SWFL 2026 Under the Radar Prospects, First Five

With the 2024-25 season coming to end, there has been some outstanding basketball which has been played throughout the year, and a lot of progress made by a number of players across the state. SWFL saw a very competitive season locally, and even saw a couple teams advance to Lakeland, but let's now take a closer look at some of the area's junior prospects, who may not be as well known, but made some noise and saw their stock rise in 2024-2025.    Rees had himself a solid junior campaign, where he averaged 10.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 2.3 apg. The 6'0" CG sees the court very well, and with his great handles and smooth stroke from the outside, make him an offensive threat in more ways than one. He had a streak of 6-straight games where recorded double-figures in scoring and scored a career-high 23 points, including 7-threes, in a tough loss to a talented Seminole team.     Canterbury's sharpshooter really stepped up in his junior year and did a little bit of everything for the Cougar's. Benbenisty has a tremendous knowledge of the game and does all the little things to help his team win. He recorded multiple 20-point games on the season, including a season-high 26 points in a win over Estero. He led the team in scoring, averaging 11 ppg, to go along with 2.7 rp, 1.5 apg, and 1.5 spg. Look for this prospect to continue to improve his game and have a big senior season.     The hyper-athletic SF plays the game hard, and is an excellent 2-way player. He has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions and is a tremendous rebounder on both ends of the floor. Ballesteros has a quick first step and likes to attack the basket, where he can finish at the rim with either hand. He averaged 10.9 pp, 2.4 rpg, and 1.5 spg, including a season-high 22 points against Estero, and a scoring stretch of 7-staright games in double-figures.     Broomhead may have been overshadowed by Verot's talented senior class, but was a key piece for the Vikings and took advantage of his opportunities this past season. In the District Championship game, the 5'9" PG came out hot and finished with a season-high 18 points in a winning effort over a tough Gateway Charter squad. Broomhead is a smart player who likes to play with the ball in his hands. He has excellent handles and is very effective at getting his teammates involved, but can also hurt you from outside when he gets hot.     Brown is a do-it-all guy for his Lemon Bay team, and effects the game in a number of ways night in and night out. The 6'1" CG has the ability to guard multiple positions on defense and is also a tremendous rebounder from the guard position. He can score both inside and out, but can be very effective from behind-the-arc where he shot nearly 40% on the year. He recorded multiple 20-point outings on the season, including a 27-point outburst in a win over the Imagine school. Brown averaged 14 ppg and 4 rpg this past season, and look for those numbers to climb next year in his senior campaign.

With the 2024-25 season coming to end, there has been some outstanding basketball which has been played throughout the year, and a lot of progress made by a number of players across the state. SWFL saw a very competitive season locally, and even saw a couple teams advance to Lakeland, but let's now take a closer look at some of the area's junior prospects, who may not be as well known, but made some noise and saw their stock rise in 2024-2025.