OTR Hoops: Elite 32 – Biggest Stockrisers – July 16, 2024

Year after year, the Elite 32 has been a marquee event on the recruiting trail and this year didn’t disappoint. Top-tier teams from across the country came to play and the college coaches followed. More than 125 different college programs came through to recruit and we saw several players take advantage of the opportunity. These are a few players that embraced the big stage.

By: Cam Rickers

6’9 F Noah Clark – 2025 – GRIND (Pictured Above)

Clark had a breakout weekend at the Elite 32 and grabbed the attention of several D1 coaches. Clark is extremely mobile for his size and gets off the ground quickly, both traits contributing to some elite rim protection. Offensively, he can stretch the floor with his shooting ability or pose a lob threat from the dunker spot. While Clark could benefit from adding muscle, he’s not soft by any means and plays with a competitive toughness. Clark only holds one JUCO offer from Northern Oklahoma Enid but that won’t be the case for long.

6’3 G MJ Harper – 2025 – Judah Nation

MJ Harper was consistently dominant all weekend after setting the bar high on Thursday morning. He went for 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in that game, leading Judah Nation to a win. Harper is a big, strong guard that can power through contact and finish at or above the rim. His three-ball as also on display this weekend, multiple games with 4+ threes. The IQ is there, and the physical tools are through the roof. Harper told me that Jacksonville State and Liberty have offered so far but expect his list grow in coming weeks.

6’5 SG Anthony Jones – 2025 – North Point Youth

North Point Youth finished the weekend at 5-1 and Anthony Jones played a major role in their success. He went for 30 points against Georgia Legacy on Saturday and put up 20+ in multiple other games as well. Jones is knockdown shooter with deep range and a quick trigger. He has great size for a 2-guard at 6’5 to go with some above the rim athleticism. His physical tools and shot making ability will certainly help in his transition to the next level. Jones picked up an offer from Edward Waters following the event and caught the attention of several more.

6’2 CG Sean Morgan – 2025 – Team Person

Team Person went undefeated this weekend as they were led by one of the country’s best independent backcourts in Jacob Zhu and Sean Morgan.  While Morgan is one of the best three-point shooters in the country, he’s really tightened up his handle over the past year and his scoring package continues to expand. He was breaking down defenders to get to his spots or the rim all weekend and his mid-range game was looking pure. Morgan picked up offers from Kennesaw State and Stetson after the event.

6’2 PG Maximo Ortega – 2025 – Florida Pro

This Florida Pro team is full of intriguing prospects but Maximo Ortega may have helped himself the most this weekend. Ortega provided both steady scoring and playmaking at the point all weekend. He’s a smooth operator in the pick and roll with great passing instincts. Meanwhile, he can bury the three-ball off the bounce or get paint touches and create from there. Ortega also plays with a physicality and toughness that you love to see in a lead guard. He should see an uptick in his recruitment after several strong showings at the Elite 32.

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