Fort Myers, FL – Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The City of Palms Classic proved once again why it remains one of the most prestigious basketball events in the country. This year’s tournament boasted an exceptional lineup of talent. In the initial three days of action, matchups featuring some of the most prominent names in high school basketball.
Standout showdowns featured a clash between 5-star prospects Isaiah Evans of North Mecklenburg (NC) and 5 star Tre Johnson of Link Academy (MO) was epic. Additionally, the clash between two top Rutgers commits, Ace Bailey of Mceachern (GA) and Dylan Harper of Don Bosco Prep (NJ) added further excitement to the tournament.
Dylan Harper, Don Bosco (NJ)
Dylan Harper, Dylan Harper, the standout player from Don Bosco (NJ) and a committed Rutgers recruit, delivered an impressive performance in a notable victory over his future teammate, Ace Bailey. Harper’s dominance on the court was evident against smaller perimeter defenders, where his physical presence allowed him to assert control. Harper’s ability to score in bunches and leverage his size is very effective in exploiting matchups to benefit his team.
Ace Bailey, McEachern HS (GA)
Ace Bailey, representing McEachern High School in Georgia, delivered an electrifying performance in the first half of the game with 18 points. He showcased his ability to consistently convert difficult shots. However, despite a stellar first-half performance, Bailey experienced a decline in scoring output during the second half, contributing only 6 points. Nevertheless, his overall performance was commendable, showcasing why the Rutger commit is #1 in our 2024 ranking.
Tre Johnson, Link Academy (MO)
Tre Johnson, a 5-star shooting guard from Link Academy (MO), delivered an exceptional performance in a game against a North Mecklenburg team led by Isaiah Evans. Johnson’s impact was evident in the second half, where he played a pivotal role in setting the tone for his team, notably increasing the scoring tempo going back in forth with Evans.
As a Texas signee, the 6’5” Johnson’s play making ability stands out as one of his key strengths. He possesses a remarkable knack for putting the ball in the hoop at an elite level. Johnson led the charge with an game-high of 26 points. Additionally, he contributed significantly in other facets of the game, securing 7 rebounds and distributing the ball effectively with 4 assists.
Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg ( NC)
Isaiah Evans, a 5⭐️ 6’7” forward headed to Duke University, demonstrated his impressive scoring abilities in a recent game. Although he began the first half relatively slow, registering 4 points, he rebounded strongly in the third quarter with an impressive 11 points. This surge came while engaging in a shooting showcase, particularly with Tre Johnson from Link Academy, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.
Despite a valiant effort, Evans concluded the game with 20 points and 6 rebounds in a 67-59 loss to Link Academy. His contributions, especially in scoring, showcased his talent as a high-level scorer, contributing significantly to his team’s performance on the court.
Recognized as a tremendous talent, Evans’ ability to put up points in crucial moments makes him an exciting player to watch. His skill set as a scorer and his impact on the game will add value to the Duke University team next season.