MONTVERDE, Fla. – Perhaps it was fitting that the Sunshine Classic took place in Florida because top prospects brought the heat over the past couple of days in the Sunshine State.
From versatile bigs with outstanding footwork to lead guards who do it all to two-way players with immeasurable impact, here are the players who took home hardware at the Sunshine Classic.
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Hoophall West Invitational: Takeaways from Day 1 | Day 2
Sunshine Classic: Takeaways from Day 1 | Day 2
2024 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2025 Rankings: Rivals150
2026 Rankings: Top 65
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MVP: Cooper Flagg
It almost seems unfair for other prospects, but Flagg’s ability to be the best player without being the most productive on paper is astounding to say the least. He commands so much attention on the offensive end, it opens the world up for his teammates and he’s adept at recognizing that and getting the ball to teammates where they’re most effective. In game two, Flagg was the best player on and off the stat sheet, posting 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks in the 89-61 romping of Columbus and the Boozer twins. Jon Scheyer will be able to use Flagg in every lineup and at every position at Duke, and that’s why he’s the No. 1 player in the Rivals 150.
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PAINT PUNISHER: Derik Queen
At least once a game, every game, Queen will finish a play with a modest two-handed dunk then grab the ball as it’s coming out of the nets and place it on the ground under the rim before he runs back on defense. It’s a fitting gesture to serve the ball to the opposition because of the manner in which he was holding serve this weekend at the Sunshine Classic. Queen’s greatest asset is his footwork and quickness in the paint. He beats opposing bigs to spots with his first step then gets them on his hip and uses his wide frame to finish efficiently. Queen is a master of angles and out thinks his defender whenever he catches it in the paint. Queen is the anchor that has the Eagles out-rebounding opponents by an average of 22 a game so far this season.
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TOP FLOOR GENERAL: Robert Wright
The general consensus among coaches on the sidelines is that if Montverde Academy falls this year it will be because a team either found a way to combat the Eagles’ trees or they were able to stop Wright, neither of which happened this weekend. Wright effortlessly runs the show for the fully stocked stable of elite prospects and keeps everyone happy while picking his spots in between. Wright always makes the right reads and alleviates all of the pressure on the wing. His best game came against Cayden Boozer, an 18-point, four-assist, five-rebound outing that set the tone of the 89-61 blowout.
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TOP SCORER: Darius Acuff
As gifted as Acuff is running the show, he’s at his best when he’s in attack mode, using his speed and quickness to keep pressure on the defense. Acuff showed the full range of his capabilities in the 67-63 win over Brewster Academy on Friday, posting 24 points, four steals and four assists against elite guards Elijah Crawford and DJ Shine. Scoring the ball is second nature for the 6-foot-2 guard.
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TOP DEFENDER: Dwayne Aristode
As gifted as Aristode continues to prove to be as a scorer, his greatest asset is his ability to produce at a high level on both ends of the floor. In both games, Aristode was Brewster’s best defender with the versatility and length (6-foot-7) to guard all five positions. He’s got great anticipation and quick feet with impeccable timing for deflections and playing passing lanes. Good luck getting past Aristode for a bucket.
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STOP SLEEPING: Donnie Freeman
The 6-foot-9 forward gave Montverde Academy all it could handle on opening night, posting 20 points and nine rebounds against Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen and Asa Newell. His length caused problems on both ends of the floor whether he was finishing through contact after getting a step on the defense or collecting four steals against the Eagles. He followed that up with a 16-point, 12-rebound performance against Brewster Academy. Freeman is most dangerous because of his ability to efficiently knock down mid-range jump shots; his versatility will make him a vital piece in Adrian Autry’s system at Syracuse.
