LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – 100 of the country’s best players graced the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL, for the NBPA National Top 100 Camp. The camp, celebrating its 30th year, featured not only a slate of highly touted high school prospects but also current and former NBA players coaching the teams and other NBA executives assisting with the event. The event was attended by coaches from nearly every high-major university. Bringing in talent from Bangor to Belgium, the 10-team tournament was played with NBA referees, NBA rules, and records were kept over the course of the week. While every player in the Top 100 dazzled at some point over the course of the nine NBA-length games, these are 25 players who really stood out to me (in no particular order). These guys left their mark on this historic event and turned the heads of NCAA and NBA scouts in attendance.

Jaylen Petty, Rainier Beach (WA), 2025, 6’0”

Petty is a tough and gifted on-ball defender with a fluid handle to boot. His physicality and strength at his size were exceptional, and his infectious energy on both ends was a major contributor to his team’s success all weekend.

Jason Crowe Jr., Inglewood High (CA), 2026, 6’3”

A gifted scorer at all three levels, Crowe Jr. showed that he can compete against the highest level of talent all weekend long. Crowe Jr. was relentless on the attack and excels at getting to his spots on the floor, where he can cash out from long range at a high clip. Where Crowe really turned heads was his physical play at the rim and his ability to attack the country’s best interior defenders and finish at a high level.

Tyler Jackson, Overtime Elite (GA), 2025, 6’2”

Jackson is one of the country’s best floor generals, with his smooth handle, change of pace, and court vision combining to create a dynamic downhill threat who creates offense at all three levels. He showed that he’s a capable scorer, on-ball defender, and playmaker, exactly what any good program wants out of a future league guard.

Alexander Lloyd, Westminster Academy (FL), 2025, 6’4”

Lloyd did a little bit of everything throughout the weekend, showcasing his downhill scoring chops and mid-range specialty. The Florida commit was a quality out-of-position rebounder and showed his pick-and-roll prowess while taking over lead guard responsibilities in his minutes.

Kaden Magwood, Overtime Elite (GA), 2025, 6’3”

Magwood could have been the event’s best point guard. A spring-loaded athlete with a smooth hesitation step, Magwood consistently finished around the basket and excelled as an isolation scorer. He will look to separate himself as one of the best recruits in the country next season in a guard-loaded Overtime Elite program.

Davis Fogle, Arizona Compass Prep (AZ), 2025, 6’8”

Perhaps my favorite Wednesday performer, Fogle brings great size and poise to the guard position. At 6’8”, Fogle proved to be as lethal on the boards and blocks as he is on steals and scores. A quality shooter, reliable rebounder, and dynamic athlete, Fogle was, for me, the stock riser of the event.

Darius Adams, La Lumiere (IN), 2025, 6’5”

Adams can flat out score the basketball. Point. Blank. Period. Adams’ consistent motor and body control at the rim create opportunities for him. Adams feels comfortable getting to his turnaround jumper, fighting for extra possessions, and running the floor hard. There’s a reason this smooth New Jersey guard has cemented himself as a Top 30 talent in his class.

Kiyan Anthony, Long Island Lutheran (NY), 2025, 6’4”

One of the things I was most excited about at this event was the opportunity to watch Kiyan Anthony in person (especially after his 40-point/40-shot performance on Monday, for which I was absent). Anthony is a confident scorer, and like his dad, never shies away from a one-on-one opportunity. Watching him go at a tough player in Tounde Yessoufou showed me everything I needed to see: Anthony is as relentless as he is talented. A great finisher and shifty change-of-pace scorer, Anthony proved he’s more than just the family name but a truly elite scoring prospect on par with anybody in the class.

Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park (PA), 2025, 6’5”

One of the main names in the Camp MVP discussion, it could be argued that Thomas was snubbed from the honor after some of his jaw-dropping performances. Whenever you think Thomas has exhausted his bag, he shows you something new. His offensive variance, confidence as a downhill threat, and buttery touch around the basket were on full display. An ardent on-ball defender and stunning athlete, Thomas affirmed why he’s a consensus 5-star with his consistent dominance against the country’s best players.

Acaden Lewis, Sidwell Friends (DC), 2025, 6’3”

Lewis received a flurry of high-major interest throughout and immediately after the event, understandable considering his important role in leading one of the event’s best teams. Lewis is a three-level scorer with a great change of pace that has a tendency to make incredibly tough shots look very easy. In addition to his scoring, Lewis’ offensive IQ and playmaking were at a higher level than his competitors. I have no doubt that he will use the momentum from this week to establish himself as one of the country’s best guards next season.

Nykolas Lewis, Gonzaga College (DC), 2025, 6’1”

Lewis was one of many DMV guards that contributed to the growing debate about the DMV’s role as “New Guard City”. Lewis is a gritty, physical guard whose 6’1” frame has no impact on his ability to put pressure on the rim and compete with interior defenders. Lewis gets to his spots in the mid-range and plays harder than anyone in the gym. A non-stop motor and effort player, Lewis’ performance on both ends of the ball was enough to make him a consensus top performer at the event.

King Grace, Waxahachie (TX), 2025, 6’5”

Grace has the perfect frame for an athlete of his caliber: long, strong but lean and aerodynamic, with immense lower body strength and quick upwards explosiveness. You could tell these factors came together to create one of the event’s most dynamic athletes, with some show-stopping dunks and elevation that allowed him to apply loads of pressure at the rim. Grace also showed that he’s a capable shooter and great defender who can contain the ball and isn’t fazed by the opposing player’s size.

Shon Abaev, Calvary Christian Academy (FL), 2025, 6’8”

Abaev’s confidence has only been rising throughout the summer, as a hot start with South Florida’s SOH Elite carried over into this week’s games. The 6’8” guard reminded scouts that he’s one of the country’s premier shot makers, knocking down his signature fadeaway and elite on-the-move shot. Abaev contested plays on the perimeter and showed that he’s comfortable as a primary ball handler when needed. His improved vision and confidence as a ball handler were no doubt factors in his team’s 9-0 finish and camp championship.

London Jemison, St. Thomas More (CT), 2025, 6’8”

Connecticut’s most sought-after 2025 was a force on both ends while being coached by a Connecticut legend in Andre Drummond. Uber-long at 6’8”, Jemison showed that he’s a special inside-out stopper with perimeter range and great athleticism. Jemison has inserted his name in the national conversation and picked up an offer from Louisville after Tuesday’s performance.

Brayden Burries, Roosevelt (CA), 2025, 6’5”

Burries made the shortlist for best guard at the entire event, with his full isolation capabilities on display. Burries’ upper body strength and wide frame helped him overpower smaller on-ball defenders, and his added ability to elevate makes him a force to handle when attacking the basket. He’s a smooth scorer in the mid-range and knows how to manipulate spacing in the pick-and-roll to get easy looks at the rim and pick up easy assists to his big man. Burries will use the momentum from his stellar performance to cement himself as the best player in California by the end of his senior season.

