OTR Hoops: Florida Battle Ground Finals – April 28, 2025

This article gives an overview of some of the standouts from the Florida Battleground Finals tournament in Middleton, Florida. This was a great event with many standout players that should be on high school coach’s radar.

By: Joshua Goode

Marco Johnson – Southeast Elite – 2029

This past weekend, Marco Johnson delivered a performance that left little doubt about his rising star status. An elite three-level scorer, Johnson made getting to his spots on the floor look effortless, combining smooth footwork with a polished offensive arsenal. Whether slashing to the rim or stepping out beyond the arc, he consistently found ways to keep defenders off balance. Johnson’s athleticism was on full display as he powered through traffic to finish strong at the basket, often absorbing contact and still converting. His ability to stretch the floor added another dimension to his game, as he confidently knocked down critical three-pointers that swung momentum in his team’s favor. Beyond scoring, Johnson’s activity on the boards stood out; he battled for crucial rebounds, securing possessions at key moments. His standout moment came when he erupted for 37 points in a high-stakes matchup, leading his team all the way to the finals.

Kendon Hayes – Xtreme Pressure – 2030

Kendon Hayes put together an impressive performance this tournament, establishing himself as a dynamic force on the court. A shifty guard with a strong feel for the game, Hayes used his tight handle to create space, consistently finding his spots for smooth midrange jumpers and deep threes. His craftiness around the rim allowed him to finish through traffic with ease, while his court vision and ability to control the tempo kept his team steady under pressure. Energized and skilled, Hayes dominated throughout the weekend, capping off his strong showing by leading his squad to a well-earned championship win.

Gavin Youmans – Tre Mann Elite – 2029

Gavin delivered a standout performance this weekend, cementing himself as one of the tournament’s brightest stars. An athletic wing with the ability to score at all three levels, he was nearly unstoppable, leaning on his deadly midrange game to take over offensively.
Using his strength and size to his advantage, Gavin consistently imposed his will in the paint, finishing through contact and controlling the boards. His high motor and two-way activity made him a constant presence on both ends of the floor. Gavin, alongside his Tre Mann Elite teammates, dominated the competition with several blowout wins of 30 points or more, ultimately capturing the 2029 championship. For his outstanding efforts, Gavin was named the tournament’s MVP.