OTR Hoops: North Carolina Opening Program Spotlights 17U Edition Pt. 1

At the OTR North Carolina Opening, several programs stood out with the way they elevated their players’ confidence, development, and overall impact on the floor. These groups separated themselves with how hard they competed, how well they were coached, and the way their players consistently made each other better. These programs and teams made a strong impression heading into the spring and summer.

Miguel Ribeiro

Apr 1, 2026


Team Gold Coast 17U OTR

Team Gold Coast brought one of the more balanced and dangerous groups in the building, with a mix of scoring punch, energy pieces, and strong interior presence. What stood out most was how many different ways they could pressure a team. They had guards who could create, wings who could score in bunches, and size inside that helped anchor everything on both ends. It was a group that consistently looked capable of shifting momentum quickly.

Their perimeter attack was led by 6’4 2027 Donovan Swain, who delivered plenty of scoring clinics throughout the weekend. Swain knocked down threes both off the catch and off the dribble, scored confidently from all three levels, and showed the type of offensive versatility that makes him a difficult cover. He has the ability to create his own shot, rise up over defenders, and also finish above the rim, which makes his scoring threat even tougher to scheme for. His ability to mix up his attack and stay aggressive gave Gold Coast a true go-to scorer whenever they needed offense.

In the backcourt, 6’0 2027 Gavin Reed continued to look like one of the most polished guards in the event. His ridiculously quick release and confidence from the perimeter immediately stood out, but what makes him especially dangerous is how comfortable he looks with the ball in his hands. Reed changes pace well, keeps defenders off balance, and creates quality looks without ever seeming rushed. He gives Gold Coast another reliable offensive weapon and brings the kind of backcourt feel that helps steady a talented group.

6’1 2027 Santana Henderson was a true spark for this team all weekend. He brought energy, pace, and a competitive edge that elevated the group on both ends of the floor. Whether it was creating momentum-changing plays, applying defensive pressure, or simply bringing life to the offense, Henderson consistently gave Gold Coast a boost. His motor and ability to impact the game beyond just scoring helped make him an important piece in the overall identity of the team.

Inside, 6’8 2027 Brandon Pitts gave the team a strong presence in the frontcourt. Pitts brought size, physicality, and the ability to impact the game around the rim as both a finisher and rebounder. He helped give Gold Coast balance by complementing their perimeter talent with real interior production. His presence on the glass, along with the way he controlled space in the paint, added another important dimension for the group offensively and defensively.

Overall, Team Gold Coast looked like one of the most complete teams in the 17U division. They had perimeter shot-making, guard creation, high-energy pieces, and interior size, all of which came together to make them one of the more impressive groups in the building.

Charlotte Aces 17U OTR

Charlotte Aces was one of the more complete groups in the 17U division, combining strong guard play, physical wings, and interior size. What stood out most was how well the pieces fit together, with multiple players capable of stepping up in key moments.

Leading the way was 6’3 2027 Keysenne Massengo, who consistently set the tone for this group and led his team throughout the weekend. Kaysenne played with force and confidence, using his size well on the perimeter and attacking gaps with aggression. He put pressure on defenses by getting downhill, finishing through contact, and bringing an edge that was felt on both ends. His physical style, leadership, and ability to make tough plays made him the engine of this Charlotte Aces squad.

At the point, 6’0 2026 Deshawn Coulter was the steady floor general who kept everything organized. He controlled the pace of the game, got to his spots with ease, and consistently made smart reads with the ball. Coulter’s poise and decision-making gave Charlotte Aces reliable guard play, and he did a great job setting teammates up while still looking for his own offense when needed.

6’5 2028 Jackson Reed was one of the most efficient players in the building. He scored comfortably from all three levels, made quick decisions, and rarely forced the action. His size on the wing combined with his scoring feel made him a difficult matchup, especially when he was able to rise over defenders or attack closeouts.

Inside, 6’7 2027 Jayden Gunpy gave the Aces a strong frontcourt presence. He established deep position well, finished through contact, and controlled the paint with his size and physicality. Gunpy’s ability to rebound, protect the rim, and provide second-chance opportunities gave the team another major weapon.

Overall, Charlotte Aces impressed with their balance, toughness, and the way they played through their leaders. Kaysenne’s ability to lead the group, combined with Coulter’s control, Reed’s efficiency, and Gunpy’s interior presence, made them one of the standout programs from the weekend.

All Carolina 2027

All Carolina had one of the more talented perimeter groups in the building, with a mix of size, shot creation, and confidence that made them tough to deal with throughout the weekend. Their chemistry stood out right away, and they consistently looked like a group that understood how to play off one another.

6’6 2027 Jaden McCandies is the piece that immediately jumps out because of his size, length, and versatility. He is a long, athletic wing who creates matchup problems with his ability to score from multiple levels and impact the game on both ends. McCandies showed a smooth handle for his size, real shot-making ability, and the kind of frame that allows him to guard multiple positions. He gave All Carolina a player who could stretch the floor, create offense, and make plays with his length.

The backcourt duo of 6’3 2027 Jordan Autry and 6’2 2027 Cayden Simmons was a major reason this group was so difficult to contain. Autry brought creativity, pace, and comfort with the ball, consistently creating separation and making things happen off the dribble. Simmons gave them strong downhill pressure, attacking gaps, drawing fouls with ease, and finishing with soft touch around the rim. Together, they complemented each other extremely well, with Autry creating and Simmons putting consistent pressure on the paint.

5’11 2027 Ricco Daniels added another important guard presence to the mix. He brought confidence, energy, and steady backcourt play, helping keep the offense flowing while also giving the group another scoring option. Daniels fit in well because of the way he complemented the other perimeter threats and gave All Carolina even more depth and toughness in the guard rotation.

Overall, All Carolina stood out because of the way these pieces fit together. McCandies gave them size and versatility, Autry and Simmons formed a dynamic backcourt pairing, and Daniels added another quality guard presence. It was a skilled, confident group that clearly played well together.



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Exposure Starts Here.

Founded in 2010, OnTheRadarHoops has quickly emerged as the premier one-stop shop for boys grassroots basketball exposure. We offer a unique blend of exposure opportunities from our On The Radar Hoops Report scouting service for college coaches to our showcases and tournaments for players.