Xzavion Mitchell, North High School (WI), 2025, 6’6”

The big man from Wisconsin is one of the country’s most underrated post players and efficient two-way threats. His broad-shouldered frame and top-notch conditioning make him a never-ending threat on the offensive end of the floor, where he scores well around the basket and dunks everything around the rim. Defensively, Mitchell is switchable and is a “stocks” specialist, generating defensive statistics and running the floor hard for transition baskets. Mitchell brings a level of poise and intensity to the forward position that makes him one of 2025’s most college-ready recruits.

Matthew Gilhool, William Penn Charter (PA), 2025, 6’11”

Gilhool was a name I was less-than-familiar with coming into the weekend, but he immediately showed why he’s one of the country’s best inside-out big men. With feather-soft touch around the rim and great feet, Gilhool has all of the scoring tactics you want in a traditional big man (especially for his 6’11” frame). Where Gilhool became even more exhilarating was as a scorer in transition, where he has the coordination and athleticism to be a dynamic finisher on the move and off of tough lobs. Gilhool can shoot the ball from distance and adds value as a shot-blocker, rounding out his impressively vast skill set that has a lot of room to continue growing.

Christopher Nwuli, Wasatch Academy (UT), 2025, 6’7”

Nwuli reaffirmed his title as one of the country’s most unique wing talents by showing off his elite passing chops and pick-and-roll prowess, all while consistently being the best defender on the floor. Nwuli attacks the rim hard from the wing, can shoot the ball at a respectable clip from distance, and guards nearly 1-5. He’s a cerebral player who will be even more dangerous as he puts together his offensive game.

Jaylen Harrell, CATS Academy, 2025, 6’5”

One of the camp’s biggest guards, Harrell adds his linebacker frame to a smooth perimeter stroke and downhill explosiveness to create a dynamic scorer at all levels. A gifted finisher with great touch in the lane, Harrell showed flashes of being able to slot in as a primary ball handler and run the offense with his improving court vision. Harrell fights hard on the boards and uses his size to defend post players when needed. Poised and strong, Harrell brings physical and mental maturity to the floor that is invaluable.

Dante Allen, Montverde Academy (FL), 2025, 6’4”

Montverde Academy’s newest piece showed the main reason he’ll be a natural fit for the Golden Eagles: he’s a floor elevator. Players seem to become the best versions of themselves with Allen on the floor, as his playmaking out of the lane creates easy opportunities for shooters and his pick-and-roll IQ bodes well for scoring bigs. Allen’s stocky frame and physicality in the lane make him a tough guard downhill, as he can punish bigs who help too hard and those who don’t help enough. Allen exposes lapses in the defense, can shoot the ball well from distance, and is a tough on-ball defender.

Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph’s (CA), 2025, 6’6”

Watching Yessoufou play is like watching a boxing match: you are always excited about when he is going to throw his next punch. Yessoufou does everything on the floor with peak energy and intensity, from boxing out forwards to attacking the rim. He’s a solid finisher at the free throw line and is unafraid to attack anyone at the basket as a result. He takes pride in guarding the opposing team’s best player and genuinely wants to be involved in every play. He fights hard through screens and guards nearly 1-5 despite being only 6’6”. Yessoufou is the quintessential do-it-all glue guy with more guard skills than your average interior-scoring specialist.

Oswin Erhunmwunse, Putnam Science Academy (CT), 2025, 6’10”

“Big O” blocks everything. Or, at least he tries to. The camp’s leader in total blocks throws himself at the rim every play, utilizing his length and athleticism to challenge any play at the rim. Yes, he fouls more than you want him to, but oftentimes Oswin makes the big play and gets the big stop at the rim. At the very least, Oswin’s size and shot-blocking prowess deter shot attempts at the basket and force teams to take lower percentage shots. A classic rim-runner on the offensive side of the floor, Oswin brings a lot of size and a lot of heart to the position and will look to build on his growing ball skills at Providence.

Eric Reibe, The Bullis School (MD), 2025, 7’0”

A classic, next-level-ready big man, Reibe is the perfect mold for the modern center. With great feet, soft touch around the basket, and great bursts of upwards athleticism, Reibe can finish plays in the pick-and-roll and defend the basket well. Reibe adds the modern touch with his lights-out perimeter shooting, connective passing, and ability to play in a two-big setting as a great high-low passer. Reibe is a low-mistakes player who rarely turns the ball over and has upside as a 1-on-1 scorer with his improved ball handling. Reibe seems like the closest thing to a sure deal you can find in the high school game and will undoubtedly be a quick contributor at the next level.

Zymicah Wilkins, Christ School (NC), 2025, 6’8”

I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilkins often heard that he plays like Zach Randolph. At 6’8” with a substantial frame, Wilkins is a hard stop on the block. He can overpower defenders who are a bit taller and move almost anyone on the block with his weight and strength. Wilkins has a soft touch from outside the paint and can extend to the perimeter if needed. Wilkins is a good passer out of the lane and makes quality reads with his back to the basket. Defensively, he excels as an interior defender and uses his high defensive IQ to get steals and energize the fast break, which he likes to dictate. A tough fighter and a generally big fella, Wilkins will be a high-major contributor in due time.

Chris Cenac Jr., Link Academy (MO), 2025, 6’10”

Finally, the camp’s MVP, Cenac Jr. had one of the most constructive weeks at the camp. Picking up a host of offers headlined by an offer from Mark Pope and Kentucky, Cenac Jr. dazzled with his highlight reel athleticism and two-way versatility and production. As a scorer, Cenac Jr. can do a little bit of everything. He can stretch the floor, score with his back to the basket, drive from the key or from the wing, sit in the dunker’s spot, score as both the ball handler and screener in the pick-and-roll, and get to his spots in the mid-range. It seems like Cenac Jr. showed everything more than once throughout the weekend. An insane athlete, Cenac defended on the perimeter very well and showed the ability to slot in as a true center on the defensive end. It’s great to see Cenac Jr. get his flowers, and he announced shortly after the camp that he’d be making the move to prep powerhouse Link Academy in Missouri, where he will undoubtedly continue to scale the rankings and impress college coaches at the highest level.

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ORLANDO – The Hoop Exchange Spring Player Showcase was the pinnacle of basketball excellence, bringing individuals from around the state into one gym to show their talents. From the thunderous slam dunks to the never-ending three-point barrage, each athlete from the 2024/2025 class epitomized the dedication, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence that define our sport. Many seniors and juniors used the event to leave a lasting impression on scouts and media personnel, showcasing their talents and abilities. Here are the 2024/2025 standouts:

STANDOUT SENIORS

Some of the state’s best available 2024s made the most of their time at the showcase, showing that they should be getting college looks soon! 2024 Fabian Spee’s (Life Christian Academy) impressive speed, fluidity, and 6’9” frame aided him as a rim-runner and scorer in the open floor. Limber and athletic for his size, Spee made scoring look easy by cutting hard for open layups and hunting for putbacks. Sharpshooting 2024 Kaiden White (Olympia) displayed more than just a pure perimeter stroke. An underrated athlete and a capable lead guard, White was effective as an isolation scorer as well as an on-ball defender. He utilizes his length well as a ball-stopped and interior finisher and showed that he is more than just a spot-up shooter. A high motor two-way big, 2024 Caleb Pennyfeather (Oviedo) is one of Florida’s most intriguing unsigned 2024s. With great ball skill for a post player, Pennyfeather showed some shooting ability to add to his great athleticism and impressive downhill fluidity.

