Bartow Shootout: Notable Paint Beast Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2415592' first='Jacari' last='Lofton'] | F | 2026 | Edgewater</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most active and athletic forwards on the court this weekend. Lofton had a highlight-reel dunk, blocked shots, and dominated the glass with his energy. His length and timing make him a defensive anchor, and he's only scratching the surface.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol'] | F | 2026 | Victory Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thok looked more under control this weekend and continues to evolve his game. He's no longer just a raw athlete — he's added a mid range jumper and handles. His physicality in the paint stood out, and he's becoming a matchup nightmare with his improving footwork and touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194979' first='Ethan' last='Knox'] | F | 2028 | Santa Fe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top-ranked forwards in Florida's 2028 class, Knox showed why. With a long frame and smooth athleticism, he's a transition problem and can pull up in the midrange. He also impacts the paint with his rebounding and defensive activity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2804162' first='Derwyn' last='Link'] | F | 2028 | Bartow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the top big of the entire shootout. Link's combination of size, instincts, and rim protection was elite. He made everything look easy around the basket and looked like a future high-level prospect with the way he impacts both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mike Broxton | C | 2026 | Gibbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-10 viral name hits the hardwood and turns heads. He's still raw but has legit upside with his length and build. Broxton will need to tighten up his post game, but the foundation is there — and if it clicks, he's going to be a serious problem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2827196' first='Shannon' last='McArthur'] | F | 2027 | Santa Fe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another long and active piece for Santa Fe. McArthur showed his value as a rebounder and defender, and he flashed a little midrange touch. His length and timing gave teams problems in the paint, and there's still plenty of upside to build on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633096' first='Mikael' last='Santa'] | F | 2026 | Port Charlotte</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more physical forwards in the event. Santa plays with football toughness and isn't afraid to mix it up in the post. Took a charge, owned space in the paint, and gave Port Charlotte a strong interior presence every time he was on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800185' first='MJ' last='McCalla'] | F | 2026 | Victory Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCalla has progressed — he's mobile for his size and active on both ends. Ran the floor hard and gave good minutes as a paint enforcer. If he can keep improving his mobility and touch, his ceiling gets even more intriguing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dewayne Dixon | F | 2026 | Evans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-9 paint protector with college size and flashes of upside. Dixon had a couple tough finishes that drew attention and used his wingspan well defensively. Still needs to be more aggressive game to game, but tools are there to grow into a next-level forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max Urbanek | F | 2027 | Newsome</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stretch-forward type with the size to work inside and the ball skills to float around the perimeter. Urbanek has the physical tools but needs to stay more involved — if the motor matches the frame, watch out. Versatile, moldable, and interesting long-term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660064' first='Kenneth' last='Morgan'] | F | 2026 | Tampa Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A legit big man with serious size and presence in the paint. Morgan gives TC the kind of frontcourt anchor that can change the game defensively. If he develops a few go-to moves and gets more consistent, he'll unlock even more for this guard-heavy squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->