OTR’s The Florida Opening: 2025 Standouts, March 29, 2023
This weekend played host to The Florida Opening, the first of five events that OTR will be hosting in Florida this spring and summer. The weekend was full of competitive games, highlight plays, and a few new faces. These area couple of 2025 players that caught my eye in Daytona.
By: Cam Rickers (@CamRickersHoops)
2025 G Romie Cosby – Born To Win (Rickards)
Romie Cosby had as good a weekend as anyone at The Florida Opening, dominating in both the 16u and 17u divisions for Born To Win. In one game I watched, Cosby went for 33 points and the go-ahead free throws in overtime to win a thriller. Throughout the weekend, he did most of his damage getting to the hole and finishing through contact but also knocked down a handful of jumpers off the bounce. Cosby is one that college coaches will want to start tracking this spring.
2025 F Patrick Johnson – SWFL Hoops 17u (Gateway Charter)
Patrick Johnson did his damage playing up in the 17u division but you would never know he’s just a sophomore by watching him play. Johnson is 6’8 and already filled out with muscle, also athletic and coordinated. He’s got good hands around the basket and had a number of two-hand slams from lobs or dump-offs. On the glass, Johnson fights hard and is a powerful rebounder. With so much to like, I’m surprised Johnson isn’t getting high-major offers already.
2025 F Cornelius Hines – Powerhouse Bulls Grey (Eustis)
Cornelius Hines initially caught my eye before the tip-off just based on his size and length for a 2025 prospect. Hines is a long, 6’6 athlete that’s going to fill out eventually and he’ll be really good once the full skillset catches up. He’s already comfortable playing on the perimeter has a nice outside jumper. Hines rebounds well inside too but some added muscle will help tremendously when he’s playing against other legitimate prospects. The upside with Hines is through the roof and he’ll be a 2025 to keep an eye on in coming years.
2025 G Terrence Shannon – East Coast United (Rockledge)
Terrence Shannon is another guy on this list that stood out while playing up in the 17u division. Shannon ran the show for East Coast United, hitting big shots or providing a spark whenever they needed it. He’s a quick and creative ball-handler that will keep defenders on their toes. There’s some pretty touch on his floaters and he showed off some real three-level scoring ability, able to step out and knock down shots or attack the basket too. Shannon certainly caught some new eyes this weekend in Daytona.
2025 F Manuel Castro – PSB Tampa (Cypress Creek)
Manuel Castro was the difference for PSB Tampa’s 16u team this weekend, providing energy and enthusiasm in some tight games. Castro attacks the rim hard and most of his points came at the rim or the free throw line. He’s quick to get off the ground and that helps him a ton when it comes to rebounding or contesting layups. While there are parts of Castro’s game that still need development, he makes a major impact in each game because of his motor and athleticism.
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