HIGH FLYERS

The athleticism of the 2024/2025 sessions was the most enticing aspect. 2025 Joseph Gayle (Fort Pierce Central) was a dominant force on the offensive end all weekend. The high-flying combo guard showed off his improved perimeter shooting and advanced ball handling throughout the weekend. Gayle was a true one-man offensive engine who could score at all three levels and was arguably the most athletic player in the gym on both days. Gayle’s biggest competition for Best Athlete was none other than 2024 Gavin Dunn (West Oaks Academy). Dunn was a threat going downhill in both sessions, showing off his unlimited bounce and ability to finish through contact. 2025 Mo Kamara (University School) was very coachable and grew throughout the weekend. While initially showcasing some of his isolation and shooting skills for his size, Kamara realized his athleticism aided him better as an interior scorer and defensive stalwart. Kamara showcased the range of ways he can impact a game on both ends and is an early candidate for the most underrated player in Florida’s 2025 class. 2025 Andrean Smith (Ocoee) had some electric plays throughout the event. He’s a true athlete with combo guard potential and showed off some of his playmaking and three-level scoring abilities. Another high-flyer was 2025 Cornel Wheeler (Wolfson). With his length and bounce, Wheeler was a great finisher around the basket and had some electric dunks in the open floor. Wheeler also showed his smooth turnaround jumper and ability to play off two feet in the lane.

GREAT 2025 GUARDS

Guard play was the name of the game all weekend. The isolation-heavy showcase style let some of Florida’s toughest guards flex their muscles. 2025 Sam Shoptaw, fresh off of running the point guard for his state runner-up Windermere Prep squad in Lakeland last weekend, got right to showing his primary guard skills. An efficient scorer in the pick and roll and an impressive distance shooter, Shoptaw’s maturity with the ball in his hands elevated the play of his short-term teammates and made his team one to watch. 2025 Maylon Marte was a non-stop competitor on both ends all weekend. A relentless motor and some impressive ball skills, Marte really stood out while accepting the challenge of guarding anybody on the floor. An impressive young guy with the heart of a warrior. 2025 Tate Darner has been considered one of Florida’s best scorers for years now, and his ability to light it up from beyond the arc was on full display. While he thrives in the well-developed structure of both Santa Fe Catholic and 1Family, Darner was able to showcase his isolation scoring abilities as a primary ball handler and took advantage of nonchalant defenders to get open and hit open shots. Fresh off of a head-turning performance in the Sunshine Division of the SIAA playoffs,

2025 Luis Carias (Vine Christian Academy) brought his relentless downhill attack to Orlando for the weekend. Carias is a head-down scorer with a range of dribble combos he uses to get downhill. An absolute flash, Carias often hurried past defenders in transition and beat bigs to the rack to avoid being blocked. A refreshing floor general, 2025 Thiago Sucatzky (Miami Prep) greatly elevated the level of play of those on his team. A great scorer in the pick-and-roll as well. He plays the game the European way and is great at finding the open man or making the extra pass. Arguably the biggest stock riser of the event, 2025 Dwight Carter (Miami Central) showed that he’s an effective two-way point guard with great bounce. A hard-nosed scorer and defender, Carter excelled as an on-ball presence and a transition scorer. With a great handle to boot, Carter may jump onto the radar of scouts throughout the summer. 2025 Ethan Bertrand (Westminster Academy) is one of the many offensive engines on a deep Lions roster, but on the showcase stage, he was able to show off his great playmaking and scoring chops more effectively. A great passer with a knack for moving the ball in transition, Bertrand should continue to develop his scoring arsenal and could become a great two-way guard in Florida. One of the weekend’s smoothest guards, 2025 Trevon Torchon (Potter’s House Christian) was a dynamic isolation scorer with spurts of athleticism and a smooth midrange jumper. The 2025 twins Christopher and Christian Maxon (Fort Pierce Central) did not let the showcase style of play divert them from their plan. Elite playmakers, long-range shooters, and crafty finishers, the state’s best twin duo showed that they can function well as individuals. A tough two-way guard, 2025 Kaden Toure (Sandalwood) showed that his athleticism and intensity are hard to stop. A relentless finisher, open floor playmaker, and on-ball defensive specialist, Toure’s unmatched intensity made him one of the event’s standouts.

ELITE 2025 WINGS AND BIGS

With developed hands and mobility, 2025 Kelvin Vengeto (The Rock) looked like a true prospect. An imposing interior presence on both ends, Vengeto was able to roll to the basket hard for easy baskets and put a lid on the rim at the other end. He’ll be one to monitor throughout AAU. 2025 Matthew Able (Berkeley Prep) is one of the smoothest wing players in his class. The 6-5 wing is a high-academic prospect with a capable midrange jump shot and great change of speed in isolation. One of the premier two-way prospects of the weekend, 2025 Caleb Sanders (Bell Creek) showed that he’s one of the most skilled players for his size. An obvious threat on the interior and going downhill, Sanders showed his ability to pressure primary ball handlers, guard 1-5, and be a serviceable shot blocker. He’s completely versatile and virtually positionless, making him a true all-level threat. One of the event’s strongest standouts, 2025 CJ Ingram (Hawthorne) looks like an elite two-way threat. The small-town standout is one of Florida’s most physically developed players, making him tough to score on. He’s a strong downhill finisher and makes some of the toughest shots imaginable. 2025 Romari Robinson (Miami) also had a great weekend and showed his two-way athleticism and pure scoring arsenal.  2025 Adiel Lopez (BCAT) displayed his gliding athleticism and high-level airtime with tough finishes at the rim. A true three-level scorer, Lopez has the physical tools at 6’6”/190 to bulk up against big wings and the handle to slot in as a capable scoring combo guard.

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ORLANDO – The Hoop Exchange Spring Player Showcase was a canvas for extraordinary talent. In this showcase, we bore witness to the convergence of talent, dedication, and sheer athleticism, as rising stars of the 2026/2027 class stepped into the spotlight to display their prowess on the court. The young group impressed scouts and media alike, including USA Basketball’s Don Showalter, who was especially taken with the pool’s level of talent. Each player brought their unique flair and signature moves, combining to form the most talented gym imaginable. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the young fellows who stood out over the course of the weekend:

