OTR Hoops: On the Rise from The Hoop State Challenge – April 15, 2025

GREENSBORO, North Carolina, – The second annual Georgia vs. North Carolina Challenge concluded last weekend. The event provided an ideal setting for teams to hone their skills and address inconsistencies before the live period at month’s end, while giving many players valuable exposure.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Bryce Howson – Team Bo Bell – 2026

Howson is a talented guard who can run a team as a lead handler or serve as a go-to option in the half court. He scores in bursts, pairing terrific 3-point shooting with dribble moves and body control in the lane. He is a player who ought to be tracked closely on the OTR circuit this spring.

 

 

Heimir Helgason – Garner Road – 2026

Helgason, a 6-foot-9 power forward with Garner Road, is a steady frontline prospect ideal for the modern game. He anchors defenses with consistent rebounding, plays physically inside, or faces the basket as an offensive threat. He excels at angles and timing in offensive sets, with the touch for short corner jumpers and, with development, a reliable 3-point shot. Productive without needing primary touches, he stays engaged as a rebounder and defender. On3’s Top 150 ranking reflects his impact, and it’s clear why.

 

 

Cohen Hyatt – Strictly Ballas – 2026

Hyatt shone in a prime matchup against Team CP3 on Sunday morning. With hundreds of fans and players around Court 1, he fought to keep his team competitive against the stacked CP3 roster. A crafty ball handler who plays with flair, he shakes defenders before accelerating to the lane. His pull-up jumper and smooth 3-point shot make him an offensive force to watch at the next level.

 

 

Lajalin Overton – Team Ish – 2026

Overton, an athletic and aggressive hybrid forward, stands at 6-6 and well-built, impacting the rim in traffic while staying mobile end-to-end. His highlight one-hand dunk on Sunday morning energized the crowd. His value lies in filling multiple stat categories—points, rebounds, and blocks—making him a versatile, do-it-all prospect.

 

 

Nolan Schwartz – Team Ballnetic – 2026

One of the few Florida prospects present, Schwartz established himself as a memorable prospect. A terrific athlete with leaping ability and quickness, he outpaces defenses with speed and scores over defenders in the midrange. He has the physical tools to develop further, and with polish, he’ll shine as a senior.

 

 

Jaylen Byers – Top Shot – 2028

Byers, one of the few freshmen we highlighted, earned recognition with solid play on Saturday afternoon. A confident point guard, he darts to the rim and finishes with finesse. His ability to elevate, hang, and control his body in the air shows advanced skill for his age. Expect to hear more from Byers in the future.

 

 

Gavin Glover – Team Wall – 2028

Glover plays with persistence and desire, relentlessly attacking the lane. As a young player, he’s addressing inconsistencies, but he has the foundation of a strong, instinctive lead guard with scoring ability. Add him to your must-track list for the class of 2028.

 

 

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.