Five Intriguing Prospects: MLK Basketball Showcase

Adam Ayalew

January 23, 2019 @ 11:00 AM

<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 & St. Mary's College of Maryland were spotted throughout the day. Below we've highlighted five intriguing prospects from the event.</p> <h2>FAVOUR AIRE | 6'9 C | BISHOP MCNAMARA '22</h2> <p><strong>Favour Aire</strong> is already tracking among the top local prospects in his class, and he showed why during McNamara's win over St. Andrew's. Aire is a long-limbed and active rim runner that helped the Mustangs gain control of the game with his presence as a shot blocker. The freshman showed nice touch from the foul line and an improving back to the basket game. </p> <h2>NOEL BROWN | 6'10 C | FLINT HILL '20</h2> <p><strong>Noel Brown</strong> is intriguing because he has the size you cant teach, but is still quite raw and probably doesn't really know how good he can be yet. This summer will be important in his development, and we could be talking about a legit high major post prospect by this time next year. </p> <h2>SPENCER HAYES | 6'5 F | ST. ANDREW'S '20</h2> <p><strong>Spencer Hayes</strong> has found his niche as a defensive stopper for the Lions. Hayes has done a nice job disrupting the opposing team's best wing all season long, and Sunday was no different. He's the type of player who can impact the game without a high volume of touches as a result of his versatility and efficiency. </p> <h2>BEN LI | 6'6 F | MIDDLEBURG '20</h2> <p><strong>Ben Li</strong> showcased an intriguing blend of size, skill and athleticism. The mobile forward excels in transition as a rim runner or a trailer who can spot up from three. Li was active on the boards, showed that he can attack closeouts off the dribble, and demonstrated a good feel for the game. </p> <h2>GEORGE PERKINS | 6'7 F | SIDWELL '22</h2> <p>We didn't see too much of <strong>George Perkins</strong> on Sunday, but took note of the improvements he is making physically. He's becoming more athletic and gaining command of his body as he continues to grow into his body. Perkins is a name to remember as he could certainly develop into one of the area's top prospects. </p>