THE VILLAGES, Fla. — The penultimate event of the summer in the Sunshine State has arrived at The Villages Charter High School. 36 teams have taken the stage. Here are six standout performers from the Opening Day of the event:

Kaiden Martin - PSB Tampa Bay Mapson - 2027

The 6-foot-6 rising senior forward showcased the ability to impact the game as both a scorer and playmaker on the offensive end. He also utilized his length to his advantage when it came to crashing the boards on both ends of the floor in a wire-to-wire win over Rise & Grind Elite. On the defensive end, his true length and versatility continue to speak volumes, as he often at times guarded multiple positions, staying active in the passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and staying engaged as a rim protector. Overall, Martin put together a strong showing where he was able to contribute on both ends of the floor, where his combination of size, length, and high motor makes him an intriguing prospect to watch as he goes into his senior season.

Alex Tavares - Exclusive Hoops - 2028

The 6-foot-4 rising junior wing used his two-way playmaking skills around the rim as well as having the ability to knock down shots from both the mid-range and perimeter. He also utilized his smooth handle when it came to operating the offense in the half-court as well as in transition offense. On defense, he played with purpose, guarding on the ball and staying active in the passing lanes, where he forced turnovers leading into transition-scoring opportunities. Overall, his game continues to blossom, as he used his frame and length on both ends of the floor.

Calvin Griffin - Pro Holmes Sports Academy - 2027

The 6-foot-3 rising senior combo guard brought his sharp-shooting skills on the offensive end, where he was effective both off the catch and dribble. In the wire-to-wire win over TRU Elite, Griffin knocked down five 3-pointers to finish with a game-high 24 points. On the defensive end, he used his athleticism, where he was efficient in the passing lanes, showing true grit and adding physicality, which disrupted the opposition from gaining any offensive rhythm. Griffin has quietly emerged as one of the top two-way playmakers in his class going into his senior season.

Jackson Swedenburg - AJ3 Athletics - 2028

The 6-foot-3 rising junior small forward made an immediate impact from the opening possession, where he utilized his athleticism when he pinned a blocked shot off the backboard. He continues to play with a ton of confidence on the offensive end, where he has established himself as a three-level scoring threat. On the defensive end, he plays with versatility, where he can guard positions 1 through 4, as he can block shots, snatch timely rebounds, and be active in the passing lanes. Overall, his stock continues to rise as he heads into his junior season.

Mehdi Faouatih - PSB Tampa Bay Jones - 2028

The 6-foot-1 rising junior shooting guard plays with high IQ, poise, and patience, and adds great pace to his overall game on the offensive end. On the defensive end, he plays with a ton of activity in the passing lanes, where he turned defense into offense using his quickness to his advantage. He also stayed engaged with his teammates and snatched down timely rebounds using his size and strength to his advantage. Overall, Faouatih had a solid all-around game despite the tough loss to Q6 All-Stars, where he was finishing in transition, getting his teammates involved, and playing sound defense, where his vocality kept his team within striking distance. His two-way playmaking will open up some eyes as he heads into his junior season.

Kedwin Hawkins - Florida Suns - 2027

The 6-foot-4 rising senior wing used his size, strength, and versatile skill set on the offensive end when it came to finishing around the rim as well as operating a smooth handle where he knocked down mid-range jumpers both off the catch and bounce. He also made strong reads to his teammates on the move, where he continues to make huge strides as a secondary guard option. Defensively, he showed up at the point of attack by staying active when guarding on the ball, whether it was picking up full-court or showing great footwork in the half-court, getting into the passing lanes. He was also utilizing his athleticism to his advantage when it came to snatching down timely rebounds, generating steals, and turning extra possessions for his team on both ends of the floor. He also limited the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities throughout the game. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him one of the most productive guards throughout the day and will be a name to watch as he goes into his senior season.

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 and Prep Girls Hoops from 2022 to 2024. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com