THE GUARDS AND THE UNGUARDABLE

The name of the game this weekend was scoring. The showcase format gave us a great opportunity to see which underclassmen possess the best natural scoring abilities in a relatively unregulated atmosphere. Willie Burnett III (Palm Bay Magnet, 2026) had an incredible weekend, showcasing his dynamic isolation scoring and elite shot-making prowess. A lanky combo guard, Burnett reaffirmed that he is among the best pure scorers in the 2026 class. When it comes to blending size and skill, Florida’s most notable 2026 might be Landyn Colyer. A big guard with a fluid handle and downhill skills, Colyer adds value on the floor as a reliable catch-and-shoot option with deep range. With plenty of defensive upside, Colyer secured his position as one of Florida’s top guard/wing prospects in the state. Perhaps my favorite individual of the weekend, Rylan Kelly (SEPA, 2026) reveled in the rare home-court advantage at his native Southeastern Preparatory Academy gymnasium. A dynamic athlete in the open floor, Kelly dominated with his shot-making. Lights-out shooting from distance was the hallmark of Kelly’s game all weekend. He has the potential to develop into an elite two-way player over the next two years. It was great to see Joseph Hartman (The Rock, 2026) back to showcasing his skills on the biggest stage. The 6’5” guard demonstrated his varied offensive attack, which included long-range prowess and downhill smoothness. He has great control of pace with the ball in his hands and knows how to move without the ball effectively. When evaluating smooth guards, Jayden Joseph (West Oaks Academy, 2026) must be at the top of the list. Joseph’s control of pace in his isolation moves made defenders look outmatched all weekend. He makes the game look easy with his understanding of great attack spacing and ability to dissect defenses. Despite the abundance of lead guards, Joshua Theus (Orlando Christian Prep, 2026) stood out as a primary ball handler because of his offensive poise and maturity. Capable of scoring with anyone in the gym, Theus shined with his ability to make reads against the defense and attack the gaps, as well as showcasing his scoring ability at all three levels. Aaron McGee (Palm Bay Magnet, 2026) showed that while he’s known as a lights-out shooter, he can add a lot with his downhill attack and crafty finishes. With great on-ball upside and lateral fluidity, McGee will continue to develop into a true combo guard and should be a 2026 name to remember. Proudly representing the oft-forgotten Daytona Beach area, Nathan Kirk (Mainland, 2026) was a dominant guard threat throughout the whole event. Kirk, one of Florida’s best transition scorers and facilitators, felt right at home in the fast-paced format and was able to showcase his ability to impact as both a scorer and a primary ball handler/facilitator. The shiftier older brother to KJ, DJ Sandi (St. Thomas Aquinas, 2026) showed his ability to score in bunches as both a primary or secondary guard. A great shooter, Sandi adds a relentless downhill attack and a bag of tricks that highlights his masterful scoring IQ. His ability to alter pace and exploit defensive weaknesses made the game look easy when he played.

OUR FAVORITE WINGS

With ample transition play, wing players had the opportunity to showcase their transition scoring arsenals, including some of the rim-rattling dunks that defined the weekend. Among the most intriguing long-term wing prospects was Herly Brutus (Umatilla, 2026). A lockdown defender with 1-5 switchability, Brutus has made strides in developing his strength and athleticism. With a tight handle and excellent shot mechanics, Brutus proved he is easily one of the national 2026 class’s most versatile hoopers. Another dominant athlete, Angelo Moton (Leesburg, 2026), kept the gym energized all weekend with his spectacular dunks and standout play in transition. An impressive shooter, Stefan Frisby (Western, 2026) demonstrated that he could score with the best throughout the weekend. A solid option at the end of plays, Frisby also excelled as an all-ball defender, unafraid to challenge opponents full-court. One of the best two-way players in his class, Brisun Hammermeister (The Villages, 2026), showed his capabilities outside of his usual system at The Villages. With the ball in his hands, Hammermeister displayed a smooth turnaround jumper, dominant athleticism, and the ability to space the floor. He’s got plenty of two-way upside and will be a long-term serviceable three-and-D player.

Forced to play as a primary big man for St. Thomas Aquinas, it was great to see Zane Elliot (2026) back in his natural wing position. A great downhill scorer who uses his bulk effectively, Elliot also adds a soft perimeter touch and is an exceptional passer for his position. Oozing with upside, Brandon Brazell (Madison County, 2026) showcased a blend of length, lateral quickness, and athleticism. With further development of his motor and offensive intensity, Brazell is poised to excel against high-level competition. David Nealy (Stranahan, 2026) was lights-out from distance and used his broad shoulders to battle downhill against the best in the gym. Keep an eye on him this summer. Turning heads on Day 1 was the quickly nicknamed “big guard” Collin Paul (Calvary Christian-Ft. Lauderdale, 2026). With a better-than-average handle and some shooting chops, Paul looked like a guard trapped in a lanky 6’7” frame. With more fluidity and comfort in his body, Paul has the makings of an electric big primary ball handler with great IQ and offensive awareness. Despite his size, Isaiah Pina (South Lake, 2026) aimed to dunk everything he could throughout the weekend. An underrated prospect in his class, Pina possesses the athleticism and smoothness needed to be a high-level contributor at the guard/wing position. He can reliably shoot and looks to block everything on the defensive end. Outside of throwing down one of the event’s best dunks (a contested 180 in transition), Deandre Harvey (Williston, 2026) showed that his hard-nosed offensive style was hard to stop, even for Florida’s best defenders. His strength and bounce make him seem much larger than his 6’3” frame would suggest.

THE MENACE IN THE MIDDLE

Some of the most impressive recruits in the gym were the stellar big men from around the state. We were truly floored by the level of skill and physical tools these bigs brought to the event. Standing 7-feet tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Marcis Ponder (Overtime Elite/Cold Hearts, 2026) was the most unstoppable player in the gym. Mobile and strong, Ponder seemed to dunk every time he touched the ball. He was also a dominant shot blocker and showed some flashes of a reliable midrange jumper. With exceptional length and tremendous upside, Toni Bryant (North Tampa Christian, 2026) promises to be Tampa’s top recruit over the next two seasons. With an exceptional wingspan and great hands, Bryant has a smooth inside-out attack that complements his electrifying shot-blocking prowess. Another high-upside big man, Trace Westercamp (Ponte Vedra, 2026), was a dominant force. Unfazed by the many times he was called out in 4v4, Westercamp demonstrated his ability to switch onto guards with ease and even block shots from behind. He has improved his handle, further developed his midrange jumper, and capitalized on his size by enhancing his post footwork. Thriving in the fast-paced, isolation-heavy showcase style, Westercamp showcased where some big men struggled. Chaunce Stewart (McCarthy, 2026), with all the physical tools at 6’9” and 215 pounds, established himself as a commanding interior presence. He showed his ability to finish through contact and excel in the pick and roll, playing alongside great guards. Stewart is only going to improve as he becomes more comfortable with the ball in his hands and enhances his defensive awareness.

THE FAB FRESHMEN

We didn’t forget about the youngest guys! This event provided a fantastic opportunity to check out some of Florida’s best freshmen. Raw prospects are common in Florida, but Cherif Milago (Central Pointe, 2027) seemed poised beyond his years with his size and length. Still developing physically, Milago displayed impressive defensive timing, early footwork developments, and his ability to finish scoring plays on the block. As one of Florida’s best shooters regardless of class, KJ Sandi (St. Thomas Aquinas, 2027) is among the most confident shooters in the state. While he definitely made a mark from distance, Sandi really stood out by demonstrating developed confidence in his handle, playmaking abilities, and downhill scoring. Sandi also excels as an on-ball pest and is one of the most intriguing freshmen in the state. One of the standout players of Day 1 was Miguel Orbe (Miami Country Day, 2027). He lit up the gym with a game-winning shot in the first 5v5 of the day, a game where he made 5 three-pointers, just a small sample of what was to come over the course of the weekend. A great isolation scorer, Orbe showed some wiggle in his handle to add to his dominant perimeter stroke.

