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The 2026 City of Palms Classic returns to Fort Myers from Dec. 18–23, assembling an elite collection of high school programs and nationally ranked recruits in one of the country’s earliest major holiday tournaments. For players, coaches and college scouts, the event offers high-visibility competition and a first glimpse at prospects who could shape next season’s recruiting landscape.
What’s on the court and why it matters
Six days of games across multiple brackets will showcase national powerhouses and top regional teams. The centerpiece is a 16-team championship bracket that pairs heavyweights from Florida with programs traveling in from across the United States. Beyond wins and losses, the Classic functions as an early measuring stick: players can rise (or fall) on recruiting boards, and coaching staffs get a sense of roster depth before the college season ramps up.
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Among the Florida contingents, Montverde Academy and IMG Academy lead a strong in-state presence. The event also includes three separate showcase tracks—the Signature Series, the Sunshine Series and the City of Palms Tip-Off—plus skills contests and a Hall of Fame ceremony that will run alongside the games.
Key dates and marquee matchups (high-level)
| Date | Highlight | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 18 | Opening round — Montverde vs. Fleming Island; Calvary Christian vs. Thomas Jefferson Campus | First appearances for several top recruits and the official tournament kick-off. |
| Dec. 19 | IMG Academy vs. Carter (Texas) in a late night slot | National programs face off—prime scouting opportunity. |
| Dec. 21 | Signature Series semifinals (Prolific Prep, Southeastern Prep among participants) | Separate four-team showcase with its own title on the line. |
| Dec. 20 | Hall of Fame ceremony, Three-Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Championship | Skills competitions and honors day add off-court exposure for players. |
| Dec. 23 | City of Palms championship at 9 p.m. | Tournament title and final recruiting impressions before the winter break. |
Top prospects to watch
The Classic traditionally draws high-level recruits who use the event to make early statements. Here are some of the players widely expected to draw attention in Fort Myers:
- Bamba Touray (Prolific Prep, Class of 2028) — A 7-foot center with a versatile offensive game after transferring from IMG; projects as one of the highest-rated players at the event.
- Lewis Uvwo (Prolific Prep, 2027) — A 6-foot-11 rim protector whose shot-blocking on the grassroots circuit drew national interest.
- Nasir Anderson (Prolific Prep, 2027) — A seasoned point guard expected to run a veteran-laden lineup and command defensive attention.
- Michai White (Prolific Prep, 2028) — Camp standouts’ pedigree and playmaking ability make him one to follow in backcourt matchups.
- Draydne McDaniel (Prolific Prep, 2029) — A 6-foot-7 underclassman who could emerge as an intriguing long-term prospect after limited minutes as a freshman.
- Beckham Black (Southeastern Prep, 2027) — One of the marquee seniors on the Signature Series roster with high national ranking and expectations.
- C.J. Rosser (Southeastern Prep, 2027) — Another top-2027 talent who gives Southeastern Prep a dynamic one-two punch in the backcourt/wing spots.
- Cayden Daughtry (Calvary Christian, 2027) — The primary attraction in Calvary’s opening game; an individual scoring threat who will be watched closely by recruiters.
- Jordan Page (IMG Academy, 2027) — A 6-foot-5 guard who figures to be focal in IMG’s lineup and a player scouts will track for perimeter production.
- Isaiah Hamilton (Montverde Academy, 2028) — A younger high-level wing, part of Montverde’s next wave of talent.
- Colton Hiller (Coatesville, 2028) — A top Class-of-2028 prospect appearing in the Sunshine Series and a key draw for that bracket.
Event structure and additional showcases
The Classic is not a single elimination bubble only. Organizers have built multiple competitive tracks so teams meet opponents at similar levels while maximizing game opportunities for players. The layout includes:
- Traditional 16-team bracket — The main championship pathway featuring regional heavyweights and national visitors.
- Signature Series — A four-team showcase (Prolific Prep, Dynamic Prep, Southeastern Prep Academy, SPIRE Academy) with semifinals and a standalone final.
- Sunshine Series — Another four-team grouping that highlights programs like Boca Ciega and Coatesville.
- Additional single-game features — Tip-off matchups and the Hugh Thimlar Tribute game add local interest and tradition to the week.
The tournament also schedules the City of Palms Hall of Fame induction and individual skill contests on Dec. 20, offering players another platform to showcase shooting, athleticism and marketability in front of media and scouts.
What scouts, families and local fans should watch for
Performances here can alter early recruiting narratives. Players who excel often see immediate increases in attention from college coaches, while teams that gel can improve their season outlook heading into league play. For local fans, the Classic provides a chance to see future college—and possibly pro—talent close to home.
Coverage will focus on standout performances, breakout underclassmen and any matchups that pit nationally ranked teams against each other. Expect follow-up scouting notes and recruiting updates in the days after marquee games.
Quick reference — traditional bracket teams
Teams appearing in the 16-team championship bracket include regional and national entries such as Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, Calvary Christian, Providence School, La Lumiere, Millennium (Ariz.), Bartlett (Tenn.), St. Frances Academy (Md.), and Thomas Jefferson Campus (N.Y.), among others.
With talent spread across the championship bracket, Signature Series and Sunshine Series, the 2026 City of Palms Classic is set to be one of the first major recruiting stages of the high school basketball season. Expect close scouting attention and a number of revealing performances before the holiday break.
