Montverde Shocks Prolific Prep Behind Joe Philon’s Versatility and a Red-Hot Offense
**FORT MYERS, Fla. ** - When Montverde took the floor against Prolific Prep - a squad stacked with high-major talent and national hype - they weren’t just looking to compete.
They came to make a statement. And thanks to a scorching first-half performance and a balanced offensive attack, that’s exactly what they did, pulling off a 78-73 upset win that turned heads across the high school basketball landscape.
The tone-setter? Joe Philon.
The 6-foot-9 forward didn’t just show flashes - he lit the fuse. A deep three here, a straight-on triple there, and suddenly Montverde had built a double-digit cushion that gave them the confidence to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s top-ranked team.
Philon finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists, but the box score only tells part of the story. His ability to stretch the floor, pass out of pressure, and defend multiple positions gave Montverde an edge that Prolific Prep struggled to counter. He’s the kind of player who fits seamlessly into today’s game - long, skilled, and unselfish - and it’s no surprise he’s already hearing from programs like Florida, Florida State, UNLV, Minnesota, Ohio State, South Florida, and more.
Teamed up with high-octane 2027 point guard Javion Tyndale (16 points, six assists) and Kent State commit Dhani Miller (21 points, four assists), Montverde’s trio was locked in. They combined to shoot 17-for-27 from the field, carving up the defense with smart reads, confident shooting, and relentless pace.
As a team, Montverde was lights-out: 21-of-36 from the field and 10-of-16 from deep. That kind of efficiency - especially against a team as talented as Prolific Prep - doesn’t happen by accident. It was a clinic in spacing, ball movement, and shot selection.
Prolific Prep, for their part, was led by five-star guard Caleb Holt, who poured in 24 points to go with seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Holt did everything he could to keep his team in it, showing why he’s one of the most sought-after players in the Class of 2026. Bruce Branch III added 16 points on an efficient 7-for-10 shooting night, but the early hole proved too deep.
Philon’s Recruitment Heating Up
Philon’s stock continues to rise, and his recruitment reflects that. He recently shared that South Florida, UCLA, Ohio State, and Seton Hall have been in frequent contact. Each program offers something different, and Philon is clearly doing his homework.
On South Florida: “You gotta love the fact that it’s close to home. They have a really great staff.
Those guys are all friends, both on and off the court. They’re going to push you on the floor and also love you.”
On UCLA: “It’s a historic program. Being out there on the West Coast, out in Los Angeles, it would definitely be cool.
I recently had a Zoom call with Coach (Mick) Cronin and the coaching staff. I’m getting to know them and building the relationship.”
On Seton Hall: “(Head Coach) Shaheen Holloway is a crazy competitive guy. He has a really scrappy team.
He loves to win. I love to win.
I’m extremely competitive. We’re looking to set up a visit next.”
Philon’s combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for the modern game - and it’s clear college coaches see that. He’s not just a shooter. He’s a connector, a playmaker, and a matchup nightmare.
Jacob Player Making His Presence Felt
Down in Florida, another Class of 2026 guard is quietly building a strong case for national recognition. Jacob Player, out of The Rock School, has been on a tear - not just as a scorer, but as a facilitator and floor general.
Player has now gone four straight games without a turnover, a remarkable stat for a guard who plays with pace and aggression. He’s known for his shot-making, especially his ability to get hot and bury back-to-back threes, but what’s stood out lately is his passing touch. He’s dishing with either hand, making the right reads, and bringing a steadying presence to a team that plays a demanding national schedule in the ultra-competitive SIAA-Florida conference.
Player’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s become a glue guy - the kind of player who can swing a game with a timely assist, a smart defensive read, or a momentum-shifting triple.
Jaxon Richardson Starting to Round Into Form
Meanwhile, in Orlando, Jaxon Richardson - the son of former NBA high-flyer Jason Richardson - is starting to carve out his own identity. The 6-foot-6 wing had his most complete performance since transferring to SEPA, dropping 16 points, grabbing nine boards, and swatting two shots in an 85-63 win over iSchool (TX) at The Grind Session Dallas.
Richardson’s athleticism is no secret. He’s thrown down some jaw-dropping dunks that would make his dad proud, but what’s really stood out is his improving outside shot and growing defensive instincts. He’s playing with more control, more purpose, and showing signs of becoming a true two-way threat.
There’s still plenty of season left, but if this trajectory continues, Richardson could be one of the breakout stories of the 2026 class.
Looking Ahead
This week’s performances were a reminder that the high school landscape is loaded with emerging talent - and that rankings don’t always tell the full story. Montverde’s upset of Prolific Prep was more than just a win; it was a showcase of chemistry, poise, and star-level talent rising to the occasion.
From Philon’s all-around game to Player’s poise and Richardson’s evolution, the next wave of elite prospects is making its mark - and doing it with style.