OTR Hoops: Rocky Top Invitational Standouts Part 1 via @JHillsman – May 8, 2024
Gatlinburg, TN- The On the Radar Rocky Top Invitational took place at Rocky Top Sports World this past weekend. Here is a look at the 2027 standouts from the action.
By: Joel Hillsman
2027 Ivan Moskalenko (Pictured Above) -B Maze Elite UAA 15U- Moskalenko is a stretch four that possesses not only a got interior game but also can shoot it from the perimeter at an exceptionally good clip. He is tough and gritty, even playing through a bloodied nose, in a notable win over Kentucky Hoop Dreams. Moskalenko rebounds, has quality ballhandling skills and is always in position to make a play defensively. In two games we tracked he averaged 15 points and 7+rebounds.
2027 Ja’rye Brown– Kentucky Hoop Dreams 15U- Brown is a savvy point guard that can score. He attacks the defense and not only draws contact but finishes through the contact. He can play off the ball and even when on the ball is able to dissect defenses and set up teammates. Brown stood out with 28 points and 7 assists in a tough loss to B Maze Elite 15U.
2027 James Nowel– Florida Rebels Gold 15U- Nowell has a huge ceiling. He is quick off the dribble, has a deadly pull up jumper and drives with confidence. He has quick hands defensively and has a knack for always being around the ball. He runs the floor well without the ball and uses his vision to find teammates for easy baskets. In three games we charted Newell averaged 21 points and 4 assists with his highlight performance being a 34-point game connecting on four three-pointers in a win.
2027 Kevin Edou– Florida Rebels Gold 15U- Edou is a long wing who had several steals and turned them into easy transition points. He attacks either side of the lane off the dribble and possesses a quality mid-range jumper. Edou was very unselfish and rebounded the ball on both ends.
2027 Chase Lumpkin– AOT 15U- Lumpkin is an aggressive attacking guard that plays through contact and draws fouls. He has a sound mid-range game, can play in the open floor, and stayed locked on his opponent defensively. He is a strong rebounding guard and in the two games we charted he averaged 14 points 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
2027 Xion Evans– All Georgia Elite 17U- Evans is a 14-year-old playing up on a 17U team and having a major impact. Evans is quick off the dribble getting to the basket, plays under control and can shoot it from the perimeter. He is aggressive on defense and plays hard on both ends. As he continues to develop Evans will be on track.
2027 Jamir Dean– B Maze Elite UAA 15U- Dean is an athletic and bouncy slasher. Dean plays well in the offense and picked his spot going baseline for several rim rattling dunks. He forced turnovers with his active play defensively and made timely jumpers. Dean also helps well defensively off the weak side and routinely forced his opponents into the teeth of the defense or to their weak hand leading to multiple turnovers. Dean averaged 14.5ppg in the two games we tracked against the Florida Rebels Gold and Kentucky Hoop Dreams.
2027 KD Raglen– B Maze Elite UAA 15U- Raglan is a Swiss army knife that does a little bit of everything. He displayed balance across several areas from scoring, rebounding, defending and hustle plays. He can guard his yard, rotates extremely well defensively, and plays without fouling. Raglen makes plays that impact winning on both ends of the floor.
