Day one at The National HoopFeast Thanksgiving Tournament, Wesley Chapel, FL brought heat from every direction. Seniors showed leadership, underclassmen showed hunger, and a whole wave of 2026–2028 hoopers showed why Florida basketball stays on the rise.
CLASS OF 2026 — SENIOR STANDOUTS
Vernon Lee Jr. — Seffner Christian (FL)
Vernon went full nuclear mode in the second half. With SCA down and needing life, he stepped into the spotlight and started raining threes from everywhere — deep wings, corners, transition. A high-level shooter with elite confidence, Vernon nearly willed his squad all the way back in the closing minutes.
Ronald Clark | Impact Christian Academy (FL)
A physical, steady presence who played winning basketball all game long. Clark’s toughness at the rim, rebounding ability, and effort in traffic made him a noticeable force every time he stepped on the floor.
Jackson Byam | Sickles (FL)
Byam showcased smooth footwork, patient scoring, and the ability to play within the flow of the offense. High IQ wing who rarely forced anything and always made the right read.
Marcis Ponder | Gillion Academy (VA)
A long, big bodied, athletic center with a motor that never shut off. He controlled the boards, protected the paint, and made life tough for anyone trying to score inside. Conditioning has improved.
Willie Burnett III | Gillion Academy (VA)
Willie was in attack mode from the jump — strong drives, confident touches, and real energy on both ends. He set the tone with competitiveness every possession.
CLASS OF 2027 — JUNIOR STANDOUTS
Cayden Daughtry | Calvary Christian (FL)
A dynamic scoring guard with lightning-quick bursts and confidence from all three levels. When he gets downhill, defenses scramble. One of the most skilled 2027 guards in the gym.
Henry Robinson Jr. — Pine Ridge (FL)
One of the most impactful forwards of Day One. Henry’s versatility jumped out immediately, finishing at the rim, creating inside-the-arc offense, and providing a steady interior scoring presence. He played with power and poise, helping Pine Ridge secure a big win.
Ayaan Bhadouria | Carrollwood Day School (FL)
Ayaan was everywhere. High IQ, good instincts, timely scoring, and active hands on defense. The kind of guy who makes winning plays every trip.
Donovan Swain | Coral Glades (FL)
Athletic, high-motor, and disruptive. Donovan’s defensive activity, rim protection, and transition ability made him a real problem for opposing guards.
Tristan Pasch | Parrish (FL)
A smooth shooter who spaced the floor beautifully and knocked down perimeter looks with confidence. One of the better pure shooters in his class yesterday.
Dwight Gaines | Westminister Academy (FL)
Strong, physical, and fearless. Gaines controlled the paint, rebounded in traffic, and gave his team a real presence on the block.
Neo Flores | Slam Tampa (FL)
Flores brought defensive fire and competitiveness to every possession. Quick feet, active hands, and the ability to guard multiple spots on the perimeter.
CLASS OF 2028 — SOPHOMORE STANDOUTS
Gabriel “Gabe” Williams — Potter’s House Christian (FL)
One of the most impactful second-half performances of the entire day. Gabe struggled offensively in the first half but stayed locked in…defending, rebounding, and doing the little things. When the second half hit, he erupted for 19 points, including four threes, to power Potter House Christian to a major Day 1 win.
Dallas Oliver | North Tampa Christian (FL)
Dallas is a fluid athlete, confident scorer, and competitive spirit. The freshman showed flashes of real long-term upside.