OTR Hoops – Tip Off Classic Standout Forwards – November 21, 2023

NORCROSS, Georgia, – Norcross High School hosted the OTR Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, the first of two On The Radar showcases this high school season. Top teams from around the state squared off and we saw some fantastic finishes, none better than the Sandy Creek-Mt. Vernon game which ended with a Jared White three at the buzzer.  Here, we break down some standout forwards/bigs from Saturday’s event.

By: Cam Rickers

LJ Moore – 6’7 – PF – Pace Academy – 2024

Langston Hughes put up a good fight against Pace but LJ Moore was the difference-maker. Moore dominated the paint all game, grabbing a ton of rebounds and converting countless tough buckets at the rim. He finished with 19 points including 9 in the 2^nd quarter that helped Pace stretch their lead. Moore is an excellent complement to the star-powered backcourt and he’ll play a key role in their eventual playoff run.

Troy Stiggers – 6’3 – SF/PF – Parkview – 2026

Troy Stiggers was the x-factor for Parkview in an impressive win over Lanier. Stiggers came off the bench and provided an immediate spark. He hit two three-pointers, finished a handful of tough ones through contact, and brought some physicality to the defensive end. Stiggers uses his football body well around the paint and doesn’t shy away from contact. He finished with 14 points and helped carry the scoring load in the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters.

Mekhi Ragland – 6’11 – C – Berkmar – 2025

It was a dominant showing from Berkmar on Saturday as they took care of a solid Central Gwinnett team. Mekhi Ragland was the story of the game and Central Gwinnett struggled to slow him down. Ragland possesses a unique combination of size and skill, able to overpower defenders on the block and also step out to stroke the three-ball. His soft hands and footwork are also rare traits for guys his size. With Ragland in the middle and a number of talented guards around him, Berkmar looks like a legitimate contender.

Xavier Shegog – 6’6 – PF – Mt. Vernon – 2024

Xavier Shegog put together a great game for Mt. Vernon on Saturday as they took Sandy Creek to the final buzzer. Mt. Vernon was able to limit Micah Smith to 10 points and Shegog was largely responsible. Offensively, Shegog showed off an expanded perimeter skillset. He knocked down a three-pointer and also helped handle the ball against Sandy Creek’s press. Shegog finished with 17 points to lead the way for Mt. Vernon. Shegog recently committed to West Georgia.

Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator this spring. He spent the year prior scouting for PrepHoops, working hard to make a name for himself within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting & Scouting Director for Wood Elite. You can reach him at camrickers12@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops