OTR Sweet 16 Session I Day 1 Notebook -April 10, 2021

Nick Woodard is a highly skilled shot makers who stood out on Day 1.

EMERSON, GA– The opening night at On The Radar Hoops Sweet 16 brought in some of the best players from across the Southeast and beyond. For many of these teams it was the third tournament of the young travel season. There were other others who were making their fieriest appearance of the year. Regardless of what was going on, the players came to play; coaches provided the passion while basketball fans in attendance were able to get their fix.

By:@BTS_Report

Here are some things we noted on Day 1.

Team Georgia Magic shows out

 The team from the middle always has something to say. Team Georgia Magic plays with a grit and flare, which can be difficult to do for other teams. This squad has a quality set of players like 2022 Nick Woodard, who is 6-foot-5 and highly skilled. Woodard is an efficient scorer with a great feel for the game. 2022 Travion Solomon is exceptional in transition and in the half court set. His ability to scan the floor and put teammates in solid scoring opportunities. Both players had 17 points and 19 points apiece in a win over Infinite Skillz.

Size for many to see

Every college program, regardless of level, is looking for size. There was plenty on display for many to see or observe. These names stood out on the opening night.

Ernest Udeh, – A 6-foot-10 forward, who plays a lot closer to the basket for Team Parsons CP25/Southeast Elite. He has a great wingspan and is capable of grabbing rebounds outside of his area. The 2022 Dr. Phillips product plays with a high motor and is in constant movement.

Elijah Strong– Flexed his strength during the opening games for Team Curry. At 6-foot-8, he just moved around the paint looking to establish position in any way he could. Strong was not just making people pay with his position, the 2023 product also showed the ability to knock down shots from either inside or out of the paint.

Malik Renau– looks much stronger and the skills have improved after transferring to Montverde Academy. The 6-foot-9 forward is strong enough to lock the interior down. He can also make plays many players his size cannot make on the perimeter. The 2022 Nightrydas product will make opponents pay on either end of the floor.

Marcus Kell– He has great touch for a 6-foot-8 forward. His ability to stretch the court for Upward Stars Southeast 3SSB. The 2022 Legion Collegiate product needs little space to operate inside. He will get the work down on either end of the floor.

Branden Pierce– Pierce is showing everything every college program would want from an interior player. The 7-footer has averaged a near double-double for George Legacy Hoops against TSF and Team Curry. He extends the floor beyond the three-point line. Also, is developing confidence with his back to the basket making him a handful to handle. This River Ridge High product needs to be a 2022 prospect college coaches track.

Van-Allen Lubin– He is a tactician with plenty of versatility. The 6-foot-9 Orlando Christian Prep product gives any squad looking a versatility player with enough skills to warrant offers. He is a solid rim protector and rim runner. This 2022 Team Parsons CP25/Southeast Elite 3SSB product can put it on the floor. He can also hit shots from about 15-feet outside of the lane.