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OTR Final Run – Day 1 Recap – July 30, 2023

OTR Final Run - Day 1 Recap - July 30, 2023
July 30, 2023

GAINESVILLE, Florida, – This weekend marks the end of the travel season. On the Radar Hoops set up shop in the Sunshine State to give teams one final shot at competition and exposure. Here is a look back at the highlights from day one.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

South Florida Elite Success

Our team documented the rise of the young men from South Florida this year. The eyes of evaluators and coaches were drawn first to wing-forward Jeremy Innocent and his versatility. Hendrens Bartelus Jr. is impossible to ignore with his elite athleticism. Guard Chanler Joseph is a player who we believe has untapped potential as a handler, defender, and shot maker. While Ransom Soles is proving to be one of the better shot makers to come through the OTR Hoops circuit this year.

All these players showed these skills yesterday afternoon in an overtime win over the Georgia Stunners. Innocent poured in 18 points and Bartelus with 17. South Georgia Tech was courtside watching the action as there are players which they are making a priority in their recruiting form this roster.

Stock – Rising – Seniors

There is a lot of buzz around O’Neill Connolly from Atlanta, Georgia. He played with Team Young this weekend and showed why there is such optimism. A confirmed 6-foot-7 forward, he shoots the ball with confidence from distance. He also exuded confidence in several other areas, which give us reason to believe that his best days of basketball are still in front of him. He recently transferred out of Holy Innocents and we are waiting for confirmation as to where he will play his high school basketball next season.

The Georgia Stunners featured a new name for us this weekend in Jayshon Arlington from Mays High School. He is a swing-forward that specializes in shooting 3-pointers. He caught fire from distance in their second game of the day in a match-up with South Florida Elite. He lists himself at 6-8 and paired with his high follow through, he is a tough cover for many wing defenders. He also showed off some impressive athleticism around the rim as he skied for dunks in traffic. We also took note of his footwork and touch on a turnaround jumper in the half court offense. Arlington’s enthusiasm for the game should not go overlooked. Local and regional college coaches in the Atlanta area should make it a point to get out to see him this fall and winter.

Class of 2024 point guard Chad Fleming with Southwest Florida Hoops caught our attention with a good outing on Saturday. The rising senior is competent ball handler and able to get others involved. It was his ability to create plays off the dribble that make us think that he has even better days in front of him. He projects as a lead guard that can adequately run the offense at the next level with the potential to be a play maker.

Underclassmen Watch

The first player who caught our attention through the door was Kevin Thomas with Rock United. He is a 2026 prospect with great size for a perimeter player. He looks to be in the 6-foot-6 range and can attack the basket with a downhill drive. He presents good body control and soft touch in the lane. He clinched a victory for his team in the opening game of the day and finished with a game high 19 points.

The Georgia Stars 2025 Select brought a trio of guards that all should be mentioned. Point guard Kamden Stone is on an upward trajectory after a good showing at the GBCA Live period event with Centennial High School. He showed much of the same skill and finesse to his game as he can connect on 3-pointers and dish to cutting teammates. His back court running mate, Rashad Holloway, caught fire with a 22-point game, which included four 3-pointers. Holloway is evolving into a solid prospect to track at Discovery High School. Joshua Harden is the last guard to mention in this 3-head hydra for the Stars. The 6-3 wing has a knack for attacking the rim in big spots. He does not lack for confidence and is often willing to step up in a big spot. He connected on two clutch jumpers in traffic to clinch an OT win for his team on Saturday afternoon.

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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