Southeast Hoops Report spent the day Saturday in Tavares, Florida, to watch some top-ranked players and teams. Find out below who stood out throughout the day at the event. The Fall Festival is a preseason tune-up to get players playing in front of national media and college coaches.
By: Southeast Hoops Report
TAVARES, Fla.– One of the Southeast’s premier preseason high school basketball exposure showcases took place last weekend. It brought together over 100 top teams and hundreds of elite Division 1 and Division 2 prospects under one roof. Here are six (6) players who stood out on Saturday:
6-3 PG Tai Bell, Christopher Columbus HS (FL)- 2028
Bell played with an impressive pace, showcasing that he was capable of pushing the ball in transition with purpose, but was also comfortable slowing things down to initiate offensive sets in the half-court. His decision-making with the ball in his hands is advanced for his age. On the offensive end, he showcased that he is a capable scorer who can get his own shot from all three levels, but he often prioritizes setting up others, demonstrating excellent court vision and a knack for creating advantages with entry passes or sharp kick-outs to open shooters. On the defensive end, he used his length effectively to disrupt passing lanes and has the lateral quickness to stay in front of opposing guards.
6-3 SG Donovan Swain, Coral Glades HS (FL)- 2027
Swain continues to have a strong feel and understanding of the game on the offensive end. Without point guard Gavin Reed in the fold last weekend, Swain handled point guard duties, showing great poise and patience while getting his teammates involved. On the defensive end, he stayed engaged and understood timely reads, whether it was in the passing lanes or playing bigger than his size indicated, where he battled on the boards. Overall, Swain has emerged himself as one of the top two-way play makers not just in the area, but arguably in the state of Florida.
6-6 SG Ethan Knox, Lakeland Christian (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-6 junior guard showcased the ability to score on all three levels, both as the primary ball-handler and while playing off the ball. He showcased his true length and athletic frame, where he finished around the rim while being unafraid to absorb contact. On the defensive end, he showcased his natural frame when guarding multiple positions and used his length as a rim protector.
6-7 SF Carson Crawford, Fleming Island HS (FL)- 2027
The Arizona State commit showcased his length and athleticism from the point of attack, where he got to the rim on several occasions during the first game on Saturday. His decision-making with the ball in his hands is advanced; he sees passing lanes open up a beat quicker than most and delivers accurate and timely passes. On the defensive end, he used his length and quick feet to disrupt passing lanes and stay in front of opposing wings, often turning defense into offense in transition with his ability to get deflections which often turned into steals and scores at the other end.
6-8 PF Will Rydzewski, Episcopal School of Jacksonville (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-8 power forward is a long and mobile athlete who can stretch the defense with his knack of scoring on all three levels. He can also make an impact with his length on the defensive end guarding bigger players and making it difficult for the opposition to get off a solid shot or look at the rim. Overall, his combination of size, strength, and three-level scoring on the offensive end will make him one of the top stretch forwards to watch as he heads into his senior year.
6-2 PG Aaron Britt Jr., The Villages Charter HS (FL)- 2027
The Texas Tech commit played with good command of the game with the ball in his hands. He plays with good pace, stays in control, and does a good job reading the defense. He can create off the dribble, knock down shots from the perimeter, and get downhill to finish around the rim. His ability to score and make plays for others is a big part of what makes him one of the best point guards in the class. On the defensive end, he used his size to compete with pressure and effort. Overall, his shot-making, play-making, toughness, and defensive pressure made him one of the most effective guards throughout the event.
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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).