OTR Hoops: Florida Get Down Standouts (Part 1)

By: Ross Van De Griek

ORLANDO, Fla.- The top teams across the state of Florida and Georgia attended the Dan Cross Florida Get Down Showdown last weekend at the Grand Avenue Center. On The Radar Hoops was on the grounds to provide coverage of the event. Here is who stood out.

2027 6-6 SG Anthony Brown, Boca Ciega

Brown showcased his ability to finish strong at the rim using his strength and patience, where he finished with a team-high 24 points and 12 rebounds against Oviedo. On the defensive end, he was a matchup nightmare for the opposition, where he could get timely rebounds and push the tempo, as well as having the ability to guard out on the perimeter. He currently holds an offer from Tulsa, but can fully expect more mid-majors to call his name after putting up an efficient double-double night in and night out.

2027 6-10 PF Kyle Blair, The First Academy (Orlando)

Blair has had his offensive game blossom from his sophomore season to this season after transferring from Oviedo during the summer. On the offensive end, Blair showed patience with the ability to get to his spots as well as finishing strong at the rim. He was also able to get to the mid-range, finishing off the bounce at a high percentage. On the defensive end, he was able to guard multiple positions using his length as well as alter shots around the rim.

2028 6-3 CG LJ Bacon, The First Academy (Orlando)

The 6-foot-3 combo guard played with a combination skillset of speed, athleticism, and size, where he got to the basket with ease on multiple occasions in the wire-to-wire win over Winter Haven. Bacon provided versatility on the defensive end as well, where he was active in the passing lanes as well as guarding players bigger than him and getting timely deflections. Bacon went on to finish with 13 points in the win.

2027 6-4 SG Elijah Ahlers, Northside Christian

The 6-foot-4 shooting guard continues to have a strong start to his junior season, where he was at his best when it came to being a slasher on the offensive end. His jump shot continues to improve as it was also on full display in a lopsided win over Luella (Georgia). On the defensive end, Ahlers played with a ton of length and made plays happen, whether it was at the front of the rim or in the passing lanes. He has quietly emerged as one of the top two-way guards not just in the area, but in the state of Florida as well.

2027 6-1 SG Kade Manley, Mainland

The 6-foot-1 shooting guard can make you pay on the offensive end, whether it is his ability to shoot from well behind the three-point line or on the drive, where he can finish at the front of the rim with either hand. In a win over Wildwood, Manley finished with 12 points, as well as showcasing his playmaking abilities, finding his teammates on cuts or on extra swing passes on the perimeter. On the defensive end, he is a menace when it comes to guarding on the ball out on the perimeter as well as showcasing his athleticism by jumping the passing lanes.

2027 6-3 SG Xion Evans, BEST Academy (Georgia)

The 6-foot-3 shooting guard continues to have a scorching start offensively to the season, where he consistently puts opposing defenders in recovery mode. He showed his natural three-level scoring ability on the offensive end, finishing at the rim through contact, shooting from behind the arc off the catch, and can be a factor off the bounce in the mid-range game as well. On the defensive end, he can be a pest when applying pressure on opposing ball handlers as well as showing off his athleticism by jumping the passing lanes. Evans is quickly emerging as one of the top shooting guards in the state of Georgia for his class.

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout & Writer for On the Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with stops at Prep Hoops since 2022. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com