Season Warm Up: Preseason Stock Risers Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1420408' first='Jacob' last='Pleyer'] | G | 2026 | The Rock | @PleyerJacob</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pleyer has opened the preseason on a high note. After moving from a small Michigan program to The Rock National, he's clearly playing with something to prove. Known early on as a shooter, he's added strength to finish through contact and sharpened his defensive discipline. His ability to score within the flow — without needing heavy usage — makes him a seamless fit in any system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633099' first='Isaiah' last='Newson'] | PG | 2026 | North Fort Myers | @zay_Boe561</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newson's early-season momentum is real. He posted a near triple-double in Game 1 (17–10–7) followed by another efficient outing in Game 2. A fast, composed lead guard, he pushes pace, reads defenses well, and scores in bunches without losing control of the offense. His playmaking instincts stand out, and the combination of production + feel is why he's climbing boards in Southwest Florida. College coaches should have him on their lists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2046215' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] | Wing | 2026 | New Smyrna Beach | @OwenMcL2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McLaughlin stuffed the stat sheet in a win over DME — 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 blocks. At 6-6 with length and mobility, he impacts the game at all three levels. Efficient scoring, active rebounding, and defensive versatility make him one of the more intriguing breakout candidates on the East Coast this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2415600' first='Felix' last='Buroz'] | G | 2026 | North Broward Prep | @Felixburoz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buroz held his own against national-level competition at the Sunshine State Preseason event. Averaging 15 points, 5 assists, and showing poise throughout, he understands pace, spacing, and timing at a high level. Whether pushing transition or orchestrating in the half-court, he consistently creates advantages. Smart, composed, and effective. He's a rising guard with real value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2638280' first='Ryan' last='Joseph'] | G | 2026 | Palm Beach Central | @rdeucee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joseph powered Palm Beach Central to a 55–51 win, leading with 16 points and setting the tone defensively. Aggressive at the point of attack and steady in late-game moments, he's becoming the type of guard who raises his team's toughness. Palm Beach has the pieces — and Joseph's energy is a big reason they'll be a gritty matchup all year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125500' first='Marcus' last='Nestor'] | G | 2027 | Charlotte | @Mnest08</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nestor is the definition of a winning piece. His IQ, reliable shooting, and on-ball defense make him a plug-and-play guard with long-term potential. He competes possession to possession, rebounds his position, and brings toughness every time he's on the floor. He's shaping up to be a real sleeper 2027 guards in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->