The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic gave high school teams and players the opportunity to play in front of college coaches in a much different way than what you typically see. Normally, college coaches chance to view players comes with their AAU teams at live events. The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic allows players to take advantage of a live period in June with their high school team rather than their AAU team. Below you can read about the 2029/30 players that stood out to us throughout The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic Team Event and Individual Showcase (listed alphabetically by last name).
Please note: There are a few write-ups below that were already featured on X (@riseupsports1) during the event. Also please take into account that each of us only caught one game per team for the most part, so these notes were based on performance in that specific game. Please let us know if any of the information below is incorrect and we will get it fixed as soon as possible
Excellent athleticism and speed. Great length, strength, and height. Finishes well at the rim. Excellent passer, sees the floor at a high level. Does a nice job of getting downhill and drawing contact. Very active hands defensively. Runs the floor hard in transition both ways. Plays with a high motor and high IQ.
-KEVIN CLANCY
One of the best 2029 players you’re going to find. Great feel for the game. Strong ball handling. Great drives and pull-up jumpers. Good vision led to some dimes to teammates. Used a variety of moves to create separation from defense. -AW
Quick guard who can play the 1 or the 2 offensively. Knockdown perimeter shooter. Good ball handler who uses her speed, IQ, and moves to create rim penetration. Active hands and feet defensively, unafraid of contact. Good passer with nice court vision. Very underrated offensive rebounder. Uses her smarts & heart to create second and third chances for her team to score, in spite of usually being one of the smallest players on the floor. I like her potential as she gets older!
-KEVIN CLANCY
Can consistently finish at the rim and knock down the deep three. Hustles on every play on the offensive and defensive end. Smart player who makes the easy play.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase)
Elite height and length for a Division 1 Power 5 post player. Great perimeter shooter & finisher at the rim. Legitimate three level scorer. Elite shot blocker and rim protector with a knack for timing her blocks perfectly. Can alter any shot simply using her verticality. High IQ player. Excellent passer with unlimited court vision at her height. Plays with a high motor & intensity. Rebounds the ball well on both ends.
-KEVIN CLANCY
Excellent athleticism and length for a guard/wing. Great shot blocker. Legitimate 3 level scorer. Excellent perimeter shooter. Runs the floor well in offensive & defensive transition. Limits mistakes with excellent floor vision and great passing. Plays with a high motor, yet under control. Rebounds well on both ends of the floor. Very mature player for her age. Future D1 prospect.
-KEVIN CLANCY
White is super quick in general, but she definitely has some quick handles as well. Keeps the ball low and sees the floor well. Did a great job attacking gaps. Can score inside or out. Made some good passes. Quick & active hands led to multiple steals.
