Five Takeaways: MLK Basketball Showcase

<p><em>ALEXANDRIA, VA</em> -- The Inaugural MLK Basketball Showcase featured some of the best teams from the area, and there was definitely some high level talent in the gym. Coaches from schools like Elon, Frostburg State, Hampden Sydney, Harvard, La Salle, Marymount &amp; St. Mary's College of Maryland were spotted throughout the day. Here we recap the event with a run down of five takeaways.</p> <h2>ACHUFUSI COMING INTO HIS OWN</h2> <p>Sidwell Friends put on another strong defensive display by suffocating Bishop Ireton and holding the Cardinals to just 34 points. <strong>Afamdi Achufusi</strong>, a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard, looks as healthy as we've seen, and is embracing his role as the team's best perimeter defender. Achufusi is also good at carving out space down low, and is already one of the team's best post scoring options. </p> <h2>FLINT HILL STILL ROLLING</h2> <p>Sunday's win over Middleburg marked 14 in a row for Flint Hill, who haven't lost since Sidwell held them to their season low of 50 points back in December. Anchored by 6-foot-10 paint presence <strong>Qudus Wahab</strong>, the Huskies are playing their best ball of the season. <strong>Ethan Jones</strong> has been a great floor general for the team, <strong>Dowar Jioklow</strong> is playing harder than ever, and <strong>Jordan Hairston</strong> has provided an added element with his ability to score in bunches. </p> <h2>LONG CONTINUES TO PRODUCE</h2> <p><strong>Mekhi Long</strong> is enjoying his best stretch of basketball at the moment. The Rhode Island commit, who just celebrated his 18th birthday, was the catalyst for McNamara's win over a tough St. Andrew's team. Long is still tapping into his offensive potential, but expect him to make an immediate impact in the A10 with his elite defense and relentless motor. </p> <h2>TALENTED SENIORS STILL AVAILABLE</h2> <p><strong>Jason Gibson </strong>continues to fortify his case as a D1 prospect. The available guard prospect dropped 24 in Sidwell's win over Ireton, and continues to produce despite the fact that teams have tailored their respective game-plans towards neutralizing him. An underrated aspect of Gibson's game is his defense. He is an alert help defender who takes charges and gets steals/deflections.</p> <p><strong>Jordan Hairston </strong>has been a stud this season for Flint Hill. Several D1's have taken notice and we've seen his recruitment begin to expand in recent months. </p> <p><strong>Joel Kabimba </strong>had a strong second half for Middleburg as they attempted to come back and make it close vs. Flint Hill. The athletic forward, who is listed at 6-foot-9 showcased his versatility on both ends of the floor and played with a tireless motor. </p> <p><strong>Ethan Jones </strong>is not asked to score a bunch, but his defense and toughness are key to Flint Hill's success. Jones has intangibles that coaches look for, and should help whatever college program he chooses. </p> <p><strong>Ethan Lynch </strong>can add immediate value to a college program because of his defense, but has shown that he can be an efficient and reliable scoring option. Lynch scored 19 points on 5 of 10 from the field and 9 of 10 from the line with 7 steals in a loss to Sidwell. </p> <p><strong>Johnathan McGriff </strong>came up big down the stretch for McNamara, hitting several tough shots to help his team keep the lead. Perhaps the best unsigned floor generals in the state, McGriff looks stronger than ever and it'll certainly be interesting to see how his recruitment shakes out. </p> <p><strong>David Penney </strong>is a flat out sleeper in the 2019 class. The tough point guard is a solid on ball defender, but also a reliable playmaker with handles and impressive court vision. Penney knocked down 2 of 3 from downtown vs. Flint Hill, and hit both of his free throw attempts. He shot 5 of 9 overall on his way to recording 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. </p> <p><strong>Qudus Wahab </strong>was the best prospect in the gym on Sunday, and his ability to control the paint on both ends was a major Factor in Flint Hill's win. We'll soon find out where he plans to attend college.</p> <h2>RECRUITING UPDATES</h2> <p><strong>Canin Reynolds </strong>didn't play on Sunday, but he was in the gym supporting a friend and we had the chance to talk recruiting with him. Reynolds says he plans to take his first official visit to Columbia this weekend. The Lions are yet to offer, but we wouldn't be surprised if they do and he commits on the spot. </p> <p><strong>Colin Smalls </strong>says he's been in consistent contact with about 15 schools. While Harvard has not directly reached out to him yet, we believe that the Crimson sent Assistant Coach Donny Guerinoni to evaluate Smalls. </p>