It was an AMAZING two days of wall-to-wall basketball this past weekend at The Big House in Tavares as Hoop Exchange held its annual Fall Festival. Dozens of teams from all over the Sunshine State came to test themselves against competition they won’t likely get or see in their area. There is a lot to cover, so let’s get to it.
Montverde Academy
It comes as no surprise that Montverde Academy drew the most attention from spectators and scouts whenever the Eagles played on Saturday and Sunday. This time around it was more to see the new players on campus than to see a juggernaut that went wire to wire as the top-rated team in the country. The Eagles played four challenging games over the two days, going 3-1 with their only loss a 70-66 setback to The Villages squad that we highlighted a couple of weeks ago. This led to loud whispers of “Montverde is down this season”. Before embracing that silly notion, think about what has transpired. Last year’s Montverde squad essentially had six starters and tended to run with them the whole game if necessary. Five of those six were ranked in the top 25 in the 2024 Class while the sixth was ranked in the top sixty. According to rankings for the Class of 2025, Hudson Greer, a 6’6 wing from Texas, is Montverde’s top ranked player at #34, followed by 6’5 senior Mazi Mosley, originally from California, at #55. So while expectations for the team overall should be the same in terms of few, if any, losses during the regular season and a high seed at the Chipotle Nationals, it most likely won’t come in the dominant fashion that the nation has become accustomed to seeing from the Eagles.
In the one game we took in with Montverde this weekend, Caleb Gaskins, a 6’8 junior, was arguably the most productive. He was consistent with his mid-range shot, knocked down a couple of threes, and was a force at both ends as a rebounder. Greer was solid in his debut as he shot well from beyond the arc and proved to be more athletic than originally thought. He showed he could contend for rebounds against bigger players inside and complete athletic finishes at the basket. Trent Sisley, a 6’8 senior from Indiana, had more than his share of moments as a guy that poses matchup problems for the defense. He has a reliable shot to the three-point line, has post-up scoring tools inside, and is a good passer. Dante Allen, a 6’4 senior out of Miami, is a well-known commodity from his play for two-time state champion Riviera Prep as well as on the EYBL circuit with Nightrydas Elite. He will do and excel at whatever it takes to win in all phases of the game. Javion Tyndale, a 5’9 sophomore out of Canada, started at the point guard spot. His speed and quickness at both ends of the floor is a different dynamic from what we’ve seen in recent memory from Montverde. He was effective, rather by knocking down perimeter shots, getting the ball to open teammates for quality looks, or forcing turnovers on defense. Mosley, 6’6 junior Kayden Allen, 6’8 junior Gabe Weiss, and 6’3 junior Dhani Miller each made contributions off the bench.
Orlando Oak Ridge
A team vying for the “Best FHSAA Team Regardless of Classification”, this group of Pioneers is looking to avenge its overtime loss to Miami Columbus in last year’s Class 7A title game. While the Pioneers may not have the overall depth it had last year, there is still plenty of talent. Jamier Jones, a 6’6 senior and Providence commit, was absurdly dynamic this past weekend. Explosive to the hoop with or without the basketball, Jones levitates quickly to score in a crowd. He had one play where the lob pass was a bit behind him, so he did a 180 in the air, caught the ball looking away from the basket, and completed a reverse-dunk. A terrific rebounder and slick passer, Jones is fun to watch. So is 6’1 senior Jalen Reece. He is very quick with the ball, can pull up off the dribble in a nanosecond and make shots from deep, as well as find teammates when penetrating the defense. Quick hands and feet make him an annoying defender, and we mean that in the best way possible. Zay Mosley, a 6’8 senior, provides an interior presence at both ends of the floor. A physical defender and rugged rebounder at that end, he can score on short drives and jumpers, lobs and stickbacks on offense. Maddox Harden, a 6’7 sophomore, will see an increase in court time this season. A very good athlete for his size, Harden is going to be the one to do some of the grunge work inside and on defense to make things a bit easier for everyone else. Solomon Bradshaw, a 5’9 junior, adds additional speed and quickness at both ends of the court. It has been assumed that 6’5 senior and Florida Gators commit C.J. Ingram is going to be with the team. However, he was not with them this weekend and his arrival is on a “wait and see” basis.
Miami Christopher Columbus
It is Year Four and the final go-around for “Boozer-palooza” at Columbus. If this weekend is any indication, it will be a very successful one. To be blunt and not just a contrarian, 6’9 senior Cameron Boozer is THE BEST PLAYER IN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL. We are not wasting our time on speculating what he can or can’t be in college or the pros. Simply based on production, consistency, and (ahem) winning, no other player in the country has the resume he does. In the game we watched on Saturday, it was a typical Cameron Boozer performance: dominate the glass, score from all levels, defend multiple positions without fouling, and make it look easy. Cayden Boozer, a 6’4 senior, continues to shine in his own right. Running the team, being the point of attack on defense, and making shots out to the arc, all at a high level. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a needed three-point shooter this season to keep defenses honest. Jaxon Richardson, a 6’6 junior, is a lengthy athlete that will shine on the floor despite the long shadow that talents like the Boozers can throw. He excels in transition, is quick off the floor for putbacks and lobs, is a tenacious defender both inside and out, and has rapidly developing scoring tools. There are some newcomers to keep an eye on. Eric Tomou, a 6’9 senior, gives Columbus an additional presence inside and allows Cameron Boozer more freedom to operate on the perimeter. He has the potential to impact the game at the defensive end as a rim protector thanks to his length and leaping ability. Cello Jackson, a 6’4 junior, looks to be a reliable scoring option. He has a strong drive game with good touch around the basket as well as floaters in the lane. Jackson will also be helpful as a secondary ball-handler vs pressure. Another junior, 6’6 Keeper Jackson (unrelated), adds more versatility and depth at both ends of the floor.
