Under The Radar Risers Making Noise Mid-Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rising Basketball Prospects to Watch This Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800137' first='Sam' last='Powell'] | SG | Golden Gate | 2026 | @SamPowell239</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dual-sport standout, [player_tooltip player_id='2800137' first='Sam' last='Powell'] is proving his worth on the hardwood. Recently hitting the 1,000-point milestone, Powell has been a consistent scoring force for Golden Gate, averaging an impressive 22.8 points per game. His back-to-back 35-point games solidified him as a top-5 scorer in Class 5A. Known for his physicality and leadership, Powell combines athleticism and IQ to dominate as a two-way player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125486' first='Isaiah' last='Lawson'] | 2027 | Guard | Hallandale | @isaiahlawson_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawson's game stands out due to his ability to finish through contact and a dependable midrange jumper. His defensive intensity and knack for setting up teammates highlight his versatility. Lawson is quickly becoming one of the more well-rounded guards in his class, showcasing a balanced skill set and reliable scoring output that makes him a key player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lukas Buinevicius | 2026 | Saint Andrew's | CG | @labuinevicius</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buinevicius has been instrumental in Saint Andrew's 16-1 start, averaging 14.1 points and leading the team with 6.7 rebounds per game. The 6-6 combo guard has the size and skill to produce double-doubles consistently. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and his scoring efficiency make him a valuable asset to his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Chilufya | CG | 2025 | Florida Sports Academy | @AChilufyaa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chilufya, an Australian import, is making waves in Florida basketball. At 6-3, he is a high-level shooter who brings defensive versatility by guarding positions 1-3. His recent performances have shown why he deserves recognition, with a strong ability to contribute on both ends of the court and an impressive knack for hitting big shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522725' first='Isaac' last='Buckley'] | F | 2026 | Lake Howell</strong> | <strong>@theogieb</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buckley is leading Lake Howell to a 15-2 record with averages of 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. His transition skills, corner three-point shooting, and court vision make him a versatile forward. With a mature frame for a sophomore, Buckley excels in finishing through contact and crashing the boards, proving to be a dynamic presence on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2735011' first='Janiel' last='De Los Santos'] | CG | 2025 | Lake Howell | @janiel_D1212</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Los Santos has been a key factor in Lake Howell's success. Known for his quickness and pull-up jumper, he consistently creates scoring opportunities. As a crafty 6-3 guard, his leadership and ability to make plays under pressure will be crucial for his team heading into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2444908' first='Tyshaun' last='Tims'] | CG | 2025 | 6-1 | Bloomingdale | @_theTyshaunTims</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tims is a dynamic guard with a quick first step and an eye for attacking the rim. He's equally effective finishing in traffic or knocking down shots from deep, making him a matchup nightmare. His defensive energy and rebounding ability further elevate his impact, giving him a well-rounded game that makes him a standout senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2640212' first='Xander' last='Gerard'] | 2026 | 6-2 | Combo Guard | Saint Andrew's | @Xander__Gerard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gerard's basketball IQ and scoring ability have made him a key contributor for Saint Andrew's impressive 16-1 record. Averaging 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Gerard can break down defenses with ease. His versatility as a shooter and ball handler ensures he's a player to watch in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2820518' first='Derick' last='Augustine'] | 6-2 | Guard | Cornerstone Charter Academy | @bucket_derick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Augustine has been a consistent force this season, averaging a double-double with multiple 20+ point, 15-rebound performances. His relentlessness on both ends of the floor and ability to dominate in key moments make him one of the most reliable producers in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Alexander | SG | Bay Area Academy | @tazzjordan2 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexander has made a name for himself in the Polk County basketball scene. A skilled scorer at all three levels, he thrives under pressure and isn't afraid to take the big shot. His defensive abilities and ability to create in traffic make him a prospect with D1 and D2 interest worth monitoring closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2807171' first='Gavin' last='Paterson'] | G | 2026 | Process Academy | @GavinTPat</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paterson is a smooth-scoring guard who excels at all three levels. His offseason work has paid dividends, with consistent performances showcasing his sneaky athleticism and range from beyond the arc. As he continues to improve this season, Patterson is solidifying himself as a name to watch in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->