Other 2029s to Know Heading Into the AAU Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, I highlighted a few players to keep an eye on in the 2028 class as we head into the AAU season. Today, we're looking at some players to learn about before this spring and summer, following their sophomore high school season. Now, let's look at some 2029s to learn about as we inch closer to the first live period of the AAU season coming up in a few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221076' first='Ava' last='McCarthy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a presence of mind that McCarthy brings to the floor that you appreciate the more you watch her play. Nothing seemed to bother her in her first season of high school basketball, and she even sank a game-winning three-pointer in a high-pressure conference matchup. She could play in the game with the most possible pressure you could put on a 14 or 15-year-old, and she'd make it look like a non-conference game in December. She isn't flashy by any means, but she is a productive two-way player who will only improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874411' first='Ella' last='Grable']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New London didn't play a major role for the Bulldogs this past season, which makes me almost more eager to see her play. Some flashes will catch your attention anytime she plays. She's a rangey left-handed wing who can knock down perimeter shots, even if it looks slightly unconventional, but she has the burst to put pressure on the basket and get downhill. She has the physical tools to perk some college coaches' attention this spring and summer, even if that doesn't mean she picks up dozens of offers, people will know who she is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1227879' first='Annie' last='Dean']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Dean play one game for DSHA and loved what she brought to the floor. She is a physical four with an excellent motor, which allows her to make plays without needing plays run for her. She attacks the boards hard for a player her age and has been productive at creating second-chance points in her minutes. Players who can do all the little things and do all the dirty work can stick out in a setting where that sort of thing is more amplified.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A'Niya Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Milwaukee native had a solid first season at Milwaukee Academy of Science by playing off some of the established talent already there. Jones didn't have to do everything, and she got to focus on playing hard, rebounding, and helping generate live-ball turnovers defensively. I was impressed by how hard she played every minute she was on the floor, and I am eager to see her in a different setting with different players around her this spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->