OTR Hoops: The Final Run – Saturday Standouts – July 27, 2024

The summer’s final tournament has arrived, and we are in the Sunshine State. On The Radar Hoops scouts Jonathan Hemingway and Ross Van De Griek are on the grounds of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel. Here are some of the standouts from Saturday.

By: Ross Van De Griek

2028 6-6 SF Ethan Mott (Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U)

The 6-6 rising freshman continues to raise his stock in all three phases whether it’s rim protection, guarding the perimeter, or defending the middle of the floor. Mott has a strong feel and a great understanding of the game offensively where he flourished onto the scene as a threat around the rim and a top-tier catch-and-shoot threat from the 3-point line.

2027 6-4 CG Johnny Lacklaff (Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U)

Lacklaff continues to have an impressive summer with his presence where he can be a vital threat from the perimeter on the offensive end. His impact off the catch as well as the bounce has taken huge strides in his development. His defensive versatility has also taken a huge step as he guarded multiple positions as well as continuing to rebound with purpose. Don’t be surprised if college coaches start piquing interest in the combo guard after the upcoming high school season.

2027 5-11 CG Messiah Borders (Lakeland Spartans 2027)

The 5-11 rising sophomore combo guard has a multi-level skillset whether it’s his speed or his handle with purpose. Offensively, Borders can stroke it from anywhere within the half court whether it’s off the catch or bounce. Borders has a high efficiency when he has the basketball in his hands where he can get his teammates involved. Defensively, Borders guarded on and off the ball at a high level where his presence in the passing lanes continue to speak high volumes.

2025 6-5 CG Evan Clausen (Wisconsin Playmakers) Pictured at Top

Clausen, listed at 6-5 is a big-body guard who is a true playmaker where he doesn’t need to be the primary ball-handler to make something happen on the offensive end. His rebounding ability on the defensive end as well as pushing the pace. Offensively, Clausen finished with a game-high 21 points and knocked down four 3-pointers in a win over BTI Pressure Elite Gold.

2025 5-11 CG Elijah Fermaint (Powerhouse Bulls Select 2025)

Fermaint is one of the most purified scorers in the upcoming senior class where he plays with purpose and has a clutch-gene where he can knock down tough shots down the stretch when it matters most. His defensive skillset has also taken a huge stride this summer where he guarded the ball with purpose and covered all 94-feet on the floor. His speed and energy should attract a lot of college coaches’ radars as he heads into his senior season.

2027 6-9 PF Exauce Muamba (Austin Rivers SE Elite 16U)

Muamba, listed at 6-9 made a huge presence around the rim whether it was finishing vicious dunks on the offensive end or challenging shots on the defensive end. His footwork also continues to impress and has strong hands where he has grown to be an inside-out threat on the offensive end. Defensively, Muamba plays with a load of physicality and is a bruiser where he could become a huge threat in the next three years as he is just going into his sophomore season.

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On the Radar Hoops since January 2024 and involved in basketball scouting since 2022. You can reach him on X/Twitter @RossVDG14 or send him an email at rossvdg14@gmail.com