OTR Elite 32 – Sunday Standouts (Rickers) – July 11, 2023
MARIETTA, Georgia, – The Elite 32 is always one of the marquee events on the OTR calendar and this year didn’t disappoint. Top teams from across the country gathered in Atlanta and the baselines were lined with college coaches from every level. Here are a couple of players that embraced the big stage on Sunday.
By: Cam Rickers
2024 CG Rini Harris – SW Illinois Jets (Crosby)
There were a handful of intriguing prospects that travelled to Atlanta with the SW Illinois Jets and Rini Harris might have had the most college-ready game of them all. Harris impacts the game in a number of ways, able to see the floor and create instant offense for himself or others while locking up on the defensive end also. In a close win over Team Mookie, Harris led in scoring with 19 and had a huge block at the end to secure the win. Rini Harris helped his recruitment tremendously this weekend.
2024 F Kavien Jones – Team Mookie
Kavien Jones committed to Tennessee State on Wednesday and then travelled to Atlanta the next day to show the coaches in attendance what they’re missing out on. Kavien Jones is a strong hybrid forward that can be effective both inside and out. He hits the glass hard and has some surprising foot speed when guarding the ball on defense. Jones went for 20 points in their Sunday morning game including a couple of three-pointers and some really impressive passes. Tennessee State is getting a good one and they locked him in early.
2025 PG Arnett Hayes – Team Scoot
The Tennessee point guard has been gradually gaining some notoriety in the peach state after a strong couple of months with Team Scoot and his performance Sunday was right on par. Hayes went for a team-high 21 points, scoring at multiple levels and providing Team Scoot with a consistent bucket-getter. Hayes possesses elite quickness and a tight handle that allow him to break down defenders off the dribble. He’s confident in his pull-up jumper but his initial burst is often quick enough to get all the way to the rim.
2024 PF Devin Brafford – B MAZE Elite
B MAZE versus Wood Elite on Sunday afternoon turned out to be one of the weekend’s best games and Devin Brafford didn’t disappoint in the big moment. Brafford is a slim 6’11 but his height and length allow him to be an effective rim protector. His best attribute however is his shooting, a quick and confident stroke that he’s able to get off over contesting hands. Brafford will really benefit from a college weights program and the many colleges in attendance had to be intrigued with Brafford.
2024 PG Julian Clarke – Team Florida
Team Florida impressed this weekend, one tough win after another. Julian Clarke ran the point and facilitated for the talent around him while making the most of his own scoring opportunities too. Clarke is a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc and makes defenses pay for slow rotations. In their win over AE5, Clarke hit 4 three-pointers in the first half which created a gap too large for AE5 to come back from. He finished that game with 17 and earned Player of the Game honors. Kennesaw State, UNC-Asheville, and Stetson have already offered and they were all in attendance to watch Clarke this weekend.
Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator this spring. He spent the year prior scouting for PrepHoops, working hard to make a name for himself within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting & Scouting Director for Wood Elite. You can reach him at camrickers12@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops
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