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OTR Birmingham Classic Standouts – March 29, 2023

OTR Birmingham Classic Standouts - March 29, 2023
March 29, 2023

ALABSTER, ALABAMA, – Thompson High School served as the host location of the inaugural Birmingham Classic. Just a short drive south of the Steel City, the central location made it easy for teams across Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia to come and compete. Here is a first look at prospects who caught our eye from the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Available 2023 point guard Tyler Mallory looked next level ready with his morning performance on Saturday morning. Playing with the Crimson Kings, he slashed past the defense and scored in the lane. Mallory reports picking up college interest and offers on his twitter page as of late. After watching his game last weekend we believe that he would bring value to a collegiate roster next season.

Class of 2024 wing Jay Johnson continues to be a consistent performer for the Warner Robins All-Stars. At 6-foot-3, he projects as a potential 3 and D wing who can contribute in a number of ways. Johnson shows his range on his jumper while also mixing it up on the interior as a hard-nosed rebounder. Johnson has a frame that has yet to fill out, but once it does, we expect him to find a spot at the next level.

A player that caught the eye of everyone was Josh Williams from Hawks Elite. The class of 2024 wing is a do-it-all type of prospect. He scores it, rebounds, and defends. It is his highlight reel athleticism that draws the attention most of the time. With broad shoulders and springy legs, Williams can impose his will upon the game. Listed at 6-4, 190, he is a match-up nightmare for most wings since few can match his quickness and strength at the same time.

Isaiah Dennis caught our attention in a late Saturday evening match-up playing with Team Carroll. He scored 26 points in a high scoring game versus Hawks Elite. His game high scoring total included six 3-pointers. The class of 2024 shooting guard has a quick release and when he finds rhythm, he can catch fire. Look for Dennis to keep it going on the circuit this calendar year.

Players who compete every possession will find their way into our notes every event. That is exactly what happened with Logan Blalock last weekend. The class of 2024 guard may not grade out at the top of any category, but he is the type of player you must have on your roster. He defends, communicates, and does all the little things that you need to keep your team moving in the right direction. He also can fill it up with his shooting when he gets his footwork right. He plays for Hoop Atlanta 17U.

If you are looking for a prospect with top-notch athleticism and sneaky next-level versatility, you should check in on Brandon Thomas from Tri-City Elite. The class of 2024 wing-forward can defend the perimeter while also being a threat to start the break with his defensive glass presence. The 6-6 wing-forward can also step out and stick the open 3-pointer in the motion of the half court offense. It is his hops that will excite most people, however. Thomas is a threat to bend the rim off a lob or deliver a highlight in transition.

We loved what we saw from class of 2024 scoring guard Terrell Johnson on Saturday morning. Playing for All Alabama 17U, Johnson showed off his scoring ability in a Saturday morning game. He has the step-back jumper from the top of the key locked in his bag. Johnson brings size and play-making ability to the back court. He was one of the top scoring guards that we evaluated at the event.

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.

 


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