2029 Rankings Update: Top End Talent

New York's Class of 2029 is loaded with top end talent, with several players poised to emerge on the national stage. This rankings update was extremely close, with very little separation among the top players after considering every factor in the evaluation. Several have a legitimate claim to the number one spot. As they enter their sophomore seasons, expectations are high, and I'm excited to see who takes the next step and separates themselves in what has the potential to be a special class.    Gabija slots in as the No. 1 prospect in New York, with a combination of size, length, and versatility that gives her one of the highest ceilings in the class. Her most impactful skill is her rim protection, where her length and timing allow her to alter shots and control space around the basket. Offensively, she has feel and touch around the rim and has shown encouraging growth with Exodus as a floor spacer and facilitator from the high post. The next step is developing stronger footwork on the block while becoming more consistent from beyond the arc.     Criss is a skilled lead guard with ball control, deep-range shooting, and strong court vision. She changes direction sharply off the dribble and maintains control when navigating pressure or attacking gaps. Her strength allows her to absorb contact, bump defenders on drives, and finish effectively in traffic. Criss has smooth, compact shooting mechanics with natural range beyond the arc, forcing defenders to overcommit.     Thomas is a dynamic point guard who dominated the summer circuit, earning numerous accolades along the way. What separates her is the combination of court vision, pace manipulation, and three-level scoring. She changes speeds and direction effectively, forcing defenders out of position before attacking gaps or creating for herself or her teammates. Her ability to thread passes through tight windows adds another dimension to her playmaking. Thomas continues to develop as both a scorer and facilitator and has established herself as one of the top guards in New York's 2029 class.     Sipkin is a versatile guard whose feel and adaptability set her apart within the class. She consistently reads what the game requires, creating for others, rebounding from the guard spot, or providing timely scoring. Her shooting range forces defenses to extend well beyond the arc and creates additional space for teammates. Defensively, her size and wingspan allow her to switch across the perimeter, crowd ball handlers, and contest without giving up driving lanes. Sipkin's ability to impact possessions without dominating the ball is one of her most valuable traits.     Scott-Bush is a versatile forward with the strength and skill to impact multiple areas of the game. Offensively, she can knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities with a quick release and attack hard closeouts. She uses her strength and footwork to establish position and finish through contact, while her touch allows her to attack different angles around the rim. In transition, she runs the floor and immediately pressures the paint. Defensively, she can switch onto guards, absorb contact against bigger forwards, and use her lateral movement to cut off driving angles.

New York's Class of 2029 is loaded with top end talent, with several players poised to emerge on the national stage. This rankings update was extremely close, with very little separation among the top players after considering every factor in the evaluation. Several have a legitimate claim to the number one spot. As they enter their sophomore seasons, expectations are high, and I'm excited to see who takes the next step and separates themselves in what has the potential to be a special class.