North Carolina Class of 2029: Rankings Update

With the spring season underway, Prep Baseball North Carolina is excited to release an updated look at the Class of 2029 Rankings, expanding the board to include the Top 50 players in the state. This marks a significant step forward in building out the class, though it remains very early in the evaluation process for this group.

As our staff continues to get to know the 2029 class, there is still considerable growth and development ahead. Physical maturity, on-field performance, and continued exposure will all play a major role in shaping this class over the coming months and years.

Inside the Rankings Process

The foundation of our rankings begins with in-person evaluations, particularly from players who attended Prep Baseball preseason events. Those players receive internal player grades, along with a confidence rating tied to each evaluation. At this stage, confidence levels across the 2029 class remain very low, reflecting both the youth of the group and the limited sample sizes available.

Once evaluations are complete:

• Players are entered into a database and sorted blindly based on overall player grade and individual tool grades
• All identifying information is removed, allowing for an objective ranking process
• Names and schools are then reintroduced, followed by final adjustments from the scouting staff prior to publication

Throughout the spring, our staff is actively covering games across North Carolina while continuing to evaluate players in workouts, practices, and live competition. These looks will be critical as we refine the board moving forward.

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New to the Rankings

This update introduces several new names to the 2029 rankings—players who have impressed through early-season performance, preseason events, or continued development since the initial release.

Keaton Larsen, SS/RHP, Pinecrest HS – No. 16

Youthful frame with plenty of room for projection, standing 6-foot, 145 pounds. Right handed hitter showed quickness and strength in a mature swing. Consistent barrel feel with good leverage through contact. Ran a 3.87 x 30yd on the laser. Defensively plays with solid bend and athleticism in the hands and feet. Athletic exchange and release. In a lot of positive positions and setup for growth as he continues to add strength to the build.

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Aiden Kirkland, RHP/SS, High Point Christian Academy – No. 20

Lean frame with solid strength levels for the age. At 5-foot-9, 152 pounds he will continue to grow, adding strength to the frame. Easy mover. Loose hips. Ranged 81-83 on the bump with a simple arm action and athletic release. Good arm speed. Should see consistent growth as he continues to mature.

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Kaiwi Sharp, SS/RHP, First Flight HS – No. 22

Sharp is a high end athlete that may be a bit raw now, but the overwhelming movement patterns, strength, and quickness have a ton of upward projection as he continues to get reps and mature. Too early to tell where he may land on the field as he flashes in a variety of ways. Just missed the rankings in the initial release making a jump as he continued to show growth at the Preseason All-State East in February.

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Risers in the Rankings

Movement is expected with a young class, and several players have made significant jumps in this update:

Cole Christian, C/RHP, South Mecklenburg HS — up from No. 11 to No. 3

Christian impressed at the Preseason All-State South. Behind the dish there is elite carry for the age with good bend in the hips. From behind the dish, he jumped up on the mound where the stuff stood out, working 86-87 with advanced ride on the fastball. The breaking ball featured 10/4 tilt with an average spin rate of 2403rpm. Finally, he jumped in the box and showcased good hand-eye coordination with quickness and strength through impact, reaching 93.6mph on his top exit velocity.

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Chase Woodley, C, Charlotte Christian — up from No. 13 to No. 8

Woodley was a standout at the Jr. Future Games this past summer, showcasing excellent feel for the barrel and an ability to get the bat head to high level pitching. This preseason, Woodley continued to star with the bat. His jump comes from an increase in his overall athleticism suggesting a bigger ceiling than what was projected after the summer. With most in this class, they are a ways away from their ultimate peak, and Woodley’s work in the offseason was noticeable in the way it could alter his prospect status.

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Lawson Tyndall, C/OF, Eastern Carolina Academy — up from No. 16 to No. 11

Tyndall is a bit more mature than most in the class and while his overall grade is probably more stable that those of other 2029 prospects, it does not mean he cannot see a jump as he continues to put in work. Highly regarded after a superb week with Team Carolina at the 2025 Jr. Future Games, Tyndall has continued to refine his craft, specifically with the bat. The path continues to get more direct, increasing the amount of hard contact. There is advanced strength present with a top end exit velocity of 102.4 mph.

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Previewing the Top 10

Below is a look at the current Top 10 players in the North Carolina Class of 2029:Here is the list format of the Top 10 players in the North Carolina Class of 2029:

Here is the updated list for the Preview of the Top 10 section:

1. Andrew Brown, Gates County Senior, OF
2. Owen Duncan, Covenant Day, SS
3. Cole Christian, South Mecklenburg, C
4. Calvin Madenspacher, Clayton, OF
5. JonLuke Harper, Northern, SS
6. Braxton Faulkner, Reagan, SS
7. Cooper Long, Grays Creek, SS
8. Chase Woodley, Charlotte Christian, 3B
9. Sam Piscorik, Wakefield, 3B
10. Colton Pettinato, Metrolina Christian Academy, C/INF

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Looking Ahead

As the 2029 class continues to develop, the summer months will provide a major opportunity for players to separate themselves. Key events on the horizon include the NC/SC Border Battle, the Tobacco Road State Games, and the Super Sophomore Games—all premier stages for identifying and evaluating top talent across the state.

To be considered for selection to represent Team North Carolina at these high-level events, players must attend a Prep Baseball event during the 2026 calendar year. Our staff will continue to build out evaluation history through these events while identifying the next wave of players ready to compete on a bigger stage.

The evolution of the Class of 2029 is just getting started, and we look forward to tracking its progress throughout the spring and into a pivotal summer.

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North Carolina Insider