OTR Hoops: Day One Standouts from Florida’s The Opening – March 23, 2025
The Florida Opening: Day One Top Standouts
By: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Yaddiel Sanchez (F, Timber Creek) | IG: @yaddiellamaquina
Sanchez showed he can do it all—stretch the floor, score inside, defend, and rebound. He played with confidence, using his size to finish in the paint while also knocking down shots from the perimeter. His versatility stood out as he made plays in transition and controlled the glass. Easily my top 15U performer of the day.
Jaquavion Gilmore (C, Bible Baptist Christian) | IG: @jaquaviongg
A dominant paint presence who made shot-blocking look effortless. He controlled the defensive end while protecting the rim. Offensively, he finished through contact and imposed his will on the glass. Already playing up a division, Gilmore could have held his own at the high school level with the way he impacted the game inside.
James Ratteree (G, Bartow) | X: @JamesRatteree4
A poised and intelligent guard who plays with a fierce mentality but makes the right decisions. He has the ability to knock down shots or attack the basket, keeping defenders guessing on Day One. His energy on both ends of the floor made a difference, and he showed flashes as a playmaker as well. One of the key engines for his team, keeping them competitive all day.
Keitho Johnson (F, Bible Baptist Christian) | X: @kjJohnson2027
Johnson’s mix of size, agility and motor allowed him to impact the game in multiple ways. He ran the floor well, crashed the boards with purpose and finished strong inside. His athleticism gives him upside as a two-way forward who can make an impact in transition and on the defensive end.
Eugene McCray (G, Palmetto Ridge) | IG: @ej2tuff_
A bigger guard who excelled at getting to the rim and finishing through contact. He played with a solid motor, using his physicality to his advantage against smaller defenders. McCray was aggressive in attacking the basket and made the most of his opportunities around the rim throughout Day One of the circuit.
AJ Jenkins (G, Wiregrass Ranch) | X: @aj_jenkins1
Jenkins is a steady floor general who plays with confidence and control. He’s capable of scoring at all three levels, showing a nice touch on his jumper while also getting to the rim with ease. His ability to make plays for himself and his teammates kept his squad in rhythm, proving he’s one of the more well-rounded 2028 risers.
Jacques Edwards Jr (G, Williston) | IG: @showtimejacc
One of the more electric shooters of the day. Edwards Jr. has deep range and isn’t afraid to let it fly, consistently punishing defenders for giving him space today. Whether it was off the dribble or catching and shooting, he was a constant scoring threat. His ability to hit tough shots makes him a player to watch as he continues developing.
Tajuan “TJ” Mills Jr (G, 2028) | X: @TajuanJrr
Mills Jr. brought energy and toughness, constantly looking to push the pace and create for himself or his teammates. He showed a knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, making the most of his aggressive mindset. His willingness to battle through contact and keep attacking was impressive.
Dominick Harris-Payne (G, Lakeland) | X: @Laadom2028
Harris-Payne is a long, athletic guard who can score at all three levels. He rebounded well for his position and showed a smooth stroke from deep, proving he can be a real scoring weapon. Already holding Division I football offers, his upside on the basketball court is just as intriguing, making him a rising prospect to watch.
Corey Swanson Jr (F, Bartow) | X: @James_Reilly10
Swanson Jr. was one of the top big men of the day, making his presence felt in the paint on both ends. He worked hard on the glass, battled for rebounds, and played tough interior defense. His ability to front the post and contest shots was key, and he showed promise as a developing post scorer.
James Reilly (G, 2028) | X: @James_Reilly10
Reilly was a lights-out shooter, making defenders pay every time they left him open. He played with confidence, initiating the offense while consistently knocking down shots from deep. As he continues to improve his ability to create space and move without the ball, he could become an even more dangerous scoring option.
Drew Johnson brings nearly eight years of scouting and coverage experience to On the Radar Hoops. A University of Central Florida graduate, Drew has covered multiple sports but thrives in the high-intensity world of high school recruiting and evaluation. He has contributed to OTR since March 2025 and currently lives in Lakeland, FL.
