Holy Innocents’ MLK Classic: Starting Five

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 8th Annual MLK Classic tipped off Monday at Holy Innocents', delivering a full day of high-level basketball and showcasing several of the state's top teams and prospects. Six boys games filled the schedule, providing a stage for elite talent and standout performances. Below is a look at some of the top prospects who made an impression during Monday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2467575"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697267d1482a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The talented sophomore from Greater Atlanta Christian poured in 21 points in a narrow loss to KIPP, showcasing a versatile offensive arsenal. Bailey scored at all three levels, highlighted by improved range on his jump shot and his ability to punish defenders in ball-screen action. He is particularly effective in the midrange, pairs his scoring ability with above-average athleticism, and consistently shows a high basketball IQ. If he isn't already on the national radar, this offseason should provide a clear opportunity for Bailey to elevate his profile on a broader stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3423714"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697267d148342"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The talented sophomore delivered a standout performance in Monday night's win over Westminster, leading all scorers with 27 points. The athletic wing is a reliable shot maker who can create his own offense off the bounce and consistently finish through contact. His combination of scoring ability, physicality, and confidence makes him a difficult matchup and a prospect trending in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2742432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697267d1483ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor turned in one of his best performances of the season Monday, scoring 27 points in a 73–53 win over Kell. The junior is extremely difficult to keep out of the lane, where he is a creative and efficient finisher in the paint, highlighted by a reliable floater game. He also knocked down shots from beyond the arc, consistently drew contact, and earned trips to the free-throw line. With his continued development and offensive versatility, expect Taylor to be a clear stock riser over the next 12 months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2245614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697267d148413"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the biggest surprises of the day, Temple poured in 23 points for the Jaguars and emerged as one of the top perimeter prospects in the gym. The scoring guard has good strength, is extremely difficult to keep out of the paint, and showed the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. Playing with a true scorer's mentality, the junior competes with toughness on both ends of the floor and consistently puts pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2523965"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697267d148477"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gadsden delivered a breakout performance Monday, filling the stat sheet with 18 points and 11 rebounds while establishing himself as a true three-level scorer. The junior has a smooth, repeatable release from the perimeter, pairs his skill with above-average athleticism, and shows positional versatility. He understands how to use ball screens effectively, plays with a strong feel for the game, and looks like a prospect clearly trending upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->