2029 Rankings Insider: Risers
June 29, 2026
North Carolina Class of 2029: Rankings Risers
With the release of the updated North Carolina Class of 2029 Rankings, several players made significant moves after strong performances during the 2026 high school season. While the rankings have now expanded to include the Top 75 players in the state, it remains very early in the evaluation process for this young class.
Throughout the spring, Prep Baseball North Carolina scouts were on the road evaluating players in a variety of settings—from live game action to practices, workouts, and Prep Baseball events. Those additional looks allowed our staff to refine player grades, identify emerging tools, and gain greater confidence in the trajectory of many prospects.
That said, the Class of 2029 is still one of the most fluid groups we evaluate. Physical development, athletic growth, and continued baseball experience will create significant movement over the next several years. In fact, we expect some of the largest changes to come following this summer's evaluation period, as players compete at showcase events, team camps, and national tournaments while continuing to update their Prep Baseball profiles with verified metrics and video.
For now, we take a closer look at several players whose performances this spring earned them a climb in the latest rankings update. These are prospects who took advantage of opportunities, improved their overall evaluations, and are trending in the right direction as the Class of 2029 continues to take shape.
2029 Rankings Risers
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Chase Woodley 3B / C / Charlotte Christian, NC / 2029Up from No. 8 The bat plays. Charged with sitting in one of the top lineups in the state, Woodley held his own against a high end schedule, leading to a state title. |
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Ryder Sheffield SS / RHP / North Stanly, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 4
Jp from No. 18 Baseball player. Worked his way into a state title contender lineup with the ability to perform at a high level defensively, in several places on the field. The bat ended the year in the middle of the order. |
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Will Brincefield C / 2B / Needham Broughton, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 2
Up from No. 23 Chance to hit at an advanced level. Flashed against good competition. Notes from coaches and scouts raved about his barrel feel. |
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Noah Rumley LHP / OF / Revolution Academy, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 2
Up from No. 34
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Karsen Dodd SS / 3B / Providence, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 20 / POS: 6
Up from No. 29 Providence was loaded this spring at the varsity level, but reports raved about his adaptability, coach-ability, and his feel for the game in the field and on the bump. High level performer at the NC/SC Border Battle. |
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Michael Marelli OF / RHP / Providence, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 3
Up from No. 30 Another name to know from Providence HS. He continued to develop throughout the spring, bumping several tool grades as our scouting staff ran into him.
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Chase Kafes C / OF / Heritage High, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 3
Up from No. 36 Physical catcher with arm strength. As our scouting staff received more information, more notes, and were able to get a brief check on him, the confidence level in his player grade grew, moving him up the rankings.
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Landen McElhinny RHP / SS / Corvian, NC / 2029Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 4
Up from No. 37 Quick arm, the body and frame added strength. There is a solid feel for spinning the baseball and creating discomfort with hitters in the box, already.
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