MLK Classic: Day 1 Standouts

<p>The MLK Classic is taking place at the Arizona Grand Ballroom. The event runs from January 16th until the 18th and features several club teams from across the West Coast, including teams from Washington, California, and Arizona. Several players put together sterling performances on opening day. In this article, we take a look at the players that stood out on Day 1. </p> <p><strong>Ariya Briscoe</strong><em> 6’1 PG Team Lavine 2021</em> - Whenever possible I always ask the table the same question "Who’s balling?" When I went to the table today, I got an instant reply, "Number 8" The story checks out. Briscoe was remarkable, showing a great first step, blow by ability, and a knack for finishing at the rim. In addition to his physical skills, you're also getting a winner, Briscoe was the starting PG for a 27-1 state championship team. </p> <p><strong>Matthew Brand</strong> <em>6’1 SG Team Arsenal 2021</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Brand was tough today. He put the shooting in shooting guard burying several big-time 3’s He was automatic from the corner knocking down several late 3’s to help Arsenal escape with a hard-fought win over D1 New Mexico. </p> <p><strong>Dondre Bausley</strong> <em>6’2 SF Cooper Institute 2021</em> - What stood out to me most about Bausley was how unique his game was. He was a bully when playing downhill, but he also showed some nice passing skills. The burly forward was able to draw two and deliver pinpoint passes in the lane, helping Cooper to a gritty victory over gamepoint. </p> <p><strong>Dylan Chavez</strong> <em>6’3 SG NM D1 2024</em> - I’d been waiting for a breakout game from Chavez. Despite the loss, he had one against a solid Arsenal team. He’s a smooth scorer that couldn’t be sped up. Chavez showed the ability to score off the bounce and when left open behind the line. He was so much of a problem that Arsenal was forced to face guard him late in the game. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1111520" first="Jaylen" last="Wells"] <em>6’6 SF Rose City Ballers 2021</em> - Wells was so smooth. The wing made a ton of pull up jumpers to help Rose City get a victory over a good Elite Prep squad. He showed good iso ability and a nice touch from about 15-18 feet. . </p> <p><strong>Gabriel Gonzales</strong> <em>6’2 PG Cooper Institute 2021</em> - Gonzales wasn’t flashy, he simply played a solid game. The PG showed a slick handle, was good against pressure, and made timely shots to help his squad escape with a W. A 3.0 student Gonzales is gaining interest from Cal, Poly, and Point Park. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>