The talent pool at the 2026 Adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships continued to show its depth as another group of prospects delivered strong performances. As the event progressed, players were tested by physical matchups, high-level pace, and the need to impact winning in more than one way.
This second group of standouts brought a strong mix of guard play, wing versatility, and frontcourt presence. Some created pressure with the ball, others changed the game with length and activity, and several made their mark through toughness, rebounding, and defensive effort. Together, they added another layer to the event’s overall talent and left Palmetto Road as names to track moving forward.
Derek Swartz | 2028 | 6-5 Forward | Mass Rivals
Derek Swartz gave Mass Rivals a reliable frontcourt presence with his energy, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work. He ran the floor hard, finished through contact, and stayed active on the glass to create extra opportunities.
His mobility also showed up defensively. Swartz was able to guard in space, challenge shots, and handle different assignments without losing his physical edge. His steady effort on both ends made him a notable performer throughout the event.
Antonio Pemberton | 2027 | 6-1 Guard | Mass Rivals
Antonio Pemberton brought poise and command to the Mass Rivals backcourt. He handled pressure well, changed speeds to get defenders off balance, and consistently found ways to get into the lane.
Once he created an advantage, Pemberton made sound decisions. He delivered accurate passes when help rotated, controlled tempo, and competed defensively at the point of attack. His balance of quickness, control, and playmaking helped him separate himself.
Kamari Whyte | 2027 | 6-5 Guard | New Heights
Kamari Whyte impressed with his size, athleticism, and ability to create matchup problems on the perimeter. At 6-foot-5, he used his frame to attack the paint, finish over smaller defenders, and contribute as a rebounder from the backcourt.
Whyte’s length gave him value defensively as well. He disrupted passing lanes, contested shots, and showed the ability to guard multiple spots. His physical tools and two-way impact made him one of the more intriguing guards in this group.
Markus Kerr | 2027 | 6-6 Guard | Garner Road
Marcus Kerr showed the value of having size and skill at the guard position. He attacked mismatches, played through contact, and used his length to make passes over smaller defenders.
Kerr also impacted the game without needing to dominate the ball. He rebounded well, defended multiple positions, and gave Garner Road another creator along the perimeter. His versatility made him a consistent factor on both ends of the floor.
Akuentok Akuentok | 2027 | 6-11 Forward/Center | Brookwood Lou Dort Elite
Akuentok Akuentok made a clear impact with his length, mobility, and activity around the rim. He ran the floor well for his size, finished above the rim, and created second-chance opportunities with his work on the glass.
Defensively, he gave Brookwood Lou Dort Elite a strong interior presence. He protected the paint, altered shots, and covered ground effectively when pulled away from the basket. His physical tools and two-way production made him a standout frontcourt prospect at the event.
Deng Ngor | 2027 | 6-8 Forward | Brookwood Lou Dort Elite
Deng Ngor brought length, mobility, and steady activity to the frontcourt. He ran well in transition, finished around the basket, and stayed involved on the glass.
On defense, Ngor covered space, challenged shots, and used his size to take on different matchups. His ability to contribute in multiple areas gave Brookwood Lou Dort Elite a valuable forward who could impact possessions without needing a high volume of touches.
Xavier Hall | 2028 | 6-11 Forward | Team Loaded
Xavier Hall made his presence felt with his size, movement skills, and influence around the basket. He ran the floor with purpose, finished efficiently in traffic, and used his length to create second-chance opportunities.
Hall also showed promise on the defensive end. He protected the rim, covered ground well, and disrupted shots while staying disciplined with his positioning. His combination of physical tools and developing versatility made him a major name to follow from Team Loaded.
Kamsi Awaka | 2027 | 6-10 Forward | New Heights
Kamsi Awaka commanded attention with his strength, toughness, and relentless work in the paint. He established deep position, powered through contact, and pursued rebounds outside of his area.
His physicality gave New Heights a dependable interior presence on both ends. Awaka controlled space defensively, battled on the glass, and created additional scoring chances by running the floor. His motor and toughness made him one of the more impactful bigs at the event.
Hudson Hatch | 2028 | 6-10 Forward | Team Loaded
Hudson Hatch gave Team Loaded size, mobility, and activity across the frontcourt. He ran the floor effectively, finished around the basket, and used his length to secure rebounds in traffic.
Defensively, Hatch covered space well and provided a steady presence near the rim. He challenged shots, stayed active, and showed a developing skill set that allowed him to contribute on both ends. His upside and production made him a notable performer in the 2028 class.
Griffin Starks | 2027 | 6-9 Forward | Phenom United
Griffin Starks made an impression with his length, mobility, and frontcourt versatility. He finished plays around the basket, contributed on the glass, and moved well in transition.
Starks’ defensive range added to his value. He contested shots, covered space, and handled multiple assignments with good activity. His steady two-way production gave Phenom United a reliable forward presence and helped him stand out at Palmetto Road.