OTR Hoops: Sweet 16 – Day 2 Top Performers (Sandy) – May 20, 2024

Sweet 16: Day 2 Afternoon Standouts

By: Kyle Sandy

2026 6-6 F Emmanuel Alofe – GA Stunners – McEachern (Pictured)

There was a lot to come away impressed with when watching Emmanuel Alofe on Saturday afternoon. At 6-foot-6, his length immediately catches your eye, all arms and legs. Alofe has a lanky wingspan and agile feet. Emmanuel guards on the perimeter and in the post. He drew the assignment of guarding 5-foot-5 Jerron Wilson and did a terrific job moving his feet and frustrating the elusive playmaker. When he’s in the paint, Emmanuel is an active rebounder, springy off the floor. He scored all four of his buckets on putbacks as he finished with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 2 steals in a 43-31 win. Alofe converted with both hands. His most impressive play got whistled dead, but Alofe attacked baseline and had a monster one-handed jam. He has sneaky good ball skills, able to handle on the wing and use crossovers against defenders.  Emmanuel is an intriguing prospect with immense defensive value moving forward.

2026 5-9 G Vance Anderson – CAAT Wildcats – East Paulding

Vance had a breakout game against the GA Stunners, scoring 13 of his team-high 14 points in the second half. Anderson found success by attacking the rim. He was able to breakdown defenders and get to the hoop where he finished through contact with both hands, earning a pair of And-1s.  Vance emerged as a go-to shot maker as only four CAAT points we accounted else where over the final 16 minutes. He drilled a pair of threes and netted a one-dribble pull-up on the right wing to round out his impressive night.

2026 5-10 PG Messiah Millin – SMB – Hoover

Messiah was one of the best offensive orchestraters I saw this weekend. The shifty point guard delivered dimes to his teammates, dropping in perfect touch passes over the top of the defense in transition. Aside from his full court touchdown passes, Millin was able to create offense off the bounce. Messiah made great decisions in the open floor and in the half court, slipped through the defense and crafted together difficult finishes in traffic.  Millin recorded 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in a 65-56 victory.

2026 6-3 W Kavious Marshall – Soo Fresh Supreme-TDBA – Paulding County

The active lefty stood out with his leaping ability and nose for the ball. Kavious swooped in for offensive rebounds, scoring on three putbacks. He knocked down a corner three, converted a lob and had two driving layups. Marshall brings a lot of energy to the floor and with his athleticism; he’s a dynamic piece that can make a two-way impact. Marshall tallied 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Expect an uptick in his production this season at Paulding County.

2025 5-11 PG LJ Blackwell – Crestview Elite Bulldogs – Crestview

A pure point guard, LJ Blackwell was the ultimate table setter in a blowout 42-15 win. With just two points scored, Blackwell proved that a great point guard can dominate a game without having to score. LJ sliced up the defense with his passing and really thrived in transition as he ignited fastbreaks with his pitch ahead outlets. Blackwell found teammates with no-look passes when he got penetration and defensively, was a nuisance with his quick on-ball pressure. LJ tallied 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 1 block.