OTR Hoops: Rocky Top Invitational Standouts Part III – May 7, 2025
GATLINBURG, Tennessee – The Rocky Top Invitational pulsed with high-energy matchups and rising stars, showcasing some of the region’s brightest young basketball talent. With courts packed and competition fierce, it took three evaluators and hundreds of social media posts to capture the action. Here, we present a third edition of standouts from the event—players who left a mark and are sure to be heard from again. Whether flashing potential or delivering standout performances, these prospects shone brightly.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
KJ Lee – Uwin Serventz – 2026
Hazel Green’s Lee has been a spring standout, erupting for 37 points at the OTR Main Event in early April. This weekend, tough defensive pressure disrupted his rhythm, but his talent still shone through. With sharp court vision, fluid body control, and a flair for hitting contested shots, Lee is poised to rank among Alabama’s elite guards next season. Keep his name on your radar this spring and summer.
Huey Blalock – ATL Timberwolves – 2026
Some players may be more impressive in pregame warm-ups, but few compete as relentlessly as Blalock. Often underestimated due to his 5-foot-10 frame, he typically leads the Timberwolves in points and assists. In Sunday’s clash with the Charlotte Aces, Blalock faced a hounding defense for 32 minutes yet delivered 19 points. His reliable shooting, confident ball-handling, and cool-headed leadership make him a standout in tough moments.
Noah Van Beurden – Carolina Rip Tide – 2026
The Carolina Rip Tide surged on Sunday, overwhelming opponents with a roster brimming with shooters, scorers, and athletes. Leading the charge was Van Beurden, a 6-foot-4 guard whose length and shooting touch stood out. He drained four 3-pointers en route to a team-high 15 points in a victory, cementing his status as one of the weekend’s premier marksmen.
Giancario Martinez – BMaze Elite – 2028
Among BMaze Elite’s steady performers, Martinez proved a model of reliability. The freshman forward reached double digits in every game, thriving without needing primary touches in the half-court offense. Martinez battles inside for rebounds, scores through contact, and stays active as a cutter and finisher. Defensively, he dives for loose balls and disrupts passing lanes with maximum effort.
Jaiden Pugh – BMaze Elite – 2026
Another BMaze Elite gem, Pugh wowed with one of the smoothest pull-up jumpers at the event. Now standing 6-foot-5 with long arms, he’s a matchup nightmare for backcourt defenders. Pugh rises over contests with ease, his soft touch and court awareness giving him an edge in the midrange. When discussing Tennessee’s top shooting guards, Pugh belongs at the forefront.
EJ Coley – NGU – 2026
Coley is the kind of player you admire the longer you watch. Quietly effective, he focuses on making the right play rather than chasing attention. One game, he might score in double digits; the next, he’s in single digits but impacts the game in countless ways. As NGU’s primary ball-handler, Coley sets up teammates with precision yet proved at Rocky Top he can score when needed. His development will be one to follow this season.
Jonah Bartley – East Kentucky Basketball Club – 2027
Bartley was electric last weekend, torching defenses for 33 points in a Saturday win. The 6-foot-3 guard scores efficiently, picking his spots and converting at a high clip without needing heavy volume. His impact extends beyond scoring—Bartley hauled in over 10 rebounds in another game, showcasing his versatility. He ranked among the top prospects in the 16U pool play at the event.
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.
