OTR Hoops: Final Look from the Birmingham Classic – March 28, 2024

ALABASTER, Alabama, – On the Radar Hoops returned to the greater Birmingham area to host the Birmingham Classic. Nearly sixty teams from the Southeast lined up to compete at the top tier facility at Thompson High School. Here is a final look at the names of those who caught our eye last weekend.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Baker Matthews – Team Forrest – 2026

Matthew caught our attention as a swing forward with size and skill. We saw him step out and stick a couple of perimeter jumpers, but he was also willing to go inside and do the blue-collar work. He has the look of a prospect on the rise. He is still working to find a consistent role with this team. We expect with consistent work over the upcoming months that Matthews should emerge as prospect to watch in the Metro Atlanta area.

Cayden Butler – Alabama Wolves – 2026

Butler plays the game with pace and confidence. He splits time as a primary handler in the half-court offense and as a scoring minded wing. He has a quick burst with the ball that allows him to gain separation for finishes at the rim and timely pull-up jumpers. Butler showed us enough in this setting for us to predict that there are more standout performances in his future.

Jack Cobb – T-Town Kings – 2025

In terms all-around guard skills, Cobb would rank up with all the top guards we evaluated at the Birmingham Classic. He is a consistent shooter from range and brings a court awareness that is important. We saw the junior score 22 points in a win on Saturday afternoon, but he did it without having to force his will upon the offense. He played within the framework of the Kings structure and even set up teammates nicely with timely assists. Cobb ought to be a target for schools within the state of Alabama and possibly in the region.

Jason Foster – No Excuses Elite – 2025

Foster is a big man with a developing skill set. His defensive ability is what grabbed our attention on Saturday morning. He possesses long arms and the timing to block shots. Foster has some rough edges with his offensive skill set, but he still managed to score shots in traffic. He has upside as a contributor at this level and athleticism that could land him at the next.

Bryce Robinson – Noble Knights – 2026

Robinson is a player that ought not be slept upon. Listed at 6-foot-4, his natural position is on the wing as a slasher and playmaker. But late in a Sunday morning game, we saw Robinson take the reigns as the lead handler and show promise. There are dimensions to Robinson’s game which, when combined with his length and athleticism give us reason to believe that his best days are still in front of him on the hardwood.

Channing Wood – Noble Knights – 2025

Wood started the Birmingham Classic with a go-ahead 3-pointer that clinched a win for his team in their first game of the day. He followed up with a 22-point outing, which included six 3-pointers. He was easily one of the top shooters at the event. Listed at 6-1, he will not be smothered in traffic. Wood is trending in the right direction heading into his senior season.

Dallas Stephens – Team Forrest – 2025

Stephens is an emerging prospect out of the Atlanta area. He looks to be in the 6-3 height range and has a solid physical build. He is a natural wing who can fill the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and points. Factor in his defensive awareness and he could be labeled as a jack-of-all trades prospect. With another year of high school ball in front of him, we think that Stephens will be a name that will continue to be written about.

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.