Top Performers at the MLK What It Takes Showcase

The MLK What It Takes Showcase highlighted some of the most talented high school basketball players in the region, and among them, a select group stood out as the Game MVPs. These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and determination on the court, making a significant impact in their respective games. Their performances not only energized the crowd but also set the standard for excellence throughout the event.    Liked the way Shackleford sets the tone as a leader. Smart, tough, well-rounded guard with creation skill and scoring polish. Competes hard on the glass and does well to make his presence felt defensively. Malik was dialed in from start to finish in the Pallotti, knocking down shots in both halves and gaining confidence as the game went on. He moves well without the ball and stretches the defense with deep shooting range. Malik is a legit Division 1 college level prospect.     There are times when the game just looks incredibly easy for Ian his size and physicality is game changing. It feels like he can get any shot he wants at basically any time he wants. Ian is a quality creator with solid vision and the ability to fill it up as a scorer in a variety of ways. Whether basic, complex, or improvised, there aren't many shots defenses should want to give him. Ian shoots the ball exceptionally well from the perimeter, displaying deep range and a smooth release to get his shot off against virtually anyone. However, he mixes in a healthy array of downhill drives and pull-ups off the bounce. Add in his scrappy defense and activity on the glass, and it's easy to see why Condon is gaining traction with high-level programs. Ian scored 35 points against the talented and deep Friendship Tech Prep team.     There are a lot of useful pieces on the Kipp DC Legacy College Prep roster, and Calhoun has quietly become as consistently productive as anyone. He's a solid, skilled guard who reliably and efficiently fills it up as a scorer within the flow of the action. Calhoun can handle the ball, set up others, and create opportunities for himself. He's able to mix it up well from all levels or find chances as a cutter/spot-up threat. Calhoun competes to make his presence felt defensively and is a capable rebounder for his size. He continues to highlight college-level ability. Scored 19 points, dished out 4 assists and 2 steals against tough Coolidge team.     Aiden has continued to visibly solidify himself as one of the top marksmen across the state. He's a capable initiator and playmaker but is arguably at his best when operating as an off-ball threat. Aiden is a lethal spot-up option for who knows how to move without the ball, find open seams, and consistently burn opponents when given any space. He displays deep range and the ability to get his shot off basically whenever he needs. Aiden also defends with nice energy and toughness at the point of attack. He's a major x-factor for this group. Pumped in an efficient 20 points against Cardozo.     The junior guard from the School Without Walls (Bates is eligible to play for Cardozo due to School Without Walls doesn't have a team). The flame shooting southpaw was a steady presence all game, as he played within the flow and was very efficient in doing so. His ability to score at all three levels was on display, picking his spots throughout. He used his wiry frame to carve out space as a driver, leveraged his shooting ability to get to his mid-range pull up J, and knocked down the deep 3's of the dribble, catch and dribble. In the two games he scored 30 points against Friendship Collegiate and 13 points against Takoma Academy.

The MLK What It Takes Showcase highlighted some of the most talented high school basketball players in the region, and among them, a select group stood out as the Game MVPs. These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and determination on the court, making a significant impact in their respective games. Their performances not only energized the crowd but also set the standard for excellence throughout the event.