THE VILLAGES, Fla. — The Florida Opening is one of the premier events in the Southeast region to officially kick off the spring grassroots season. Top-tier teams were on full display, competing throughout the weekend at a high level. Here are seven players who stood out throughout the tournament.

Rabi Bongo - OBG Elite 15U - 2029

The 6-foot-10 freshman power forward made his presence felt on the interior, whether it was getting to the rim in transition or finishing off put-backs. His length and strength were in full effect as he made it difficult for the opposition to get any second-chance scoring opportunities or utilize his physical tools on the offensive end. Bongo has a high ceiling where his size speaks for itself, and he could get an early start on his recruitment as the spring season rolls on.

6-8 PF Troy Phillip - Harris Athletics 16U OTR - 2030

Phillip is a mobile big man who can stretch the floor, knocking down shots from the perimeter, as well as bruising his way with his physicality and strength to finish at the rim. He was playing throughout the weekend against guys who are two years older than him, where he was still dominating on the glass. As he becomes more mature and confident in his two-way playmaking, Phillip will be a matchup problem for the opposition for years to come.

Cory McPherson - Sunshine Elite 17U OTR - 2027

McPherson is quick and shifty when it comes to running the offense as the primary point guard, as well as his decision-making. On the defensive end, he was pestering his way in the passing lanes as well as when guarding the ball. His two-way playmaking continues to speak high volumes that will open up some eyes from college coaches as the live period is just a month and a half away.

6-2 SG Omar Nicholson - PSB Tampa Bay 16U Robinson OTR - 2028

Nicholson is a quick and shifty guard who can finish around the rim in a hurry, as well as displaying smooth confidence in getting his teammates involved on the offensive end. On the defensive end, he guarded positions 1 through 3, where he used his quickness and athleticism to anticipate the passing lanes, and is very tough when it comes to positioning himself on the glass. With more run this spring, I fully expect the 6-foot-2 sophomore guard’s stock to continue to rise.

6-2 CG Cejay McKnight - HoopGrind 17U OTR - 2027 

McKnight was in full attack mode on the offensive end despite a tough loss to Sunshine Elite. The 6-foot-2 junior guard exploded for a game-high 24 points and knocked down a game-high six 3-pointers as well. On the defensive end, he added toughness and grit when it came to playing with full energy and activity in the passing lanes. He was also disruptive when it came to guarding the ball, as well as utilizing his athleticism to get timely rebounds and get out in transition. With more confidence and running this season, McKnight will open up some eyes on college coaches as the spring live period nears.

5-11 PG Tajuan “TJ” Mills - Tony Gaskins Elite 16U - 2028 

Mills plays with a ton of explosiveness and speed on both ends of the floor when it comes to scoring in transition as well as off sets in the half-court offense. On the defensive end, he was active in the passing lanes as well as showing toughness, where he was helping limit the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities. His impact on both ends of the floor played a major role in keeping his team within striking distance against OBG.

6-4 SF Micah Jarvis - PSB Tampa Bay Robbie 17U OTR - 2027

The 6-foot-4 junior wing is a long and wiry prospect who can impact the game in a variety of ways, whether it was his versatility on the defensive end or knocking down clutch shots for his team down the stretch on the offensive end against Harris Athletics. His explosiveness and two-way playmaking, the rest of the spring could open up some eyes on an early start in his recruitment.

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 previous stops at Prep Hoops from 2022 to 2024. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com