We have reached the midway point of the 2025-2026 high school basketball season across the state of Florida. Here are some of the top prospects trending upwards in this year’s sophomore class.

Corey Capps - The First Academy (Orlando) - 2028: Capps plays a smooth inside-out game on the offensive end, where he can take advantage of mismatches, finishing at the rim as well as making defenders pay with the ability to shoot from behind the arc at a high level. On the defensive end, his athleticism and length make it difficult for opposing players to get to the front of the rim, and he does a great job challenging shots from the perimeter. His active hands can generate steals and deflections, which lead to scores on the offensive end. His impact on scoring and defending at a high level could lead his team to a strong finish to the regular season, as well as potentially a deep playoff run.

Jaylan Johnson - Bell Creek Academy - 2028: The 6-foot-2 point guard leads his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He can impact the game in a variety of ways, whether it’s his ability to stop on a dime, scoring from behind the arc, or finishing at the rim at the point of attack. On defense, he is long and athletic when it comes to playing in the passing lanes, or when guarding the ball, he can get steals and deflections. Overall, he plays with great leadership on the offensive and defensive end that could provide a huge jump in the early stages of his recruitment.

Johnas Maurice - Lake Howell - 2028: Maurice is a floor general and has a mature game that goes beyond his years when he has the basketball in his hands. On offense, he has a smooth and consistent jump shot that he can convert when left uncovered, as well as unlimited athleticism that allows him to finish above the rim. On defense, he is active and plays with a high motor, whether it’s out on the perimeter or guarding in the paint. His length provides a ton of havoc on opposing players when attacking the basket, as he can alter shots at the rim as well as rebound well from the guard position.

Dallas Oliver - North Tampa Christian - 2028:  Oliver continues to produce at a high level this season from the lead guard position. His ability to handle the basketball and make smart reads while being pressured has taken a huge improvement from his freshman season to this season. He has a great feel and understanding of the game, knowing when to make the right reads to teammates as well as knowing when to attack the basket. On defense, he has become versatile, where his athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions and rebound at a high level.

Justin Rhodes - University School (Fort Lauderdale) - 2028: The 6-foot-2 point guard has emerged as a true playmaker on the offensive end, whether it’s his unique blend of athleticism finishing dunks with authority or his strong passing on the move. He plays with a high IQ and a mature game, where he is looking for the next play before it develops. On the defensive end, Rhodes is versatile, as he can guard multiple positions and does a great job when it comes to challenging shots at the front of the rim without fouling. Look for Rhodes to have an early start to his recruitment as his potential continues to rise over the next couple of seasons.

(6-2 PG) Tico Smith - Wildwood - 2028: Smith has taken a huge jump into being one of the state’s top point guards in the class. On offense, he is a three-level scorer who can be effective off the bounce as well as the catch. He can score in bunches once he gets efficient. He is hard to slow down, as he has already eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone as just a sophomore. On defense, he is savvy, as he can pick up in the backcourt and apply constant pressure when guarding the ball. He plays with constant energy in the passing lanes, using his length and athleticism to his advantage. Keep an eye on Smith as he will be a two-way force for the next couple of years, where he could get an early start in his recruitment.

(6-0 PG) Tristen Tucker - Windermere Prep - 2028: The 6-foot point guard has a tight and shifty handle when he has the basketball in his hands, making smart reads and finding teammates on the move. He is also a crafty scorer who can be effective finishing at the rim as well as knocking down shots from the perimeter. On defense, he can guard multiple positions with his lateral movement on and off the ball. Tucker is a true team player who can make winning plays in a variety of ways. His combination skillset of scoring ability, versatility, and high-IQ should make Tucker a two-way threat for the next couple of seasons. He should fit in as the lead guard for the Lakers next season as his teammate, Brandon Bass Jr., leaves for Florida State.

Ross Van De Griek has been a southeast region scout & writer for On The Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with stops at Prep Hoops since 2022. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com.