We ended up in Spartanburg this weekend for Carolina Mania, the 1st of 4 Carolina stops that OTR will be creating this spring. The industry was deep with talent, numerous really touted potential clients and lots of new names also emerging. In this article are a couple of men that stood out in the 16u division.
By: Cam Rickers
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Jossiah Johnson – 2026 – Staff Wall (Pictured Above)
Johnson was one particular of the most intriguing faculty potential clients we noticed in the 16u division. His physical tools bounce off the website page, 6’6 and athletic with a D1 body. Johnson takes advantage of those people applications very well close to the paint, in a position to power by call and complete at or earlier mentioned the rim. His capturing means was also on exhibit this weekend, several three-tips and some challenging turnaround jumpers from the post. Johnson’s recruitment hasn’t taken off yet, but he has the makings of a mid-major prospect.
Justin Caldwell – 2026 – Staff United EYBL
Staff United ran via the competitiveness this weekend and opened a large amount of eyes. Caldwell served direct the demand, creating a significant affect with his physicality inside of. Caldwell is 6’9 and crafted like a limited close. He can take every little thing up powerful with two palms and attracts a ton of fouls about the basket. On the glass, opposing bigs wrestle to drive Caldwell off of his location as he utilizes the lessen entire body strength to manage place. Caldwell at the moment retains delivers from Mississippi State, VCU, Norfolk Condition, Hampton, Radford, and Higher Position.
Elton Smith – 2026 – Upward Stars 3SSB
There’s a great deal to like about Smith’s sport and he set all of it on display screen this weekend at Carolina Mania. Smith is the two potent and cellular at 6’9 with some nimble footwork close to the basket. What stood out the most to me was Smith’s motor. He was traveling all over in the back again of the push, intercepting passes and chasing loose balls. Queens (NC) was the initial college to supply Smith back in January and his checklist is sure to improve immensely.
Brandon James – 2026 – Attempt 4 Excellence (Blue)
Attempt 4 Excellence manufactured a statement this weekend, winning all 3 of their video games by double-digit margins. James played a big job in their achievement and furnished a regular scoring possibility. James is a fluid athlete and moves truly properly, smooth with the rock and cozy participating in at various speeds. He showcased the potential to rating from several concentrations in the halfcourt and also did a lot of hurt in transition. Brandon James is now on our radar and really should draw a great deal much more focus at OTR activities this spring.
Michael Smalls – 2026 – Upward Stars Charleston
Smalls may not have crammed up the scoresheet like some of the significant-identify standouts, but his rare features caught the awareness of our scouts. The DJ Burns comparisons have been being drawn all weekend, not only the actual physical appearance but sure facets of his match as very well. Smalls is a big-entire body forward which is remarkably gentle on his ft. He showed flashes of some very low article activity and if Smalls can mature to finish constantly, he’ll be a issue down there. Smalls has definitely gained a 2nd look from our staff after a solid showing at Carolina Mania.
Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his entire lifetime and joined OTR as scout/evaluator in 2023. He’s put in the previous couple of a long time scouting for PrepHoops, constructing a reliable profile in just the grassroots scene. In addition to his do the job for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting Director for Sewer South. You can access him at [email protected] and abide by him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops