OTR Hoops: Atlanta Classic Day 2 Afternoon Top Performers – March 31, 2025

Standouts from Saturday afternoon of the Atlanta Classic.

By: Kyle Sandy

2027 6-2 PG AJ Williams – Atlanta Celtics 3SSB – Harlem (Pictured)

Back from a torn labrum which limited him to just the final six games of his sophomore season, AJ Williams is back and better than ever. The time away from the game has helped reshape Williams’ dedication, leading to a transformation of his body, cutting off the baby fat leaning into a maturing frame. In a 70-47 win over Team Dickerson Black OTR, Williams had one of the most efficient halves of basketball possible, a 22-point outburst highlighted by 6-6 shooting from beyond the arc. AJ would finish with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals as he torched the defense with pull-up threes off the dribble after breaking down his defender. When the defense finally started to overplay him, Williams blew by for easy straight-line drives.  Even with all his scoring, AJ still shined as a playmaker. He sees the floor exceptionally well, tough when getting downhill as he can drop off assists right at the second defenders leave their assignments to stop him. Williams is starting to hear from more and more High Major programs. His ascent is in full swing.

2028 6-1 PG TJ Woodson – AE5 3SSB – Carver-Columbus

Coming off a strong freshman campaign which featured a trip to the Final Four, TJ Woodson is back for more and will have the keys to the offense now that Tony Montgomery (Troy) has graduated. TJ looked sharp running the show on Saturday as he collected 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in a 57-46 win against Georgia Legacy OTR.  Woodson is a strong athlete, light on his feet as he bounces around the floor always in a position to plant his foot to explode to the rim. TJ uses his blend of speed and strength to penetrate at a high level. He’s a good drive-and-kick creator but can also score at the rim through contact with either hand. His aggressiveness on defense can clamp down opposing ball handlers. Woodson has a bright future as a dynamic two-way standout.

2028 6-4 W Jadarius Slayton – AE5 3SSB

Slayton’s energy and well-rounded skill set ignited AE5 in the second half as he finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 steals; 11 of his points after halftime. The athletic swingman has a 3&D profile. Jadarius is springy, quick to alter shots, jump passes and finish with dunks. His impact on offense was felt in the corners on drive-and-kick dishes, knocking down a corner three and two baseline jumpers. JD can be a handful on the offensive glass keeping plays alive.

2028 6-2 G Nate Hawthorne – Georgia Legacy OTR – Etowah

Whenever Georgia Legacy needed a bucket they turned to Nate Hawthorne. Out of Legacy’s 46 points against AE5, Hawthorne delivered 22. He cashed in on five three-pointers and got to his pull-up jumper and floater in traffic. Nate’s stock is up after his smooth three-level scoring display.

2027 6-9 C AJ Cox – Smyrna Stars – Clarke Central

Cox is starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Still raw, AJ is becoming more and more of difference maker. He has terrific size and length with above average mobility. He is starting to become more physical inside, ripping down rebounds and swinging his elbows to carve out space to avoid tie-ups.  Offensively, Cox is willing to face-up and can attack baseline. His best move of the day came on a strong spin out of the post to finish through contact.

Follow Kyle Sandy on X/Twitter at @KyleSandy355