Another one of Florida’s best freshmen, Martay Barnes (Holy Trinity, 2027), displayed his ability to do it all at the point guard position. A capable scorer at all three levels, Barnes really excelled as a facilitator, on-ball defender, and electric, confident presence on both ends of the floor. Isolation scorers loved this event, and Damarri Young (San Jose Prep, 2027) was no exception. With a deep bag of tricks, Young left everything he had on the floor and showcased his ability to hit tough shots on the move and off the dribble.

Arguably the most impressive freshman of the event was Henry Robinson Jr. (Matanzas, 2027). Robinson is a mobile interior scorer with great athleticism and footwork for his age. As he continues to add other elements to his game, he will undoubtedly become one of the hardest players to stop in Florida because of his smoothness and interior strength.

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THE CHAMPIONSHIP: AN ALL-FLORIDA AFFAIR

While the tournament did boast 4 great out-of-state teams, the championship game featured two Florida powerhouses in Norland out of Miami and Olympia from Orlando. The final game went down to the wire but ended with a 65-61 win for the Titans of Olympia in their first-ever Battle appearance. They were led by their incredible guard core, headlined by unsigned 2024 Kaiden White, whose sharpshooting was instrumental to keeping Olympia ahead in every game they played. He has a great developing guard skill set and is comfortable going to the rack and playing great defense. Guards 2025 Sean Owens and 2024 Vophcy Prophete added much-needed scoring to this Olympia roster. Owens is a sniper from distance while Prophete had arguably the best weekend of anyone on Olympia, showing that he can score at all 3 levels and has unmatched motor while not being overly ball-dominant. Wing 2025 Kam Wright has adjusted well since moving over to Olympia, displaying his athleticism with dynamic plays in the open floor and greatly developed isolation scoring in the half-court.

The Titans were challenged by Miami’s Norland High School, led by 2024 Missouri commit Marcus Allen. The Vikings are heavily dependent on Allen’s offensive output, but his intensity on the defensive end and physicality on both ends stood out. Allen has developed a much smoother jump shot form, with a high release point and great consistency. His offensive development is in tandem with his already dominant physicality on the interior and his ability to score with ease going downhill. Allen’s return has proved vital and has put Norland right back on the map as a competitive force in South Florida’s basketball scene. Allen is joined by 6-7 2024 Kendrick Preston, whose dominant athleticism and length make him a great forward complement to Allen’s guard/wing skill set. 2024 Jamal Ware adds another offensive weapon from beyond the arc and going downhill.

OUT-OF-STATE STUDS

The Battle has long been renowned for featuring teams from all over the country, many of whom have gone on to win the Battle and bring the trophy back home. While a Florida team took it this year, there was no shortage of talent from the tournament’s four out-of-state teams.

Chicago’s De La Salle High School fared the best of any of the out-of-state participants, securing the third-place trophy with a win over Florida’s FSU School. 2024 Tavariyuan Williams, who has returned to basketball after being shot twice in 2022, was their leading man for most of the tournament. The 6-5 guard has the length to be a great downhill scorer as well as the IQ to assume primary guard responsibilities when needed. 2024 Richard Lindsay also added to De La Salle’s onslaught, adding a needed perimeter threat as well as a high IQ mid-range scoring presence. 2024 Alioune Mbaye was another tough-nosed interior presence who made life difficult for opposing big men, despite not always being the biggest guy on the floor. West Forsyth High School from Cumming, Georgia was led by Marshall commit and arguably the tournament’s best player in 2024 Will Moore. The 6-7 wing was lights out from distance with great range and used his length and athleticism to challenge defenders at the rim. He’s poised to be a standout in his freshman season with the Herd. Long-time event participant Covington Catholic from Park Hills, Kentucky is a fan favorite and the only participating team to have won this tournament before (2019). While they’ve lost their main offensive weapon in Miami (OH)’s Evan Ipsaro, the addition of Arkansas All-State standout 2024 Caden Miller has put Covington right back where they left off. Miller’s 6-9 frame and elite athleticism made him a lob threat and a rebounding machine. However, Covington is still powered by their electric guard play, this year in the form of 2026s Athens McGillis and Cash Marney. Marney is a springy, high-energy guard while McGillis was easily the tournament’s highest IQ guard, scoring in crafty ways around the basket as well as displaying incredible passing flair. The Colonels finished 5th in this year’s Battle.

OTHER FLORIDA FAVORITES

While neither of these teams made the championship, hosts The Villages Charter School and Tallahassee’s FSU School featured some intriguing talent. The Villages are headlined by #16 player in the class of 2026 Chris Washington, whose length and athleticism continue to make him a tough cover for defenders. The incredibly young Buffalo got great production out of sophomores Brisun Hammermeister and Jared Thompson to finish 6th in the tournament. FSU School advanced to the semifinals behind a close win over Covington in the first round, thanks to the dynamic play of Quincy Munroe transfer 2025 Iyran Francis. Francis’ athleticism and feel around the basket made him a difficult assignment, especially when you consider his wiry 6-7 frame. Senior TJ Baker was another dynamic scoring option for the Seminoles, as his isolation arsenal is seemingly endless, and he thrives with the ball in his hands. 2025s Trey Card and Amari Robinson added to the Seminole’s efforts, which were ultimately not enough to get past eventual champions Olympia. Their mix of experience and talent should make FSU a team to watch for the next few years.

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A CHAMPIONSHIP TO REMEMBER

Outside of hosts Vanguard and long-time local participants Hawthorne and North Marion, Winter Haven High School was the tournament’s sole returning team, winning the event last year behind the MVP performance of Yale commit 2024 Isaac Celiscar. This year looked very similar for the top-5 ranked team in Florida by MaxPreps. Celiscar repeated his MVP performance and dazzled with a complete takeover in the OT championship game vs. Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas. Celiscar’s hard-nosed defensive efforts caused problems for STA, and his much-improved mid-range jumper looked virtually unstoppable. He’s an energetic wing who promises to make waves in the Ivy League next season. Teammates 2024 Jamie Phillips Jr. and 2025 Cezanne Mosley each took home All-Tournament honors. Phillips continued to flash his scoring ability in the post and deep isolation bag while reminding us that he is a great passer and high IQ defender. Mosley came into this event ready to show Florida his improved perimeter shooting to add to his interior grit and relentless activity around the basket.

Their championship opponent, St. Thomas Aquinas, looked to dethrone the reigning champions. A team with only one senior, St. Thomas Aquinas plays well beyond their years. Led by the dynamic brother duo of 2026 DJ Sandi and 2027 KJ Sandi, St. Thomas Aquinas forced overtime in the championship, where they trailed by 22 points heading into the second half. DJ is a dynamic guard with a tight handle and a relentless downhill attack, while his little brother KJ has one of the greenest lights in Florida. They’re complimented by freshman workhorse 2027 Clarence Westbrook, do-it-all guard 2026 AJ Ambrose, and an imposing interior presence in 6-6 2026 Zane Elliot. Look for the Raiders to make some noise come playoff season.

