Jayden averaged 12.8 points, a team-leading 8.4 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 79.3% from the free-throw line, helping lead Ryle High School to a 21-win season and its first 33rd District Championship in program history. She broke her own single-season blocks record with 147 and now holds the Lady Raiders’ all-time record with 309 career blocks. Jayden earned NKY Division I All-Conference honors along with Second Team All-9th Region recognition. She was also named to the ESPN Class of 2029 Watch List and attended the USA Junior National Team minicamp earlier this month.

Jayden McClain Jayden McClain 6'6" | PF/C Ryle | 2029 State KY is another player I’ve had the opportunity to watch since her 8th-grade year, and her development continues to trend upward. Standing at 6’6”, her size and length are impossible to ignore, but what makes her truly intriguing is her expanding skill set. She’s not just a presence inside—she has the ability to step out, knock down perimeter shots, and put the ball on the floor to get to the rim.

Playing up at the 17U level as a freshman, McClain showed a lot of confidence and composure against older, more experienced competition. She was able to contribute offensively by finishing around the basket, spacing the floor at times, and capitalizing on her length. Defensively, she impacted the game by contesting shots, protecting the paint, and altering attempts simply with her presence.

What stands out is her versatility and long-term upside. As she continues to add strength and refine her perimeter skills, she has the tools to develop into a matchup problem at the next level. McClain’s ability to produce against high-level competition at a young age is a big reason why she’s ranked as the No. 1 player in Kentucky for her class, and she’s a name that will continue to gain national attention.

McClain more than held her own in the battle with former teammate Carib Morris Carib Morris 6'3" | SF State GA . McClain’s height and length makes her a highly sought after recruit, but her footwork and timing on blocks and rebounds puts her in the elite class with Morris. Jayden got to the free throw line a lot in both games and she shot the ball well from the stripe. She was efficient and impressive scoring around the basket. Her quick leaping ability gave defenders no time to rebound the ball and she was already elevating with the put back before they could react. McClain took a few shots from three and looked very comfortable doing it.

Jayden showed a very soft touch around the basket, finishing at will in the paint. She blocked several shots and did a great job staying tall defensively, using her size and length to protect the rim. Jayden also created multiple second-chance opportunities with her offensive rebounding and capped her performance with a tough and-one bucket in the fourth quarter.

One of the most recruited young players in Kentucky. A USA Junior National Team invitee. Jayden had a great varsity season averaging 10.2 ppg and 8.8 rpg as an 8th grader. Jayden is a walking mismatch with size, skill, and big time presence. As a freshman, she is the engine Ryle leans on as they chase down the 9th Region powers. Expect highlight after highlight!

The one and only Jayden McClain Jayden McClain 6'6" | PF/C Ryle | 2029 State KY claims the No. 1 spot in our initial Class of 2029 rankings. At 6’6, the 14-year-old phenom and youngest-ever Bluestar 30 selection has already made her mark on Kentucky girls basketball. Last season with the Ryle Lady Raiders, she averaged 10.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while setting the school’s single-season blocks record with 128. McClain showed flashes of being an elite shot blocker and high level rebounder, but could also make a case as the best three-point shooting big in the state. With a plethora of Power 4 offers already on the table, it will be fascinating to see where she lands nationally among the top 2029 prospects.

An elite prospect already, McClain has arguably more potential than any Kentucky player in recent memory. At 6’5, Jayden has already earned a ton of D1 offers before she even enters high school. If she remains at Ryle and doesn’t go back to Ohio, I’d be willing to bet Jayden McClain Jayden McClain 6'6" | PF/C Ryle | 2029 State KY is in the mix for top 5-10 in America in the 2029 class.

Jayden has been an impact player in the 9th region for a while now and looks like she could be one of the very best players in America in the 2029 class. Standing 6’6 now, McClain is averaging just shy of a double-double and could be scoring more if she ironed out her free throw shooting. Expect McClain to live at the free throw line as her career continues.