2028/29 Upstate Standouts
After covering a variety of Upstate’s standout juniors, we now pivot and begin tracking names in the class of 2028 and 2029. While it feels that there is so much talent to cover between Albany and Buffalo, it has become especially useful to have younger names on the radar before their names really rise to prominence. Now, we take a look at some standout underclassmen who are primed to be up next.
Aiden Prunty, Carthage: A two-time state champion at Glens Falls (2), Prunty has now relocated and become one of the premier names in all of Section 3 at Carthage High up in Jefferson County, NY, a team that went winless a season ago. There is no coincidence that Carthage’s turnaround is a direct result of Prunty’s inclusion. A proven winner yes, but as offensively talented as he is, his pace and IQ make those around him better. Prunty is lethal from distance and a strong threat with the ball in his hands given his ability to create space and shoot over defenders. He’s gotten much stronger, which combined with his craft and poise around the rim, keeps him shooting efficiently. Prunty plays hard, with three double-doubles on the season as part of some monster statlines, including two 40-point performances in which he drilled 6 and 8 threes - and a 37 and 11 performance in which he just hit two. 8 games in, Prunty is averaging 33 ppg, 7 rebounds, and nearly 3.5 steals. Carthage stands at 7-1.
Luke Langel, Hamilton: Langel, now a Sophomore, enters his third varsity season at Hamilton, a strong small-school program also in Section 3. Hamilton is currently 5-1, and after seeing Langel at a few events over the summer, I wasn’t caught off-guard when he garnered everyone's attention after dropping 45 on 9 threes in the season opening win for the Knights. He is a floor general, someone who breaks defenders down with his handle before setting up his teammates. He elevates well on his shot, making him not just a player who can knock down clean looks, but also off the dribble. He’s pesky defensively, and at around 6’ tall, is able to utilize his craft around the rim effectively.
Austin Osinski, CBA Albany: We covered Osinski’s brother, JJ, when highlighting standout’s in the class of ‘27 - now we take a look at 6'4" Austin, who alongside JJ leads a strong CBA Albany squad. Austin, a tremendous athlete, is very good downhill, with a quick first step and the frame to maneuver or spin-off of defenders. He has a good feel for the game, and because of his length, often impacts the game from the paint. That said, Osinski is a knockdown shooter with a fluent release that he often showcases when defenders anticipate a drive. The Osinski brothers, along with talented juniors JT Vogel and 6’7” Jacob Bowden will continue to lead the way as CBA looks to contend with state champion Shaker in Section 2.
Nehemiah Pye, Gates Chili: Pye joins our list courtesy of a talented Gates Chili team in Rochester’s Section 5. Though listed at 6’1”, Pye plays a lot bigger. With the handle and skill of a guard, Pye’s long arms combined with the way he contorts and controls his body while attacking make it appear as if he were closer to 6’5”. Pye has a good looking jump shot but does most of his work downhill, using that frame and soft touch to finish at the rim. Pye plays hard, usually involved in all other facets of the game - whether it’s defensively; blocking shots or collecting steals - or on the glass. Gates Chili is firmly in the mix as one of the contending AA programs in Section 5.
Gino Bullock, CBA Syracuse: Bullock is one of the leading scorers in Section 3 AAA hoops for CBA Syracuse. The 6’2” guard’s athletic frame helps in matching his ability to create separation. His tight handle and point guard skills often have him dictating the tempo for CBA. What impresses me the most is his ability to dissect the game, getting to the heart of the defense before making the right play, whether it be dishing it off or scoring creatively between the block and the midrange. Bullock uses quick bursts of speed to get to his spots, often time resulting in some sort of pull-up. He is active defensively and uses his natural athleticism and length to guard multiple positions.
Brenden Jordan, Redemption Christian Academy: The 6’7” talent is the one NEPSAC representative featured on part one of our 2028/29 watchlist. With his size, it’s hard to categorize him under one position specifically based on what he does well. Only a sophomore, Jordan has great control of his long frame, finishes softly around the rim, is creative when driving, and can even step away and show off his smooth jumper. He runs the floor well, moves without the ball, and given his age - I am impressed how he is always open to operating out of the dunker spot. His motor allows the versatility to shine, and because of that, Jordan has tremendous upside.
Nolyn Proudfoot - Corning-Painted Post: One of, if not the most coveted player out of upstate New York, we end part one of our underclassmen watchlist re-emphasizing what we have already heard for years. Proudfoot, always known for his shooting ability, and rightfully so, is just a well-rounded player, equipped with the motor and IQ to help most any program thinking about offering him. He can handle, pass, defend, and while he can flat out shoot it with the best of him, he’s equally a threat getting downhill. Proudfoot initiates contact with defenders and doesn’t require much space to see the ball through, whether he’s beyond the arc or inside the free throw line. For an individual that grew as such a popular name at such a young age, Proudfoot continues to get better - his work ethic is admirable.
Nolyn Proudfoot
Aiden Prunty
Brenden Jordan