OTR Hoops: DT’s Standouts from the Rocky Top Invitational – May 5, 2025
A selection of standout players from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the Rocky Top Invitational.
By: DT
Huston Torres – Class of 2027 | B-Maze Elite (#30)
Huston Torres is a very quick guard who uses his speed to blow past defenders. He makes great cross-court passes and plays physically with the ball in his hands. His strength and aggressiveness allow him to get inside and consistently draw contact to get to the line.
Noah Smith – Class of 2027 | Georgia Legacy (#5)
Noah Smith anchored the defense in the first half by protecting the paint, grabbing key rebounds, and pushing the ball up the floor. In the second half, he turned it up offensively, knocking down step-back threes and attacking the basket with confidence. His two-way impact helped the team in so many ways.
William Gause – Class of 2027 | Triangle Offense
William Gause came through with big moments on both ends of the floor, delivering clutch shots and huge defensive stops. Nothing came easy, but he used his strength and skill to make critical plays when it mattered most. His performance helped secure a hard-fought victory over a tough B-Maze Elite squad.
Christian Rivera – Class of 2026 | IBA OTR (#7)
Christian Rivera followed up his strong performance with another impressive showing, shooting the ball well in back-to-back days. He attacked the rim with force, finishing through contact and drawing consistent trips to the free throw line. His offensive consistency and physical play make him a tough cover.
Carter Turnbow – Class of 2026 | GA Legacy Red (#2)
Carter Turnbow uses his speed and control to blow by defenders and finish at the rim. His court awareness is elite, often making impressive cross-court passes to set up teammates. With a quick, controlled handle, he keeps defenses on their heels every possession.
Turner Clayton – Class of 2026 | 423 Elite
Turner Clayton came out on fire, knocking down shots and getting to the free throw line early. His energy never dipped, contributing to seven straight points in one stretch during the second half. He’s always locked in, finding ways to put points on the board or set his teammates up to score.
Dane Price – Class of 2026 | Tennessee Panthers
Dane Price is a true pass-first point guard, always looking to find the open man and rack up assists. He’s constantly moving without the ball, making him a tough cover on offense. Defensively, he’s alert and aggressive, always hunting for steals.
Christian Barjon – Class of 2027 | Path Hoops
Christian Barjon is always in attack mode, going downhill with force and finishing strong at the rim. On defense, he’s vocal, crashes the boards hard, and takes pride in defending the wing. His energy on both ends of the floor sets the tone for his team.
Luca Fornaro – Class of 2026 | Georgia Legacy (#10)
Luca Fornaro plays with relentless aggression under the basket and brings a strong defensive presence each time he’s on the floor. He consistently battles on the boards, making it tough for opponents to secure second-chance opportunities. His physicality and effort make him a vital piece in the paint.
Charles Buford – Class of 2025 | IBA (#3)
Charles Buford is a quick and shifty ball handler who uses his strength to muscle his way to the rim. He thrives in isolation, creating his own shot with ease and putting constant pressure on defenders. His physical playstyle stands out, making him a tough matchup for anyone guarding him. Buford brings a relentless edge to the game that sets the tone for his team.
Judah Richardson – Class of 2026 | 423 Elite (#3)
Judah Richardson knocked down some tough, contested shots that most wouldn’t even attempt—yet he made them look effortless. His fearlessness when attacking the basket often drew contact, sending him to the free throw line where he capitalized. He hit some big shots when it mattered most, proving he thrives under pressure. Judah brought a confident and physical edge to the game that helped keep 423 Elite competitive throughout.
Nivee Leach – Class of 2028 | Promise Elite
Nivee Leach set the tone for his team right from the opening tip, knocking down tough, contested shots that gave Promise Elite early momentum. His offensive confidence was matched by his effort on the defensive end, where he secured key steals when it mattered most. In the second half, Leach calmly sank important free throws to help seal the win. His leadership and clutch performance were vital in closing out a hard-fought game.
Gavin Malone – Class of 2028 | Tigersharks
Once again, Gavin Malone asserted his dominance on the offensive end by shooting the ball with confidence and efficiency. He played strong, disciplined defense and made it difficult for opponents to find a rhythm. What stood out most was his patience with the ball, never forcing shots and always making smart decisions. Malone continues to prove he’s one of the most dependable and well-rounded players on the floor.
Tylan Pace – Class of 2028 | B-Maze Elite (#5)
Tylan Pace is one of those guards who excels moving without the ball, constantly working to get open. His ability to come off screens and catch-and-shoot makes him a serious offensive weapon. Against the Timberwolves, he completely manhandled their defense—they had no answer for his movement and shot-making. On the other end, he applies relentless pressure, forcing turnovers and bad shot selections from opponents. His two-way impact makes him one of the more dynamic players on the floor.
Miles Morrell – Class of 2027 | Team Speights
Miles Morrell thrives in transition, constantly pushing the tempo and catching defenses off guard before they can get set. His court vision is impressive, and he’s capable of delivering full-court passes with precision and power for easy assists. He reads the floor well and knows how to turn defense into quick offense. Morrell is the type of guard who controls the pace and keeps pressure on opponents throughout the game.
Zachary Davis – Class of 2027 | 423 Elite
Zachary Davis plays with smooth composure and confidence, knocking down multiple threes from beyond the arc with a fluid jump shot. He stays relaxed under pressure and never forces a play, always scanning the floor to find the open man for the assist. His body control around the rim allows him to finish layups with finesse, even in traffic. Davis’ poise and court awareness make him a steady and reliable presence for 423 Elite.
Isaiah Williams – Class of 2027 | Tennessee RUN
Isaiah Williams showcased a smooth shooting form, especially from beyond the arc. Even when taking off-balance shots, he still found a way to knock them down. His confidence and touch from the perimeter make him a serious offensive threat.
