OTR Battle at the Beach SUNDAY Standouts – May 22, 2023
Battle at the Beach
Wesley Chapel, Florida
May 19-21, 2023
By: Josh Cutler
2024 6’0 Caleb McAbee
In basketball circles the terms “underrated” or “slept on” are often overused. This isn’t the case for the Providence guard, he might be the most underrated and virtually unknown standout this weekend, but that quickly changed as he put all scouts and players on notice with several breakout performances. This was highlighted by a 31-point outing. McAbee displayed a deceptive skill set that I don’t think anyone expected. Caleb scored at all 3 levels with consistency. His offensive barrage helped his team leave the weekend 4-0. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this prospect as we round out the travel season.
2024 6’6 Ace Taylor
The Calvary Christian guard was one of my favorite prospects to watch this weekend. Not only did he score in bunches, but he did also so against great competition. So often people tend to highlight break out games against weak comp, Taylor has been consistent when playing the tough teams. His 20 plus game against Showtime Ballerz really helped solidify his overall performance this weekend. He did it all with consistency and efficiency. Rebounds, playmaking, tough finishes at the basket and shots from behind the arc. Taylor is a next level prospect, if he continues this level of play his stock will rise and recruiting will pick up.
2024 6’7 Carter Mcdole
I’ve watched this lengthy wing play since his 7th grade year back in South Carolina. Mcdole is coming off an injury that robbed him of his junior season. It’s apparent this young man has been in the gym working out and is completely healthy. His last game of the day he has a 22-point outing that included three 3’s. His consistent shooting is what sets him apart from other wings. He’s been known as an athletic finisher for years, now showing he’s a consistent shooter adds so much value to his game. He capped his performance off with a dunk from the block rising on two defenders and throwing it down. Carter currently holds an offer from Robert Morris University. I expect a big summer from the 6-foot-7 wing.
2025 6’7 Shon Abaev
When the lights were bright Shon showed why he’s one of the best in the state regardless of class. In a down to the wire matchup between the two best teams in the state of Florida, SoH and 1Family, Abaev showed his value on a loaded team. He is not only a gifted shooter and scorer, he showed flashes of great playmaking and ball handling. The 6-7 guard has a fun game to watch, some of the shots he hits are unbelievable. It’s impressive to watch a 6-7 player with such a deep bag and the ability to create his own shots. Auburn is the most recent to offer Shon, I expect the offers to keep piling up as he’s making a case for a top 50 player in his class nationally.
2024 6’5 Adrian Rodriguez
Rodriguez is a welcome addition to SE Elite’s Gold team. He seemed to be the immediate piece they needed to help lead them to their 3-0 record this weekend. The FBA guard showed off a great shot from behind then arc knocking down several 3’s each game at a high percentage. What’s most impressive is his ability to rebound over taller defenders on the offensive end put it back up for an easy 2. He capped the weekend off with a 20-point performance. Adrian is another SWFL player I’ll be watching closely this summer.
Kerry Willis is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops
