BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On The Radar took its annual pilgrimage to Alabama for the Birmingham Classic to open the travel season in the state. 

Lead guards have been covered, so now it’s time to talk about some of the wings and forwards who stood out across two days of action:

Ayden Henderson - SMB - 2029 

Henderson had to have been in the discussion for most productive athleticism in the 15U division. He used that to his team’s advantage on both ends of the floor whether blocking shots or throwing down dunks. However, Henderson also showed, throughout multiple games, that he can step out and hit shots. His stronger frame allows him to play through contact and pressure defenses with his ability to get to the free-throw line. 

Grant Smith - TGE - 2027 

Smith has versatility to his game. At 6-foot-6 or so, he can play both in the paint and on the perimeter. He’s skilled enough to hit shots, do a little ball handling, make passes, but he can also use his size to rebound, be a post scorer. His ability to fill multiple roles on this team should be fruitful as the season goes on. 

Jarvis Watts - Fusion Academy - 2028 

Watts can do a little bit of everything on the floor. He’s a swiss-army-knife type player. At a long 6-foot-6, he can be a versatile defender with the ability to protect the rim or guard on the perimeter. Offensively, Watts was at his best as a slashing wing type. He can drive in a straight line and either go all the way to the rack or find a teammate when he gets into the paint. He has a lot of tools in his arsenal, that’ll make him an interesting prospect to follow for the next two years. 

Nick Smith - TGE - 2028

TGE had a prosperous weekend in the 16U division. Forward Nick Smith was one of the very best athletes of the weekend regardless of age group. A Sunday game saw him pin shots off the glass, sky for rebounds, and punish the rim for dunks. His combination of high-level athleticism and physicality probably has him as a star on the gridiron, but it serves him well on the hardwood too. 

Zech Preston - Georgia Canes - 2027

Preston is imposing down low. He looks to have added strength which helps him play a more physical game. Over the weekend, his defense and rebounding were what stood out above all else. At around 6-foot-9, he protects the rim well at this level with a combination of size, length and timing. Preston also rebounded well. He locked up every board in his area. It looks like Preston is going to be a name for coaches to check in on on the third weekend in May. 

Josh Tec has been covering prep basketball in Georgia and nationally since 2020. He has served myriad roles as a writer and evaluator, including editor-in-chief. Tec has a degree in journalism from Georgia State. Follow his work on X (Twitter) @_joshtec.