There’s still so much for us to learn about New England’s boys Class of 2029.
This group only just finished their freshman seasons. Few prospects got significant opportunity this winter, at least at the prep school level, and they’re now entering their first significant grassroots season on the 15U circuit. But there are a handful of names that have emerged as the early headliners of this class.
Our Best of New England series continues with a watch list of the 2029 class. It features several members who have reclassified from the 2028 to 2029 class, and I’m personally impressed with the physical size that we’re already seeing from this group that will undoubtedly intrigue college coaches down the road.
This list will certainly expand and evolve over the coming years, but this is a good starting point. Here are 15 players to know in New England’s 2029 class.
BEST OF NEW ENGLAND: 2026 boys rankings | 2027 boys rankings | 2028 boys watch list
Tighe Arache
6-4 guard
St. Paul’s/Mass Rivals
Hometown: Lawrence, Mass.
A true 2029 prospect, Arache was a main contributor for St. Paul’s in his debut season. The long, skilled playmaker put up 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists in a game vs. New Hampton.
Oliver Curley
6-7 forward
Tilton/BABC
Hometown: Kingston, Mass.
A skilled forward with 3-point range, Curley already has great positional size as he continues to develop and fill out his frame.
Anthony Daniels
6-11 center
Tilton/BABC
Hometown: Milford, Mass.
A huge presence in the paint, Daniels is a natural rim protector and high-level rebounder. But he’s also shown to have a good touch around the basket with an evolving ability to knock down open shots from the perimeter.
Trey Dillahunt
5-10 guard
Wilbraham & Monson/BABC
Hometown: Monson, Mass.
A point guard who can create well for himself and others, Dillahunt also brings great energy on both ends of the floor with his defense and effort.
David Djan
6-8 forward
Putnam Science/Team New England
Hometown: Ghana
One of the most physically mature prospects early in this class, Djan is a high-flying athlete who plays above the rim, possesses a high motor, runs the floor well and is fluid in transition.
Chance Finlayson
6-6 forward
St. George’s/Expressions Elite
Hometown: Newport, R.I.
Finlayson is the early contender for the top prospect in this class, an impressive athlete who has skill and 3-point touch. He was a significant contributor this winter for St. George’s as the Dragons won their second consecutive ISL championship.
Corey Hadden
6-4 forward
CATS Academy/Expressions Elite
Hometown: Cranston, R.I.
An athletic scoring guard, Hadden is a three-level scorer who can overpower opponents on physical drives. He also has good length and defensive versatility.
Michael Leese
6-6 forward
Nobles/Middlesex Magic
Hometown: Newton, Mass.
Leese earned significant playing time in his first season at Nobles as he helped propel the Bulldogs to the No. 1 seed in Class A. He’s a skilled, physical big who plays comfortably around the basket.
Lincoln Malcore
6-9 forward
St. Paul’s/Team Maine
Hometown: Wilton, Maine
Malcore recently announced a move to St. Paul’s and reclassification from 2028 to 2029 after averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game this season at Kents Hill. He’s skilled, athletic and physically strong with a big frame.
Xavier McCall
6-6 forward
MacDuffie/BABC
Hometown: Belchertown, Mass.
McCall possesses a 6-foot-10-½ wing span that already makes him one of the premier rim protectors in his class. He has a strong defensive foundation as he develops his all-around game.
Aidan McGrath
6-8 forward
Thayer/Expressions Elite
Hometown: Quincy, Mass.
McGrath, who played for Ireland’s U16s at FIBA Youth EuroBasket last summer, was an All-ISL honorable mention in his first season at Thayer. He has a strong package of tools as an inside-out threat and can play effectively as a point forward.
Quinn Pelletier
6-5 forward
Madawaska High School/Team Maine
Hometown: Madawaska, Maine
Pelletier was already one of the best players in Maine as an eighth grader and he continued that this winter as he scored 18 points per game as a freshman. He’s an athletic three-level scorer who can play above the rim.
Max Ryan
6-5 guard
Austin Prep/BABC
Hometown: Melrose, Mass.
One of the best outside shooters early on in this class, Ryan – the son of Austin Prep coach Sean Ryan – has a good feel and understanding of the game.
Rayan Taku
6-6 wing
Tabor/Team Spartans
Hometown: Salem, Mass.
After spending this season at Malden Catholic, Taku recently announced his transfer to Tabor. At 6-foot-6, he’s a skilled three-level scorer who plays with a high motor and physicality.
Massa Toure
6-1 guard
Hamden Hall/BABC
Hometown: West Haven, Conn.
The younger brother of Arkansas commit Abdou Toure – our No. 1-ranked player in the 2026 class – Massa is making his own name for himself. A guard with a scorer’s mentality, he was named an All-NEPSAC selection in Class B Large this season with Hamden Hall.
