City of Palms Classic: Day 2 Top Performers
Fort Myers, FL — The City of Palms Classic is one of my favorite events of the year. This year is the 50th anniversary of the legendary tournament and there is no shortage of talent. Over the next few days, I’ll be watching Cooper Flagg and Montverde (FL), the Boozer twins of Columbus (FL), future Rutgers teammates Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper face-off, along with loaded squads from IMG Academy (FL), Link Academy (MO), Long Island Lutheran (NY), and many others.
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City of Palms Classic: Day 1 Top Performers
On3 MVP: Five-Star Plus+ CG Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
Dylan Harper played a strong game Tuesday night in a win over his future teammate (and close friend) Ace Bailey, the star of McEachern. Harper has incredible feel for the game and showed his shotmaking ability tonight, finishing with an efficient 28 points (11-17 FG, 4-8 3P). The Don Bosco (NJ) star also grabbed eight boards and dished out three assists.
2. Five-Star Plus+ SG VJ Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe, one of the top-remaining uncommitted players in 2024, is the ultimate competitor and he showed it here Tuesday night. The five-star shooting guard out of Long Island Lutheran (NY) defended well and made plays. His motor is always running high and he has tremendous athleticism and excellent body control. A wicked athlete. Considering Duke, Baylor, St. John’s, Kentucky, G-League Ignite, and others. Finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
In a new interview, Edgecombe discussed his college recruitment here, saying “I am leaning one way”.
3. Five-Star Plus+ SF Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
Ace Bailey of McEachern (GA) was electric in the first half, knocking down tough shot after tough shot. After an 18 point first half performance, the 6-9 small forward cooled and only had six in the second half. All-in-all, he played well. There may not be a higher-upside prospect in the class. Rutgers fans are going to love watching Bailey and Harper play alongside each other next season.
4. Four-Star SF Cameron Holmes
2026 Cameron Holmes of Millennium (AZ) has a confident shooting stroke and he’s capable of effectively knocking down the three ball. At 6-foot-6, he has a strong frame with a good feel for the game. Capable of playing on or off the ball and has nice instincts on the defensive end. Very unselfish player. He’s a leader on the court, communicating with his guys, and encouraging them. He wasn’t knocking down his shots in the early going, but finished with a big second half. His final stat line was impressive — 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Holds offers from Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Michigan, and others. Washington assistant Ben Lee was in attendance for his game.
5. Four-Star SG Dante Allen
2025 Dante Allen has a strong build and can really shoot the basketball. He’s a competitor with a high motor. The 6-3 shooting guard out of Riviera Prep (FL) is also a skilled passer. Finished with 17 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Holds offers from Villanova, Memphis, Michigan, Illinois, Creighton, and others.
6. UR Jeremy Jenkins
2027 Jeremy Jenkins of Riviera Prep (FL) is a skilled forward with range. Can also back you down and make a play in the paint. You’d never guess he’s only a freshman. Has a mature game. Had 16 first half points and finished with 20.
7. Three-Star PG Kayden Mingo
Kayden Mingo had a nice performance as well, playing with composure and under control. Did a good job of getting downhill. Can score the basketball in a variety of ways. Two-way player. He finished with 17 points and had an impressive six steals. Holds offers from Wake Forest, Cal, Penn State, and others.
Additional standouts / notes
The Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, got off to a bit of a slow start in the early going. However, after the halftime, they were able to build momentum, play off of it, and pull away in this game, getting the win over Archbishop Ryan (PA). Cayden dished out some crisp assists (8) and Cam through down some big dunks and battled down low. The Columbus (FL) twins combined for 27 points. Michigan State signee Jase Richardson joined the Boozers in having a good game for Columbus. The 6-foot-3 guard battled and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Kiyan Anthony played a solid game for Long Island Lutheran, knocking down a several shots for a total of 12 points. His father, Carmelo Anthony, was in attendance for the game. Kiyan is being recruited by Syracuse, Florida State, Michigan, Indiana, and others.
Despite the loss, Alex Constanza of Westminster Academy (FL) continues to impress. He has a pretty jumpshot and has excellent size. Only a sophomore, the 6-8 wing led his team in scoring with 23 points.
2025 Nigel James of Long Island Lutheran (NY) really impressed me with his on-ball defense (where he was relentless) as well as the leadership he displayed on the court. The 6-0 junior guard facilitates at a high level. Holds offers from Syracuse, Providence, Rutgers, Marquette, and others. His impact doesn’t always show up in the score sheet.