Player Standouts at Kinston MLK Classic

5'11 '21 Tyler Gill (Trinity of Raleigh)

It was fairly easy to see the two-way leadership of Gill, who consistently fought to force turnovers, get out in transition, and make plays around the basket. He plays with great energy, especially on defense, and simply understands how to properly position himself at the point of attack. Gill gets to the basket with relative ease and finishes effectively with either hand.

6'4 '22 Mikhail Pocknett (Ashley)

There's a lot of talent on Ashley but none as impressive as Pocknett, who possesses an incredible crossroads between productivity and long-term upside. He's big, strong, mobile, skilled, and possesses a quality two-way feel for his age. Pocknett looked comfortable operating as a primary creator, scoring from anywhere inside the arc, and utilizing his physical tools to make plays defensively. He's brimming with potential and should only continue to get better over the coming years. 

6'3 '20 Bailey Gentile (Cox Mill)

There were numerous standout performers for Cox Mill but Gentile's scoring display arguably made him their most impressive. He typically works without the ball, displaying IQ, patience, and the ability to find open space. Gentile can score on all three levels with great efficiency, especially on spot-up opportunities, and does a great job of operating within himself and the overall team concept. 

6'1 '20 Dylan Blake (First Flight)

It should come as no surprise but Blake was nothing short of incredibly exciting during their showdown at the Kinston MLK Classic. His shooting range remains anywhere over midcourt and can be accessed with any degree of difficulty, which is a large part of what makes him so unbelievably tough to contain. Blake also broke down defenders, made plays defensively, and fought hard on every single possession. 

6'10 '20 Mylyjael Poteat (The Burlington School)

The strong, big-bodied post prospect was easily the most unstoppable player on the floor against Greenfield. His hands, footwork, and ability to finish with either hand or through contact make him extremely difficult for anyone without elite size to try and contain. Poteat positions himself very well around the basket and secures rebounds on both ends of the floor at a nonstop rate. He also does a great job of altering shots and playing above the rim.

6'5 '20 Dji Bailey (Greenfield)

It's easy to get excited about the long-term potential of someone like Bailey, who seems to make strides in his development upon each new viewing. He's smooth and able to reliable operate with or without the ball in his hands. Bailey utilizes his size effectively to finish in traffic, secure rebounds, and disrupt opponents on defense.