
As the high school basketball season progresses, the 51st Annual City of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers, FL, is a premier event that highlights some of the nation’s best high school players and teams just before the holiday season. This tournament has become a showcase for elite talent, and this year’s competition was no exception, with several prospects stepping into the spotlight and distinguishing themselves from their peers. The intensity of the games and the caliber of the athletes provided a thrilling experience for fans and scouts alike.
Cameron Boozer: The Dominant Power Forward of Christopher Columbus 2025 (Duke)
Cameron Boozer, standing at 6’9” and weighing 245 lbs, was undeniably the standout performer in the 2024 City of Palms Classic. He led his team to victory, showcasing his physical dominance and skillset throughout the tournament. Boozer’s ability to control the paint set him apart, as he effectively utilized his size and strength to make crucial plays. Although there were past concerns regarding his shooting and athleticism, he showed significant improvement in this tournament, shooting 29 for 47 from the field and hitting 7 for 17 from three-point range, including several shots from beyond the collegiate arc. Despite a less-than-stellar championship game where he recorded 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, his overall tournament performance, averaging 20.25 points, 9.25 rebounds, and 2.75 assists, earned him the prestigious title of Co-MVP.
Darius Acuff: A Dynamic Point Guard from IMG Academy (Arkansas)
Throughout the City of Palms Classic, Darius Acuff solidified his status as the top point guard in the 2025 class, demonstrating exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities. His leadership on the court was crucial for IMG Academy, particularly during critical moments when he spearheaded two double-digit comebacks. In the tournament’s opening game, Acuff’s performance was nothing short of spectacular; he scored 38 points on just 15 shots and hit a deep three-pointer with under 10 seconds remaining, securing an overtime win for his team. Acuff’s versatility allowed him to score efficiently at all three levels, as evidenced by his impressive shooting percentages of 51.2% from the field and 50% from three-point range over four games. He concluded the tournament with remarkable averages of 31.5 points, 6.25 assists, and 3.75 rebounds per game, sharing the Co-MVP honor.
Jalen Haralson: A Rising Star Small Forward from La Lumiere (Notre Dame)
Ranked among the top 15 recruits in the class of 2025, Jalen Haralson faced some challenges during the tournament but still showcased his potential. Despite La Lumiere’s overall 1-2 record, Haralson demonstrated his capability as a strong-bodied small forward who can effectively run the offense. His high energy and relentless motor enabled him to make impactful plays and set up his teammates throughout the week. However, inconsistencies in his shooting were evident, as he finished with a shooting percentage of just over 41% from the field and 25% from three-point range on 20 attempts. Nevertheless, Haralson’s tenacity and physical play allowed him to average impressive stats of 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and three assists across three games.
Caleb Holt: The Versatile Combo Guard from Grayson (Uncommitted)
Caleb Holt stood out as the highest-rated junior at the City of Palms, living up to expectations with a vital role in his team’s strong performance, leading to a 3-1 record and a fifth-place finish. His averages of 16.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.75 assists per game earned him a spot on the All-Tournament team. Holt’s ability to play on and off the ball allows him to effectively distribute, find teammates, and secure rebounds from the guard position. While he needs to refine his outside shooting—having shot just over 40% from the floor and making only 2 of 12 from beyond the arc—Holt excelled in getting downhill and performing well in the mid-range. His size and athleticism were key in his ability to finish strong at the basket, and he demonstrated remarkable skill at getting to the free-throw line, converting 17 of 22 attempts during the tournament.
Jalen Montonati: The Promising Forward from Owasso (Uncommitted)
Jalen Montonati has garnered attention as one of the top 20 players in the class of 2026, and his performance at the City of Palms tournament solidified his reputation. He played a significant role in leading his team to a sixth-place finish, achieving notable victories against several top 10 teams nationally. Montonati’s scoring ability shone through as he averaged 26.25 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 48.6% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range over 36 attempts. To further enhance his game, Montonati should focus on adding weight and increasing his athleticism, as a considerable portion of his scoring came from jump shots. With his size and length, he has the potential to become a more effective slasher who can finish strong around the rim against defenders.
