OTR Hoops: Hoop State Challenge Day 2 Standouts – May 14, 2025

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The second annual Georgia vs. North Carolina Challenge concluded yesterday at the Greensboro Coliseum.  The teams from North Carolina claimed bragging rights this year with a 29-21 edge over the Georgia teams. The running total is now 47 wins for Georgia and 37 wins for North Carolina. The rivalry will resume next year. Until then, here is a look back on the top performers from day two of the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Kayden Allen – Team Loaded – 2026

There has been noticeable growth in Allen’s game in recent years. Speaking with him after his last game of the event, he talked about how he has worked diligently on improving his ball handling. The work is showing. A consensus top 20 prospect nationally, Allen is on a trajectory to earn an array of accolades this upcoming year. Allen brings a scorer’s mentality with several tools in his bag. Body control, footwork, vision all aid in his ability to make plays in tight quarters. Perhaps most notably, Allen’s demeanor stands out. He presents himself with humility and a determination that is reserved for the elite.

Cole Cloer – Team CP3 – 2026

Cloer is one of the most intriguing prospects at the event. He possesses elite size that matches his elite skill set. The 6-8 guard handles the ball well with either hand and keeps vision in the open court. Cloer is a unique prospect given his length and fluidity with the ball. He should thrive in most collegiate systems, capable of serving as a primary facilitator or a secondary creator. He is a consensus top 30 prospect nationally with increasing college interest from across the country.

Will Stevens – Team CP3 – 2026

Stevens is a prospect on the rise. He is an ideal post for the modern game. He works well within the pick-and-pop action at the top of the key. He displays footwork, passing vision, and shooting touch from distance. His 6-10 frame can still add 15-20 pounds of muscle weight, which will aid in his ability to play physically on the interior. Nevertheless, he is already adept at providing protection at the rim at the defensive end. A consensus top-100 prospect nationally, expect Stevens to become a popular name this spring and summer on the EYBL Circuit.

 

Aidan Scruitsky – PSB Elite – 2026

Scruitsky had himself an outstanding game Sunday morning. He led the way for PSB Elite Barnes as they fended off a pesky and physical Team Ish. Clutch 3-pointers from Scruitsky helped secure the win. The 6-4 wing from Providence Day Christian has a clean release and gets it off quickly when the ball is reversed to him. PSB Elite Barnes completed a 4-0 weekend at the Hoop State Challenge and Scruitsky was an integral part of that success.

 

Sonne Williams – Team All Carolina – 2026

Williams is a talented guard with ball skill and body control. We took note of how the 6-2 guard was able to set up his scoring opportunities with quick jab steps and head fakes. You must pay attention to the subtleties of Williams’ game. He plays efficiently, and, as we observed Sunday morning, it leads to effective outcomes. Williams plays on the wing for his squad, but he projects as a combo guard. Putting the ball in his hands and letting him be a lead creator is not out of the question at the next level.

 

Cody Peck – Garner Road – 2026

Peck is consensus top 75 player nationally. Peck, a 6-10 forward, boasts springs to flush dunks in traffic and touch at the 3-point arc. His ceiling could very well be beyond every prospect we evaluated this weekend. He moves well for a player his size and has a frame that will easily bulk up as he physically matures in the upcoming years. We like to see Peck stay engaged in the flow of his team’s offense each possession down the court. All things considered, given his family’s basketball pedigree and his IQ on and off the court, we predict that we will hear much more from him and his game this spring and beyond.

Nolan Ericson – PSB Elite – 2026

There would not be a complete list of standouts from last weekend without mentioning Ericson. The junior guard provided the fuel and the glue for his team all weekend long. He handled the ball consistently in a tough game we watched versus Team Ish. More than being a heady table setter, Ericson is able to turn the corner and beat attacking defenders in the open court. He proved he could score the ball beyond the arc and with floaters in the lane. The left-handed prospect from Mooresville, North Carolina, is a special player. His teammates surf in the wake that he creates for them on the floor.

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 CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @CoachHemi.