OTR Hoops: Battleground Finale Standouts – April 21, 2025
A list of standouts from the Battle Ground Finale.
By: DT
Harrison Lanning – Class of 2033 | B Maze Elite
Harrison Lanning came up big in the clutch, calmly knocking down key free throws late in the game to give his team the lead. His composure under pressure was a difference-maker, helping secure the win and sending B Maze Elite to the BattleGround Finale championship game. He showed great leadership and confidence beyond his years in one of the weekend’s biggest moments.
Brody Smith – Class of 2030 | Young Buckets
Brody Smith was dominant in the paint, scoring nearly every time he touched the ball inside. He played with relentless energy, crashing the boards on every possession and finishing with 16 points and countless rebounds. His physicality and determination made him a major force from start to finish. Brody’s hustle and toughness set the tone for his entire team.
Elijah Tillman – Class of 2028 | ATL Celtics
Elijah Tillman delivered a standout performance with his high-flying dunks and commanding presence at the rim. He punished the opposition with explosive finishes and swatted away shots with ease. His agility, size, and evolving skill set made him a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Tillman’s impact was felt every time he stepped on the court, altering plays on defense and electrifying the crowd on offense.
Jett Banner – Class of 2031 | CP3 Elite
Jett Banner impressed with a complete all-around performance, contributing in scoring, playmaking, and defense. He racked up multiple steals, made timely assists, and attacked the basket confidently. Though small in size, his heart and hustle were unmatched, proving to be a vital piece of CP3 Elite’s success. Jett’s leadership and energy make him a spark plug for his team in every game.
Caleb Burnett – Class of 2031 | CP3 Elite
Caleb Burnett put on a masterclass in court control, racking up 15 points, 5 steals, and 8 assists in just one half. His elite vision and basketball IQ were on full display as he orchestrated the offense and created scoring chances for himself and others. Easily one of the most skilled 6th graders on the floor. His advanced feel for the game is well beyond his age.
Ethan Bledsoe – Class of 2033 | Beyond Basketball
Ethan Bledsoe led with poise and determination, helping his team rally from an early deficit. He scored 17 points, came up with clutch steals, and hit big shots down the stretch. His leadership and all-around impact earned him MVP honors with a standout, game-changing performance. Ethan’s composure in tight situations proved to be a major factor in his team’s success.
Earl Bennett Jr. – Class of 2029 | NYBA Elite
Earl Bennett Jr. was the engine behind NYBA Elite’s championship win, filling up the stat sheet with 17 points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Beyond the numbers, he made all the hustle plays—diving for loose balls and setting the tone for his team. His leadership and grit earned him MVP recognition. Earl’s presence elevated everyone around him and fueled the team’s big victory
Dawson Nasrallah – Class of 2032 | Young Buckets
Dawson Nasrallah was a complete offensive weapon, scoring at all three levels and beating defenders off the dribble with his sharp handle. He demonstrated elite court awareness, finding open teammates and making the right play time and time again. His polished offensive game makes him a consistent threat every time he steps on the floor. Dawson’s maturity and poise are what separate him from others in his class.
Carson Greer – Class of 2033 | PCH
Carson Greer displayed great control and finishing ability, converting tough shots around the rim with strength and finesse. His quickness and ball-handling made life tough for defenders, allowing him to break down the defense with ease. He plays with confidence and shows the ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. Carson’s competitive fire pushes him to make winning plays each possession.
Bradley Reidling – Class of 2033 | Beyond Basketball Academy
Bradley Reidling was a dominant presence on both ends of the court. He caused chaos in the press with multiple steals and finished through contact with strong drives. His mid-range jumper and range from deep made him a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor. His all-around game continues to shine each time he steps on the court. Bradley plays with great effort and always finds a way to leave his mark.
Drew Hodges – Class of 2026 | Georgia Legacy
Drew Hodges played with a high basketball IQ, consistently making smart reads and creating scoring chances. He knocked down shots from all areas and found open teammates with great vision, proving to be a dependable leader on the court. His decision-making and maturity make him a steady presence for his squad. Drew’s ability to remain calm and in control under pressure is a big part of his game.
