OTR Hoops: Breakout Camp Standouts Part II – August 13, 2024

NORCROSS, Georgia, – On the Radar Hoops hosted the annual Breakout Camp at Norcross High School last weekend. Nearly 100 prospects from around the Southeast trained and competed in front of dozens of media outlets from the Atlanta area. Here is a second look at names that we took note of at the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

#173 Culen Browne – Wilson High School – 2028

Brown emerged as a top freshman at the event with his ball handling and ability to attack the rim. He proved he can go either way to slip past the defense. A lefty, he can catch defenders off guard with his quick first step to his strong hand. Brown has some length and more physical maturity left in his future.

#169 Marcus Curry – Grovetown High School – 2027

Curry elevated himself as one of the top playmaking guards at the camp. He loves the spin move to pivot past the defense. Defenders were left reaching the wrong direction when he set up his go-to move. His footwork is the strength of his game, and he leverages that skill to create space and deliver timely assists to teammates.

#141 Braylon Luster – Cherokee High School – 2027

Luster became a fan favorite at the camp. He was always in the mix when it came to loose balls and rebounds in the paint. He demonstrated solid instincts when playing in traffic as a passer and a rebounder. His high energy attitude is infectious. His teammates seemed to gain energy when he was in the game. Look for the left-handed guard to keep this momentum in the coming year.

#200 Kohl Ward – Tyner Academy – 2027

Ward earned attention as a passer during this camp. He is comfortable as a lead ball handler and is able draw double teams and find the open player. He delivers timely passes in tight spaces and will surely be counted on as a best friend to post players who are good in the pick-n-roll. We took note of his on-ball defense as well. His willingness to sit in a stance and defend in this setting is telling.

#166 Braydon Langston – East Hall High School – 2027

Langston is a prospect dripping with talent and potential. Listed at 6-foot-5, he has the size and length needed to play inside or outside. He showed competency as an open court handler able to lead the break. He even stuck the 3-point shot, which makes him a tough cover for slower front-line defenders. Expect his name to trend as a top prospect in the North Georgia area.

#206 Peter Julius – Mount Bethel – 2028

Julius is a prospect with a wealth of athleticism and potential. He proved to be an expert post-up player during his short time at the camp. He was able to present a big target and then use an array of moves and footwork to create the angle to score. He has some explosiveness as well when he gathers the ball and rattles the backboards with dunks. His game is not limited to the paint either. He showed some interesting open court ball skills, which makes him a candidate to make waves with coach Cal Boyd’s squad this year.

#129 Zach Graves – Kell High School – 2027

Graves is one of those kids that comes to compete every time the ball is tipped. The left-handed lead guard is strong, physical, and a playmaker. It is hard to point your finger at the one thing he does best, because he contributes in so many areas. He is a handler, scorer, passer, rebounder, and can mix it up off the dribble. It will be fun to see how he develops in coach Jermaine Sellers program this year.

#223 Fortune Hicks – McIntosh County Academy – 2027

Hicks is a kid we made special notes of during the camp because of his two-way ability. He showed confidence with the pull-up jump shot even with a hand in his face. He is confident handling the ball with either hand. But it was his willingness to sit into a stance and defend that separated him as a unique prospect. He competes and hounds opponents, which will make him very easy to coach and motivate.

#153 Gehrig Felix – Grayson High School – 2027

You must appreciate the players that know their role and work to fulfill it. That is what Felix does. He knows he is a pick-n-roll forward that can put pressure on the rim as a roller. The left-hander uses his body to create angles to score on the low block or to wiggle out some room at the high post. The work that Felix has been putting into his game is evident, as well. He stuck a corner jumper late in one game, proving that he is not content being a one-dimensional type player.

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.