Sadiq White: The Emerging Power Forward from IMG (Syracuse)
Sadiq White has emerged as a leading prospect in high school basketball, earning a fifth star and transferring to the renowned IMG Academy. His contributions at the City of Palms Tournament were pivotal in helping his team overcome multiple double-digit deficits, ultimately securing a third-place finish. Over the tournament, White averaged 14.5 points and 7.75 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 68.5% from the field. However, developing a long-range shooting ability would greatly enhance his effectiveness, as he only made 2 of 6 attempts from beyond the arc during the tournament. His athleticism and quickness allow him to navigate past larger defenders while also effectively guarding smaller players. To improve further, it is crucial for White to focus on adding strength to his game, especially since his lowest rebounding output was just two, indicating a need to strengthen his physicality around the rim.
Jaxon Richardson: The Unsung Hero from Columbus (Uncommitted)
Jaxon Richardson emerged as a vital player for Columbus, contributing significantly to their success in winning the City of Palms title. Known for his gritty toughness, Richardson proved himself to be a pesky defender, willing to engage with various players on the court. His diverse skill set was on display throughout the tournament, highlighted by his explosive athleticism and impressive leaping ability, which allowed him to finish strong at the rim multiple times. Measuring a true 6’5” with a wingspan nearing 6’10”, Richardson possessed a significant defensive advantage, consistently disrupting the opposing team’s plays. His scoring was essential for Columbus, averaging 18.5 points and three rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 73.3% from the floor and 38.4% from three-point range on 13 attempts.
Dante Allen: The Versatile Shooting Guard from Montverde (Villanova)
Dante Allen played a crucial role for Montverde at the City of Palms, guiding his team to a second-place finish. As a score-first guard, he excelled at all levels of scoring throughout the tournament’s four games, demonstrating a quick-release shot and the ability to make deep three-pointers. Allen effectively drove to the basket, incorporating a variety of floaters while navigating through traffic. Although he faced some defensive challenges due to average athleticism, he excelled in straight-line drives, often finishing above the rim with impressive dunks in transition. Overall, Allen’s performance was commendable, averaging 18.5 points, four rebounds, and 4.25 assists for the tournament, with shooting percentages of 57.1% from the field and 45.1% from three-point range on 31 attempts across four games.
Cayden Boozer: The Control-Focused Point Guard from Columbus (Duke)
Cayden Boozer possesses exceptional size for a point guard and demonstrates remarkable control over the game. He plays to his strengths, using a unique pace and a solid understanding of basketball dynamics to consistently position his team for success. Throughout the tournament, Boozer showcased his scoring prowess, delivering timely baskets when necessary. His vision and intangible skills were evident as he effectively set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. Boozer managed the half-court offense with precision, leading to successful plays, and excelled in transition, making the right decisions that resulted in easy baskets. By the tournament’s conclusion, he averaged 11.25 points and 5.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 52.7% overall and 50% from beyond the arc on six attempts, further solidifying his reputation as a key player.
Jamier Jones: The Strong Athletic Forward from Oak Ridge (Providence)
Jamier Jones had an impressive tournament, being at the heart of his team’s fourth-place finish. As a strong athletic forward, he was unafraid to engage in physical play, using his considerable strength to his advantage. Jones demonstrated his rebounding abilities in traffic and showed that he could create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He showcased his athleticism by scoring effectively against larger defenders while utilizing his strength against smaller guards. Throughout the tournament, Jones consistently used his frame to his advantage, leading to a high number of free throw attempts, finishing 30 of 38 from the line. He delivered a productive performance, averaging 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. To elevate his game further, adding a more consistent jump shot would be beneficial, as he shot 46% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc on 16 attempts.
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