OTR Hoops: Top Available Seniors Part I – February 1, 2025

With the high school season winding down it is time to take a look at which seniors have done the most to elevate their recruiting stock this season. The OTR media team has tracked many of these players at events in the city. Here is a first installment of impressions of available seniors.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

CJ Geathers –Guard – Chapel Hill High School

Geathers is an electric athlete. He is a threat to punch dunks in transition and off the alley-oop in the half court. He has also improved his 3-point shooting this season, making him an all-around threat on the offensive end. His defensive versatility ought to catch the eye of college coaches who are looking for an incoming freshman who can plug into a system and contribute right away.

Read More: HERE

 

Luke Jack – Guard – Creekview

Jack might be one of the most overlooked prospects in the state. The Grizzlies have had a tough year, but that should not detract from the resume that Jack has compiled. He is a 6-foot-6 back court player who is readymade for the modern era of college basketball. He is a threat from beyond the arc and has the athleticism to compete with some of the best in his class. After a few years of strength and conditioning, it would not be surprising to see Jack on television making plays.

Read More: HERE

Braden Moore – Point Guard – Lee County

Moore established himself as one of the top playmakers last spring and summer on the OTR circuit with the Georgia Canes. He has kept that momentum during the school year. He excels as a lead guard who can create angles as a passer and a pull-up jumper shooter. His craftiness as a handler gives him a projection as a college ball player.

Read More: HERE


Mansur McClain – Wing – Wheeler High School

McClain emerged as a big part of the Wildcats success this season. We watched him drain seven 3-pointers and notch 31 points in a win at the Grayson New Year’s Classic. That skill combined with his athleticism as an open court finisher and defender make him an attractive next level prospect. Expect McClain to be a key piece in the Wildcats post season plans.

Read More: HERE 


Deke Cooper – Forward – Woodward Academy

Cooper is the engine that keeps the Eagles on the winning path. While the backcourt is littered with high major talent, Cooper is glue that keeps the team together with plays in the middle of the floor. We have been impressed with his ability to control the glass and make the winning plays at the rim. Cooper also has shooting range that makes his profile attractive for prospective coaches.

Read More: HERE 

Marcus Smith II – Point Guard – Newton County

Smith’s game has taken a step forward this season. He has the confidence of everyone around him to make reads and lead the Rams from tip to buzzer. The lefty is a terrific athlete who can accelerate to the rim with suddenness. His ability to attack and finish with his off hand can hardly be called a weakness any longer. He is established as one of the top available point guards in the Peach State.

Read More: HERE 


Daniel Daramola – Forward – Greenforest Academy

Daramola is the model for accepting a role and fulfilling it. He is a 6-7 prospect who has flashed perimeter potential in the past. But to win games and make the Eagles the best they can be, Daramola has embraced the low post. He has nearly perfected the turnaround jumper, which is almost un-guardable nightly for opponents. College coaches need to track him this post season. Of all the players on this list, his athletic ceiling is higher than anyone else. He projects as a versatile defender who has yet to round out his offensive skill set.

Read More: HERE 


Chris McLavish – Point Guard – Grayson High School

The Rams appear to be poised to repeat as champs again this season. It is never easy, but with a roster full of high major prospects and experience, coach Geoffrey Pierce should like his chances. The player that often gets overlooked in the hype surrounding the Rams is perhaps the most indispensable. McLavish is a steady handler and a consistent shooter in the back court. Just when the defense has rotated to take away a Wilkins dunk and doubled on Amir on the block, McLavish pops open for a timely 3-pointer. A player with his experience and toughness needs to have a look at the next level.

Read More: HERE 

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.