Climbing the Ladder: Recent Standout Prospects to Follow

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633084' first='Connor' last='Corris'] | F | 2026 | Windermere Prep | @ConnorCorris7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corris is one of the more athletic forwards on the scene right now. He's running the floor hard, protecting the rim, and showing flashes as a ball-handler in space. His motor and versatility continue to point toward long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2534736' first='Sam' last='Quebedeaux'] | G | 2026 | Pensacola Catholic | @queb_hoops2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quebedeaux continues to thrive as a reliable go-to option. He brings a balanced scoring package—knocking down shots at an efficient clip, attacking off the dribble and playing under control. Averaged 15 points on 80% shooting with strong contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals this past weekend. Becoming one of the more productive and complete guards in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297073' first='Tico' last='Smith'] | G | 2028 | Forest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still growing into his frame, Smith is already showing confidence beyond his years. He's a fearless shooter from deep, has a creative finishing package, and doesn't shy away from contact. He's definitely on the early-riser radar in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2209095' first='Ryan' last='Turner'] | G | 2026 | Fleming Island | @ryan080224</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive and smooth. Turner is a highlight threat when attacking the rim but can also pull up with range. He's a menace defensively too—his length and instincts create turnovers and fast breaks. A name that's buzzing on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xavier Perez | F | 2025 | Lake Nona | @xavierperez_5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perez is gaining traction. A strong 6-6 frame with bounce, rim protection, and an improving offensive game—he's checked a lot of boxes this offseason. His energy, toughness, and versatility are making him a breakout candidate heading into senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2392967' first='Cristian' last='Rios'] | G | 2027 | Cypress Bay | @2CristianR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rios has had a solid offseason for a rising 2027. He's added more polish to his offense—finishing through contact and hitting open shots. He plays with poise, finds teammates in rhythm, and makes winning plays consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2865300' first='Jredyn' last='Bufford'] | F | 2026 | Crestview | @jrehoops2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bufford is evolving from scorer to all-around playmaker. His physicality has taken a step forward, and he's showing more confidence as a ball-handler and defender. As his motor and production rise, so does his recruitment outlook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2912774' first='Dylan' last='Moody'] | G | 2026 | Palmer Trinity | @Dylanmoody2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moody had a solid weekend at FABC Hoops Live and kept his foot on the gas. Averaged 13.1 PPG while shooting 47% from three—including an 18-point, 67% clip in an OT win. A smooth shooting guard with feel, Moody is one of the more underrated 2026 guards picking up steam.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->