OTR Hoops: Head Above at the Heart of Georgia – April 16, 2025
A list of standout players from the Heart of Georgia in Macon, Georgia, last weekend.
By: Jaron Pierre-Mathurine
Keiran Spencer, 5’8″ G, 2028, Macon Heat
Quick and active defensively. Knows how to time steals well and when to reach. Knocked down some 3s and got to the rim with ease.
Jaiden Bond, 5’11” G, 2028, Macon Heat
Smooth with good pace and knew how to control the game well. Scored many of his points in transition and by getting behind the defense. Good guard size, can get downhill, and fills up the scoring quickly.
Jeremy Banks, 6’4″ G, 2027, Devin Butts Elite
Quiet personality but had a loud game. Did the little things well and made the right plays to keep the game out of reach. Good cuts and screens, crisp passes, and showed the ability to score. Easily a glue-guy type of piece.
Jaylen Nelson, 6’3″ G, 2027, Devin Butts Elite
The scorer for this group. Knocked down multiple 3s, showed good athleticism, and defended well. Brought high energy and likes to play quickly.
Rowan Woodrich, 6’7″ F, 2027, Devin Butts Elite
The size for this group, Rowan was effective in the post. He ran the floor extremely well and showed the ability to bring the ball up the court. Good size, a stout frame developing, and was consistent around the rim in his performances.
Chase Dupree, 6’2″ G, 2026, Warner Robins All Stars
Might have been the MVP of the event. Effective three-level scorer with a mature presence on the court, defended well, and had the tenacity to back it up. Very effective performances in the matchups watched, going 2-0 and helping his team win the championship for their division.
Malik Gillespie, 6’1″ G, 2026, Warner Robins All Stars
Athletic guard who can get to the rim with ease but also has a consistent shot, knocking down baskets from all over the court. He had an effective skill set and didn’t require many dribbles to get to his spots or be effective. His football background is evident, as he plays through contact well.
Greg Williams, 6’3″ G, 2026, South Georgia Stars Academy
Tough player who brought a lot of energy and grit to the event. Greg had an old-school park feel to his game. Strong at getting to his spots and to the rim. Not reliant on stepbacks or fancy dribbles, just good old-fashioned hoops. He was consistent in his performances and was the muscle for this group, helping them play with an edge.
Brayden Burn, 6’3″ G, 2026, South Georgia Stars Academy
Brayden had exceptional footwork and played with a good pace for the game. He was effective in the post, working his pivot and finishing at the rim, and did a good job capitalizing on drives downhill. Improvements in his shooting will be key, but with his footwork and feel for the game, the development of his all-around skill set should soon catch up.
CJ Howard, 5’11” G, Warner Robins All Stars
Stepped up big in the championship game. Took advantage of defensive lapses, was vocal, and showed strong IQ at the guard spot. His low base helped him excel at getting to the rim and shielding defenders, earning easy trips to the line. A solid guard who knows how to play his role and control the game well.
