While we spent more of our time watching teams in the 17U division, we still found time to check on some programs in the younger divisions.  Let’s take a look at some of the more notable performers from the Class of 2026.

Travis Triplett, Team Breakdown NB: A 6’8 sophomore at Tampa Carrollwood Day, Triplett was forced into extended duty on the interior after teammate Marcis Ponder tweaked an ankle in the team’s first game of the day.  He more than held his own at both ends of the court. Triplett controlled the glass, showed a soft touch around the basket, and protected the rim with his length and leaping ability.  He even found time to step away from the lane and knock in a perimeter shot or two.  Triplett is rapidly developing into a versatile performer on both offense and defense.

Donovan Gaines, Team Gritty: In a 9:00AM Saturday game, the 6’3 sophomore at Wiregrass Ranch seemed to be the only player on either side awake and ready to go.  Gaines displayed a wide range of skills.  He scored from all three levels, took care of the ball, made good shot vs. pass decisions on drives and was quick to get the ball to open teammates that had a better shot.  He was active on defense as well, harassing ball-handlers and clogging the passing lanes.  Gaines has the frame to add muscle in the future without sacrificing any athleticism, which is already very good.

Justin Brigham, Showtime Ballers: A 6’4 sophomore at Central Florida Christian Academy in Orlando, Bringham does a little bit of everything out on the court as he is productive playing inside or out on the perimeter.  Brigham has good strength, finishes well around the basket, and successfully battles for rebounds against bigger opponents.  When on the perimeter, he makes open shots, gets quickly to the basket with one or two dribbles, and is alert to deliver the ball quickly to cutters or open perimeter shooters.  His versatility extends to the defensive end as well.

Jayden Joseph, Team Breakdown NB: A 6’2 sophomore at West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Joseph had one of his better perimeter shooting games, knocking down three of four on the day.  This forced defenders to play up closer so they could challenge the shot, which gave Joseph the opportunity to use his quick first step to attack the basket and make plays.  If Joseph doesn’t score on those occasions, he is very good at finding open teammates and getting them the ball where they can best use it.  Joseph is seemingly always in attack mode at both ends of the floor, pushing the pace in transition as well as putting defensive pressure on opponents both on and off the ball.

Joshua Mercado, Global Not Local: A 6’2 sophomore at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden (just west of Orlando), Mercado had a highly productive game though the his team was very much outmanned.  He did not let the score affect his play and continued to play hard and not force things.  Mercado has a reliable perimeter shot from behind the three-point line and a nifty little mid-range game.  For his size, Mercado is a good offensive rebounder.  His one drive to the basket resulted in a pair of free throws, which he cashed in.

Aiden Demeglio, Showtime Ballers: A 6’2 sophomore at Oviedo, Demeglio was an active and energetic scorer when we watched on Saturday.  He is a reliable threat from behind the arc, knocking down three of five in the contest.  Demeglio didn’t settle for threes; he had a few strong drives to the basket, not afraid to challenge the bigs inside.  He played with intensity and passion at both ends and his teammates fed off that.

Moses Nyango, FOTL Gold: A 6’11 sophomore at Victory Rock Prep in Bradenton, Nyango is more about what he can become than what he is now.  He is thin and lacking strength, so he doesn’t always finish around the basket.  Nyango will put back missed shots, lobs, and shots inside if not jostled by defenders.  He is long, runs the floor swiftly, and challenges all shots around the basket.  His game will grow as he gets more physically mature and has more game experience under his belt.

Falou Aw, Team Breakdown NB: A 6’6 sophomore at Special Fit Academy in Tampa, Aw is an athletic wing that shows promise.  He’s got some skills as he is a solid ball-handler and has a reliable shot from fifteen feet and in.  Aw excels in transition as he gets down the floor fast and finishes over the rim.  He has the ability to be a grab-and-go rebounder, starting the transition game on his own.  With his length, agility, and footspeed, Aw is able to defend multiple positions.