OTR Circuit: Top 16U & 15U Teams from The Opening

The OTR Circuit looks to be even more competitive in year two. The depth of talent is beyond just the number of programs who are committed to play, but also in the depth at the 16U and 15U levels. In this issue we look at the top teams in those divisions and which players are poised to become regular standouts this spring.

16U

Sewer South OTR

Two teams went 4-0 on the 16U circuit. Sewer South matched their success on the 17U circuit by having a 16U squad that may be equally as talented.  A trio of backcourt players earned recognition coming out of the weekend. Class of 2028 6-foot-4 wing, Ethan Smith, was praised by OTR evaluator, Q. Green for his energy during Sunday’s game. “His energy is unmatched and will literally dominate the game with and without the ball.”

Centennial high school guard Jeremiah Galloway is a stat-stuffer. Jen Brazelton, @Proven_Prospect, noted his activity on the defensive end and constant engagement in the play. Galloway’s high school coach, Matt Barksdale, added that Galloway led the Knights in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks this year as a sophomore. The 6-foot-3 prospect is emerging as a must-track prospect on the circuit.

Add in guard class of 2028 Will Labarera who shoots it at a high percentage while playing with high IQ on the court and coach Spencer Dixon’s 16U squad is set up for success this season.

Team S.M.A.S.H. Pro OTR

Like Sewer South above, Team S.M.A.S.H. Pro also had their 17U and 16U teams go 4-0 over the weekend. There is a lot of excitement surrounding this program as they have exciting prospects who are on the edge of breakout years.

The first prospect of note is class of 2028 guard Jaryn Williams who Q. Green described as having “a strong handle and loves to play through contact.” One of his highlights of the weekend was a breakaway dunk after a steal.

He was flanked in the back court by guard Steffan Jacques who had a standout game with 20 points with three 3-pointers made. Jen Brazelton talked about how he dominated the game by making “an impact all over the court.” His athletic profile is worthy of paying attention to this spring.

Every good team has a solid point guard to set the tone. That is the role that class of 2028 point guard Bior Menyan fills for the Team S.M.A.S.H. Pro. He is noted for his ability to push the tempo and see the floor.

15U

Flo Elite OTR

The 15U circuit is shaping up to be an intriguing level to watch. There are kids who are emerging as potential stars and hidden gems that are about to be uncovered. Flo Elite completed a 4-0 record at The Opening. A quartet of class of 2029 players led the way for success last weekend. Micah Joyner is the primary handler who creates plays and pushes the tempo. Forward Robert Adams is built with a strong frame and uses footwork to gain positioning for rebounds and scores in traffic. Guard Jherel Gipson is a well built athlete who showed his ability to get to the rim. Also, Jayden Galloway is an emerging prospect who is gaining the confidence of his coaches and teammates.

Wood Elite 15U OTR

Wood Elite 15U proved they belong over the weekend. A pair of guards stood out as two of the best prospects our staff evaluated at the tournament. Class of 2029 Deshawn Wilmington earned attention with his quickness and ability to handle in transition. He had a good Friday night leading his team with 13 points. Alongside him was teammate Chase Pickens who dazzled everyone with his timely passes and explosiveness to the bucket. Expect to hear more from this duo this spring.

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.