OTR Hoops: Final Round Up from Proven Grounds – May 3, 2024

FULTONDALE, Alabama, – On the Radar Hoops returned to the Birmingham area for a second time this spring to host the Proven Grounds. Teams from around the Southeast met up to compete and showcase their talent. Our media team was in full force to shine the spotlight on the stars who played their best. Here is the first installment from this weekend.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Nate White – Jackson Blue Devils – 2024

White was the top senior at the event last weekend. He scored in double digits in every game, which powered his squad to a 4-0 record. White possesses good feet and soft touch in traffic. He was not the tallest player on the floor, but he has a keen sense of how to position himself to score and get rebounds. The 6-foot-3 forward is slated to attend Mississippi Delta Community College next fall.

Jones Cleary – Magic City Jayhawks – 2025

Cleary’s skill rose above at the Proven Grounds. He is a skillful handler who can direct traffic and get the offense running in the half court. And he is a dead-eye shooter who can turn the numbers on the scoreboard if given the opportunity. His steady hand and relaxed demeanor with the Jayhawks earned him a spot among the top performers from last weekend’s event.

Jordan Henschel – T-Town Kings – 2025

The T-Town Kings have a tight nit group of guys who look like they have fun each time they hit the court. Henschel was a big part of that dynamic last weekend. The lefty is a plug-and-play wing who does a bit of everything. He runs the offense and delivers timely passes to cutting teammates in the half court. He will also spot up and hit the open jumper in flow as well. His willingness to scrap and hustle on the defensive end makes him an ideal team player for this squad out of the Tuscaloosa area.

Chris Kunard – OFW Galaxy – 2025

Kunard is proof that you do not have to be your team’s leading scorer or top shot taker to get attention. He earns his way onto this list by displaying skill and efficiency. He is a 6-3 wing with a smooth game. He sticks the open jumper and can create a bit off the dribble as well. His work in the open court and in transition open eyes as well. Kunard is a player to track this upcoming year.

Redick Smith – Champions Basketball Club – 2025

Smith is a lead handler with deep range. He catches the defense off balance by launching deep 3s. Smith’s game is more than just shooting, however. He handles, distributes, and can create off the dribble as well. The 6-foot combo guard should also be noted for his toughness and willingness to make plays that do not always show up on the score sheet.

Zade Elshihabi – Atlanta All-Stars – 2026

Elshihabi is an emerging lead guard with the All-Stars organization. The lefty guard got onto our radar last year with some deft shooting at OTR events. This year he is showing another wrinkle in his game, which is the ability to command and run the offense. The junior is engaged as a vocal leader and gets the team moving in the right direction. Expect to hear Elshihabi’s name more in the next few years.

Jayden Hall – OFW Galaxy – 2026

Hall is potentially the best new name to come out of this event. He is a point guard who has elite athleticism. He is built strong and possesses an explosive first step that is hard to contain. Hall does have the capability of hitting the outside jumper, but he is most effective when he is in attack mode scoring at the rim or drawing fouls.

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.