Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Delaware
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • Prep Hoops Prep Hoops
    • Prep Hoops Next Prep Hoops Next
    Showcases
    • Freshman Showcase Freshman Showcase
    • Sophomore ID Camp Sophomore ID Camp
    • The Expo The Expo
    About Our Events
  • Prep Hoops for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Hoops database.
    • Coverage Access Prep Hoops articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process.
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Hoops showcases.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • Reviews
    • About Us
  • Florida
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

  • Club Programs
  • Player Database
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Delaware
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • Prep Hoops Prep Hoops
      • Prep Hoops Next Prep Hoops Next
      Showcases
      • Freshman Showcase Freshman Showcase
      • Sophomore ID Camp Sophomore ID Camp
      • The Expo The Expo
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Hoops for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Hoops database.
      • Coverage Access Prep Hoops articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process.
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Hoops showcases.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • Reviews
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders

City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders
Photo: Jordan Tillotson IMG Academy
Ross Van De Griek
Ross Van De Griek
December 12, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Darius Acuff
Darius Acuff 6'2" | PG | 2025
FL
Cole Certa
Cole Certa 6'4" | SG | 2024
FL
Khani Rooths
Khani Rooths 6'7" | SF | 2024
FL
Donavan Freeman
Donavan Freeman 6'9" | PF | 2024
FL
Chase McCarty
Chase McCarty 6'5" | SG | 2024
FL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 50th Annual City of Palms Classic will be taking place from December 18 through December 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers. Leading up to the nation's prestigious event, Prep Hoops Florida scout Ross Van De Griek will be providing an in-depth preview from several teams in this year's field. Next up, we will feature the IMG Academy Ascenders who will be bringing their national squad who are making their first appearance in the event since 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Sean McAloon, 7th Season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Opening Game</strong>: vs Richmond Heights (OH)- Wednesday, 12/20 at 11:15 a.m. ET</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The IMG Academy Ascenders are talented once again and are making their first appearance in the City of Palms Classic since 2021, where they finished in third place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1437537"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6-2 junior point guard is a special kind of talent where he dominates the pace of play. Acuff makes defenders shake and is impossible to keep out of the lane as he uses his speed and strength to his advantage. He is also a capable 3-point shooter where he can also finish above the rim while absorbing contact. On the defensive end, Acuff plays with a ton of versatility and can guard out on the perimeter as well as at the rim.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1127315"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The 6-8 senior forward and Michigan commit has a combination skillset of length and speed on both ends of the floor. Rooths is a dominant wing where he can cover his spots as well as score on all three levels. On the defensive end of the floor, he is a matchup nightmare where he guards positions 1 through 5 using his length to challenge opposing shots around the rim. He's not your perennial threat to knock down shots from the perimeter but he has a strong tendency to knock down shots off the bounce as well as off the catch.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1091939"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The 6-6 senior forward and Houston commit has nice length with strong defending skills whether it's guarding on or off the ball. McCarty has a natural IQ where he is able to process the basketball by playing with active hands and footwork where he can turn defense into offense in a hurry. On the offensive end, he is a strong passer as well as a true three-level scorer who can be trusted to knock down big time shots. He is a big-time playmaker who also has one of the smoothest shot releases for his class.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1157235"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"A 6-5 senior shooting guard and Notre Dame commit has a strong knack to be a dangerous threat when it comes to shooting from the perimeter. On the defensive end, Certa adds a ton of versatility where he can guard multiple positions with his size and length. He adds a ton of threats on the offensive glass where he can also finish put-backs as well as run the floor exceptionally well in transition. Look for Certa to always find ways where he can improve his game as he is a viable future NBA Draft pick.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1127309"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The 6-9 senior forward and Syracuse commit adds a combination skillset of size and length. Freeman plays with great interior defense where he's either blocking shots or getting rebounds to push the pace on the offensive end of the floor. On the offensive end, Freeman has a strong ability to score in a variety of ways where he can be on the blocks or out on the mid-range where he has continued to improve his shooting touch. Look for Freeman to play a big time role in this year's City of Palms Classic where he has the potential to be mentioned in the All-Tournament team.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657894a6bc6c0"} /-->

The 50th Annual City of Palms Classic will be taking place from December 18 through December 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers. Leading up to the nation's prestigious event, Prep Hoops Florida scout Ross Van De Griek will be providing an in-depth preview from several teams in this year's field. Next up, we will feature the IMG Academy Ascenders who will be bringing their national squad who are making their first appearance in the event since 2021.

Louisville
Khani Rooths

Khani Rooths

FL
SF
HEIGHT 6'7"
POS SF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Khani
Rooths SF
Class
2024
Height
6'7"
HS
IMG Academy
|
FL
City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders
The 6-8 senior forward and Michigan commit has a combination skillset of length and speed on both ends...
Written by Ross Van De Griek
Louisville
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Khani Rooths

Twitter
State: Florida
School: IMG Academy
Club: New World
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Houston
Chase McCarty

Chase McCarty

FL
SG
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS SG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Chase
McCarty SG
Class
2024
Height
6'5"
HS
IMG Academy
|
FL
City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders
The 6-6 senior forward and Houston commit has nice length with strong defending skills whether it’s guarding on...
Written by Ross Van De Griek
Houston
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Chase McCarty

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: IMG Academy
Club: N/A
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Notre Dame (IN)
Cole Certa

Cole Certa

FL
SG
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Cole
Certa SG
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
HS
IMG Academy
|
FL
City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders
A 6-5 senior shooting guard and Notre Dame commit has a strong knack to be a dangerous threat...
Written by Ross Van De Griek
Notre Dame (IN)
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Cole Certa

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: IMG Academy
Club: Illinois Wolves
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Syracuse
Donavan Freeman

Donavan Freeman

HEIGHT 6'9"
POS PF
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Donavan
Freeman PF
Class
2024
Height
6'9"
HS
IMG Academy
|
FL
City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders
The 6-9 senior forward and Syracuse commit adds a combination skillset of size and length. Freeman plays with...
Written by Ross Van De Griek
Syracuse
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Donavan Freeman

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: IMG Academy
Club: Team Takeover
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Hoops

Access all of Prep Hoops

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

193 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Toni Bryant

    Toni Bryant

    North Tampa Christian

  • 2
    Caleb Gaskins

    Caleb Gaskins

    Christopher Columbus

  • 3
    Jaxon Richardson

    Jaxon Richardson

    Christopher Columbus

  • 4
    Kayden Allen

    Kayden Allen

    Montverde Academy

  • 5
    Chase Foster

    Chase Foster

    IMG Academy

View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • 2026 Watch: Fast-Rising Prospects Making Moves

    2026 Watch: Fast-Rising Prospects Making Moves

    Andrew Johnson • August 31

  • National 2029 Prospects Shift Sunshine State

    National 2029 Prospects Shift Sunshine State

    Andrew Johnson • August 29

  • Freshman Showcase: Snipers on the Rise

    Freshman Showcase: Snipers on the Rise

    Zy Adams • August 29

  • 2027 National Rankings: 1-5

    2027 National Rankings: 1-5

    Michael Roth • August 28

  • Sophomore ID Camp: Game Changers

    Sophomore ID Camp: Game Changers

    Zy Adams • August 28

Loading...
Home Florida City Of Palms Classic Preview: IMG Academy Ascenders

Prep Network

  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Hoops. All rights reserved.