OTR Hoops: Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament Day 2 Standouts

MONTVERDE, Fla.- The 23rd Annual Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament is one of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the Southeast region. Here is who stood out on Day 2 of the event.

Elijah Ahlers, Northside Christian (Florida)- 2027

Ahlers played with a ton of energy and consistency on the offensive end, whether it was his ability to create scoring chances off the ball or when the basketball was in his hands. His smooth jump shot was in full effect in the game against Riviera Prep, as he finished with a game-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field and 5-of-9 from behind the arc. His defense was impeccable as well, where his primary assignment was to keep Mason Fuentes in check, as he held the Stetson University signee to his season-low in eight points on just 2-of-14 shooting from the field. Ahlers is a two-way player who has a ton of potential for the rest of this season, as well as heading into a huge Grassroots season.

PF Derek Daniels, Montverde Academy (Florida)- 2027

Daniels was consistently making an impact on both ends of the floor, whether it was his hustle, energy, or length. On the offensive end, he was a constant threat around the rim, whether it was finishing off two feet or getting put-backs. Daniels was unafraid when it came to playing through contact as he earned numerous trips to the free-throw line. He finished one rebound shy of a double-double (16 points and 9 rebounds) in a back-and-forth contest against The Rock School. Daniels’ combination of size, speed, and strength on both ends of the floor could continue to impress as he plays against national competition.

Josiah Gilliard, Dr. Phillips (Florida)- 2028

Gilliard continues to have a sensational sophomore season on both ends of the floor, whether it's his ability to score on all three levels or his defense with a ton of energy. The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard played with pace and played under control, where he used his strength to finish at the front of the rim, as well as earning trips to the free-throw line. In a tough loss to Bethel Academy, Gilliard finished with a team-high 27 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field and went 9-for-10 from the charity stripe. His ability to score in bunches helped keep his team in the game, as he is becoming one of the top guards in the state.

Deandre Harvey, The Rock School (Florida)- 2026

Harvey turned in a good performance despite coming up short against nationally-ranked Montverde Academy. He posted a game-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Harvey’s length and athleticism made him effective finishing around the rim as well as displaying a smooth mid-range game on the offensive end. Harvey used his size and strength to his advantage on the glass, limiting the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities.

Josiah Jones, Faith Family Academy (Texas)- 2027

Jones displayed a ton of creativity on the offensive end, where he displayed his smooth jump shot off the bounce and scored at will in the win over DME Academy. Jones finished with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 from behind the arc. He also added four rebounds and seven assists as well. Jones remained composed on the defensive end, as well as showing quickness and assertiveness in the passing lanes, getting deflections and providing energy for his teammates.

Josiah Rose, Faith Family Academy (Texas)- 2028

Rose is becoming a nationally known player to watch in the sophomore class. His distributing, scoring on all levels, and his high motor were significant in the wire-to-wire win over DME Academy. Offensively, he was in full-attack mode, where he finished at the rim, played through contact, and kept defenders on their toes with his ability to connect from well behind the three-point line. Rose finished with a game-high 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from the three-point line. He also added five rebounds and three assists in the convincing win to help send his team to the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament Championship Game. Rose showed versatility and toughness that can carry him into a big AAU season this year, where he could get an early start on his recruiting process.

Jonathan Watts, Riviera Prep (Florida)- 2027

Watts played with energy and physicality on both ends of the floor. On offense, he brought a ton of length when it came to finishing around the rim, as well as displaying his high release that made it difficult for the opposition to contest. He was strong on the glass as well, where he finished one rebound shy of a double-double (12 points and 9 rebounds) in a nail-biting win over Northside Christian. His athleticism, high motor, and ability to finish through contact were the difference in this game as his ceiling continues to climb. Watts has come into his own, where he was asked to play a big role for his team this season with the departure of Jeremy Jenkins, and it certainly hasn’t disappointed.

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 previous stops at Prep Hoops since 2022. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com