Updated Class of 2029 Rankings: The Top 5 Of The Pack

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/illinois/rankings/2029-watch-list/"><strong>The 2029 class</strong> </a>is still young, and this update reflects where things stand at this point in the cycle. Evaluation is ongoing, and players with official offers will take precedence over those without, especially this early. With limited exposure and development still ahead, what shows up on the surface often carries more weight than what we haven't had the chance to fully evaluate yet. That will change over time. For now, here are the top five players in the 2029 class.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["954119"],"_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-6977ab870805d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Johnson's trajectory already places her among the top players nationally, which makes her statewide talent stand out on a different level. Even early in her career, it's clear that her off-court work has been a major priority. She's sharp in her movements, with the frame to get through contact and the athleticism to get around or finish over defenders. Yes, there is still work that can be done, but there's nothing but time on her side. As of now.. she is in her own realm. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884801"],"_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-6977ab87080d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Gage has been a seamless addition to an already established program. From a skill standpoint, she's ahead of most in her class, but what stands out is her ability to shift roles for this team. Operating as a second or third option hasn't limited her impact. It's highlighted her versatility. She shows real combo guard traits, can hurt you off the ball as a cutter or wing, and understands when to blend in versus when to take over. That adaptability matters, and it's the type of trait college coaches value early. High potential. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1243323"],"_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-6977ab8708127"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>So smooth, so patient, yet aggressive. Calhoun has had quite the year so far, and in most games, the consistent piece has been her awareness of how to be effective without doing too much. She can be ball dominant for five straight possessions, then play off the ball for three to four, and the energy level doesn't decline. The skill set is still sharpening as she continues to play high level competition, but her trajectory is high. A player to truly keep your eye on in this state.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["875084"],"_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-6977ab8708177"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>All the physical attributes are there... and if she isn't done growing, both in strength and height-wise, then Taft has a special talent on their hands. James skillset is solid from all levels, but there's a high level of confidence, especially in the midrange. She isn't afraid to rise and shoot, or fake and finish at the rim. But defensively is where she's going to continue to make her mark, as the offensive side fills out. At this point, all things point to a D1 prospect.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257515"],"_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-6977ab87081c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Noble has been patient waiting for her moment to shine on the varsity level, but the skillset and overall potential that she has have not changed. This kid is fundamentally sound and has a different feel and pace to the game that most players at this age don't get till they're 2-3 seasons deep in their HS career. With her program being deep with talent, most people will overlook it, but when the AAU season kicks off, you need to be front court for [program_tooltip program_id='712517' first='Full' last='Package'] games. She will turn heads and keep coaches watching. High potential. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/illinois/rankings/2029-watch-list/">CLASS OF 2029 RANKINGS</a></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->