strong on the glass and has the ability to grab a rebound and initiate the break herself. Defensively, she's reliable both inside and on the perimeter, demonstrating the mobility and awareness to guard multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->