THE LOCAL FLAVOR

One of the highlights of the Kingdom of the Sun is getting to watch teams from near Ocala compete against each other and the other great teams at the tournament. This year was no exception. Vanguard High School made it out of the first round of the Kingdom behind the performance of 2024 Johnardo Turner, a shifty, score-first guard who energized a gritty Vanguard team to keep games close with great programs like Williston and Albany Green Tech. North Marion’s 2025 Coy Sizemore filled the scoresheet with his automatic perimeter stroke. Trinity Catholic’s 2025 Justin Bandy flashed an intriguing skillset with a young TC team that relies heavily on the 6-7 wings’ exceptional ball handling. He’s a one-man band for the Celtics that will continue to rack up impressive stat lines throughout the season.

In a highly anticipated matchup, nearby teams Hawthorne High School and Williston High School faced off in a rematch of the recent 1A Football state championship game. And while big guard and electric athlete 2025 CJ Ingram was able to put on a show in front of the local crowd, the energy and depth of Williston’s well-coached roster was too much for the Hornets. Williston went on to capture 3rd place in the tournament, losing only to eventual champions Winter Haven. The Red Devils boast a lineup led by 2024 Kyler Lamb, whose shooting touch and effective post-footwork make him a true inside-out threat. Add that to the exceptional long-range prowess of 2024 Reggie White, the on-court leadership of 2024 Aramys Rodriguez, and the exceptional athleticism and size of 2024 Javon Brown, and you’ve created one of the strongest small school teams in Florida’s recent history.

OTHER STANDOUTS

The tournament’s 15-team field gave us some other great performances throughout the event. One of the tournament’s greatest performances came from the duo of Danny Delgardo III and Derek Delgardo Jr. from Tampa Leto. The two are incredible athletes who have utilized their growth spurts to become legitimate at-the-rim threats. Derek went on to be named to the All-Tournament Team, while Danny took home this year’s Mr. Hustle Award. FAU commit Lorenzo Cason showed out all week, leading his team to a Consolation Championship in dominant fashion. Despite the Day 1 loss, Cason continued to show why he is a consensus top guard in the state of Florida with his great perimeter poise and explosive downhill attack. Rockledge’s Ryan Blount is continuing to prove to be a steal for UTampa as he displayed his rampant athleticism and offensive tenacity in Rockledge’s 5th-place finish. Football standout Jordan Lewis of Cape Coral Mariner has as good of a handle as anyone in the state of Florida and showed that his on-field athleticism translates well to the court. His teammate Marcus Kelley Jr. was a high-intensity assignment for every team they faced and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Tournament team. 2025 David Sanchez Barrera did it all on both ends for Ponte Vedra all week long, proving that he’s one of Jacksonville’s most underrated prospects.

The out-of-state participants made some noise as well. Green Tech out of Albany, New York came into the week with a resounding win and responded well to the adversity they faced against gritty teams like Vanguard and Winter Haven. 2025 Haisi Mayben was their primary scorer, with a green light on offense and a nice bag of moves to get downhill. He’s one to watch in the state of New York. Philadelphia’s Math, Civics and Sciences Charter School brought an old-school look as well as an old-school toughness to the Kingdom, ending their first game with a meager 1-point loss against eventual tournament runners-up St. Thomas Aquinas. 2024 Sair Alsbrooks was their main offensive spark, dialing shots up from anywhere on the floor and hustling hard around the basket for second chance points. 2026 guard Milak Myatt showed why he’s getting D1 interest with his relentless offensive intensity to add to his big frame and impressive perimeter shooting chops.

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TAVARES, FL – The HoopExchange Fall Festival was a great opportunity to watch some of the state’s best battle it out in front of coaches and spectators from all over. Check out our first group of standouts here [insert link] and see what other players stood out at the event!

READY TO GO GUARDS
These guards were absolutely electric on the biggest stage. Haven Elite (Winter Haven)’s pair of guards Isaac Celiscar and Jamie Phillips Jr. both reminded everyone in attendance why they’re committed to Yale and Stetson, respectively. Celsicar is a tenacious interior presence at the guard/wing spot, vacuuming rebounds and finishing hard at the basket. He’s going to provide a fresh basketball perspective in an increasingly competitive Ivy League. Phillips elite handle and unique build is still a problem for opposing defenses. Stetson will pair him with Daniel MacGregor in one of their best recruiting classes in recent memory. Willie Shappart of WOA Flame (West Oaks Academy) continues to be a high-level producer on an already stacked lineup. His blend of speed, playmaking and shooting often elevates the already high-level guys around him. High-major teammate 2026 Jayden Joseph seems to be acclimating to WOA Flame well, providing a spark of downhill offense that compliments great shooters like Jalen Lee and their interior monster Ibrahmia Traore. Joseph’s downhill attack and guard skill pair well with his physicality. Rock BBall (Rockledge)’s Ryan Blount showed off his high-flying chops and endless motor throughout the second day of the event. Blount will bring his tenacious attack to Rock this year before heading to UTampa next season.

BRUTAL BIGS
Big men made up some of the best prospects of the event. The talk of the gym was undoubtedly Cooper Flagg of FL Eagles (Montverde Academy). The #1 player in the country recently visited UConn and showed the crowd why he is the country’s most touted player. His smooth perimeter game and unreal ability to finish over defenders mixes well with his multi-positional defensive prowess and great frame. Flagg’s teammate, Florida native Asa Newell, has shown insane development over his time with the Eagles. His perimeter shooting has become automatic, and he is a constant dunk threat on the low block. He has put together the pieces and has quickly become one of the country’s most coveted talents. Ibrahmia Traore of WOA Flame (West Oaks) showed that he was a top-5 big man at the event. His mobility around the basket, ability to finish through contact, and great feet on both ends of the floor make him one of the most put-together bigs in the state. He’s got a deepening bag and dynamic defensive instincts. Myles Hosten of Arlington Lions (Impact Christian Academy) showed some intriguing upside, with a nice touch from deep and a bulky frame. He can finish well at the basket and shows flashes of guard skills.

JAM-PACKED JUNIORS
The Fall Festival was dominated by high-level juniors, some of whom proved that they could compete with their senior counterparts. Dante Allen of Shahbaz Elite (Riviera Prep) turned heads all over the event with his intense interior finishing and guard efficiency. His smooth, under-control and yet high-intensity offensive attack was a problem for almost every team they played. His perimeter shooting is developing, and his playmaking has taken a great leap. He’s a great do-it-all guard who is still improving daily. Newly-reclassed Cam Miles of Titan Elite (Olympia) is a quick and tight-handled guard with a lightning-quick change of direction and great finishing abilities. He’s going to have an extra year to develop, but he still showed that he’s able to compete as one of the best guards in the state regardless of class. M-Town (Milton)’s Treymar Jones had some great games and demonstrated some physical toughness. SF Hawk (Santa Fe Catholic)’s Tate Darner is an electric shooter who had multiple 25+ point outings throughout the weekend. Jamier Jones of Orlando Rebels (Oak Ridge) was arguably the greatest performer of the entire event, demonstrating improved confidence in his jumpshot and reminding us that he is the most athletic junior in the entire state. He had some jaw dropping dunks as well as efficient wing play that put Orlando Rebels in great positions to win games against great teams.

