This is the heart of the 2026 travel basketball season. Teams are feeling the weight of what it takes to compete at a high level on the OTR Circuit. After months of roster building following state tournaments, programs arrived in early May with roles taking shape and purpose coming into focus. With the all-important NCAA Live Period just two weekends away, injuries, slumps, new lineups, and the constant challenge of building unity and leadership have tested every group.

What emerged from the Florida Mayhem is a snapshot of spring travel basketball: grit, growth, and excitement for what is ahead.

We asked coaches to reflect on their team’s performance last weekend. Question such as who played well, what pleased them and what improvement is still needed.  We also asked them their expectations heading into May. Their responses show the challenges that travel programs face and what keeps them motivated.

17U

Beach Boys 17U OTR

Beach Boys 17U battled adversity all weekend while short-handed, with players stepping up in key moments. Coach Bailey Blogg had this to say about the performance:

Battled through adversity guys stepped up short handed.

Growth remains the clear priority as the program builds toward its first live period. With loads of talent and a noticeable chip on their shoulder, they are poised to make noise in May.

The team is continuing to grow and will soon hit their stride leading into first live period this month with loads of talent and a chip on their shoulder. Watch out for Dennis Pierre Jr. he is a shifty point guard who can distribute the ball and score from anywhere on the court.
— Coach Bailey Blogg

Powerhouse Bulls 2027 OTR

Powerhouse Bulls showed clear progression throughout the weekend and competed hard even in a tough loss. Terrance Seagram shared:

Our team played well this past weekend for the most part, could have had some better outcomes but I’m pleased with the progression of the team so far. Guards Dwayne Foreman III and Nathaniel Boyer played well leading the team on both sides of the court. The team pleased me with its effort in a tough loss that could have gone either way to Florida Blaze UA Rise.

Chemistry and health will be the main focus moving forward as several young pieces continue to emerge.

Our team looks to improve on our chemistry and get healthy for Live Period. 6’4” Guard Chase Hibbard is coming on strong for the team on the offensive end, I’m really looking forward to see what else he can do.
— Terrance Seagram

PSB Tampa

PSB Tampa delivered a strong 3-1 weekend powered by balanced scoring and relentless pressure defense. Colin Robbie noted:

17u Elite had a big weekend, going 3-1. We had 5 players avg 8 or more points per game, led by 6’7 W Mo Turner (13pts/7rebs a game) and 6’0 PG Jonah Daniel (12pts/5ast a game). Fastbreak offense and pressure man to man defense led to turnovers and easy baskets.

Several standouts have the program excited for the live period and ready to showcase their depth.

Very excited for a strong live period showing. Names to watch are 6’5 G Ayaan Bhadouria (who will be one of the top prospects in the event), 6’7 W Mo Turner, 6’8 F Reid Boland and 6’0 PG Jonah Daniel.
— Colin Robbie

16U

Florida All Stars

Florida All Stars treated the weekend as a developmental year while working to unify their talent. Derrick DeRita said:

This is a learning year for our 16U team. Still working through some things. We have good talent we just have to bring it all together.

The program remains committed to steady improvement against strong competition.

We’re continuing to grow and learn and we’re hoping to see some real improvement while playing the level of competition OTR offers. We’re happy to be a part of the circuit and know the players will be better off for it.
— Derrick DeRita

OBG-OTR

OBG-OTR rolled through opponents with dominant 20+ point victories but stayed focused on refinement. Josue ‘Tractor’ Álvarez shared:

OBG beat all the teams by 20+ We have to improve communication and offense side.”

The staff is emphasizing ball movement while highlighting standout two-way players.

OTR organizing an excellent staff. Our team is working on moving the ball. Elias Alvarez offense threat corner three a specialist in defense stopper. Yehor Koshelev paint, beast, rim protector glass cleaner.
— Josue ‘Tractor’ Álvarez

PSB Tampa 16U Robinson

PSB Tampa 16U Robinson displayed toughness and defensive intensity while finishing 3-1 with several comfortable wins. Coach Rodney Robinson commented:

Our group showed a lot of toughness and growth over the course of the weekend, finishing 3-1 with multiple double-digit wins… What really pleased me was our defensive intensity and ability to control games.

The focus now shifts to sharpening offensive execution as a few leaders continue to rise.

Our main focus is offensive execution and efficiency… As far as breakout potential, Adrian Pozo is continuing to evolve as a scorer and playmaker… Jaxyn Reed and Elijah Ventura also have breakout potential.
— Coach Rodney Robinson

15U

Flagler United 2029 OTR

Flagler United 2029 OTR delivered a perfect 3-0 weekend built on unselfish team play and contributions from everyone on the roster. Johnny Hampton said:

Flagler United 2029 OTR played went 3-0 this weekend. They had contributions from the entire team. They play together, sharing the ball. Just overall great team basketball.

Steady improvement and high-level competition remain the expectations for May.

Heading into the month of May I expect them to keep getting better and competing at the highest level.
— Johnny Hampton

Florida Blue Chips 15 OTR

Florida Blue Chips 15 finished 2-1 with multiple players delivering impact performances, highlighted by strong play from Anton Oskarrson and Aiden Naccaratto. Coach Jamie Kendrick noted:

Over the weekend at the Florida Mayhem, we performed decent… Anton Oskarrson and Aiden Naccaratto were our most consistent performers… What stood out the most was our complete performance in our first game.

Consistency remains the biggest area for growth as the team works through limited reps.

Our focus for the rest of May is to clean up the inconsistencies on the defensive principles, and improving our execution offensively… We have several guys who are still finding their rhythm.
— Coach Jamie Kendrick

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on X @CoachHemi and Instagram @Coach_Hemi.