MONTVERDE, Fla. — Montverde named Derek Daniels, O’Neal Delancy, Quincy Douby Jr, Yohanne Kabongo, Gavin Placide, and Javion Tyndale to all Montverde Academy invitational team. We’re going in the other direction to give you tournament superlatives. Below you’ll find seven prospects we’ve designated the best in a host of different categories. 

Best freshman: Zaire Colbert - 2029 - The Rock 

Colbert had scouts buzzing with his feel for the game. The Rock used him as a primary ball handler despite him being one of the few freshmen to touch the court over the last three games in Montverde. He knows how to get teammates involved while staying aggressive with his own playmaking. He pushes the pace and uses his court vision to start the offense in transition. Colbert Already has the positional size and strength to look the part on a court full of division I prospects even when finishing at the rim. 

Highest ceiling: Gavin Placide - 2026 - Faith Family 

Gavin combines back to the basket scoring with face up playmaking out of the forward position. He showcased decision making abilities while flashing a handle that could see him make more plays in dribble handoffs or in space. The 6’11 senior was one of the most composed players on either side of the floor. Defenses did little to slow him down whether he was being the team’s playmaker or first scoring option. 

MVP: Dhani Miller - 2026 - Montverde Academy 

The Kent State commit was a consistent performer for the championship winning Montverde Eagles. A lot of that production came in clutch moments like his go-ahead layup that put the Eagles in the finals. Miller is a combo guard whose shooting makes him a positive off ball target when he’s hot. He’s stuffed the stat sheet night after night to prove he scores in bunches, make the right pass, help on the boards, while causing turnovers. 

Best playmaker: Javion Tyndale - 2027 - Montverde Academy 

There wasn't a single game where Tyndale didn’t have his fingerprints on the game. The 5’9 floor general controls the pace of games while seamlessly creating plays for his teammates. He’s a quick, shifty ball handler who knows how to get to the rim and uses crafty finishes against bigger players. He has a reliable shot from deep going 5-14 through three games. Tyndale's IQ and feel for the game put teammates in positions to score every game. 

Diamond in the rough: Uzziah Morton - 2027 - Bethel Academy

Morton's combination of size and mobility make him an interesting big man to monitor. He didn’t receive much playing time, but his presence was felt on the court. Morton is efficient around the rim and creates space on the block with good footwork and upper body strength. The 6’9 center may be more productive as his conditioning improves. 

Most underrated: CJ Hearn - 2026 - Northside Christian 

Hearn is a versatile wing/forward. At 6’4 he has the physicality to score through contact in traffic while possessing the perimeter skills to knock down catch and shoot threes and hit midrange pull ups. He has the athletic burst to get some separation when he puts the ball on the deck. Hearn is a heady scorer who uses head fakes, footwork, and timing to throw off defenders. 

Best Performance: Quincy Douby Jr - 2027 - Riviera Prep 

Douby had two games over 30 points in a three-point span. When he’s on, he’s on and there’s little the defense can do to stop him from getting to his spots. The long 6’4 shooting guard is a quick and confident on ball shooter. He gets to his spots with little wasted movement. Douby has an advanced skill set for his age. If the attempts are there for Douby, the point totals will follow suit.

Allen Pettigrew Jr. started scouting high school basketball in 2018. His work has been featured in USA TODAY, Bleacher Report, and local newspapers in 2018. Follow his X (Twitter) @AP_Writess for updates, follow his Instagram and TikTok (allen_pettigrew) for interviews, recruiting announcements, and more basketball content.