OTR HOOPS: Thanksgiving Showcase Standout Performers – November 29, 2024

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia, – The OTR Thanksgiving Showcase featured six games all with noteworthy prospects to track. As region play approaches for all of these teams, this showcase provided an opportunity for teams to measure their progress. Check the results from the event HERE. Below is a look back at the performers who stood out above the rest.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Amir Taylor – Grayson High School – 2025

Taylor’s talents are not a secret around the city. The senior forward recently signed with Kennesaw State and is poised to help lead the Rams to another deep post season run. Coach Pierce’s roster is stacked, but one could make the argument that Taylor is the linchpin for the Rams success this season. He is a reliable interior scorer and anchors the defense with his rebounding. Although he lacks the quick twitch and bounce of his frontcourt teammate, Jacob Wilkins, he has his own way of notching points on the scoreboard. He uses touch in traffic and kisses the ball of the backboard for and 1’s makes. This is as important as his teammate’s high-flying dunks.

Nathan Earl – Milton High School – 2025

Milton used a quick start to pace themselves to a victory over Peachtree Ridge on Wednesday night. Earl was the catalyst in that start, scoring ten points in the first quarter of the game. Earl is an active, athletic combo guard capable of distributing within the half-court offense or scoring buckets in the open court. He was particularly effective in coach Allen Whitehart’s half court set where he scored key buckets off perimeter back screens. Earl and company look to keep the momentum going as they have three consecutive region games in December.

Jarvis Hayes Jr. – Woodward Academy – 2027

Hayes Jr. looks to be one of the top up-and-coming underclassmen in the state. He notched five 3-pointers in his 17-point outing in a win over Lambert. The lanky framed, 6-foot-5 wing sports a silky-smooth jumper. He manages to keep balance with terrific footwork when cutting around the perimeter. For this team, he fills in nicely as a complimentary scorer next to playmakers such as Zac Foster and Deke Cooper. However, we can see that Hayes Jr. will soon be counted upon to be the alpha creator. As he matures and continues to add confidence, we expect his name to be mentioned consistently amongst the top in the nation at his position.

Jaylen Edgerton – Chattahoochee – 2025

The game did not end the way the Cougars had hoped. But there were bright spots to build upon for coach Wade Mawdesley. Edgerton, a senior combo guard, scored a game high 23 points and did it in an efficient manner. His ability to get out on the break and score around contesting hands caught our eye. He also demonstrated terrific instinct as a slasher and a play creator. The Cougars have a roster with interesting pieces and Edgerton could provide the fuel for a successful postseason run.

Matt Hardwick – Lee County – 2025

This will not be the last time we mention Lee County this season. Not if Hardwick continues to play the way he did on Wednesday. He scored 29 points and snatched eight rebounds in their matchup with Tri-Cities. The 6-6 lefty is well built with strength that pairs well with his footwork and agility. He anchors his team in the lane and gives the type of buckets that a team needs to count upon when February and March arrive. As defenses tighten up and 3-pointers become harder to come by, having a go-to presence in the lane becomes ever more important. Hardwick will be able to offer that on a nightly basis.

Orion Wilson – Greenforest Academy – 2025

We mentioned Wilson’s name as one to watch in the OTR Thanksgiving Showcase Preview and it turned out that he was THE ONE to watch in the event’s opening game. He scored a game high 26 points. He gets a lot of work done off the dribble in traffic at the rim. His length and athleticism make him a tough match-up for most teams, because he can scoot past bigger defenders and score over smaller ones. The Eagles have a talented roster and are positioned for another post season run.

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 JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.