OTR Freshman Academy – Standout Guards – October 11, 2023

As the high school season approaches, we continue to learn more and more about this 2027 class and OTR’s Freshman Academy provided a great look at the top freshman across the southeast. We saw some new guys jump onto the radar as well as several top players cementing their spot at the top of the class. Here are a few of the best guards we saw on Sunday.

By: Cam Rickers

5’7 PG Grant Robich – North Cobb Christian

Robich may not grab the eyes like some of the 6’9 prospects in attendance but when he steps onto the floor, Robich is a certified stud. He’s such a pesky defender, constantly frustrating opposing guards with his on-ball pressure and active hands. On the offensive end, Robich is a gifted passer and will knock down the open three more often than not. Expect Robich to see varsity minutes right away at North Cobb Christian.

6’1 CG Zyon Preston – Whitewater

Preston is 6’1 with a solid frame and uses it well to endure contact on the drive. When in transition, Preston was pure entertainment. He has great passing instincts and really understands how to move defenders with his eyes. We saw him connect on a number of three-balls on the day too. Whitewater could very well be heading in the right direction with a couple of talented underclassmen learning the ropes.

5’11 CG Braylon Luster – Cherokee (Pictured Above)

Braylon Luster has been near the top of my 2027 list ever since seeing him with Cherokee in June. His performance on Sunday only further establishes him as a top guard in this class. Luster is a creative scorer, able to navigate through defenses and find the holes. Around the rim, Luster is capable of some acrobatic finishes which we saw many of this weekend. The lefty combo guard should make for a viable sidekick next to Lawrence Sanford as Cherokee hopes to recreate some of last year’s magic.

5’10 PG Tristan Mitchell – Paideia

Sunday presented my first look at Tristan Mitchell and his game continuously grew on me throughout the afternoon. Mitchell is a true point guard that can not only create for himself but create for others too. We saw some variety scoring from him on Sunday as well, a handul of three-pointers as well as some tough finishes around the cup. Paideia now adds Tristan Mitchell to their already strong core of underclassmen and they could certainly contend for the Region 6-1A crown.

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