OTR Circuit: 16U MVP Cameron Blackman

Cameron Blackman earned the OTR Circuit 16U MVP this season the quiet way. He showed up every weekend, competed, and helped HWPO win games. He wrote his story with consistency.

Blackman has spent three seasons with HWPO Hoops. Coach Tre has trained him since he was young. His father Mel has stayed involved on the physical side and pushed him forward. That investment paid dividends in 2026.

HWPO reached the OTR Circuit 16U Finals at the Final Run in July. They fell to eventual champion Sewer South, but the run itself marked clear progress for a group that started the year with limited outside expectations. Blackman was a central piece throughout.

Early in the spring, Director of OTR Media Josh Tec noted Blackman’s impact at the Main Event. “When taking stock of the OTR season to this point, Blackman has got to be in the discussion among the most dynamic guards in the 16U division. He was able to get by his man with speed and a shifty game. He’s shown that on a consistent basis during this early spring. Blackman is a reliable shooter as well. More or less, he’s one of the most potent point producers in the division. Blackman has been a stockriser this early spring.”

Tec’s evaluation proved to be prophetic. Blackman scored, handled, and created for teammates. He stayed engaged on the defensive end. The combination of production and steady effort made him the clear choice for league MVP.

Program director Jay Taylor watched the growth up close.

“Cameron Blackman has been a part of HWPO Hoops for the past 3 seasons, so we’ve had the privilege of watching his growth firsthand. He’s been trained and developed by Coach Tre since he was a young kid, while his dad, Mel, has been a constant force behind the scenes, pushing him toward greatness and putting in the work to help him develop physically as well.

Cam has developed into a confident, competitive guard who impacts winning and embraces big moments. Now he’s making a name for himself and becoming highly sought after by programs on some of the most recognized shoe circuits. That’s a testament to years of development, hard work and trusting the process. We’re extremely proud of how far he’s come, and we believe his best basketball is still ahead of him.”

The HWPO founders, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Taylor also pointed to the moments that stood out.

“What stood out most was Cam’s consistency. As the competition and stakes increased, he continued to elevate his play and find ways to help us win. Watching him help HWPO earn the No. 1 seed heading into championship weekend, compete for a championship and earn 16U MVP, was a great reflection of his growth.

To see a kid who took a chance on being a part of our HWPO family and led by Coach Tre, to now receiving this level of recognition and opportunity is special. Cam has earned this moment, and his journey is just getting started.”

— Mr. & Mrs. Taylor HWPO Hoops Founders & Program Directors

Blackman kept the focus on the group.

“My favorite memory from this year was our Final Four run and winning the MVP award. Even though we came up short in the championship, the way we came together and played hard as a team showed how much work we had put in all season, especially because at the beginning of the year, no one expected us to come this far. Going into my high school season, my goals are to be an All-Region Player of the Year, show how well I can lead my team, help us win the region, and take my team on a deep playoff run. Overall, I just want to keep working, keep improving, and do whatever I can to put my team in the best position to win.”

This winter Blackman will play for the Lanier Longhorns and Coach Branden Mayweather. The high school season will bring new challenges and a chance to lead. The foundation built with HWPO and the steady work across the OTR Circuit give him a solid place to start.

Cameron Blackman was the most consistent performer on the 16U circuit this year. That is why he is the MVP.

Written, edited, and formatted for web by the author

Jonathan Hemingway is a senior writer for On the Radar Hoops. He has covered basketball for the site since 2013 and has been involved in the game since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. Reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com or follow @CoachHemi on X and @Coach_Hemi on Instagram.