After a weekend of prep hoops in Fort Erie & multiple trips to the local Arby’s, I took some time to rifle through my notes from the Battle in the Fort event. I have compiled a list of 35 prospects who stood out to me in the 2 days I attended Fort Erie International Academy for this prestigious showcase. With teams coming from across Ontario & Quebec there was no shortage of talent on display. For more insight from the weekend be sure to check us out on Twitter @themapleminute & @TMMRecruiting.
1. Anthony Ponga (6'4, Fort Erie)
Ponga impressed with his shooting during the event, showcasing a smooth and consistent stroke from beyond the arc. He has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes in rhythm, making him a valuable offensive weapon. His confidence from deep makes defenses respect his range, opening up driving lanes for his teammates.
2. Bashir Ngala (6'3, Fort Erie)
A vocal leader with a true commanding presence on the court. Ngala’s leadership sets him apart, constantly encouraging teammates and directing traffic on both ends. His ability to control the pace of the game and keep everyone involved makes him a key component of Fort Erie’s lineup.
3. Caleb Roberts (6'0, Ridley College)
Roberts showcased his sharpshooting ability, hitting multiple three-pointers in the first half. His quick release and confidence from deep make him a valuable perimeter threat. However, he's not only a shooter, he can absolutely demolish the rim with his dunks.
4. Callum Smith (6'10, Ridley College)
A towering presence in the paint, Smith has the size and shot-blocking ability that immediately catches attention. He has the potential to be a solid post presence and rebounder. Offensively, Smith is developing as a low-post scorer with a soft touch around the basket.
5. CJ Roberts (6'1, Ridley College)
A solid performer who did an excellent job closing out the half in game #1 with multiple clutch buckets. CJ displayed high basketball IQ, making the right plays in critical moments. His ball-handling and decision-making in tight situations are clear strengths that will serve him well as he develops.
6. Colton Crowdis (6'4, Crestwood)
Crowdis is a versatile guard with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. He has a high basketball IQ, often finding the open man and making smart decisions in transition. Defensively, he’s solid on the perimeter but his true strength is his playmaking abilities.
7. Daniel Mizener (6’7, Ridley College)
With impressive length and energy, Mizener can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His shooting touch is evident, especially from mid-range, where he’s shown consistency. His high motor allows him to thrive in transition and make hustle plays.
8. Dante Censori-Hercules (6'8, Hodan Prep)
A standout in the gym, Censori-Hercules has the physical tools to dominate in the paint but he can shine on the wing. His size and strength, paired with his ability to finish around the rim, make him an intriguing prospect. Defensively, he protects the rim and alters shots effectively. He doesn't just do a bit of everything, he can do everything.
9. Deng Ngor (6'7, Fort Erie Red)
Ngor is on the right developmental path. He shows solid defensive instincts and the ability to impact the game on both ends. A very high energy prospect holding a ton of NCAA interest. Being a 2027 the sky is the limit for Deng's potential.
10. Eli Jolin (6'6, Fort Erie Red)
Despite being thinner than expected, Jolin has all the tools to be a significant player. He possesses good court awareness and has shown flashes of potential as an elite scorer. As he continues to develop physically, he could become one of the top prospects in 2026.
11. Gurdeep Kalsi (6'6, Polaris Prep)
Kalsi’s defensive prowess stood out, especially with a highlight-reel block against Raphael Amuri. His athleticism and ability to rise quickly make him a threat on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he has a lot of promising attributes, and his athletic tools provide a high ceiling.
12. Ian McBride (6'9, Hodan Prep)
McBride has size, but he must work on his toughness, particularly when it comes to holding his position and not getting knocked off the ball. As he gets stronger and more assertive in the paint, he’ll be a key piece for Hodan Prep. His ability to protect the rim remains a valuable asset.
13. Jaden Lee (6'5, Hodan Prep)
Lee profiles as a future post secondary athlete, holding the prerequisites needed to play at that level. He has a smooth offensive game and can score in multiple ways. His athleticism allows him to make plays in transition, and his ability to finish at the rim makes him a reliable scoring option.
14. Josiah Roberts (6'3, Hodan Prep)
An elite bucket-getter, Roberts raised his stock throughout the event. His ability to get to the rim and finish through contact makes him a constant offensive threat. His defensive upside, combined with his explosiveness, makes him a well-rounded prospect.
15. Justus Haseley (6'2, Royal Crown)
Haseley is a quick, dynamic guard who excels in getting to the basket. His first step is explosive, and he can finish through contact. He’s a solid defender, particularly in on-ball situations, using his speed to stay in front of his man.
16. Kemar Grant (6'3, Polaris Prep)
Grant showed significant upside in his game. His length at the guard position, combined with his ability to create for himself, makes him an intriguing prospect. He plays with a confidence that suggests his game will only continue to improve.
