Birmingham Classic – Day 1 Eye-Catchers

 

ALABASTER, AL – Thompson HS was the main host site as OTR took its show on the road to the Birmingham-area, and brought in a ton of the state’s best as well as some up-and-coming GA teams who fared well.

I was bouncing between age groups all weekend, let’s look at some Day 1 Eye-Catchers.

By: Keith Agran

Sam Funches | F | 2026 | Alabama Fusion (Germantown, MS, pictured at top)

On a loaded Fusion 15U with future D1 players littered all over Funches appears the most intimidating in the layup line, I’ve heard the name before and the trajectory certainly fits the rep, amazing length at 6-10 that he can obviously use to erase but when he rises for his jumper there just isn’t anyone that can contest it, great in transition and has nice touch from the outside all of which has the potential to reach devastating levels.

Ladarius Givan | F | 2026 | Alabama Fusion (Montgomery, AL)

Speaking of staggering length Givan appeared near 6-9 but was playing guard predominantly at times and that wasn’t even fair, high riser threw down a bunch of dunks and had a lot of wiggle and variety facing the basket and off the bounce, SEC D1 programs are all intently interested and he too like Funches has such intriguing development ahead to see what it looks like by spring 2026.

Micah McMorris | G | 2026 | AJ Bouye Elite Black (Mountain View)

Nice all-around game playing a little bit of guard as well as showing some small forward-type ability in the teeth of the D, controlled and calm he showed off shooting and finishing with good ballhandling and wise decisions.

Cameron Ramsey | G | 2026 | AJ Bouye Elite Black (Stephenson)

Excellent activity for the 15U division using length and smarts to be a force scoring in close and on the boards, liked the motor and willingness to bang and make things happen close to the basket, good shot-blocking instincts.

Cowyn Glass | G | 2025 | Formula Elite Academy (Hillgrove)

Looked and played like a Hillgrove kind of guy making great decisions and using quickness at both ends, was excellent in space on the push and finished well at the tin, not afraid to pull it from 3, should step right in as the lead guard for the Hawks.

Joseph Fuller| G | 2025 | Formula Elite Academy (Marietta)

Made a particular impact defensively as he was the best pure athlete on the floor, handled the ball well and with confidence when teammate Glass wasn’t in, used that good burst to get at the basket and finished through contact.

Tony Montgomery | F | 2025 | Tri-City Elite (Carver-Columbus)

Here was Montogmery for a 2nd straight weekend standing out with a combo of physicality and polished precision from the PG spot that was so tough to handle, it’s just a rare combination of the speed and the powerfully built frame that keeps defenses off balance, he’s easily one of the top pure PG’s we’ve seen at this early stage.

 

Tristan Gilmore | F | 2024 | Hawks Elite (McCalla, AL)

Every OTR staff member in the bldg commented on Gilmore if they happened to be around when he did something special, great lift and finishing captured eyeballs and the instincts to be around the ball and then use the gifts was also noteworthy, playing on a deep and entertaining Hawks Elite 17U team he was the beneficiary of some really good basketball by his compadres but has the goods to stand on his own.

Keith Agran has lived in Georgia since 2011 and joined OTR as a National Evaluator in 2021. He previously scouted for Prep Hoops dating back to 2019, and also spent 3 years as a sports writer at two newspapers in New Jersey. After a championship-coaching background on the HS-level also in NJ, he accepted the Girl’s Basketball Head Coaching position in May 2022 at Mt Bethel Christian Academy and now balances scouting and coaching still with a keen eye on talent around the region. You can reach him at keithagran1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BracketSage.