OTR The Opening 16U Standouts – March 22, 2023
On The Radar’s opening weekend event, The Opening, took place this weekend and provided a nice look at some of the top programs around the Southeast. We saw some killer matchups including several between sponsored programs and top independent teams. For the most part, I bounced back and forth between 17u and 16u games, both of which featured some legitimate prospects.
By: Cam Rickers (@CamRickersHoops)
2025 C Mekhi Ragland – Team Huncho (Berkmar)
Mekhi Ragland was undoubtedly one of the most impressive prospects from the 16u division, showcasing a unique skillset to pair with his massive 6’10 frame. Ragland has a beautiful jumper that extends out to the three-point line and his size allows him to get his shot up over closeouts. Around the basket, he’s got nice footwork, great hands, and a soft touch. Upon moving down from New Jersey prior to the high school season, Mekhi Ragland quickly became one of my favorite bigs in the state and this weekend was an indictor why.
2025 SG Sawyer Griffin – Team Person (Devyne Stephens Academy)
Sawyer Griffin got hot in the Sunday morning game and never cooled off, leading Team Person to a win over the Atlanta Timberwolves with 24 point coming solely off of his 8 three- pointers. Griffin is a zone killer, always dangerous in catch and shoot situations. His outside stroke is pure an he doesn’t need much space to rise up and pull it confidently. Sawyer Griffin is one of several young pieces at Devyne Stephens Academy that are worth checking out.
2025 G Zach Bleshoy – Atlanta Timberwolves (Pope)
Zach Bleshoy was one of the breakout stars of the high school season and has carried that momentum through the first weekend of the spring circuit. Bleshoy was the clear centerpiece of the Timberwolves 2025 group and he ran the show beautifully. In transition, Bleshoy manipulates defenders to create easy finishes and likes to finish above the rim when he can get to the launch pad. He’s got insticts for days, a great overall feel for the game. At the rate that Bleshoy’s stock has been rising, I wouldn’t be surprised if colleges get involved early this spring.
2025 C Tamiel Green – Team 24/7 (Salem)
Tamiel Green initially caught my attention this winter playing at Salem but this weekend provided the first chance to really sit down and observe his game. Green immediately stands out upon taking the court because of his glaring size advantage against most 16-year-olds. He’s usually listed at 6’8 but I wouldn’t be surprised if that number is now 6’9 or 6’10 based on what I saw this weekend. Combine that with his thickness and Green is as tough a boxout assignment as you’ll find in the 16u division. He’s got good hands and had a ton of lay-ins and putbacks around the basket. His best basketball is certainly still ahead
