Season Look: Polk County Prospects Gaining Momentum

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ja'kylen Crossley | G | 2026 | Bartow | @CrossleyJay_12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more proven perimeter shooters in the state over the last few seasons, Crossley continues to be a major spacing piece for Bartow. After knocking down 100 threes last year, he's on pace to push that number again with a strong back half of the season. He gets into his shot quickly with clean footwork and good balance, especially on kick-outs and movement looks. What's stood out this year is his growth handling the ball — making simple reads, keeping the offense flowing, and competing defensively within Bartow's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2527379' first='James' last='Ratteree'] | G | 2028 | Bartow | @JamesRatteree4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ratteree plays with an edge that jumps out immediately. For a rising sophomore, his motor, physicality, and approach are advanced. He pressures the ball full court, pushes pace in transition, and isn't afraid of contact when finishing at the rim. His ability to impact the game without needing plays called for him speaks to his maturity. Tough, competitive, and trending fast.</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>Link's size and instincts continue to separate him from most players in his class. He's a real presence around the rim as a finisher and shot blocker, and his timing defensively continues to improve. The recent Florida State offer reflects the upside — he impacts the game without forcing offense and plays within structure. High-major tools with room to keep developing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2810621' first='Christian' last='Fuller'] | G | 2027 | Victory Christian | @ChristianF_11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fuller has settled in nicely and continues to grow into a reliable two-way guard. He scores with confidence, competes defensively, and shows an improving feel for pace and decision-making. Playing within a talented rotation hasn't slowed his momentum — if anything, it's sharpened his efficiency. One of the quicker risers in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633075' first='Tucker' last='Fox'] | G | Victory Christian | @tuckerfox15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fox is doing exactly what he's supposed to do: make shots and space the floor. Averaging 12.5 PPG, he's a consistent perimeter threat with a quick, repeatable release. Defenses can't leave him, and his willingness to defend and move without the ball adds value beyond scoring. A dependable shooter who fits winning basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol'] | F | 2026 | Victory Christian | @thok_Gol</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gol's game continues to expand. At 6-8, he's no longer just relying on athleticism — he's handling the ball better, knocking down jumpers, and finishing through traffic. His size and strength create matchup problems, and his offensive confidence is clearly trending upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800185' first='MJ' last='McCalla'] | F | 2026 | Victory Christian | @MJMcCalla_23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCalla provides steady interior production. He runs the floor, rebounds, and plays physical in the paint. As his mobility and defensive versatility continue to improve, his value as a two-way forward becomes more evident. Reliable presence who does the dirty work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2884444' first='Toby' last='Lane'] | G | 2026 | Santa Fe Catholic | @TobyLane2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lane is the emotional and vocal leader for Santa Fe. He's taken a clear step forward offensively, showing more confidence creating his own looks while still prioritizing ball movement. Smart, tough, and composed — the type of guard coaches trust late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2827196' first='Shannon' last='McArthur'] | F | 2027 | Santa Fe Catholic | @ykshannon_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McArthur brings consistent effort and physicality. He finishes through contact, rebounds his area, and competes defensively every possession. His motor and willingness to do the small things continue to stand out, and his upward trajectory is easy to see as he gains experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->