The high school group at Elite60 gave us established names, emerging prospects, and a few players who made sure they left with more attention than they arrived with. Athleticism was everywhere, but the players who separated themselves brought more than physical tools, showing feel, shot making, defensive impact, and an understanding of how to affect winning. The 2029 class was especially deep, with prospects producing across every position and playing style. Some confirmed what we already knew, while others gave us a reason to start paying much closer attention.
Preston Elliott | 6’4” | 2029
Elliott has a jumper that travels comfortably from the midrange to beyond the arc. His mechanics stay clean, his size allows him to get the shot off, and he does not need to force attempts to establish himself as a shooting threat. When the better play is moving it, Elliott willingly makes the extra pass. That combination of shooting and decision making keeps possessions flowing.
Trey Wilson | 6’3” | 2029
Wilson brings some fire every time he steps between the lines. The lefty attacks traffic without hesitation and has the athleticism to finish plays when bodies converge around the rim. He can also manufacture his own looks instead of waiting for somebody else to create an opening. Wilson’s intensity gives his scoring ability an edge that stays present throughout the game.
Jelani Cadette | 6’2” | 2029
Cadette does not waste much time getting to his business offensively. His footwork helps him create clean looks, and he has scoring answers at the rim, in the middle, and from behind the arc. There is a directness to his approach that keeps possessions from becoming overcomplicated. Cadette’s ability to consistently produce earned him Most Outstanding Player honors in the Top 40 Game.
Rob Beasley | 6’1” | 2028
Beasley earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the Top 20 Game, and there was nothing accidental about it. He combines shiftiness with strength, allowing him to shake the initial defender and remain balanced when contact arrives. Once he gets a rebound or outlet, he can take it coast to coast and put immediate pressure on the rim. Beasley’s finishing package around the basket was among the best on display at Elite60.
Jacorey Lee | 6’0” | 2029
Lee has both gears coaches want from a guard, fast in the open floor and quick in tight spaces. Even at that pace, his eyes remain up and he consistently recognizes opportunities to feed teammates. His unselfishness does not prevent him from going to get a bucket when the possession calls for one. Lee can accelerate an offense without turning every trip into a race.
Aston Smith | 6’0” | 2030
Smith was the youngest player in attendance, but his game never looked out of place against older competition. He handles the basketball with comfort, stays composed, and already shows an advanced understanding of how to navigate possessions. There is a natural smoothness to his game that cannot be manufactured. Holding his own on this stage as a 2030 prospect made Smith one of the more intriguing long term watches in the building.
Ryan Finergthy | 6’0” | 2028
Finergthy did not just win the 3 Point Contest, he rewrote the Elite60 record with 16 makes in the final round. The shooting carried directly into game action, where he continued to shoot the cover off the ball whenever defenders gave him space. He understands basketball beyond the jumper, rotating properly on defense and consistently putting himself in the right place. Finergthy is a shooter by reputation, but his feel makes the shooting even more valuable.
Kedar Washington | 6’0” | 2029
Washington plays like somebody who understands that leadership starts with your own possessions. He takes pride in guarding the ball, competes on both ends, and rarely sacrifices the right play to chase his own numbers. Offensively, he can score from different areas while maintaining a strong feel for when teammates have the better opportunity. Washington’s selflessness and defensive mentality give his game substance beyond the box score.
Jackson Baldwin | 5’11” | 2029
Baldwin earned the Leadership Award in the Top 20 Game by setting a tone others could follow. He gets downhill, generates paint touches, and forces defenses to deal with his presence inside the lane. When defenders retreat to protect the rim, his jumper gives him an answer from outside. Baldwin brings purpose to the point guard position and understands how to put pressure on a defense without losing command.
BJ Reed | 5’10” | 2029
Reed can become a problem before a defense realizes he has found his rhythm. He scores from all over the floor, but his patience allows the game to come to him instead of chasing difficult opportunities. Once the first few shots fall, he can stack buckets quickly and completely alter a stretch of basketball. Reed earning Best Offensive Player in the Top 20 Game reflected just how dangerous his scoring package was.
Treu Taylor | 5’8” | 2029
Taylor understands the responsibility that comes with having the basketball in his hands. He operates the pick and roll with patience, gets others involved, and controls possessions by putting teammates in useful positions. Defensively, he is hard nosed at the point of attack and makes opposing guards work to initiate offense. Taylor brings structure to one end and resistance to the other.
James Nelson | 5’7” | 2029
Nelson is quick with the basketball, but there is intention behind the speed. He attacks openings with purpose and knows when to turn that pressure into a trip toward the rim. Give him space on the perimeter and he can make shots from deep, keeping defenders from simply sitting on the drive. Nelson’s ability to combine quickness with shooting makes him difficult to contain in space.
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