MAIT: Junior Standouts

Montverde Academy hosted the 23rd annual Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) over three days, bringing together eight high-level programs to compete for a championship. The event featured elite talent from start to finish—here are the top performers from the 2027 class.    The stock-rising junior delivered another impressive performance at the MAIT, averaging nearly 14 points per game during a 2–1 weekend for DME Academy. Kabongo is a strong, hard-playing, athletic big who finishes consistently around the rim and brings a high motor every time he steps on the floor. He is a productive rebounder at both ends and has expanded his offensive game by showing the ability to knock down open jumpers out to the three-point line. Defensively, he offers versatility, moves his feet well, and can hold his own in multiple coverage situations. Expect high-major programs to be closely tracking Kabongo throughout the spring and summer.     The floor general for the Eagles continued his strong junior campaign while helping lead Montverde to a championship run. Tyndale is a lightning-quick, highly skilled point guard who can impact the game as both a scorer and distributor. He is very comfortable with the ball in his hands, knocks down open shots, and shows creativity finishing in the paint. Tyndale also brings energy and playmaking on the defensive end, where his quickness and instincts allow him to disrupt opposing guards and change the momentum of games.     Watts averaged nearly a double-double for Riviera Prep and continued to show steady development throughout the event. The mobile combo forward brings good size, length, and athleticism, and consistently plays with a high motor. His offensive skill set is trending upward, highlighted by his ability to score over his left shoulder and finish with touch in the paint. He stays active on the glass and adds defensive value with his rebounding and shot-blocking presence. With his physical tools and improving skill set, Watts continues to trend upward as a frontcourt prospect in the junior class.     Safin is a skilled, versatile combo forward who averaged 13 points per game at the MAIT and showcased an advanced all-around offensive game for his size. He has the ability to pass, handle, and shoot, with reliable range beyond the arc and the confidence to attack off straight-line drives. Around the rim, he shows creativity and touch as a finisher. Safin also plays with a high basketball IQ, making smart decisions and impacting the game in multiple ways. He remains an intriguing prospect to follow as he continues to grow more comfortable playing in the U.S. and adjusting to the pace and physicality of the game.     The aggressive scoring guard averaged 16 points per game in three wins for the Eagles, consistently providing offensive punch. Delancey plays with a scorer's mentality, combining good strength and quickness with a strong feel for the game. He is comfortable creating offense off the bounce, getting downhill to pressure the defense and generate scoring opportunities. His perimeter shot-making continues to trend upward, making him an increasingly complete offensive threat. With his ability to create, attack, and produce, Delancey brings valuable backcourt scoring upside.     The junior turned in one of his best performances of the season on Friday against Riviera Prep. Ahlers brings strong positional size, above-average athleticism, and has proven he can really shoot the ball from the perimeter. Still somewhat undervalued at this stage, he looks poised for a strong spring and summer as his recruitment continues to gain traction.

Montverde Academy hosted the 23rd annual Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) over three days, bringing together eight high-level programs to compete for a championship. The event featured elite talent from start to finish—here are the top performers from the 2027 class.