Starting the season later than the vast majority of the country, Minnesota high school fans can’t get their first taste of high school hoops until after Thanksgiving. Most teams from the Land of 10,000 Lakes won’t play a game until the second week of December, when other states are already a month into their season. As a result, scholastic hoops fans don’t have many options, but Apex Prep came through with the Apex Classic.
Held in the heart of St. Paul, the Apex Classic brought three Midwest prep programs together for a round-robin event that gave onlookers a glimpse of future Division I talent. Host school Apex Prep (coached by Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren‘s former trainer Quincy Caldwell), International School of Minnesota (led by former NBA dunk contest participant Chris Carr), and Cleveland-based International Sports Academy (alma mater of former Spurs big Charles Bediako) joined forces for an outstanding early-season weekend of basketball that was filled with under-the-radar talent.
With the aforementioned squads playing in leagues such as The Grind Session and AOG Power 32, the Apex Classic served as a great opportunity to see teams cross-league lines for some matchups you may not typically see.
We already profiled the event’s top sleepers, led by 6’9 2028 late bloomer Ty Karlen, earlier this week. Here’s a look at eight under the radar players who helped themselves with their play at the 2026 Apex Classic:
Gaetan Wafo, 7’1, C, ISM (MN), 2027
A rapidly developing big man, Gaetan Wafo is playing with much more assertiveness than we saw over the summer. The massive center was comfortable scoring over his left shoulder, was an immense presence at the rim defensively, and established deep position on the block. Wafo had some really nice moments running with Meanstreets in the EYBL and looks to be building on that for his final high school campaign.
Danillo Monteiro Martins, 6’10, C, Apex Prep (MN), 2028
A well put together big, Danilo immediately stood out with his massive frame and athleticism at the Apex Classic. The Brazilian import was an oustanding offensive rebounder, showed explosiveness vertically, and was a surprisingly good passer. All of the tools are there for Martins as a nice developmental big man at the D-1 level.
Christopher Lloyd, 6’8, PF, ISM Academy (MN), 2028
There wasn’t a forward with a better physical profile in the event than “CJ” Lloyd. The athletic big man sported a chiseled frame, changed the game with his length, and was a constant threat on the offensive glass. The Florida product still has plenty of room for refinement, but all of the tools are there out of a serious prospects.
Kayden Lee-Dawkins, 6’1, PG, Apex Prep Post Grad (MN), 2027
One of the tougher guards that the event had to offer, Kayden Lee-Dawkins brought some serious grit to the Apex Classic. The sturdy lead guard was outstanding in pick and roll play, used his strength on both ends of the court, and was relentless going downhill. The competitive nature that Kayden brings to the hardwood will make him a nice addition to a college roster.
Bobi Rankov, 6’7, SF, ISM Academy (MN), 2030
The only freshman to play in the prep event was Bobi Rankov, a 6-foot-7 import from Sweden. The swingman was great shooting the ball with his feet set, relocated without the ball, and showed that he could play above the rim in transition. Having played for Sweden’s youth national teams, the International experience that Rankov has should allow him to assimilate to American high school hoops quickly.
Jamel Wiley, 6’3, SG, Apex Prep Post Grad (MN), 2027
A tough guard who made an impact on both ends, Jamal Wiley was one of my favorite players to watch at the Apex Classic. The athletic senior exhibited great burst, utilized his athleticism on both ends of the court, and was an ample 3-point shooter. Granted it was a small sample size, but Wiley definitely looked to be a scholarship player at the collegiate level.
Dahl Rehan, 6’7, SF/PF, Apex Prep Post Grad, 2027
Perhaps the most athletic player in the event, Dahl Rehan changed the game with his energy at the Apex Classic. The angular forward brought tons of energy on both ends, was a constant lob threat, and created a ton of deflections defensively. In today’s position-less game, the versatility on the defensive end that Rehan brings has the potential to be his calling card.
Editor’s Pick
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