OTR Hoops: Carolina Classic Biggest Stockrisers – May 8, 2024
OTR hosted the Carolina Classic this weekend in Spartanburg, pitting several Georgia and North Carolina programs against each other to determine the real hoop state. These are a few players that upped their stock this weekend.
By: Cam Rickers
Martez Ford – 2025 – Team Next Generation (Photo Above)
Ford helped his stock tremendously with several stellar performances over the weekend. Ford was one of the best shooters we saw in Spartanburg, deadly from the corner and capable of hitting from 25 feet out. He also showcased some soft touch when finishing over taller defenders inside. Together, Martez Ford and Zay Howard made for one of the strongest backcourt duos in attendance. Ford seems to be building steam at a very ideal time with the live periods right around the corner.
Ford DeShazo – 2026 – Atlanta Timberwolves
You couldn’t have asked much more from Ford DeShazo this weekend as he averaged 19 PPG and led the Atlanta Timberwolves to an undefeated weekend. He slides in at the stretch 5 for this Timberwolves group and plays the role well. He’s a strong 6’5 athlete that plays above the rim, several blocks and one-hand slams throughout the weekend. DeShazo also showed the ability to step out and hit the three-ball consistently. He’s a relatively new name on our radar but should continue to build buzz through the summer.
Malik Gillespie – 2026 – WR All-Stars
Malik Gillespie has been a staple at OTR events throughout the years and he was in prime form this weekend. Not only was Gillespie filling up the scoresheets, but he was also locking up opposing guards on the defensive end too. Gillespie has always been known for his freakish athleticism, but he’s added a ton of polish to his skillset in the past year. His shot making ability has reached another level and he was putting it on full display this weekend, countless pull-up jumpers in traffic. Gillespie currently holds a Georgia State offer and should draw plenty more eyes in the upcoming live periods.
Bradley Holcy – 2026 – Team Next Generation
Bradley Holcy was a force on the interior this weekend for Team Next Generation. At 6’10, Holcy was one of the tallest prospects in the 16u division and he used it to his advantage. He was constantly patrolling the glass and chasing down long rebounds, also provided some steady rim protection on the defensive end. The next step for Holcy is adding to the low post game but he’s got the tools to eventually be a D1 prospect.
Deuce Kinloch – 2026 – Upward Stars Charleston
Deuce Kinloch had a breakout weekend in Spartanburg, his most notable performance coming in a Saturday night win over Team Next Generation. Kinloch is a long 6’6 forward with a tremendous motor. He tallied a ton of blocks and rebounds throughout the weekend. Several times, we saw Kinloch put the ball on the floor in transition and take it coast to coast. Kinloch is still fairly raw but his combination of size, mobility, and effort is very intriguing.
Xavier Perry – 2024 – Charlotte Aces Platinum
This Charlotte Aces team has built up a solid reputation through the first few weeks of the spring, a new prospect emerging almost every weekend. It was Xavier Perry’s weekend to shine and that’s what he did. Perry’s brightest moment came on Saturday afternoon when he went for 19 points and led the Aces to a come-from-behind win. He couldn’t miss in that game, his points coming in a variety of different ways. Perry is still unsigned but he looks hungry for an opportunity at the next level.
Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator in 2023. He’s spent the past few years scouting for PrepHoops, building a reputable profile within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting Director for Sewer South. You can reach him at camrickershoops@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops
