OTR Hoops: Rocky Top Invitational Standouts Part 2 – May 4, 2025
GATLINBURG, Tennessee – The Rocky Top Invitational continued through the weekend with competitive matchups and emerging prospects. One of the event’s highlights was the number of underclassmen showcasing their skills and earning attention. Our media team was courtside all three days. Here is a selection of players who stood out on Saturday and Sunday.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
CJ Moore – Upward Stars – 2028
Moore emerged as a top prospect with his performance on Sunday morning. He filled the stat sheet with double-digit points, numerous rebounds, and several blocked shots. His versatility shone through as he operated effectively on the low block as a go-to option with his back to the basket while also demonstrating range with a drained 3-pointer. Moore, with his athletic 6-foot-6 frame still developing, is on a promising trajectory for success.
Houston Torres – BMaze Elite – 2027
Torres didn’t let a turned ankle on Saturday hinder his Sunday performance. He delivered a 26-point effort in a heated matchup against Triangle Offense Elite, revealing a new dimension to his game. As an impactful lead guard, he created plays downhill and shot jumpers off step-backs and around ball screens, consistently leaving defenders off balance. Torres, a fiery competitor, thrives on the court. With more performances like this, expect his name to gain traction in the coming years.
Rodney Gidney – Carolina Riptide – 2026
Gidney was a pleasant surprise on Sunday morning. In our first viewing of his team, he scored 10 first-half points, setting the pace for a morning victory. The well-built 6-foot-4 athlete can play as a lead guard or on the wing with the mindset of a scoring guard. He accelerates to the rim with rare smoothness, gliding with finesse for consistent buckets. Defenses can’t sag off him either, as his quick-release perimeter jumper makes them pay.
Brayden Henderson – Hype Hawks – 2028
While many standouts earn attention with points or highlight dunks, there’s always room for a high-energy defender. Henderson earned his spotlight with relentless effort. He darted into passing lanes for steals and deflections, shifting game momentum enough to force opponents into timeouts. Though not among the tallest players evaluated, his blend of strength and quickness makes him a joy to watch and a vital asset to his team.
William Gause – Triangle Offense Elite – 2027
Gause led what some might call the upset of the weekend, scoring 21 points in a win over BMaze Elite 16U on Sunday. Known on the OTR Circuit as a hard-nosed grinder, Gause handles the ball and creates plays with tenacity. He’s not flashy but a stubborn competitor, playing with a sneer that reflects his relentless will to win. His game isn’t entirely blue-collar, though—he displays body control and finesse to navigate defenses. Expect Gause’s name to surface more this spring and summer on the OTR Circuit.
Kobe Gaston – Griffin Elite – 2027
Gaston and Griffin Elite kicked off Sunday with a win over Hoop Dreams, with Gaston shining as a scorer and playmaker. The left-handed combo guard consistently hit shots from range off reversal passes in the half-court offense and set the pace in transition. His defense, however, proved decisive in the victory. Gaston frustrated opposing ballhandlers, twitching between passing lanes and gap control to keep opponents guessing. Griffin Elite finished the weekend 4-0, with Gaston playing a pivotal role.
Antoine Caughman – Upward Stars – 2028
Caughman solidified his status as one of the top freshman prospects at the event with a stellar Sunday morning performance, scoring 18 points in a win. The 6-foot-4 guard contributed with 3-pointers and timely finishes at the rim. With a wide wingspan and springy legs, Caughman has the profile of a player destined to compete at high levels for years to come.
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.
