As the high school basketball season approaches its final stretch, Fort Myers, Florida became the center of the prep basketball world by hosting the 52nd annual City of Palms Classic. With many of the nation’s top programs and elite prospects converging in one place, the event showcased high-end talent across multiple classes, with several players separating themselves as national-level standouts regardless of age.
Jordan Smith
6’2”, 195 lbs, SG – Paul VI (Undecided)
Jordan Smith (pictured) was named the Most Valuable Player of the City of Palms Classic after leading Paul VI to the tournament championship, showcasing his growth and dominance throughout the week. A strong, big-bodied guard with a wingspan exceeding 6’9”, Smith consistently impacted games with his ability to score through contact, stretch the floor, and dictate offensive flow. Over four games, he averaged 31.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 56.5 percent from the field and 45.4 percent from three, highlighted by a 40-point, five-rebound performance in just over 23 minutes during a 33-point opening-round win. While questions remain about his ideal position at the highest levels due to his size as a scoring guard, Smith has clearly separated himself from other guards in his class at the high school level, using his physicality, efficiency, and offensive control to consistently overwhelm opponents.
Caleb Holt
6’5”, 200 lbs, SF – Prolific Prep (Undecided)
Making his third appearance at the City of Palms, Caleb Holt once again earned all-tournament honors, continuing to solidify his status as one of the top players in the senior class. A versatile combo guard and proven winner, Holt showed clear improvement in his overall game, particularly in how he impacted winning beyond the box score. While Prolific Prep did not have its best showing in Fort Myers, Holt’s individual performance stood out, as he averaged 25.5 points, six rebounds, three assists, and 3.5 steals over two games while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46.1 percent from three. His ball skills, defensive activity, leadership, and willingness to make winning plays consistently helped his team in ways that did not always show up statistically, reinforcing his value as a complete, high-level prospect.
Bruce Branch III
6’7”, 210 lbs, SF – Prolific Prep (Undecided)
One of the youngest players in the 2026 class after reclassifying from 2025, Bruce Branch III flashed immense long-term upside in Fort Myers and continues to look the part of our projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. At 6’7” with a wingspan exceeding seven feet, Branch impacted the game in a variety of ways, from efficient finishing to guarding multiple positions, while consistently playing with a high motor and competitive edge. As he continues to add strength, his ceiling remains exceptionally high. Over the week, he averaged 15 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the field, with his intangibles standing out as much as his physical tools. On the recruiting front, Branch is primarily deciding between BYU and Arizona, with Duke considered a longer-shot option among several other programs involved in his recruitment.
Kayden Allen
6’5”, 210 lbs, SF – Long Island Lutheran (Cincinnati)
Kayden Allen further cemented his reputation as one of the best pure scorers in the country during his week in Fort Myers. After transferring from Montverde to Long Island Lutheran, Allen immediately took on a primary offensive role. A strong, smooth guard with a quick first step and a polished jumper, he consistently created scoring opportunities at all three levels. LUHI finished 2–2, but Allen was their most reliable option, averaging 20.2 points while shooting 53.2 percent from the field. He also contributed defensively and on the glass, averaging nearly four rebounds per game. His best outing came in the finale, where he posted 24 points and five rebounds against Columbus.
Colben Landrew
6’5”, 210 lbs, SF – Wheeler (UConn)
Colben Landrew made a strong case as one of the better players in the 2026 class with his performance across four games. Despite Wheeler finishing 2–2, Landrew consistently stood out with his physicality and scoring versatility. He showed comfort scoring at all three levels, including deep-range shooting beyond the NBA line, and made an impact both on and off the ball. Though not the tallest player, his strength and motor allowed him to rebound effectively in traffic. Landrew averaged 23.8 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 54.1 percent from the field and 45 percent from three.
Cayden Daughtry
5’11”, 160 lbs, PG – Calvary Christian (Undecided)
Cayden Daughtry continued to prove he is one of the top point guards in the country regardless of class. Despite being undersized, he consistently impacted games with his scoring, playmaking, and defensive activity. Over the course of the tournament, Daughtry averaged more than 24.5 points, three assists, 2.3 steals, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He shot 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from three, showcasing his ability to score efficiently while running the offense.
Quentin Coleman
6’4”, 180 lbs, SG – Principia (Wake Forest)
Quentin Coleman delivered one of the most memorable performances of the tournament, leading Principia to two upset victories. A quick guard with a smooth jumper, Coleman proved capable of scoring in bunches and stepping up in big moments. In wins over Columbus and Wheeler, he averaged 32.5 points and six rebounds, shooting 54 percent from the field and 50 percent from three. Across the entire event, Coleman averaged 23 points while shooting 47.6 percent overall and 41.6 percent from deep, guiding his team to a fifth-place finish.
Caleb Gaskins
6’8”, 208 lbs, PF – Columbus (Miami)
Caleb Gaskins made his third consecutive City of Palms appearance and once again left his mark. A powerful and physical forward, Gaskins thrives defensively, on the glass, and in transition. He finishes well through contact and is most effective in the mid-range and around the rim. As a vocal leader, he anchored Columbus throughout the week, averaging 24.3 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 63.1 percent from the field and 40 percent from three.
Latrell Allmond
6’8”, 225 lbs, PF – Petersburg (Oklahoma State)
Latrell Almond showcased why he is considered one of the top big men in his class despite Petersburg finishing 1–2. Almond displayed improved scoring versatility while continuing to dominate in the paint with elite footwork, strength, and touch. Over the week, he averaged 19.3 points and eight rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field. His standout game came against Calvary Christian, where he posted 25 points and seven rebounds while playing all 32 minutes.
Christian Collins
6’8”, 200 lbs, PF – St. John’s Bosco (Undecided)
Christian Collins, a top-10 prospect in the 2026 class, made the most of his limited opportunities in Fort Myers. Despite St. John’s Bosco going 0–2, Collins stood out as one of the event’s most dynamic athletes. With elite length, fluid movement, and explosive leaping ability, he consistently created matchup problems. Over two games, Collins averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field, reinforcing his status as one of the premier talents in his class.
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