City of Palms Classic: Day 1 Top Performers

Fort Myers, FL — The City of Palms Classic is one of my favorite events of the year. This year is the 50th anniversary of the legendary tournament and there is no shortage of talent. Over the next few days, I’ll be watching Cooper Flagg and Montverde (FL), the Boozer twins of Columbus (FL), future Rutgers teammates Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper face-off, along with loaded squads from IMG Academy (FL), Link Academy (MO), Long Island Lutheran (NY), and many others.

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On3 MVP: Five-Star Plus+ SF Cooper Flagg (Duke)

Cooper Flagg showed why he’s the No. 1 ranked player in the senior class Monday night. The 6-9 small forward does it all for his Montverde squad. He can run the offense when needed, score at will, crashes the boards and defends at an extremely high level. The Duke signee finished with an easy 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.

2. Five-Star Plus+ Tre Johnson (Texas)

Tre Johnson had one heck of a game night one here at the City of Palms. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is a skilled shotmaker. He has excellent balance, poise, and a unique understanding of scoring the basketball. The Texas signee simply knows how to put the ball in the hoop, and does it at a very high-level. Plenty to like here for Longhorn fans. Johnson finished with a game high 26 points for Link Academy (MO).

3. Four-Star SF Alex Lloyd

Alex Lloyd had an eye opening performance for Westminster Academy (FL). The 6-foot-4 guard has elite scoring instincts. He has a confident stroke and can score it bunches. The junior holds offers from Florida State, Florida, Miami, and others. Finished with 30 points on 13-17 from the field and 4-7 from three.

4. Five-Star SF Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Isaiah Evans is a fearless scorer. That’s what he does best. The 6-6 small forward played a competitive game Monday night against a tough Link Academy team. It wasn’t enough to get a win, but the Duke signee did everything he could to try to keep his team in it. He finished with 20 points but struggled behind the arc (5-17). 

5. Four-Star C Derik Queen

Top-ranked uncommitted big man Derik Queen played a strong game in the post. The 6-9 big man ran the floor well and has excellent hands and footwork. Affects shots at the rim too. Considering Kansas, Indiana, Maryland, and Houston. Finished with 19 points. 

6. Three-Star SF Dwayne Wimbley

Dwayne Wimbley Jr. also played an impressive game for Westminster. The 6-6 dual-sport athlete has a strong frame, nice athleticism, and excels in getting downhill. Can play through contact. Holds offers from JMU, Mercer, Jacksonville, and others. Finished with 21 points on 10-14 from the field.

7. Four-Star G Alex Constanza

You can see why Alex Constanza is so highly regarded in recruiting rankings. At 6-8, he has an excellent frame to build on, rebounds well, can handle when needed, and is an unselfish player. A lot of upside here and definitely someone in the 2026 class to keep an eye on. Finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

*These standouts do not include the Paul VI (VA) vs. Millennium (AZ) game as I was not in attendance.