STELLAR SOPHOMORES
A select group of sophomores made their names known after both the team event and the individual showcase. The stars of the individual showcase were North Tampa Christian guard standouts Archie McFadden and Landon Colyer. Colyer’s performance landed him offers from Washington and FSU after the weekend. McFadden showed off a much-improved jumper and some dynamic scoring in his game. Shahbaz Elite (Riviera Prep) guard Mason Fuentes made a lot of big shots and used his quickness and skill to get past much larger defenders. He will be a major contributor to a team that has championship hopes this season. Donovan Williams of HoopSquad (Edgewater) gets to his spots easily and attacks the rim with his quickness and great guard size at 6-4. He’s a reliable midrange jump shooter and can establish his own on defense.

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TAVARES, FL – With the high school regular season just over the horizon, coaches, players, and scouts alike flocked to The Big House in Tavares, FL for this year’s HoopExchange Fall Festival to get a look at the best teams in the state. With 9 bustling courts, and individual player showcase, and a wide selection of teams to choose from, the event provided showcase moments and high-energy basketball all weekend long. Some players made their mark and used this opportunity to its fullest potential. Here’s the first part of a two-part article series where we will break down some of the best and brightest players from this year’s event.

SENIORS SHOW OUT
As leader on their teams, it makes sense that some of the best performers of the weekend would come from the senior class. One of the best performers of the weekend was Elyjah Freeman from Well Wolves (Wellington). The 6-6 G/W is a lanky, high-energy athlete with a lot of skill. He propelled Wellington to some impressive wins over high-level programs, all while demonstrating his improved jump shot and elite level feel. Grady Schwartz of Jax Eagles (Episcopal School of Jacksonville) made big plays all weekend for the Eagles, showing off his tenacious interior play and great motor. Schwartz has been offered by a host of D2 schools and showed why. Talen Caudell from Jupiter Jags (Jupiter) was an electric interior finisher with relentless effort going downhill and the strength to punish defenders who are a step behind. Chalier Torres, hot off an offer from Southeastern University, proved that he will be the main guard engine for X-Men (Windermere). He’s a smooth guard with a quick twitch in his handle and an automatic jumper that he is unafraid to take. SEPAration (Southeastern Prep)’s Nick Gunter is an intriguing interior finisher with great raw tools. A true 7-footer, Gunter has great size and athleticism for his position and will be worth tracking to see how his soft skills develop this year.

JUMPSTARTED JUNIORS
The class of 2025 is one of the most loaded classes in recent memory, and their representation in Florida proves that. Juniors comprised the majority of the best players in the entire event. TJ Drain of X-Men (Windermere) is one of the fastest trending players in the country, picking up a Division 1 offer recently from Jacksonville University. The 6-9 big has great touch around the basket and is a great rebounder and shot blocker. Add that to a developing jumper, and Drain has put together one of the most dynamic developments in the state. Bobby Crawford from Gladiators (Gibbs) has also shown immense growth. An athletic nightmare, Crawford has continued to develop moves on the low block and performed well against some of Florida’s best teams. He could be the best big man in Tampa this season. Elite athleticism defined a few of the best players in this group: such as Caleb Cameron from Georgia’s Wilson Academy. The hyper athletic and long guard is a relentless interior finisher with the tools to challenge defenders at the rim at every chance he gets. Ricky Liburd from Great Lion (Sagemont Prep) was another high-flying superstar that turned heads all weekend. Liburd’s athleticism is outstanding, and he adds a great knack for finishing and some high-level guard skills for his size. Knowah Cousins of SEPAration (Southeastern Prep) was another high-flier who had some stellar moments in the air. While not as athletic as these other guys, Anthony Knowles of Miami Bears (Mater Lakes) continued to show his mental and physical toughness as a high-octane point guard. He’s a perfect combination of strength and skill, making him a translatable point guard at the next level.

UNREAL UNDERCLASSMEN
Getting to watch some of the state’s best young talent is one of the highlights of this event year over year. Kevin Thomas of Great Lion (Sagemont Prep) is one of Florida’s highest upside players, with some great athleticism and length to add to great instincts. He’s got a solid perimeter shot to add to his physical tools and relentless effort. Khanye Moss was a great energy-guy for Miami Bears (Mater Lakes), adding the needed hustle and toughness on the glass as well as a tight handle and effective downhill drive. WA Pride (Westminster Academy) boast two of the state’s best underclassmen. Despite being cut off due to injury early in the weekend, 7-foot sophomore Sinan Huan was doing things that nobody of his size should be doing on the floor. He’s a mobile and light-footed big with the ability to handle the ball and expand his range well for his size. He’s paired with Brandon Bass Jr., a dynamic and strong guard with a crafty handle and good size to finish at the basket. Stampede (The Villages) also boasts a pair of high-impact underclassmen in laser-quick guard Allen Britt and forward Jomar Barnard. Barnard is a great shooter to add to his 6-8 frame, and is an active and tough interior presence. Britt is a fast guard with a great handle who can shift players with ease and can score well in the half court and in transition.

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BIG WEEKEND FOR BIG MEN

The tournament showed off some of the best interior talent from around the state. Starting with arguably the most impressive performer of the weekend Ibrahima Traore. The 2024 big man stands at 6-9 with wide shoulders and an impressive physical build. He’s a relentless interior presence and an active voice of leadership (as well as some trash talk) for a successful West Oaks team. He’s going to have a monster season with West Oaks this year. DME Academy 2025 7-2 big man Moustapha Thiam showed why he recently went from Unranked to #52 in the ESPN Top 100 and #49 in Rivals. With insanely long arms and jaw-dropping height for his age, Thiam’s skill set goes far beyond his unique and elite frame. He handles the ball surprisingly well for his size and has a good looking jumper that he can utilize in the midrange. Thiam is one of the most intriguing players I’ve ever watched, and will for sure continue to impress this season with DME. 2026 6-8 big man Elton Smith, Jr. from Cardinal Newman (SC) is a mobile and aggressive post player with a host of developing interior skills. He’s a reliable rebounder with good feet and great strength for his age. He has the ability to score in the midrange and can shoot off the dribble well for his size. With additional size, physicality and confidence, Smith could develop into a high-level big man with unlimited point-forward potential.

WELL WORTH IT WINGS

The wing core at this event was strong as well. They were anchored by great performances from Jalen “Roc” Lee from West Oaks. The 6-6 2024 wing has generated offers from schools like FSU and UCF thanks to his incredible length and motor. Lee is an elite rebounder, explosive finisher, and above-the-rim scorer. Lee also showed that he’s a reliable shooter who can play well as an on-ball or off-ball guy. Along with his great defensive work ethic, Lee should be able to translate well to the next level with his mix of physical intrigue and great skills. The Academy of Central Florida’s Maodo Niang was one of the weekend’s biggest stock risers. Niang is a freak athlete with a great handle at 6-8. The 2025 wing showed his ability to penetrate and distribute in addition to his above-the-rim finishing. He’s a “buy stock now” kind of guy. RJ Jones from The Rock was a pleasure to watch, especially since he is healthy and looks great! The 6-9 forward is still an elite shooting presence, but showed his ability to withstand and impose physicality and battle as an interior presence. With that part of his game being worked on, he’s shown he will be able to contribute defensively and offensively in more ways than one at the next level. Aiden Agnew from Downey Christian School is a promising wing with great strength around the rim. He’s an explosive guy at 6-7 and excels through contact. He’s a tough defender with a nose for finding the ball in the passing lane. Agnew has a beautiful jumper to pair with his interior finishing and point-forward passing skills.

HARD TO GUARD GUARDS

There were some great primary guards who excelled over the weekend. One of the most impressive was The Rock’s Erik Taylor. Erik was figuring out how to play alongside his new The Rock teammates while also demonstrating his explosiveness, knockdown shooting and crafty handle. He has a deep bag that aids him in getting to the rack with ease and is a gifted passer who looked great despite playing with new teammates. He’s a locked and loaded guard who can hurt your defense in a variety of ways. Southeastern Prep’s Alexander Springs lives up to his epic name. One of the best athletes in the state, Springs has developed a lot of his guard skills and looked very comfortable taking tough mid range shots off the dribble and distributing in the lane. He looks like a true guard instead of an overly athletic, undersized forward. DME Academy’s Chris Kitenge was one of the strongest guards of the event. At 6-5, Kitenge is not necessarily a primary guard, but his intense physicality and ability to explode to the basket made him hard to stop in the half court. Kintenge will be able to develop into a full weapon of a wing and balance his impressive attack with some perimeter skills.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

Being in Georgia, this even naturally brought some of Georgia’s best players together. 2025 Deke Cooper from Woodward Academy showed why he has seen an influx of D1 interest, as he demonstrated his pure scoring talent and physicality. With length and athleticism to boot, Cooper is very poised offensively with room still to grow. 2025 Jacob Wilkins of Grayson High also had a great weekend. The son of NBA legend Dominique, Wilkins resembles his father’s poise on the floor with a great ability to change and utilize pace to his advantage and an in-control basketball style. While he could benefit from putting on some more muscle, Wilkins’ high-IQ with the ball in his hands makes him an especially lethal threat. 2025 Caleb Wilson from Holy Innocents Episcopal School continues to show why he has heard from schools like Arkansas, LSU, Texas, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Ohio State, Mississippi State, SMU, UNC, and Alabama since the contact period started. A mobile big with great hands and reliable ball skills, Wilson is a unique prospect with great size and length at 6-10. He’s only begun to scratch the surface of his true potential and will continue to dominate Georgia hoops at Holy Innocents. 2024 Jeremiah Wilkinson from longtime powerhouse McEachern is an aggressive point guard with serious heart and relentless effort. With extended range and great pace, Wilkinson earned a Tulsa offer after the weekend. 2026 Moustapha Diop from Walker School showed why he’s one of the top ranked sophomores in the state. With a great interior motor and the ability to extend to the perimeter, Diop is an intriguing prospect with limitless potential and has already shown an ability to get better year over year.

MAKING THEIR NAME DOWN IN NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina has been a growing hub for quality basketball in the Southeast. The level of talent at GABC reflected that. 2024 Bishop Boswell from Myers Park (NC) and teammate 2025 Sadiq White showed that they may be the best tandem in the Southeast this season. Boswell is a gifted combo guard with great length and feel for the game. He’s a developing passer with great explosiveness and athleticism aiding him in scoring around the basket. His jumper is quick and rangy, and he can score them in bunches. White is the #1 player in the state for a reason. The recent NC State offer and ESPN Top 100 kid has an incredibly gifted combination of skill and length. He’s a reliable shooter, high IQ scorer, and has near unlimited upside.

FUN FROM OUR FLORIDA FAMIlY
Some of our Florida guys made their names known over the weekend as well. 2024 Tyler Johnson showed his shooting touch and high level motor. The incoming senior at Oak Ridge in Orlando can play inside-out and is developing as an interior presence and athlete. 2025 Jalen Reece is a verified bucket getter. The fellow Oak Ridge guard is an elite shooter who can actively run an offense and create opportunities for his teammates. As he continues to develop his body and size, he will only be able to increase his marketability at the next level. 2026 Windermere Prep Brandon Bass, Jr. is one of Florida’s fastest growing prospects. The son of former NBA player Brandon Bass is a multi-level scorer and budding defensive presence whose stock has risen greatly all summer.

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BIG NAMES WITH BIG GAMES

Some of Florida’s most well-known players continued to affirm their place as stalwarts in the Florida basketball scene with some great play. Two of the weekend’s biggest standouts were 2025s Christian Maxon and Christopher Maxon. The twins, who have garnered much interest on social media since middle school, have blossomed into legitimate prospects. The Fort Pierce Central guards now stand at 6-2 and have put on muscle, which was one of their biggest setbacks in their early years. Add that to being two of the best shooters in the gym, and we’ve seen these two talented prospects become competitive, high-level players. 2024 Elyjah Freeman of Wellington continued his breakout summer, as he demonstrated his ability to masterfully blend his role as a forward and point guard. With an intriguing build at 6-6 and incredibly long, Freeman has developed additional ball skills that make him lethal on the floor. 2025 Brisun Hammermeister recently transferred to The Villages, and is beginning to get a feel for the game there. His athleticism and lights out shooting will make him a key floor spacer and dunk threat as the Buffaloes try to take their young core deep into the state playoffs.

POST PLAYERS POPPING OUT

In a game that has seen a decrease in the popularity of the traditional big man, the FABC presented an opportunity to watch Florida’s top bigs who have old school swagger. IMG Gold’s 2024 Jackson Martin has been a rare multi-year staple for the Ascenders. The 6-10 mobile post has broad shoulders and incredible size while maintaining high-level footwork and a soft touch around the basket. 2025 Tim Winkler, of IMG Blue, was a young, lanky forward with a relentless downhill attack. His awareness is off the charts, making him an effective triple threat: scorer, passer and defender. 2025 big Terrence “TJ” Drain was one of the weekend’s biggest stock raisers. The 6-8 big showed much improved footwork and post awareness, while also flashing some shooting prowess. The lefty midrange jumper was clean, and his rebounding tenacity was noticed by everyone in the gym. Drain looks legit and will be a huge benefit for Windermere this season. Gibbs’ Bobby Anderson is a 6-7 athlete with a relentless motor and insane heart. The charismatic big was an effective interior threat with long arms and a consistent defender. He’s grown a lot from last year and can still rely on his insane athleticism when he needs to.

NEW GUYS IN TOWN

Some new faces on new teams turned heads in the gym over the weekend. 2024 transfer guard Chalier Torres was a huge jolt for Windermere as they had an impressive undefeated weekend. The 6-4 guard is a strong yet quick guard with a decent first step and a great perimeter shot. He impressed with his ability to lead the offense and finish in traffic or transition. Belen Jesuit 2027 guard Orlando Roche stood out in a Belen system that plays tough team basketball. The incoming freshman was more aggressive than his teammates and unafraid to go to the basket and draw fouls. Despite being so young, Roche showed he had the tenacity to compete at a consistently competitive program. Alex Dipaolo, a 6-4 2026 guard from Hagerty, was arguably the best shooter of the weekend. The incoming sophomore has a high release point that gets off smooth and quick despite an unorthodox form. He’s a reliable passer and quality defender with a high IQ. He’ll be able to quickly energize the Hagerty offense in a variety of ways this season.

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