2029 Ranking Update: Big Risers

Several new players were added to the Georgia state rankings almost doubling the total number of players from 60 to 100. It can be rare to see a lot of movement at the very top of any rankings, but with players in the '29 class still young with their games developing the fluidity should not be a shock. Zoe Williams jumped one place into the top three after a very impressive start the travel ball season, including an overtime win over [program_tooltip program_id='1237402' first='HER' last='Elite'] where she led her team in scoring. Others came from outside of the top ten to claim their spots. Some moved up from further back in the rankings closer to the a coveted top ten spot. All are deserving of the rise in their rankings and earned their recognition.    Saige is not stranger to leading the orchestra filled with future division one players as she helped lead Hebron to a state championship with players like Gabby Minus, Mariah Nelson, and Kobi Barnes. Her travel ball team, [program_tooltip program_id='1237402' first='HER' last='Elite'] 16U EYBL, is full of players who will play at the division one level, some at the highest level possible in college. Walker has been excellent with both, but really stepped her game up at Peach Games and was one of the best players in the 16U division. She is a player who can do it all on offense herself, while also making her teammates shine.     Safari was knocking on the door of the top ten at the end of the high school season with Langston Hughes. Her size and length combined with [program_tooltip program_id='1237402' first='HER' last='Elite'] athleticism give Underdue the physical tools to play at the Power Four level in college. Her continued offensive development is evident when you watch her play. She is becoming more and more consistent scoring around the rim and expanding her game to the midrange and beyond. Her play at Live at Lakepoint drew the interest of multiple teams in the SEC, with one school extending a silent offer to Safari and coach Bernard Pitts.     Needom is a player whose size you simply cannot coach. There are not very many girls in the country, let alone the state of Georgia who are that tall and play the sport. Needom was viewed as a raw project a year or so ago when I first heard about her. Her development has seemingly come quicker and easier than first anticipated. She has good touch with her left hand and footwork that keeps getting better. Defensively she is already having a major impact blocking and deterring shots at the rim. Sarah received her first division one offer in March from Providence College and coach Erin Batth. Following the live periods Needom also received offers Division one schools George Mason and Florida, her first SEC offer.     Niya had a remarkable freshman season at Commerce, coming from out of state with little to no fan fair because no one knew who she was as a transplant from New Jersey. When February rolled around and AAU teams were being formed she was a hot commodity amongst program directors before landing with [program_tooltip program_id='713173' first='Wood' last='Elite']. Niya has played up on on of their 17U teams with consistency and success. No matter the age of the opposition, her leaping ability to pair with her size eleviates any experience difference. She is a natural shot blocker who I have seen dominate the boards at times. Offensively, she is very good finishing around the rim with her left hand while also possessing the ability to step out and knock down shots from the perimeter.     I recently got to watch Kennedi pretty close over the course of several games at Brawl at the Palms. She is playing 17U for [program_tooltip program_id='1237402' first='HER' last='Elite'] EYCL team two years up and was very impressive in doing so. Carter moves like a guard, with ease and fluidity at six feet tall with the ability to explode off the ground and finish, snatch rebounds out of the air, and score over defenders. She did a really nice job anticipating shots and passes on the defensive end as well as missed shots coming off the rim before getting into the area and securing the ball. Carter looked good with the ball in her hands in positions to score going and over defenders before finishing smoothly in the paint. She is a player who could easily find herself ranked even higher after the next update with continued stellar play.     Kendrix has had a very stellar travel ball campaign running the point for [program_tooltip program_id='713508' first='Team' last='Elite 3SSB']'s 15U team. Coming off a consistent year off the bench running the point for Carrolton, her confidence seems to be on a high. She has had very good performances against teams like [program_tooltip program_id='713173' first='Wood' last='Elite'], showing off her playmaking and shotmaking abilities while running the offense for her team. Harlow has very good handles which she flashes when necessary and efficiently runs the offense with very few turnovers or forced shots. She has a very bright future ahead. Her experience playing on the Adidas circuit with [player_tooltip player_id='1226988' first='Peyton' last='Frazier'] will make her a much better player in the next few years as well. Kendrix is definitely a player to watch in the 2029 class.     Ava has the size and frame college coaches look for in post players as a rising sophomore already. She has very good and hands and good, developing foot work. Her ranking and interest from several division one colleges is based off potential. She is far from the finished product, however the signs are that she not only wants to be that good, but is putting in the necessary work. She has improved dramatically over the past year and moved much closer to prospect and not just potential however. Against some of the best post players in the south for Whitefield Academy, who also happened to be older, Ava more than held her own. She also showed improving agility and quickness when I saw her team play at Lakepoint. You cannot coach six feet four, but you can coach a kid who is willing to work and learn. Ava appears to be all of those things and on a good track to live up to all the potential.

Several new players were added to the Georgia state rankings almost doubling the total number of players from 60 to 100. It can be rare to see a lot of movement at the very top of any rankings, but with players in the '29 class still young with their games developing the fluidity should not be a shock. Zoe Williams jumped one place into the top three after a very impressive start the travel ball season, including an overtime win over HER Elite where she led her team in scoring. Others came from outside of the top ten to claim their spots. Some moved up from further back in the rankings closer to the a coveted top ten spot. All are deserving of the rise in their rankings and earned their recognition.