Final Impressions from the OTR Gauntlet – April 21, 2023

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – On the Radar Hoops returned to the Sunshine State for a second time this spring to host The Gauntlet at Mainland and Seabreeze High Schools. Our media team was in full force at the event, and we took note of the top performers from the event. Here is our final installment of standouts from last weekend.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Class of 2024 combo guard Patrick Schnell caught our attention on Sunday afternoon. He is a prospect who plays off the ball primarily for Team Breakdown. He specializes in 3-point shooting and spotting up away from the action. However, he showed glimpses of his ball handling and ability to create space versus pressure. He still looks young and could potentially even sprout up an inch before graduation. He is a name to be aware of in the Sunshine State.

We did not evaluate many freshmen at the event, but Marvin Christie was one of the few we did take note of while playing with CCTG. He is a point guard and a solid playmaker with the ball in his hands. Christie still has a thin frame, and it is apparent that he has plenty of physical maturing left in front of him. However, the skills, dribble moves, and his awareness of playmaking earned mention here and should afford him more attention in future evaluations.

Available senior Bryan Falcon was one of the better lead guards at the event regardless of class. He is a seasoned ball handler and a capable shot maker from distance. He brings a hard-nosed attitude to the court and will lead his team regardless of circumstance. Falcon’s poise and understanding of the game make him a good candidate for a roster spot at the next level.

We got a taste of Philly while visiting Daytona Beach last weekend. Mandon Seapoe is a Philly transplant into the heart of Florida. But he has not lost that edge and grit that Philly ball players are so noted for. We really appreciated Seapoe’s confidence with the ball and his willingness to make the right play even when he could have forced a look for himself. Although there seems to be a glut of unsigned seniors these days, coaches should not overlook the value that Seapoe brings. He is going to be a kid who could play for years because of his skills and headiness. He is a point guard that suited up for the Jax Kingsmen last weekend.

Will Shortt DME Academy 2023

We really liked the size and skill of Will Shortt from DME Academy. He is an available 2023 prospect that brings versatility and production to the court. At first glance, Shortt appears to be a floor spacer and a spot up threat in the half court. With a bit more attention, he shows that he can run the floor and score off the move in traffic. We like his body control coupled with his size as a wing-forward that could play a few different positions both on the perimeter and on the front line.

Class of 2024 point guard Dee Manning with 352 Soldiers was one of the more electric lead guards that we evaluated last weekend. He is quick with the ball and can burn some speed in transition. Nevertheless, he hurt defenses with his jumper in the half court. He poured in numerous 3-pointers in the two games we sat in on at the Gauntlet. Defenders were legitimately baffled as how to guard him because he can beat them with his first step or knockdown a jumper with enough space.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.