Polk Edition: Sleeper Prospect Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hoops scene in Polk County is starting to heat up as the fall basketball season approaches. Prep Hoops scout Drew Johnson has compiled a list of must-know prospects in the Polk area for coaches and readers. Watch for updates on their progress and see who rises to the top. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2306295' first='Isaiah' last='Medina'] | C | 2025 | Kathleen | @saucyboyzay </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina is on the radar for a breakout season as he stands at nearly 7'0 tall with a decent frame and athleticism to go with it. The rising Red Devil is the definition of underrated but will have his chance to put his name on the map this fall. Watch the buzz generate around his recruitment once the season approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong>Antonio Wright | CG | 2024 | Santa Fe | @AntonioW2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright made the move over to Sante Fe to join a talented Hawks squad as he brings 15.4 points per game to a good scoring offense. The 6-1 senior led George Jenkins in multiple categories last season and will look to be another scoring threat combo guard alongside rising 2025 G [player_tooltip player_id='1450225' first='Tate' last='Darner']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong>Tre Jackson | CG | 2025 | Lakeland | @TreJackson03 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the prospects boldly circled on my rising radar list is 6-4 junior combo guard Tre Jackson who made the move over to Lakeland High for his junior season. He's an athletic playmaker who stretches the floor with a solid jumper and attacks the paint for tough layups and put-back opportunities. *Jackson previously averaged nearly double-digit points in his sophomore season for the Auburndale Bloodhounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong>Marcus Smothers<em> | </em>F | 2024 | George Jenkins | @msmothers25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another impactful transfer during the offseason was Smothers joining the Winter Haven Blue Devils who already have a list of college-ready prospects. The rising 6-4 senior has fulfilled forward duties with good physicality and hounding defense as he can rim protect and cause steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong>Maddox Harold | PG | 2024 | George Jenkins | @MaddoxLee52</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022 stats: <strong>8.1 ppg | 2.5 assists | 1.5 steals </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The floor general for the George Jenkins Eagles has an important senior season ahead to pick up some college interest. He's one of the true point guard prospects in the area who can handle the rock and direct your offense. Don't sleep on his ability to score from mid-range and finish at the rim as he scored nearly double-digits per game last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 Sleepers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2521999' first='Jay' last='Crossley'] | G | 2026 | Bartow | <em>@</em>unknowndredhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not much film and haven't got my eyes on Crossley yet but when watching his tape it's the knockdown jump shot that stands out. He has a decent frame at 6'2 with plenty of time to add weight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shemar McArthur | G | 2026 | George Jenkins | <em>@</em>ohthatmar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Crossley, McArthur is on my list for young risers though he has limited regular-season film at the moment. He took advantage of the offseason period with the Tmacspartans2026 and showed off his fearlessness to finish at the rim combined with solid defensive effort. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->