With fall leagues getting underway, we are taking a deep dive into the players to watch for the upcoming season. We will be starting with our lowest classification (1A) and ending with the highest classification (6A). Here are eight (8) players to watch in Class 2A for the 2026-2027 season:
By: Southeast Hoops Report
6-0 PG Dwight “DJ” Gaines Jr., Westminster Academy (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot senior point guard operates as a true floor general, preferring to control the tempo and orchestrate the offense rather than hunt for his own shot on every possession. He possesses an impressive feel and has a great understanding of the pick-and-roll offense. On the defensive end, his quick hands and active feet allow him to disrupt passing lanes and apply consistent ball pressure. He also uses his high IQ and anticipation to impact the game on both ends of the court, consistently directing traffic and communicating effectively with his teammates.
6-6 CG Rob Sawicki, Jupiter Christian HS (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-6 junior wing is the true definition of a floor spacer and a high-volume shooter in his mid-range and perimeter game on the offensive end. He demonstrates high intelligence and consistently knows where to be on the floor at all times. Beyond his scoring ability, Sawicki is a high-level rebounder who attacks the glass with purpose on both ends of the floor, as well as a playmaker for his teammates as a facilitator. On the defensive end, he can guard positions 1 through 4 with his length and ability to cover the passing gaps using his underrated speed. Sawicki is an intriguing prospect who college coaches should start showing interest in as he is an underrated wing in the class of 2028.
6-6 CG Avery Jones, Oak Hall School (FL)- 2029
The 6-foot-6 sophomore shooting guard has elevated his overall game on the national level this summer, playing for Austin Rivers SE Elite on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit. He is a true two-way guard who is able to take over games with both his scoring ability and his on-the-ball defense. His length and versatility speak volumes as he jumps the passing lanes, alters shots at the rim, getting deflections leading to steals and scores on the offensive end. On the offensive end, he plays with true pace and poise, where he doesn’t force many tough shots and displays his high IQ and instincts to get his teammates involved early and often in the possession. Expect a big sophomore season for the 6-foot-6 combo guard.
6-5 SG Ayaan Bhadouria, Carrollwood Day School (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-5 senior shooting guard brings a great feel and understanding of the game on both ends of the floor. He knows how to pick his spots offensively, which forces opposing defenses to collapse on him, as well as having a strong knack for his passing game, where he sees the floor exceptionally well. This summer, playing for PSB Tampa Bay, Bhadouria became more adaptable as the lead ball-handler, as he can orchestrate the offense from both the low-post and the perimeter. On the defensive end, Bhadouria can guard multiple positions with his athleticism and impressive footwork, and he challenges shots from the outside and uses his length to snatch timely rebounds.
5-10 PG Cole Vetor, Community School of Naples (FL)- 2028
The 5-foot-10 junior point guard is the type of player who makes everyone around him better as he understands timing and patience when it comes to the offensive end of the floor. He has an excellent handle and doesn’t get rattled when being blitzed by opposing guards, and he has impeccable timing when it comes to his passing. Aside from his passing, Vetor can also score on all three levels, and he averaged 17.5 points per game as a sophomore last season. He also earned All-Naples Area First Team honors and is only continuing to raise his stock heading into his junior year.
6-4 CG Baron Brownlee, Father Lopez (Daytona Beach) (FL)- 2029
The 6-foot-4 combo guard earned All-Area First Team honors last season as a freshman, when he averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He also made an impact on the defensive end, where he averaged nearly three steals per game. Brownlee projects as a high-level contributor with major evolution ahead. Last season as a freshman, Brownlee led in scoring and rebounding, playing important minutes for his squad. This summer, Brownlee played for 1Family on the NXTPRO Hoops circuit, where he displayed an improved handle, which allowed him to get downhill with confidence and finish through length and contact.
6-3 CG Ryan Gornto, Providence School (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-3 senior combo guard is coming off a season where he won multiple championships at the highest level. During his junior season, he helped lead Providence to a state championship, where he led in 3-pointers made (111), 3-point percentage (44%), and was one of four players to average double figures for the Stallions. During the Grassroots season, Gornto played a key role in helping lead Tre Mann Elite to the PRO16 Championship last month, where he shot 40% from behind the three-point line. Gornto showcases a smooth handle and can operate himself as an elite decision-maker, as he is a pass-first guard who gets his teammates involved early and often on the offensive end. He is a mature guard with a great feel and understanding of the game, where he doesn’t need the basketball in his hands to make an immediate impact.
6-2 PG Jaylan Johnson, Bell Creek Academy (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-2 junior point guard is a vital playmaker who displays his court vision and patience when operating on the offensive end. During his sophomore season, Johnson led his team in assists (7.4 per game) after coming off a stellar season on the Grassroots circuit, where he continues to be efficient on the offensive end. He has continued to prove that he can score as well as facilitate at a high level. On the defensive end, he competes through all 94-feet where he applies heavy on-the-ball pressure, uses his athleticism to cover the passing gaps, and snatches timely rebounds. Overall, Johnson can impact the game that may not show up in the box score as he plays with hustle and energy on both ends of the floor. Expect the 6-foot-2 point guard to have a stellar junior season.
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Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).