OTRH: Watchlists 2029 Prospects in Florida - Part 2 - January 25, 2026

We have passed the midway point of the 2025-2026 high school basketball season across the state of Florida. Here are some prospects on the freshman watch list trending upwards in this year’s class.

Chudier Diew Yak - North Broward Prep - 2029: Standing at 6-foot-9, Yak plays with a long frame, fluidity, athleticism, and can play multiple positions on the offensive end. On the offensive end, he is comfortable when it comes to playing out on the perimeter as well as scoring off the bounce and the catch at a high rate. Defensively, his length and toughness allow him to sprint back where he can alter shots above the rim as well as stretch the floor where he can guard out on the perimeter. As he continues to get more comfortable, Yak is projected to be one of the top combo forwards in not just the state of Florida, but in the entire country.

Dee Fletcher - Bishop Verot - 2029: Fletcher is a two-way athlete who combines strength, length, and a high motor to his game. As a freshman this season, Fletcher has made huge strides when it comes to his ability to score at the front of the rim as well as earning trips to the free-throw line. On the defensive end, he makes plays happen where he can alter shots at the front of the rim as well as being a pest in the passing lanes, using his length to his advantage. The next phase in Fletcher’s offensive game will be to build a consistent jump shot in the mid-range as well as expand his game to be a threat out on the perimeter.

Cayden Gaskins - Columbus - 2029: Gaskins has a similar frame to his older brother Caleb, where he has a high motor, where he makes plays happen above the rim, and has an improved jump shot in the mid-range. On the defensive end, he has grown more confident and versatile, where he also brings energy and physicality every time he steps onto the floor. Gaskins has the tools where he could potentially be one of the top two-way forwards in not just the state but in the nation as well.

Jalil Hill-McCrorey - Fleming Island - 2029: Hill has a smooth inside-out game where he can also make an impact with his size and strength. On the defensive end, he can fill up the stat sheet, whether it’s his ability to block shots, rebounding, or getting deflections with his long reach. His potential only continues to climb as he is already receiving high interest from several Division-I schools.

Avery Jones - The Rock School - 2029:  Jones is an ultra-athletic guard who has a skillset of size, speed, and length, where he can dominate in the half-court. On offense, Jones can knock down shots from the perimeter at a high rate, as well as being efficient when it comes to finishing at the front of the rim. On defense, his length and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions as well as apply consistent pressure in the passing lanes. He has a well-rounded overall game where he is already picking up offers from mid-major schools, including Liberty University, when he was in eighth grade.

Boston Sheppard - Impact Christian Academy - 2029: Sheppard brings a unique blend of speed, strength, and explosiveness when in the open court on the offensive end. He has a smooth shooting stroke that allows him to score in the mid-range as well as from the perimeter at a high rate. The lefty guard can also create separation off the bounce, where he is aggressive downhill as well as being unafraid when it comes to scoring through contact. On the defensive end, he adds length and versatility, which could enable him to lead Impact Christian Academy to multiple deep playoff runs as his ceiling continues to rise.

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.