OTR Super 64 – Stock Rising Prospects – August 29, 2022

NORCROSS, Georgia – August marks the beginning in-between season for high school prospects. With the summer evaluation period behind us and the high school season still months away, this is a time where players can compete, train, and prepare for their next opportunities. Here is my first installment of top players from the OTR Super 64 Camp, which featured over 100 players from around the state of Georgia.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Class of 2024 point guard Malique Johnson of Tri-Cities High School showed his ability to score the ball at the camp. He connected on floaters in the lane while also showing range on his jumper. He does a nice job of changing pace with the ball in his hands. This keeps defenders off balance and gives him the space to score from the perimeter.

Malique Johnson @malique5johnson is a solid guard that has shown he can lead the offense or score off the ball. @BasketballTCHS @TeamYRN1 @OTRHoops

— Willie Evans Jr. (@Jr_OTRH) August 27, 2022

We loved the high energy output of guard CJ Johnson. The class of 2024 Mountain View High School prospect did a great job of finishing in transition ahead of chasing defenders. He also proved he could get his own shot in the half court. His soft touch on the midrange jumper and his ability to kiss the ball off the glass earned our attention.

'24 CJ Johnson @cjmjohnson2 is an interesting player at the guard spot. He can score in the open floor and is capable of scoring in bunches with his speed. @MVHSBearsBB

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) August 27, 2022

Mason Bolinger of The Heritage School showed a diversity of skill on Saturday afternoon. The 2024 guard is a natural shooter with pristine footwork and the ability to square to the hoop quickly around the arc. He nailed several long-range jumpers in the gameplay. He also showed the ability to sneak into the lane and finish off the dribble. He was particularly good in transition where he showed finesse and body control around lunging defenders.

'24 Mason Bolinger @Mason_Bolinger is a wing player that can really hit the outside jumper. He's been efficient & has a quick release with accuracy. @THS_HawksMBB

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) August 27, 2022

We predict Mo Diao to have a big year at Mt. Bethel. The junior forward is ready to swallow up rebounds and enforce the paint on the defensive end. Diao’s offensive game is more advanced than one might expect for a 6-foot-9 prospect. He open court handling that makes him a unique force. He also showed flashes of face up skill in the half court where he was able to get downhill off the bounce against reaching defenders.

6-9 2023 Mo Diao (right) may have the height advantage on 6-5 Gabe Omoregie, but it's still made for a fun head to head, tree trunk lower half Omoregie bodying up the sleek and rangy Diao as the two go power vs finesse each time down#OTRSuper64 pic.twitter.com/r2LDXUjdCU

— Keith Agran (@BracketSage) August 27, 2022

Undoubtedly one of the top playmakers at the camp last weekend was Kymel Williams from Athens Academy. The class of 2024 point guard is a high energy handler who will make things happen on the break. He is also very effective in the half court using the ball screen to either create his own shot or to set up teammates when the help rotates his way. Williams should also be noted for his range on his jumper, which gives him a balanced offensive game.

Khalil Green proved himself to be one of the best scorers at the camp. The Stratford Academy product in the class of 2024 hit jumpers from beyond the arc all day long. He had his step-back jumper working well. When defenders tried to rush him off the arc he proved to be just as effective elevating and finishing in traffic. Green’s hesi-n-go move is his signature move that consistently keeps defenders off balance.

'24 Khalil Green @thekhalilgreen is an aggressive style guard that thrives attacking the rim.

He can get by defenders with ease & has added a floater in the paint. @DemondStephens

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) August 27, 2022

Cameron Smith of Pebblebrook High School earns another mention in this recap for his play last weekend. We mentioned Smith from our coverage of the Breakout Camp  two weeks ago and he brought the same type of production again, but this time against kids a year or two older. He is the lone class of 2025 prospect to earn a mention in this recap. The lefty guard is proving to be one of the better passers and distributors that we have evaluated in some time. He uses both hands to create around the high screen and finds the pockets to drop an assist to his flashing teammates.

Class of 2023 guard Braeden Ofosu-Kwarteng of Whitewater High School lit the nets up last Saturday. What got our attention was how he could fire from range even after back pedaling to get behind the line. This type of balance and footwork are unique at this level of play. Put a star next to Ofosu-Kwarteng’s name this year and let us see if he can finish as one of the top shooters in the area.

We like kids that play hard regardless of the situation. Class of 2024 guard Travain Callaway from Columbia High School checked that box all day long at the Super 64 Camp. His high energy attitude allowed him to affect the game on both ends of the court. His touch in the midrange proved that he can be a scorer in addition to a blue collar prospect. He showed a nice arcing shot that kissed the glass at just the right angle.

Class of 2024 wing Will Hopkins from Holy Innocents made his presence known on the court consistently. He has great size for a ball handler who can turn the corner off the dribble. He uses his length to affect the game in traffic as a rebounder, defender, and a scorer. Expect a big year from him with the Bears.

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.