OTR Hoops: North Carolina Opening Program Spotlights 17U Edition Pt. 2

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


Dub Salem 17U

Dub Salem was one of the more well-rounded programs in the 17U division, built around strong guard play, versatile perimeter pieces, and quality size up front. Their balance and chemistry stood out throughout the weekend, with multiple players capable of impacting the game in different ways.

The backcourt duo of 6’0 2027 CP Perry and 5’10 2027 Owen Hancock was the engine for this group. Perry brought creativity, pace, and shot creation, consistently keeping defenders off balance with his smooth handle and ability to generate offense off the dribble. He looked comfortable controlling possessions and creating quality looks for both himself and teammates. Alongside him, Hancock provided another steady guard presence with confidence and scoring punch. He played with strong control of tempo, consistently got to his spots, and brought reliable shot-making to the perimeter. Together, they gave Dub Salem one of the stronger guard pairings in the division.

On the wing, 6’3 2027 Donyeh Baird gave Dub Salem another important layer with his size, versatility, and overall presence on the perimeter. He brought a balanced game that helped connect the group, contributing as a scorer while also giving them another player who could impact the action on both ends. Baird’s length and physical tools stood out, and he looked comfortable playing within the flow while still making his presence felt. He gave Dub Salem another dependable option on the wing and helped make the lineup tougher to match up with.

Up front, the pairing of 6’6 2027 Drew Neve and 6’6 2027 Seth Reynolds gave Dub Salem strong size and frontcourt stability. Both helped solidify the interior with their length, physicality, and activity around the rim. They impacted the glass, gave the team added presence in the paint, and brought value on both ends with the way they positioned themselves and played their roles.

Overall, Dub Salem stood out because of their balance. The Perry-Hancock backcourt provided skill and control, Baird added versatility on the perimeter, and Neve and Reynolds gave them strong size up front. It was a well-constructed group that consistently looked comfortable playing together.


Elite 1 2027

Elite 1 2027 was one of the more intriguing groups in the building, blending high-upside talent with proven production and complementary pieces around them. Their mix of length, explosiveness, and perimeter skill made them a difficult matchup throughout the weekend.

Leading the way was 6’6 2028 Ayo Awosanya, who continues to look every bit like a D1-caliber prospect. Ayo’s size, length, and two-way versatility immediately stand out, and he impacted the game on both ends throughout the weekend. He finished well around the rim, used his length effectively on defense, and showed clear upside with the way his offensive game continues to expand. His physical tools, confidence, and production made him the clear headliner for this group.

The duo of 6’3 2027 Jaden Hardnett and 6’1 2028 Donovin James gave Elite 1 a dynamic perimeter punch. Hardnett brought an explosive, high-flying approach to the game, attacking downhill with force and playing with grit and intensity. His ability to get to the rim and bring energy on both ends made him a major factor. Alongside him, James proved to be a true gamer, highlighted by his 22-point performance. He mixed up his attack in a variety of ways, scored with confidence, and consistently made winning plays. Together, the two gave Elite 1 an aggressive and productive backcourt presence.

The x-factors for this group were 6’2 2026 Terrance Badio and 6’4 2027 Marshall Nicholson. Badio gave the team another reliable perimeter piece who could help steady the group and contribute on both ends. Nicholson’s shooting ability was especially notable, as he consistently spaced the floor and showed the kind of shot-making that can impact a program at the next level. His perimeter touch and confidence made him a valuable weapon within the flow of the offense.

Inside, 6’7 2027 Wyatt Sweet gave Elite 1 another important layer with his interior presence. His size and activity around the rim helped solidify the paint, providing rebounding, finishing, and defensive presence when needed.

Overall, Elite 1 2027 stood out because of their blend of upside and production. Ayo headlined the group, Hardnett and James formed an exciting duo, and Badio, Nicholson, and Sweet gave them strong complementary pieces that made the team dangerous throughout the weekend.


PSB Elite Barnes

PSB Elite Barnes was one of the more steady and well-rounded groups in the building, built around strong guard play, frontcourt size, and players who clearly understood how to complement one another. They did not rely on just one style to win. They could play through their guards, stretch the floor, and still bring real size and physicality inside, which made them a tough matchup throughout the weekend.

Leading the way was 6’2 2027 Cash Hall, who continued the momentum from a stellar season at Myers Park and carried it straight into his first showing of the spring. Hall gave PSB Elite Barnes a confident, productive lead guard who could control the game while also stepping up as a scorer. He played with poise, got to his spots well, and consistently looked comfortable making plays within the flow of the offense. His strong weekend reinforced the type of guard presence he can provide when the lights are on.

Another standout was 6’5 2027 Sam Flippin, who brought a valuable mix of size, shooting, and feel. Flippin really stood out with his ability to shoot beyond the perimeter, forcing defenses to respect him well outside the arc. What made him even more effective was that he was not just a floor spacer. He played smart with the ball, made reliable decisions, and showed that he could function as a playmaker when needed. His ability to stretch the defense while still contributing in other ways made him a key piece for this group.

Inside, the big duo of 6’8 2027 Heath Johnson and 6’8 2027 Stefan Ross gave PSB Elite Barnes a strong frontcourt foundation. Johnson brought strong positioning around the rim, finished well, rebounded at a high level, and stayed active defensively. His size and interior presence consistently gave the team value on both ends. Alongside him, Ross added another layer of size and physicality, helping solidify the paint and giving PSB Elite Barnes a true frontcourt presence. Together, they gave the team length, rebounding, and interior stability that balanced out the perimeter pieces.

In the backcourt, 6’0 2027 Aiden Rochevot brought spark and energy. He gave the team another active guard presence who could help change momentum, apply pressure, and keep the pace moving. Every team needs a player who brings extra life when he steps on the floor, and Rochevot filled that role well for this group.

Overall, PSB Elite Barnes stood out because of its balance. Cash Hall gave them leadership and production at the guard spot, Sam Flippin added size and perimeter shot-making, the Johnson-Ross duo controlled things inside, and Aiden Rochevot provided extra juice in the backcourt. It was a well-constructed group that looked built to carry momentum into the spring.



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