OTR Hoops: City of Palms Classic Players to Watch- Part 2

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The 52nd Annual City of Palms Classic tips off December 18 and runs through December 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College.

The tournament will consist of reigning City of Palms champions Columbus High School, as well as Montverde Academy (Florida), Wheeler (Georgia), Owasso (Oklahoma), Calvary Christian Academy (Florida), The Villages Charter (Florida), St. John Bosco (California), Prolific Prep (Florida), Paul VI (Virginia), Long Island Lutheran (New York), Bishop McNamara (Maryland), among others.

The tournament will also feature 80 ranked players, including 40 of them who have signed or committed to play Division-1 basketball.

Here are some of the top players to watch for the event.

2026 6-5 SG Kayden Allen, Long Island Lutheran (New York)

The 6-foot-5 senior shooting guard and University of Cincinnati commit has made huge strides since transferring from Montverde Academy before the start of this season. Allen has a strong knack on the offensive end when it comes to scoring on all three levels, as well as his ability to be a facilitator as the primary ball-handler. On the defensive end, Allen can guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism.

2026 6-2 PG Jordan Smith Jr, Paul VI (Virginia)

The 6-foot-2 senior point guard can impact the game in a variety of ways, whether it’s his relentless attack for the basket, his mid-range game, or his shooting touch from the perimeter. Smith has elite footwork and quickness on the offensive end, where he can get to the front of the rim, being unafraid when it comes to finishing through contact. His ability to rebound from the guard position has taken huge strides, where he is being a factor on the glass against players bigger than him. His ability to guard multiple positions and play with high energy has also been a huge improvement at the start of the season. His overall skillset makes him near the top of his class when it comes to all-around rankings. He’s hearing from Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Kentucky, Indiana, and several others in his recruitment.

2026 6-6 SF Colben Landrew, Wheeler (Georgia)

The UConn signee plays with poise and under control on the offensive end. He is able to make smart decisions when he has the basketball in his hands, as well as create space for an opportunity to score on all three levels on the offensive end. Landrew plays with toughness, strength, and athleticism that continue to feed off his teammates, where he can be a facilitator on the offensive end as well. Defensively, he is very disruptive when it comes to being in the passing lanes as well as rebounding well for his size, limiting the opposition from second-chance scoring opportunities.

2028 6-4 CG Liam Mitakaro, Bella Vista Prep (Arizona)

The 6-foot-4 sophomore combo guard has made a name for himself this season, where he is very versatile when it comes to playing on the offensive end of the floor, where he can score on all three levels as well as create for his teammates. He plays under control, making smart reads as well as the ability to get to the rim, being unafraid to draw contact. On the defensive end, he is very versatile, as he can guard positions 1 through 4 with his length and quick athleticism to get to his spots. He is very disciplined, as he can contest shots at the rim without fouling. Mitakaro has picked up offers from Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA, and San Francisco, where more offers should come as he will be a name to watch over the next couple of years.

2027 6-0 PG Kevin Savage, Wheeler (Georgia)

The 6-foot junior guard brings a ton of versatility to the table on the offensive end, whether it’s his playmaking, ability to play off the ball, or setting his teammates up to score. Savage makes strong reads and smart decisions where he doesn’t get rattled when opposing defenses blitz him in the half-court. He also plays with high intensity on the defensive end of the floor, where he can jump the passing lanes as well as play above the rim with his athleticism. He is confident when it comes to playing in transition, as he runs the floor exceptionally well and can get to his spots, being effective in the mid-range as well as shooting from behind the arc.

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