OTR Hoops: Summer Jam 17U Standouts – April 23, 2024
Summer Jam was the most loaded event of the spring so far for OTR with just about every notable Georgia program in attendance. We saw multiple Top-100 prospects go head-to-head and some of the top circuit teams battle it out for bragging rights. These are a couple of players that made their mark in the 17u division.
By: Cam Rickers
Clark Mastin – 2024 – AOT (Pictured Above)
There are few unsigned seniors that have managed to rise their stock as much as Clark Mastin this spring. Earlier in Mastin’s career, I labeled him a pass-first point guard. He’s not that anymore. Mastin has proven capable of generating instant offense for AOT this spring, effortlessly blowing past defenders to score at the cup or setup a teammate. He led AOT to a 4-0 record this weekend including wins over the Atlanta Celtics and AE5. Mastin tells me that he recently decommitted from Hampden-Sydney and is now looking for the next opportunity.
Kelan Flowers – 2024 – Charlotte Aces Platinum
Kelan Flowers continues to grow on us after several impressive showings at OTR events this spring. Flowers is a true floor general with some serious playmaking ability. Not only does Flowers have terrific vision, but he’s also extremely accurate with his passes and makes it easy for it his teammates. He also posed a scoring threat but didn’t force anything, attacking when the lane was there and knocking down shots when given space. If Flowers continues to play at this level, he’ll find a home pretty soon.
Josiah Parker – 2025 – Game Elite 3SSB
The summer blow-up feels inevitable for Josiah Parker if he continues to play like he did this weekend. Parker shared the court with several nationally touted prospects throughout the weekend. He didn’t just hold his own. Parker rose above the competition and proved to be one of the best in the building. Parker’s passing ability is special, especially for a 6’7 forward. He’s got great touch on his shot from all over the floor and can also score inside using his combination of strength and above-the-rim athleticism. Parker currently holds an offer from Presbyterian, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up some high majors before it’s all said and done.
Cedric Taylor – 2025 – AE5 3SSB
AE5 features one of the most dynamic frontcourts you’ll see this spring in Cedric Taylor and Ramon Soyoye. Together, they provided some stifling rim protection and changed each game. Next to Soyoye, Cedric Taylor is able to play a true stretch 4 and that’s a role we’ve wanted to see him in for a while. He thrived in it this weekend, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and handling it on the perimeter. Taylor also makes for an excellent rim-runner, and we saw him throw down several two-hand slams in transition. His recruitment should pick up significantly over the next few months.
Caleb Thomas – 2025 – Team Thad EYBL
The Pebblebrook point guard made the most of his weekend back in Atlanta. Team Thad went undefeated this weekend and while a lot of the eyes were on Jasper Johnson, Caleb Thomas was the x-factor in my opinion. Thomas is lightning quick with the ball in his hands, and he uses that to his advantage both in transition and in the halfcourt. He’s also grown to be a consistent threat from the three-point line. Aside from his skills and ability, Thomas brings an energy that’s contagious to his teammates.
Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator in 2023. He’s spent the past few years scouting for PrepHoops, building a reputable profile within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting Director for Sewer South. You can reach him at camrickershoops@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops
