Jordan Davidsen
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.
