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 1A for the 2026-2027 season:
By: Southeast Hoops Report
6-7 SG Camden Cooper, San Jose Prep (FL)- 2027
The Florida A&M commit recently reclassified from 2028 to 2027 continues to bring a dominant presence on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, his inside-out game allows him to be efficient with his size. On the defensive end, his length is effective, as he continues to challenge shots at the rim, snatch timely rebounds, and be efficient in transition scoring opportunities. Cooper’s ability to knock down shots, finish around the basket, and compete on the defensive end makes him one of the more productive guards in the state for his class.
6-2 PG Cejay McKnight, Impact Christian Academy (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-2 senior point guard is one of the top two-way guards in Northeast Florida. On the offensive end, he displays a high IQ and gets to his spots both on and off the ball. He has a strong knack for being a three-level scorer, and he is unafraid to show his range in the half-court. On the defensive end, he is tough and scrappy, and he can guard multiple positions using his physicality at the rim and out on the perimeter. He applies constant pressure when it comes to guarding on-ball, as well as utilizing his speed to jump the passing lanes where he can turn defense into offense with his energy. Overall, McKnight can make an impact on both ends of the floor where he could spell some college interest when the season officially gets underway.
6-2 CG Christian Fuller, Victory Christian Academy (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-2 combo guard is the true definition of a floor spacer who can impact the game on offense with both his scoring and playmaking. He has a high IQ and knows when to get to his spots and be efficient when he has the basketball in his hands. He plays with a ton of confidence and is known for being a three-level scorer and can also operate as the lead ball-handler for a Victory Christian squad that reached the Class 1A championship game last season. Fuller has had a great summer on the recruitment trail as well, where he picked up a handful of Division-1 offers.
6-1 PG Tysen Jefferson, North Tampa Christian Academy (FL)- 2027
Jefferson put together a great summer playing for XPC Elite on the NXTPRO circuit, where he displayed a ton of creativity on the offensive end. He can knock down shots from the perimeter, get to the rim, and has a smooth mid-range game both off the catch and off the bounce. On the defensive end, he stays active when it comes to guarding on the ball, staying in the passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and making hustle plays. Expect a big senior season for Jefferson.
6-7 SF Ethan Mott, Grandview Prep (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-7 junior wing has a polished skill set that allows him to finish above the rim with ease and guard multiple positions defensively. He also showcases the ability to convert difficult finishes through contact, often using his length to extend over the defense. His decision-making with the ball is mature for his age, and he shows flashes of advanced passing vision, especially in transition or when defenses are scrambling.
6-2 CG Jerrod Long, St. Stephen’s Episcopal (Bradenton) (FL)- 2027
Long is an aggressive guard who plays with length and quickness on the offensive end. He is also a great passer when it comes to finding teammates on the move, and he led his team in scoring last season. He also adds great size on the defensive end, where he can add versatility with his ability to play above the rim, get deflections, and turn transition-scoring opportunities into finishes around the rim off turnovers. Look for Long to be a force on both ends of the floor this season.
6-5 SF Branden Sharpe, Sagemont (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-5 junior wing plays with purpose and has the athleticism where he can finish above the rim over multiple defenders on the offensive end. He averaged 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season as a sophomore, when he helped lead the Lions to yet another state championship. Sharpe can impact the game on both ends of the floor, where his length and athleticism can cover all three phases of the court. He is a disruptor in the passing lanes and can cover all 94-feet with his ability to apply consistent on-the-ball pressure. Sharpe is expected to pick up a heavy dose of college interest this upcoming season, as he has already picked up offers from Florida State and North Florida.
6-2 PG Dallas Oliver, North Tampa Christian Academy (FL)- 2028
The 6-foot-2 junior point guard put together a stellar sophomore season where he averaged 14.5 points and 5.3 assists per game. He can impact the game on the offensive end as both a scorer and a facilitator. Oliver possesses a high-IQ where he can get his teammates involved on the move as well as develop a crisp shooting stroke, so he can score on all three levels. On the defensive end, he is a matchup problem for opposing guards as he consistently finds ways to make an impact, whether it’s his activity in the passing lanes or snatching down timely rebounds using his athleticism. He currently holds an offer from Missouri, but expect more schools to start calling for the junior guard.
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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).