EMERSON, Ga. — The final live period of the summer is underway. Already, there have been some impressive performances. Riding the high of the day’s action these are the three best performances I saw today: 

Whit Bynoe - Sunshine Elite - 2027

One of the final contenders for OTR Circuit MVP, Bynoe started his live period on a high note. Bynoe had two impressive performances. Even with over eight hours spent in the gym, I had to stop and catch the final Sunshine Elite game of the day on my way out—after watching their 15U and 16U teams consecutively. My Sunshine Elite marathon was capped by a 20-plus point performance from Bynoe. Unsurprising. He’s one of the best guards on the OTR platform, one of the best in the region for my money. Bynoe is a smart player with a burner for a jumpshot. He can kill teams with his savvy, manipulative drives, or he can drill a demoralizing three. He did all that and more to close the night. He’s one of my favorite players to watch. 

Gavin Reed - Team Gold Coast - 2027

Another favorite of mine, Reed has been playing exceptional basketball going back to the second live period in June. It’s been a stockrising stretch that has put the uninitiated on notice. Reed dropped 26 this afternoon and made it look easy. Often, his mid-range game gets him a lot of his production, but he was at the rim often in this one. Reed has a good blend of speed, poise, and control. He’s confident in his attack and knows where he’s most effective on the floor. He’s the engine that gets this team going. Even when he’s not scoring or making a play for a teammate, the team’s offense is composed when he’s on the floor. 

Tobias Strech - Atlanta Standard - 2027 

I’ve been watching the aforementioned players a lot over the last year. I wasn’t as familiar with Strech however. It didn’t take long to see what he was all about. This guy can flat out shoot the ball. Damn, it didn’t seem like he could miss. Strech buried eight 3-pointers en route to 29 points. He has good range on them and never forced anything. He moved well off the ball and got himself space often. He was ready to launch immediately too. It was an efficient, eye-opening game from him.