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

Whitfield Bynoe - Sunshine Elite 17U OTR - 2027

The 5-foot-10 combo guard was lethal on the offensive end in a win over Florida Blaze UA Rise, where he exploded for a game-high 27 points and added five rebounds along the way. He can impact the game in various ways, whether it is his perimeter shooting display or attacking the boards despite his size. On the defensive end, he was a bulldog, where he was attacking the passing gaps as well as making hustle plays, getting steals, which led to scores in transition. Look for Bynoe to be a two-way matchup problem for the opposition as the spring season continues to roll on.

Marcus Nestor - SWFL Hoops 17U UA Rise - 2027

The 5-foot-11 shooting guard displayed a great feel and understanding of the game on the offensive end, where he was in full attack mode, whether it was finishing off two feet in the paint or off the catch in the mid-range. He has also added a nice shooting touch out on the perimeter, where he doesn’t need to be the primary ball handler to get to his spots. On the defensive end, he was unafraid when it came to guarding bigger players, as his toughness continues to be noteworthy. Look for Nestor to continue to have an emerging spring season where his stock could rise in the junior class.

Wellington Baros - OBG Elite 16U - 2028

Baros displayed a quick first step when it came to attacking the basket on the offensive end, as well as being able to make an immediate impact on the defensive end with his toughness and energy. The 6-foot-2 guard was also unafraid when it came to challenging shots at the rim with his length and high motor. Baros was unafraid to shoot from the outside, where he knocked down several clutch 3-pointers in a 20-point win over OCO 17U.

Alexis Fuentes - OBG Elite 16U - 2028

Fuentes is a big-bodied wing who used his strength to get to the rim, as well as get timely rebounds down the stretch on the defensive end. His high motor was also on full display as he continues to climb among the rankings as one of the top two-way prospects in the sophomore class. With Fuentes displaying a ton of confidence in his overall game, he could draw a ton of potential suitors as the Live Period nears in just over a month.

Mason VunCannon - Florida Blaze 17U UA Rise - 2027

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard was dynamic when it came to transition offense, where he brought his smooth release from behind the arc. He has also grown a ton of confidence in his ability to get to his spots when playing off the ball, as he was never rattled throughout the game against HoopGrind. VunCannon played with a winning mindset as he was versatile on the defensive end, where he guarded multiple positions with his high motor and elite confidence. When it came to going on a scoring run, VunCannon was unafraid to let it fly from well behind the three-point arc.

Tim Thurman - SWFL Hoops 17U UA Rise - 2027

Thurman is a long and wiry forward who was lethal on the offensive end, where he served as a lob threat. He also added a high motor to his overall game, where he can go get his own buckets with or without the basketball primarily in his hands. On the defensive end, he guarded positions 1 through 3 with confidence and displayed his length when pursuing the passing lanes as well as playing above the rim down the stretch throughout the weekend. His two-way playmaking could attract some attention for the 6-foot-7 junior combo forward as the spring season rolls on.

A’Darrion Willis - Tony Gaskins Elite 17U - 2027

The 6-foot-7 combo forward is built like a tight end where he used his muscular frame on the interior bruising his way on the interior where he was finishing over multiple defenders. He was also unafraid when it came to stepping out into the mid-range, knocking down open shots with confidence. On the defensive end, he brought toughness and productivity, where he guarded multiple positions and gave the opposition fits with his ability to switch out onto perimeter shooters with his athleticism. His high-IQ on both ends of the floor played a major role in his team’s lopsided win over NCF Hoops 17U.

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