Winter Haven, Fla. — Prep Hoops Next attracted a talented collection of players and teams to Central Florida this past weekend for the inaugural Rumble Under The Palms tournament where a number of youth hoops standouts emerged. This two-part segment will feature an alphabetical rundown of the top frontcourt prospects from the Class of 2026 in attendance during the weekend…
Adam Balogoun-Ali | Jupiter, FL | Class of 2026
Balogoun-Ali was one of the more productive frontcourt players in the seventh-grade division at Rumble Under The Palms. A strong presence in the lane for Harris Athletics (FL), the post prospect played much bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame, showcasing nimble footwork and soft hands. Balogoun-Ali did an excellent job of converting his opportunities in the paint and proved to be a defensive anchor for his team while competing with a great motor around the rim. His 23-point performance against CLT1 Sports (NC) helped solidify his selection as a 3rd Team All-Tournament recipient.
Jordan Johnson | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Class of 2026
A big-bodied perimeter prospect, Johnson displayed a deceptive first-step, and was adept at getting into the lane and creating positive plays for his Miami Top Risers (FL) team during the Rumble Under The Palms tournament. Although Johnson does not possess a traditional basketball frame, his game is quite refined, as the South Florida native flashed a variety of skills and consistently found ways to contribute beyond the scoring column for his squad throughout the weekend. His instincts and ability to track the ball below the rim allow Johnson to offset many of his perceived physical shortcomings at the seventh-grade level.
Demetrice McCray | Wildwood, FL | Class of 2026
The most explosive athlete in the seventh-grade division at Rumble Under The Palms, McCray’s high-flying exploits for Tri-City Ballers (FL) were a crowd favorite during the event, and he consistently embraced the assignment of guarding opponents’ best perimeter players. An above-the-rim athlete with a mature frame, McCray excelled in transition, and was effective in the halfcourt when attacking the rim off the dribble. Despite a somewhat streaky jumper, McCray posted a pair of 20+ point performances, including a 25-point game against CLT1 Sports (NC), and an additional 18-point game in a semifinal victory over Central Florida Rising Stars (FL).
Angelo Moton | Wildwood, FL | Class of 2026
While the aforementioned McCray relied upon his raw athleticism, which often resulted in beautifully erratic performances, Moton, alternatively, was a steady presence for Tri-City Ballers (FL) in their march to the Rumble Under The Palms seventh-grade division title game. Both were important, and although their styles were dramatically different, Moton proved to be an ideal interior complement for his teammates. Named a 2nd Team All-Tournament selection, Moton contributed 17 points versus Central Florida Rising Stars (FL) in a semifinal win, and scored a team-high 15 points in the championship game loss to AllBall (FL).
Collin Paul | Jupiter, FL | Class of 2026
One of the more intriguing wing prospects in the seventh-grade division at the Rumble Under The Palms tournament, Paul suited up for Harris Athletics (FL), and made a statement at the event with his pair of double-digit scoring contests against Central Florida Rising Stars (FL) and Minnesota Splash (MN). A fluid and mobile athlete, Paul’s skill level appears to be rounding into form, and his production should continue trending upward as his confidence blossoms. Standing a shade over the six-foot mark, the talented swingman is a name to remember and monitor for development among the Class of 2026 group in the Sunshine State.
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