The annual showcase of some of the nation’s top high school programs tipped off Thursday in Fort Myers as the City of Palms Classic returned to center stage. For more than 50 years, COP has served as a benchmark event on the early-season calendar, bringing together elite programs, high-level matchups, and some of the best talent in the country.
Imhotep vs. Petersburg
This matchup had the feel of a high-energy grinder—fast paced, physical, and at times sloppy, with careless turnovers and missed layups on both ends.
Despite the miscues, both teams stayed engaged defensively, keeping the game competitive throughout. Petersburg maintained control behind its physicality and interior presence, with OSU commit Latrell Allmond setting the tone in the second half.
Petersburg High School
Petersburg played with force early, establishing a physical edge in the first half.
- Ladarius Givan was extremely efficient, not missing a shot in the first half—including a three—and closed the half with nine points.
- Latrell Allmond did the dirty work inside, drawing fouls, attacking the paint, and consistently getting to the free-throw line. Ball security was an issue at times, but his impact was undeniable as he finished with 21 points and six rebounds.
- Kelvin Anderson, a small scoring guard with a quick release, made Imhotep pay for going under screens, knocking down multiple threes and finishing with 19 points.
Imhotep
- Latief Lorenzano-White, an intriguing freshman prospect, showed promise with his length, activity level, and left-handed stroke, knocking down a three.
- Zaahir Muhammad-Gray served as the offensive anchor, with Imhotep running much of its offense through him at the high post. He used his strength to score and facilitate, while also stepping out to knock down a three. He finished with 20 points.
- Jordan Dill, the primary ballhandler, provided steady play and composure throughout, posting 18 points and five assists.
Calvary Christian vs. Owasso
Calvary Christian 62, Owasso 52
Calvary’s speed and scoring from the backcourt proved to be the difference.
Calvary Christian
- The backcourt duo of Caden Daughtry and Jacob Zhu controlled the game with their pace, craft, and shot-making. Both guards consistently got downhill, finished creatively, and knocked down jumpers.
- Daughtry was in constant attack mode, applying pressure all game and living at the free-throw line. He finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
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Zhu added 14 points, showcasing range and the ability to score at multiple levels.
Owasso
- Jalen Montonati played well early, scoring from the mid-post and finishing plays around the basket. When his feet were set, he showed the ability to knock down the three.
- Boden Williams played a complementary role—effective if not flashy—capable of scoring from the midrange and beyond the arc.
Sarasota vs. Archbishop Stepinac
Stepinac Dominates
Stepinac came out firing and never looked back, building a 28-point first-half lead and stretching it to 30 in the second half.
- Josh Rivera set the tone early, scoring 10 points in the first quarter and finishing with 15 points and five assists.
- Darius Ratliff led all scorers with 19 points.
- Josiah Jervis added 15 points, while Hassan Koureissi chipped in 10.
Sarasota High
- Johnny Lackaff did all he could to keep Sarasota competitive, finishing with 26 points and knocking down 5 of 12 from beyond the arc, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Stepinac’s depth, pressure, and pace.