SAD NEWS IN THE CITY OF PALMS.

Among all the high school basketball traditions, the City of Palms Basketball Classic has grown to be one of the most revered. Numerous elite teams and players from all over the nation travel to Fort Myers, Florida for this event every year during the week leading up to Christmas.

The City of Palms has amassed an alumni list over the years that includes over 100 NBA players, six players chosen as the league’s rookies of the year, and six players chosen first overall in the draft.

The event celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 with a star-studded field, fittingly. After overcoming Paul VI (VA) in the semifinals, Montverde Academy emerged victorious, defeating Long Island Lutheran (NY) in the title match.

Fans and assessors alike were treated to spectacular performances over the six-day event by a number of the nation’s best prospects, including five of the top six prospects in the national class of 2024.

Cooper Flagg, Florida’s Montverde Academy: How much Flagg’s role would change from the previous season, when he was Montverde’s fourth-leading scorer with nine points per game, was one of the major uncertainties going into the season. He had just finished a summer where every time Maine United took the court, he had to prove himself as their main creator. It was an entirely different Flagg.

offensively, at least, than what we seen in the high school season. We’re witnessing the convergence of those two players this season. Flagg consistently plays in the flow and doesn’t push the ball offensively, yet he still scores more than 20 points most of the time. He continues to display his underappreciated athleticism and leaping ability, looks to be improving as a spot-up shooter from behind the arc, and is given the opportunity to use his ball handling and distributing talents to start the break. Naturally, he always has the ability to cover ground off the ball and block shots when playing defense.

1. , Don Bosco (NJ): Harper averaged 31 points per game this week leading his Don Bosco team to wins over ,and McEachern, the Boozers and Columbus, and IMG Academy. Their only loss of the week came in a narrow 58-55 decisions to a Long Island Lutheran squad that went on to the final. Simply put, Harper left no doubt that he is the best guard in high school basketball. Not only did he score at will, but he seemed to make almost every right decision while doing it. He just has a way of taking what the defense gives him and making it look easy. While his assist numbers weren’t flashy, as one NBA scout put it, “they really should chart his hockey assists” after watching him throw numerous pinpoint skip passes that sparked Bosco’s offense. Harper was also a high-volume rebounder, averaging 8 boards per game on the week. If there was one variable that needs further development, it’s his overall shooting. He was 8-29 from behind the arc this week, including 0-6 vs. IMG and 0-7 vs. LuHi. The extent to which he’s able to develop his shooting into a weapon, could have a big impact on how far his game will translate as a primary scoring option.