Miami Riviera Prep
While Riviera Prep may have lost Dante Allen to Montverde Academy for his senior season, the two-time defending state champion is not at a loss for talent. They played a tough four game schedule this weekend, including the grueling last game Saturday/first game Sunday “back-to-back”. This is still a young group but somehow very experienced. A pair of seniors provide size inside. Gustavo Guimmares, 6’11, continues to develop both physically and skill-wise. He controls his rebound area, challenges shots around the basket, and has some decent scoring tools inside. Gustavo raised a lot of eyebrows in the gym when he connected on a pair of long perimeter shots. Alongside him is 6’8 Peter Okechukwu. He’s been with the Bulldogs his entire career and brings the athleticism and work ethic to succeed at the next level. He makes the biggest impact on defense but will make the most of his limited opportunities on the offensive end. Mason Fuentes, a 6’0 junior, and brother Myles Fuentes, a 6’0 sophomore, man the backcourt. Each has been a starter for the past two years. Mason is an aggressive rim-attacker that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He is also a tough on-ball defender. Myles has more of a point guard mentality, has good court vision and looks to get teammates involved. He generally makes good shot vs pass decisions on the move and makes his open perimeter looks. Jeremy Jenkins, a 6’8 sophomore, showed much more skill with the basketball in his hands this weekend than we had seen previously, handling the ball in the open court as well as driving to the basket with combination moves. He still has good touch in the paint and has extended his reliable shooting range to fifteen feet. Youngsters such as 5’10 sophomore Mikey Vilmenay and 6’6 freshman Laron Mack will provide plenty of support off the bench.
Orlando West Oaks Academy
We highlighted The Flame a couple of weeks ago in our coverage of the XBL Fall League, but the team had games against some high-level opponents and we wanted to see them as much as their opponent. Marcis Ponder, a 6’11 junior, demands a lot of defensive attention in the paint. There is always a fear that a backboard will shatter when he dunks the basketball, which is quite frequent. He moves well for a big guy and though the basketball looks like a softball in his hands, he was able to make his free throws at a higher rate than we’ve seen in the past. Guard play, as usual, will be key for West Oaks this season. Jayden Joseph, a 6’2 junior, more often than not initiates the offense. He is dangerous coming off ball-screens, both in pulling up for jumpers or taking the ball hard to the basket and seeking contact. Willie Burnett, a 6’4 junior, likes to create space with quick dribble moves before rising and firing from the perimeter. Admittedly, we’ve seen him hit at a higher rate than he did in the game we watched. However, he can blow games open if he gets on a hot streak. Kiffen Teixeira, a 6’5 senior, continues to impress with his ability to make positive things happen on a routine basis at both ends of the floor. He’ll come up with a steal, rebound, or bucket in key moments of games. Flamio Mateus, a 6’7 senior, is sleight of frame but has great length and generous amounts of athleticism to go with a playing at 100% percent at all times style. He had a couple of blocks against Columbus that were simply to not to be believed unless you saw it happen right in front of you. T.J Barrie, a 6’6 senior, along with 6’8 senior Emmanuel Kamara, offer strong support off the bench.
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
This group was super-impressive at the FHSAA Team Camp this past June and were once again this past weekend. It starts with 6’6 senior and FSU recruit D.J. Wimbley. He doesn’t seem to have a defined position; he just goes out and gets things done. He is a rugged driver and finisher, scores thru contact, has a reliable jumper inside the arc, and actively pursues rebounds at both ends of the floor. Wimbley plays with a contagious energy that his teammates feed off of. D.J. Sandi, a 6’1 junior, spearheads the point of attack on offense and defense. He does a fine job of pushing the pace, scores over the defense with floaters and mid-range pull-ups, looks to get teammates involved and is disruptive in the passing lanes as well as when guarding the basketball. Zane Elliott, a 6’6 junior, is a small forward in a big forward’s body. He is a combination of speed and strength that make for a tough matchup. Eliott is an ardent rebounder at both ends, has good ball-handling and passing skills, and can also knock down perimeter shots if left unattended. A pair of sophomores, 6’1 Clarence Westbrook and 6’1 K.J. Sandi, have proven to be potent scorers despite having only one season of high school basketball under their respective belts. Westbrook is more of the driver/slasher while Sandi is a quick catch-and-shoot artist. Both are developing the skills of the other to become more impactful. Nate Accius, a 6’4 sophomore, had his moments as well this past weekend. He was a constant on the offensive glass, a threat to score on drives, and a harassing defender.