OTR Hoops: Saturday Top Performers from Run for the Cup – April 28, 2025

A list of standout performers from Saturday’s games at Run for the Cup.

By: Kyle Sandy

2025 6-7 C Markell Sampson – Louisiana Gators – Central

Markell controlled the paint on Saturday morning, posting 18 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks in a 62-60 buzzer-beating win over Team Dickerson Black OTR. Sampson went to work inside, sealing for post position as he looked to score over his left shoulder. Markell was explosive when finishing throwing down three dunks including catching an alley-oop off the backboard. Sampson covered ground running the floor for easy hoops and was a consistent factor, shining as the go-to option for the Gators whenever they needed a hoop.

2025 6-0 G Tre Couzens – Team Dickerson Black OTR – TD Prep

The lefty stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block. Tre hit two threes and converted an And-1 putback for his only three field goals. Couzens got to the line at will, shooting 12-13 from the stripe. The veteran playmaker showcased his athleticism crashing down for rebounds and hanging in the air when attacking the rim to dish out to shooters.

2025 6-10 C Fallou Dioum – Team Bo Bell – Pebblebrook

JUCO programs are hunting Fallou’s services. The big fella looked great in a 61-38 win, dominating with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks. Fallou looks like his conditioning and athleticism has improved over the past 12 months. He’s quicker off the floor and more explosive, finishing with rim rattling slams, snatching rebounds at their highest point and swatting away shots above the square. Dioum had two turnaround hooks in the lane to open up his scoring before catching a pair of alley-oops and scoring on a putback. Fallou has great potential and is continuing to improve at a rapid rate.

2026 6-2 G DJ McMillan – Team Bo Bell – Pebblebrook

DJ may become a trendy prospect over the next year. McMillan is a lengthy multi-dimensional scorer packed with athleticism. He drains threes both off the catch and off the dribble at a high rate. When he attacks the rim he finishes with slams. DJ has the makings of a 3&D guard with his activity and ability to defend multiple spots along the perimeter. McMillan went for 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals against Strive 4 Excellence.

2026 6-2 W Nathan Jackson – Strive 4 Excellence Yellow – John Carroll Catholic

Jackson brings his football toughness and physicality to the hardwood. Nathan can be used in a variety of ways but typically shines when he’s using his strength to rebound and score in the paint. Jackson plays bigger than his size and can create mismatches. Nathan can hit the open three and is good at scoring through contact. He converted on three putbacks as he tallied 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals against Team Bo Bell.

2026 6-6 W Zuri Mesquitte – HoopAtlanta Orange OTR – Spire

The open floor was where Zuri was at his best in a 54-34 win. At 6-foot-6, Mesquitte moves well as a coast-to-coast creator. He got all the way to the rim after collecting rebounds but also displayed a nice jump shot, pulling up from distance as he hit a pair of threes with his set-shot.  When the ball isn’t in his hands, Zuri did well filling the lanes. Four of his six buckets came in transition as he tacked on 14 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal.

2026 6-0 G Colby Johnson – Ballin Blazers – Arabia Mountain

Although the scoreboard wasn’t in their favor, the Ballin Blazers got a nice effort out of Colby Johnson. The Arabia Mountain Ram caught my eye with his fluidity. Johnson is smooth getting into his shot and is a crafty finisher in traffic. He frees himself with spin moves to get into pull-up jumpers but also showed an in-between game with tear drop floaters. Johnson finished at the cup with both hands and was a productive defender finishing with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

2026 6-0 CG Cason Harden – Cam Sports Academy – Colquitt County

Known for his lethal outside shot, Cason mixed it up on Saturday morning with an explosive 26-point, 3-rebound, 2-assist performance. Harden scored six baskets in transition by running the floor. He did well to square his shoulders when attacking from the baseline to score through defenders and maneuvered baskets with both hands. He sank a pair of threes in the second half as Cam Sports won 63-61.

2026 6-2 SG Kaden Thomas – Georgia Fire OTR – Greenforest

The southpaw buried four three-pointers en route to 24 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Thomas was money off the catch and kept the defense on their toes with a pair of slashes. Kaden went 6-6 from the foul line and used his wingspan so disrupt passing lanes.

2026 6-3 G Jakobi Sharp – GA Stars EYCL – Gadsden City 

Not many players scored at the rate Jakobi did. When he wanted a bucket, he got one. Sharp is a physical guard. He can barrel his way through traffic without getting bumped off his line. He rebounds well, scoring multiple hoops throughout the weekend on putbacks. What stood out most though, was his perimeter scoring. Sharp drained jumpers off the catch and off the bounce. Jakobi has a compact stroke with accurate three-point range. When defenders overstretched to contest his shots, he blew by for easy hoops. Sharp dumped in 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in a 30-point win before leading the charge in a victory over Game Elite 16U.

2026 6-6 W Colben Landrew – Game Elite – Wheeler

Colben has a grown man game. He is one of the state’s most overpowering players when it comes to getting to the rim. He expertly works 15-feet and in, scoring on cuts, post-ups and short drives. In a 73-64 win over the GA Canes, Landrew got to the hoop consistently whether in the full court or half court. He put up 18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal while shooting 6-6 from the foul line.

2026 6-4 SG Matt Allen – Game Elite – Gatewood

Matt provided a spark off the bench after a sluggish start for Game Elite, coming in to drill back-to-back threes before finishing with 9 points on three long balls. Allen is a hidden gem outside of the GHSA as one of the state’s elite scorers. He is a knockdown shooter with a quick trigger and deep range. While his three-point shooting draws the most attention, when needed Matt can also get to the hole and finish above the rim. His recruitment is trending up heading into his senior season.