While big scorers and talented players often get the headlines, it is the things fans and observers do not always see or hear that can change the mood or attitude of a team. These are the leaders and captains who provide steady positive feedback, keep their teammates locked in, and set the right tone day after day. Here are some of the best at the 17U, 16U, and 15U levels on the OTR Circuit this spring.

17U

Ayaan Bhadouria – PSB Tampa 17U – 2027

Bhadouria earned his reputation on the OTR Circuit as a wing scorer with size and skill. His coaches highlighted him as an important leadership piece on the PSB Tampa roster.

Kareem Preston – North Point Youth 17U – 2026

Preston is a senior who has guided North Point Youth this spring. The 6-foot-1 point guard has picked up college interest, but he is still weighing his options. His poise and leadership have stood out in every evaluation.

Bryce Hoffert – Sunshine Elite 17U – 2027

Hoffert was recently named an MVP nominee for the OTR Circuit. The 6-foot-7 wing is known for his shooting and overall impact on the game, but he also brings important intangibles to one of the top teams on the circuit.

Thomas Glanton – Atlanta Panthers OTR 17U

(Committed to Allen University)

Enzo Schiavinato – Beach Boys Elite OTR 17U

Schiavinato has been a great leader for the team. He is the definition of a team player — he hustles on every possession, willingly plays any role asked of him, and stays consistently positive no matter the situation. His attitude and effort set the tone for Beach Boys Elite OTR all spring.

Trent Witte – Atlanta Standard OTR 17U

Witte has been the quiet leader who competes every second of every game. No plays off. He has a reputation as a sharp-shooting guard, but he also sets the standard for Atlanta Standard.

Jakez Baldwin – Thunder Select OTR 17U

Baldwin is a 5-10 point guard who is emerging on the circuit. He has proven to be a solid all-around player, and his coach recognizes his efforts as a leader and communicator.

Notables
• Cameron Wright – Georgia Fire 17U
• Michael Wright Jr. – Gold Elite OTR 17U
• LeSon Nelson – Griffin Grasshoppers Elite 17U
• Jakori Rogers – All Georgia Elite (OTR) 17U
• Clifford Love – Florida All Stars 17U
• Anthony Rodriguez – G-Force Ryders 17U
• Jason Smith & Noah Jones – Elite Playmakers 17U
• Mike Underwood – HoopGrind 17U

16U

Christian Grant – Warner Robins Allstars 16U - 2028

Grant has been at the forefront of the Warner Robins attack all season as a play-creator and shot maker. Coach Brooks has described him as “a tough winner and a competitor on both ends.” He is sure to make noise this summer and into his junior year at Perry High School.

Paul Marte – HoopGrind 16U - 2028

Marte earned a reputation this spring as one of the best scorers to emerge out of Florida on the OTR Circuit. Just this past weekend, Allen Pettigrew noted Marte’s “game-changing quickness, tight handles, court vision.” For all the things the 5-foot-10 guard can do with the ball, he is equally effective as a leader for his team.

Bivindy Jean – Future Stars 16U - 2028

Jean is another emerging guard from the Sunshine State. OTR evaluator Allen Pettigrew noted his high-energy effort and efficiency at a May event. The 6-foot guard is worth tracking for his combination of skills and his willingness to lead his teammates.

Yaddiel Sanchez – OBG OTR 16U - 2028

Sanchez has earned a positive reputation with OBG while competing at OTR events over the past three years. Words like “gritty” and “tough” are routinely used to describe the 6-foot-2 guard from Timber Creek HS (FL). Those intangibles are exactly what coaches look for in a leader.

Donte Gibson – G-Force Ryders 16U - 2028

Gibson is a 6-foot-2 guard who makes this list because of his on-court production and his composure in the huddle. Ross Van De Griek described him as “poised” and “patient” on the court. We will be watching to see how he develops this July.

Notables
• Quintavious Prather Jr. – On-Go Elite 16U
• King Aleyto – Florida All Stars 16U
• Amari Anderson – Georgia Stunners 16U
• Jakori Rogers – All Georgia Elite 16U (if applicable, otherwise remove duplicate)

15U

Chase Pickens – Wood Elite 15U - 2029

Pickens earned his reputation as one of the top playmakers in the 15U division this spring. The lefty proved he can go toe-to-toe with anyone at the level. His maturity and level-headedness also stand out. He will be a player to track in Metro Atlanta moving forward.

Christian Skinner – Twelve Time Elite 15U - 2029

Skinner, who sometimes goes by the nickname “Chubb,” is picking up momentum as one of the top playmakers in the 15U division. His coaches have full confidence in him. Skinner can be relied on to handle the ball and set up his teammates at the right time.

Trey Wilson – PNP 15U - 2029

Wilson’s name appearing here carries real weight. PNP has been one of the top teams in the 15U division all spring with plenty of talented players who have earned headlines. Wilson is the guy who finds a way to keep his team motivated. It is not always the player who scores all the points who leads. Sometimes it is the player who plays his role and knows how to keep everyone engaged. That is Wilson.

Notables
• Kendrick Ferrufino – Sunshine Elite 15U
• Jose Holmes – Elite Playmakers 2029 15U
• Tye King – On-Go Elite 15U
• Chris Banks – Dream Prepare Compete 2029 15U

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.