17. Kymani Walters (6'3, Royal Crown)
Walters is a strong guard with a knack for scoring, especially in isolation situations. He’s a tough finisher around the basket and can absorb contact well. Defensively, he’s solid, showing good lateral movement.
18. Lana Agbelese (6'8, Crestwood)
Agbelese is a high-energy forward who excels in the paint. He’s a strong rebounder on both ends and shows good timing on shot-blocking opportunities. His offensive game is excellent, particularly his face-up game and ability to finish around the rim.
19. Luka Sinda (6'8, Fort Erie)
Sinda has the tools needed to succeed at the next level. His size and versatility allow him to play multiple positions. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands and can score in a variety of ways, making him a valuable asset for Fort Erie.
20. Mahliq Kitson (6'7, Fort Erie Red)
Kitson is one of the most talented prospects on the floor. He has a smooth offensive game and can score from all three levels. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a matchup nightmare. With continued development, he will end up at a High Major program.
21. Mansley Dorneval (6'2, CSJV)
Dorneval stands out as one of the best prospects on CSJV. His combination of athleticism, court vision, and defensive instincts make him a two-way player. He can impact the game both offensively and defensively, quickly became one of my favourite PG's in 2026.
22. Mangok Lok (6'8, Crestwood)
Lok is an athletic forward with great length and defensive potential. He’s a capable shot-blocker and disrupts passing lanes with his wingspan. Offensively, Lok is most effective in transition and around the rim, & once he improves his mid-range shooting and ball-handling he will become a complete player.
23. Markeese Strawridge (6'7, J. Addison)
Strawridge started off hot, showing off his shooting range early in the game. He can stretch the floor and knock down threes with confidence. His size allows him to guard multiple positions, and his offensive versatility makes him a valuable asset.
24. Matt Dann (7'0, Fort Erie)
Dann’s size alone makes him an intriguing prospect. At 7’0, he’s a shot-blocking presence who alters shots in the paint and cleans up the glass effectively. His offensive game is still raw, relying primarily on putbacks and close finishes, but with proper development in his post moves and touch, he could become a more complete big man.
25. Moise Kambululu (6'9, Lennoxville)
Kambululu has intriguing assets as a big man. His size and length make him an effective rim protector, and he can finish inside. However, he needs to work on his mobility and footwork to become a more consistent offensive player. Defensively, he has the potential to anchor a defense.
26. Nic Naire (6'6, Fort Erie)
Naire has that "IT" factor—he plays with a confidence that sets him apart. He can score from all areas of the court, and his ability to create his own shot makes him a primary offensive option. His upside is immense, and he could develop into a star.
27. Owen Meagher (6'6, Lennoxville)
Meagher struggled with free throws early, but his ability to adjust and improve, hitting six straight after halftime, shows his work ethic. He consistently knocked down shots within the flow of the offense, making him a reliable scorer.
28. Quinten Ethier (6'4, Ridley College)
Ethier was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting four three-pointers in quick succession. His shooting is his standout skill, and he has the potential to stretch defenses and force opponents to adjust their coverage. I am a big fan of his game and he steadily improves each time I evaluate him.
29. Raphael Amuri (6'5, A’Huntsic)
Amuri is the best player on A’Huntsic and for good reason. He’s athletic, skilled, and has a competitive edge. His ability to drive to the rim and finish in traffic, along with his defensive effort, make him a solid prospect with potential beyond the prep level.
30. Sader Servilus (6'3, Fort Erie)
Sader demonstrated a smooth shooting touch, particularly from deep. His ability to hit from range makes him a valuable perimeter scorer. He plays with a confidence that allows him to step into big moments without hesitation.
31. Saad Chaudhry (6'9, Hodan Prep)
Chaudhry showed promise as a true 6'9 forward. He’s a solid rim protector, using his size and length to alter shots. Offensively, he also brings a lot to the table being able to make shots inside and out.
32. TJ Richards (6'5, Royal Crown)
Richards is a strong and athletic wing with great defensive versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions and crash the boards makes him an asset on both ends. His ability to get downhill is a tremendous asset to the Royal Crown offensive scheme.
33. Tristan Beckford (6'6, Fort Erie Red)
Beckford is a high-motor player who leaves it all on the floor. His athleticism allows him to make plays on both ends of the court. He has the potential to become a standout defender, and is currently in the conversation for the #1 prospect in the country in the class of 2025.
34. Xavier Blake (6'4, Polaris Prep)
Blake showed the most upside for Polaris Prep. He’s a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and get to the rim. His length and athleticism give him a high ceiling, and with continued development, he will become a standout player in the prep circuit.
35. Yann Apheley (6'6, Royal Crown)
Apheley is a long, athletic wing with the ability to guard multiple positions. He’s quick on his feet, allowing him to switch defensively and disrupt offenses. Offensively, he’s shown flashes of potential as a lob threat and as he continues to improve his shooting consistency he has the tools to be a D1 recruit.
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