Introducing the Class of 2029 Watch List, part 4

With the AAU season having reached its midway point we've turned our attention this week to one of the key milestones in our year-round evaluation process — the release of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029 Watch List. While the Freshmen 50 rankings won't go live until this fall, this early list shines a light on 20 incoming 9th graders who have begun to set themselves apart.   This is not a ranking. Rather, it should be considered recognition of 20 players who've shown clear signs of college-level potential, whether through varsity contributions, standout AAU play, or both. History tells us that the majority will land in the top 50. For now, the Watch List is about acknowledging those who've already made an impression prior to officially attending high school.   This year's Watch List reflects the depth and reach of Minnesota girls basketball. Players come from all corners of the state — from metro powerhouses to smaller outstate programs — and compete for six different AAU clubs. The talent is clearly concentrated at the top, with [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] and [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] leading the way, but the overall mix speaks to how broad and competitive the 2029 class is shaping up to be.   Here are the final five players named to the Prep Girls Hoops 2029 Watch List, presented in alphabetical order.    A bouncy young guard, Perry is one of the core members of Josh Hersch's 2029 Stars team this summer. The Lakeville North 8th grader currently stands at 5'8 with length and plenty of speed. Due to these attributes, plus her quick hands and tireless work ethic,  Stella excels as an on-ball defender. On offense Perry is most known for her three-point shooting ability. With a smooth, left handed shot, she can easily knock shots down from range all day long. The future is bright for the youngest of the Perry sisters, who plays the game with clarity and confidence.     The younger sister of St. Thomas commit [player_tooltip player_id='502602' first='Morgan' last='Staloch'], this is a player who has been on our radar for the past two years. Over the winter Staloch was a key rotational piece for her high school team, and utterly instrumental for Tartan's top incoming freshmen. Jordan's game is fluid, highly skilled, and fundamentally sound. She works hard on the floor and consistently comes up with big plays for her team. With tremendous length and verticality, Jordan excels on the glass and at using said length on the defensive end of the floor.     A newer addition to our 2029 radar, this is a player who is hard to miss. The New London-Spicer 8th grader stands at a true 6'2 and has a tremendous build for the college level. She's mobile, long, and possesses plenty of strength, as well. Tanner excels at scoring and rebounding in the low post, but can play out on the perimeter just as easily. She plays hard, can handle the ball, and is developing an outside shot. Korbin has been turning heads this summer and she will continue to do so as her game develops.     Currently in her first season on the Fury's top 2029 squad, this youngster from Mountain Iron-Buhl has taken major leaps in her game. Now taller and stronger, Thomas brings a physical presence to the perimeter. She has also become more skilled in her ball handling, shooting, and defensive skill sets. What hasn't changed, though, is Farrah's never-ending motor. Consistently one of the hardest working kids on the floor, she never hesitates to dive for a loose ball, save one going out of bounds, or put her body on the line to come up with a big play.     One of the most promising young guards in Minnesota's 2029 class, Willis' game is a thing of beauty. Balancing both athleticism and skill, the Benilde 8th grader excels on the offensive end. She can knock down shots from outside or use her crafty handles to get downhill. Regardless of how she chooses to score, the shifty guard does it with finesse. Currently playing up a year with the 2028s, Kiera's game also includes a calm, cool, and collected demeanor as well as a tireless work ethic.

With the AAU season having reached its midway point we've turned our attention this week to one of the key milestones in our year-round evaluation process — the release of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029 Watch List. While the Freshmen 50 rankings won't go live until this fall, this early list shines a light on 20 incoming 9th graders who have begun to set themselves apart.