OTR Hoops: More 17U Standouts from The Opening (Tec) – March 18, 2025

MARIETTA, Ga.— The Opening set the tone for the spring as the tip off of the travel ball season in the southeast. Players used the platform to announce themselves as names to know for the spring and beyond. The following were some of the eye-catchers from the 17U division.

By: Josh Tec

Dj McMillian, Team Bo Bell: McMillian had a solid weekend for Team Bo Bell. He often got things going for them offensively as their primary initiator. In that role, he has legitimate size and length at around 6-foot-4. McMillian created well for his teammates as well as for himself. On the other end, his physical tools were bothersome for opposing ball handlers.

JJ Winston, Sewer South: Nobody put on an athletic show like JJ Winston this weekend. His pursuit of the rim gave defenses problems. He can kick into a gear that’s hard to match and keep in front of. When he gets by his man, Winston is a highlight waiting to happen at the rim. He finished dunks that were in a class of their own among the guard ranks.

Mekhi Barber, Norcross Heat: Mekhi Barber had as good of an opening weekend as anyone. He was a source of consistency on offense for Norcross Heat, and he brought the grit and effort on defense that lives up to the rock-fight style that this program thrives in. Barber embraced physicality on drives and found a lot of success around the basket, but he also made timely 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beating game winner.

Jayden Crawford, Georgia Canes: Crawford is speedy with the ball. He gets to his spots with relative ease. Crawford is a serious mid-range threat who can take over a game with his ability to create separation and knock down shots. His shooting range reliably extends beyond the 3-point line as well. The Canes have a backcourt that’ll give teams plenty of problems this spring.

Anei Majock, Team SMASH: Majock showed flashes of skill throughout the weekend at around 6-foot-7. A made 3-pointer here and there. It was enough to garner some intrigue on relatively limited opportunities for certain. That was until Sunday when it all came together and he exploded for 30 points. The ball found him more, and he seized those opportunities to prove that his jumper is a serious threat.

Josh Tec has been covering prep basketball in Georgia and nationally since 2020. He has served myriad roles as a writer and evaluator, including editor-in-chief. Tec has a degree in journalism from Georgia State. Follow his work on X (Twitter) @_joshtec.