The OTR Circuit spread its wings across three states last weekend. The North Carolina stop was especially strong, drawing teams from across the Southeast eager to compete and showcase their talent.

Here’s a recap of the teams and players you’ll want to keep an eye on this season.

Our OTR media group was courtside, taking detailed notes on the top performers. We checked in with two of our evaluators, and a clear consensus emerged.

Miguel Ribeiro, who regularly contributes to On the Radar Hoops on X (@TriHoopsNet), had high praise for one team in particular:

“Charlotte ACES OTR was the best OTR team I saw at Carolina Mania. They brought a strong mix of physicality, toughness, and production, but what stood out most was how well their pieces fit together. They played with purpose, defended with intensity, and had the kind of balance that made them tough to deal with all weekend.”

Ribeiro went on to name the top individual performer from the event:

“The best player I saw on the OTR Circuit this weekend was 6’7” 2027 Jayden Gunby of Charlotte ACES OTR. He looked like a man amongst boys at times with the way he physically imposed himself on the game. His motor, explosiveness, rebounding presence, and ability to finish through contact really stood out.”

Ribeiro was sure to explain that the Aces were not a one-man show.

"The backcourt impressed too. 6’0 2026 Deshawn Coulter controlled action well, while 6’1 2027 Isiah Nickerson scored it in a variety of ways."

On the Radar Hoops director of media, Josh Tec (@_joshtec) agreed with Ribeiro’s assessment and echoed the praise for Gunby:

"When thinking about Carolina Mania, Jayden Gunby is a Circuit player that keeps coming to mind. With the Charlotte Aces, Gunby shined against high-level competition via his motor and athleticism in the paint. With bigs being en vogue at the next level, Gunby will be a name coaches will want to check in on."

Below is a brief rundown of team highlights and individual performances from all three events.

Team Results & Highlights

• Twelve Time Elite (15U): Focused on personal responsibility and leadership development by assigning leadership tasks to each player. Emphasized creating well-rounded young men and had a great weekend off the court.

• Charlotte ACES (17U): Went 2-2 despite multiple injuries. The weekend gave valuable experience to younger players, and the team expects to be stronger once injured players return.

• Atlanta Panthers (17U): Earned a 13-point win against a team with elite playmakers.

• Warriors Life Elite 2027 OTR (17U): Finished undefeated at 4-0.

• AEBL 2029 OTR (15U): Went 2-2 in a tough bracket. Gained valuable experience against top-tier competition and continue to grow as a program.

• PNP 2029 OTR (16U): Competed well in the 16U division while playing up in age/competition.

Standout Players

• Owen Veihman – Twelve Time Elite (15U): Breakout weekend in scoring, rebounding, and leadership. Defense and effort remain elite.

• Jayden Gunby – Charlotte ACES (17U): Outstanding all weekend as a power forward. Led the team in rebounds, blocks, and several viral dunks. Ran the floor hard and emerged as a leader with high energy and positivity.

• Jourden Smoak (6'3" SG, 2027) – Atlanta Panthers (17U): Dropped 28 points against Top Shot.

• Kasyn Chase (Guard, 2027, 5’10”) – Warriors Life Elite 2027 OTR (17U): Elite defense 94 feet, led team in scoring and assists.

• Braylon Meadows – AEBL 2029 OTR (15U): Dominant inside with scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. Nolan Bone averaged ~13 ppg. Kayin Bush provided strong bench spark with energy and scoring.

• Omari Alleyne (6’4" G, 2030) – PNP 2029 OTR (16U): Contributed on both ends while playing up two grades.

Under the Radar Prospects

• Cayden Twitty (2029 Combo guard, 6’0”) – Twelve Time Elite (15U): High IQ, three-level scorer, two-way player, and leader.

• Isaiah Nickerson – Charlotte ACES (17U): On opposing teams’ scouting reports. Competed with purpose, strong defense, and clutch shot-making.

• Nasir Mergan (6'4" PG, 2027) – Atlanta Panthers (17U).

• Seven Pounds (6’5" forward) – Warriors Life Elite 2027 OTR (17U): Dominated the glass and is averaging a double-double every tournament.

• Xavier Doizer (6'3" wiry forward) – AEBL 2029 OTR (15U): Showed ability to get downhill and finish in traffic.

• Hugh Ohlandt (SG/F, 6’0", 2029) – PNP 2029 OTR (16U): Shot the ball at a high clip and was very efficient.

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.