It is always a challenge to pick THE player for this category.  Every spring and summer, we come across players that either we had not seen play before or their performance was under-whelming when viewed in action with their respective high school team, but then “ball out” in a different setting.  These guys definitely fit the bill.

2025 – Trey Card, Born to Win: A 6’6 junior out of Florida High in Tallahassee, Card blew us away at our Spring Tip-Off in mid-April.  Card has wide shoulders, a strong frame, and an extra dose of run/jump athleticism.  If that wasn’t enough, he is a more-than-respectable perimeter shooter on either side of the three-point line.  Card is a solid ball-handler with good court vision that can make plays for others as well as himself.  He is arguably most effective when taking the ball strong to the basket, where he is able to finish through contact.  Card’s physical gifts allow him to defend bigger players in the post as well as smaller players on the perimeter.  He is quick off the floor to grab offensive rebounds and put back missed shots while on the defensive end Card is a grab-and-go rebounder that can start the transition game on his own.

2026 – Ethan Sabec, BTI Pressure Elite: The 6’7 Sabec of Clearwater Calvary Christian was “on fire” at the Fire & Ice event in early May.  His ability to score on all three levels was on display.  Not just that but Sabec’s ability to read the defense and either move to the right spot to get the ball and an open shot or take advantage of a defender was high level stuff.  His footwork in the post as well as on the perimeter is advanced and Sabec has enough ball skills and court awareness to run an offense as a point forward.  His frame is filling out and he has gotten stronger in the past year which allows Sabec to make an impact on the glass at both ends of the floor.  Defensively he works hard and doesn’t mind playing physically inside.  He missed the FABC Team Camp in June due to a foot injury but his play in front of college coaches in the spring no doubt served notice that Sabec is one to keep in contact with going forward.

2027 – Johnny Lackaff, SE Elite: The 6’1 Lackaff, a Sarasota High product, caught are attention early in the spring and seemed to improve each time we saw him.  He has an accurate jump shot with a very quick release that extends well past the arc.  Lackaff has a solid frame and shows good upper-body strength in keeping defenders on his hip when driving to the basket.  On his drives he has good court awareness and makes good shot vs. pass decisions on the move.  Lackaff can play either guard spot, understands pacing, and appears unfazed by defensive pressure when dribbling the basketball.  Defensively he plays hard, anticipates well, and has active hands and feet.  Once college coaches are allowed to start contacting the Class of 2027, Lackaff should receive plenty of attention.