Keep these six juniors in mind as we prepare for the upcoming high school season. These players played various roles for the travel teams this summer. A few played up on 17U, others played key roles for their 16U squads. All showed skills that should translate into production during the high school season.

Cooper Nelms – Sewer South / Etowah High School – 2028

Nelms played an important part in Sewer South’s 16U OTR Circuit Championship this summer. The 6-foot-5 southpaw is most noted for his shooting. He provided floor spacing for Coach Josh Fitzwater’s team and created space in the middle of the floor for drives and post feeds. He will bring that range to the high school court this winter. His game is more than shooting, though. He used his size and footwork on both ends. First-year head coach Keyon Boyd will look to build around Nelms this season.

Cooper McElroy – Tennessee Panthers/ Cascade High School (TN) – 2028

McElroy earned plenty of praise this spring and summer with his time on the OTR Circuit. He was noted as a go-to scorer with athleticism that standouts in transition. The 6-foot-5 guard is poised for even bigger things this winter. He generated momentum that will earn him continued attention with the Champions in Bedford County. First year coach Douglas Worsley will count upon McElroy to lead the way this season.

Zion Bryant – Warriors Life Elite / Greene Central HS (NC) – 2028

Warriors Life Elite was filled with talented and athletic guards at the 16U level. Bryant was a key part of that charge with Coach Parsons crew. The 6-foot-1 guard was a driving force behind a surge of energy with that squad and earned attention as the summer progressed. He was consistently noted for his all-around game that included scoring, rebounding, and tough defense. He will look to continue that energy this winter with the Rams.

Lucas Fainter – Georgia Legacy / Cherokee High School – 2028

Fainter was noted early and often with the OTR scouting staff this year. He is one of the more unique prospects that competed on the Circuit given that he has an all-around game and is 6-foot-4. He is equally capable as a ball handler, passer, or finisher in traffic. He is an underrated prospect who needs to be tracked this winter.

Jaryn Williams – Team S.M.A.S.H. / Central Gwinnett High School – 2028

Williams is getting a fresh start this season with the Knights. He joins first year coach Devin Mitchell in hopes of building upon last season’s 11-2 record and Championship in Region 6-A. Williams is built to impact at this level. He is a versatile athlete who can lead the break or be the tip of the spear as a defender. Williams also showed the ability to score in a variety of ways with Team S.M.A.S.H. this past summer. Circle his name as one to track this winter.

Jarvis Williams – Warner Robins All-Stars / Central Macon High School – 2028

Williams built a reputation as one of the best shooters on the OTR Circuit this past season. He did it playing up on the 17U roster and earning the confidence of Coach Tat Brooks in the process. His ability to work around screens and square his shoulders in flow of the half court offense is what gives him the consistency that many players do not have at this level. Expect Williams to be a focal point for the Chargers offensive attack with Coach Andre Tayler.

Written, edited, and formatted for web by the author

Jonathan Hemingway is a senior writer for On the Radar Hoops. He has covered basketball for the site since 2013 and has been involved in the game since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. Reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com or follow @CoachHemi on X and @Coach_Hemi on Instagram.