Top Rated Prospects Shine in City of Palms Classic
Top rated prospects shine in the City of Palms Classic, illuminating the high school basketball landscape. Each December, the excitement of this prestigious tournament captures the attention of coaches, scouts, and fans alike. In the heart of Fort Myers, elite teams showcase their talent, with many of the nation’s best players stepping into the spotlight.
High-Stakes Matchups and Rising Stars
This year, the standout clash between Long Island Lutheran and Owasso epitomized the competitive spirit of the tournament. From the first tip-off, the intensity was palpable, with sophomore Jalen Montonati of Long Island Lutheran scoring an impressive 28 points. “To get the honor to play in this tournament is really big time for us and our program,” he reflected, his voice tinged with the weight of expectations.
Meanwhile, Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and an injured Syracuse signee, displayed resilience as he guided his teammate, Kayden Mingo, bound for Penn State. “Proof is in the pudding,” Kiyan stated, underscoring the legacy of success that LUHI players have enjoyed as they transition to Division I basketball.
A Scout’s Paradise
With each passing game, the City of Palms Classic morphs into a playground for talent scouts. “I love to watch the boys who may not have had scholarships suddenly get offers from coaches who have never seen them before,” remarked Mary Schaack, an eager scout in attendance. This year, over 60 college coaches and 50 NBA scouts filled the stands of Suncoast Credit Union Arena, where dreams and aspirations collide.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as players like Dylan Mingo, a 2026 guard, seized the opportunity to shine. “It’s a big stage competing against a bunch of other high-level DI players,” he shared, embodying the ambition that fuels the tournament. “I feel like it’s a good opportunity to get my name out there.”
As the echoes of sneakers squeaking against the polished court fill the arena, the stats paint a remarkable picture: 87 City of Palms alumni have reached the NBA, while 156 players have left their mark on NCAA basketball.
Upsets and Redemption
The tournament is no stranger to volatility; this year, the top-seeded LUHI stumbled in their opener against Owasso, losing 64-60. “A team that’s not really supposed to beat you sometimes catches you on an off night, and they’ll beat you,” Kiyan noted, a reminder that even the best can fall. Yet, resilience prevailed as LUHI made a comeback against Gateway Charter, fighting their way into the consolation semifinals.
As a testament to the unpredictable nature of the tournament, Owasso, now facing Oak Ridge in the classic bracket quarterfinals, has proven that surprises are indeed part of the game. This event, an emblem of high school basketball in Florida, reflects not only the talent on display but also the dreams of young athletes chasing the next big opportunity.
The City of Palms Classic serves as a backdrop for tales of triumph, heartache, and hope. Win or lose, every player leaves the court with new experiences that will shape their futures in ways they may not yet comprehend, armed with the knowledge that this stage can lead to incredible opportunities.
