OTR Hoops: The Hoop Feast Standouts (Part 1)

By: Ross Van De Griek

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla.- The 3rd Annual Hoop Feast tipped off last weekend at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, where over 100 teams from across the country took the stage. On The Radar Hoops were on the grounds of the event, and here is who stood out.

2027 6-1 CG Cayden Daughtry, Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale)

Daughtry showed a ton of poise and patience on the offensive end, where he went off for a game-high 45 points in a win over Tampa Catholic. Defensively, Daughtry was active and played with high energy, where he was in the passing lanes as well as having the ability to dictate pace off of turnovers and elite footwork. His effectiveness on both ends of the floor will be a difference maker this season.

2026 6-11 Center Marcis Ponder, Gillon Academy

Ponder, A Florida State commit, played with a high motor on both ends of the floor, where he finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a wire-to-wire win over Rivera Prep. His post-game on the offensive end has drastically improved with his patience and ability to make good decisions, whether to score or kick out to the perimeter shooters. On the defensive end, his length allowed him to alter shots at the front of the rim as well as contest without fouling on shooters.

2027 5-11 PG DJ Gaines, Westminster Academy

Gaines showed a combination skillset of quickness, toughness, and athleticism from the point guard position, whether it was taking control of the game on the offensive end or getting a defensive stop. He was dangerous at the point of attack, where he scored on all three levels and consistently made the right reads to his teammates. He recently picked up an offer from Duquesne University and can expect his offer list to continue to grow as he becomes one of the top guards in the state for his class.

2026 6-0 PG Nathan Kirk, DME Academy

Kirk handled the responsibilities of initiating the offense in a convincing win over Central Pointe Christian Academy. His ability to be a primary scorer as well as getting his teammates involved has been a huge asset early in the season. His all-around playmaking abilities on both ends of the floor have provided a huge spark for his teammates. He made plays happen on the defensive end, where he would leak out in transition, finishing at the front of the rim, as well as utilize his quickness to be a pest in the passing lanes.

2027 6-6 SG Ryan Hampton, DME Academy

Hampton, listed at 6-foot-6, made plays on both ends of the floor in a convincing win over Central Pointe Christian Academy, where he finished at the front of the rim under control, as well as knocking down shots from the perimeter off the catch. He showed the ability that he can beat defenders off the bounce, as well as showcasing his length, stopping on a dime knocking down mid-range jump shots.

2026 6-4 SG Willie Burnett, Gillon Academy

The 6-foot-4 shooting guard and Mississippi State commit did a great job when it came to creating his own shot off the bounce. His handle and shiftiness set defenders off balance, and he finished at the front of the rim on both ends. On the defensive end, his length and versatility came up huge down the stretch in a win over Tampa Catholic. Burnett went on to finish the game with 30 points and six assists.

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