Kade Morris – Class of 2033 | Beyond Academy
Kade Morris used his strength and fundamentals to overpower defenders, finishing through contact and owning the boards. His effort on both ends and willingness to do the dirty work made him a key contributor in the paint. He plays with toughness and pride, setting the tone physically for his team. Kade is the kind of player every coach wants on the floor when the game gets physical.
Justin Jenkins – Class of 2030 | CC Elite
Justin Jenkins exploded offensively, dropping 34 points in a lights-out performance. He sealed the game with a clutch steal and finish, proving to be just as impactful on defense. His ability to control the game on both ends makes him a standout competitor. Jenkins thrives in big moments and continues to raise his level when it matters most.
Cooper Head – Class of 2030 | Sewer South
Cooper Head continued his strong play with excellent help defense and timely steals. He scored effectively in the paint, finishing through contact, and remained a consistent two-way contributor throughout the weekend, earning his second write-up of the event. His hustle and awareness consistently give his team an edge. Cooper’s versatility and effort make him one of the most reliable players on the court.
Luca Fornaro – Class of 2026 | Georgia Legacy
Luca Fornaro used his strength and footwork to dominate inside, scoring efficiently around the basket. He showed a high basketball IQ, facilitating the offense when needed and ensuring the team stayed in rhythm with his unselfish play. His ability to read the game and contribute in various ways sets him apart. Luca’s leadership and understanding of spacing bring balance to his team’s attack.
Shane Gordon – Class of 2031 | AE5
Shane Gordon was a consistent scoring threat, finishing tough layups at the rim while also showing range with his jumper. His strength and touch made him difficult to guard, and his versatility gave his team a reliable offensive weapon. He brings dependable production every time he’s on the floor. Gordon’s game continues to evolve, and his confidence shows in the way he attacks each possession.
Guy Hill – Class of 2031 | Jr AEBL
Guy Hill controlled the paint with his physical presence, grabbing key rebounds and scoring on multiple putbacks. He also provided strong rim protection, standing out as a dependable shot blocker and interior enforcer. His presence down low anchors the defense and gives his team second-chance opportunities. Guy’s size, timing, and instincts make him a major interior problem for opponents.
Mason Mastin – Class of 2031 | Jet Academy
Mason Mastin showed true basketball dominance with elite on-ball defense, relentless rim attacks, and smart steals that led to full-court assists. He knows how to use his body to shield defenders while pushing the ball, creating advantages and controlling the pace of the game. His instincts, composure, and motor make him one of the most complete floor generals in his age group. Mason impacts the game in every phase and plays well beyond his years.
Semaj Williams – Class of 2030 | Alabama Fusion
Semaj Williams has a smooth jumper off the dribble and consistently gets to his spots on the floor. He’s very active on defense, keeping constant pressure on the ball and disrupting opposing offenses with his energy. His shot-making ability combined with tenacious defense makes him a tough matchup on both ends. Semaj plays with confidence and rhythm, keeping the game under control while delivering in key moments.
Gavin Underwood – Class of 2031 | Atlanta Celtics-Beyond
Gavin Underwood was a defensive disruptor, constantly attacking and applying pressure. He crashed the boards hard on every possession and forced numerous turnovers, making his presence felt all over the court. His hustle and toughness give his team an edge, especially in transition. Gavin’s ability to change momentum with his energy and physicality is a major asset for any squad he’s on.
Benji Hatchett – Class of 2031 | Atlanta Celtics-Beyond
Benji Hatchett set the tone early with his steals, assists, and scoring, giving his team a strong start. He stayed active throughout the game, constantly cutting off passing lanes and making plays on both ends of the floor. His court awareness and hustle make him the type of player who elevates everyone around him. Benji’s motor never stops, and his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Gabriel Winston – Class of 2029 | DPC
Gabriel Winston excelled on the defensive end by anticipating passes and grabbing multiple steals. He’s also an aggressive finisher inside, consistently converting strong takes at the rim. His physical play and ability to read the game made him a key factor throughout. Gabriel brings intensity and effort on every possession, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
