Team 5
Coach: Michael Wilson
#129: 5’8 ’24 Malaki Baker (West Johnston)
Starting things off, we look at a player who stood out as a strong finisher, especially for his size, Malaki Baker. He’s a young, slightly undersized guard prospect with a nice motor and overall feel for the game. Baker displays a useful midrange jumper and the understanding of how to move without the ball in his hands. He plays well within his role on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him an improved penetrator and on-ball defender. Coach Wilson on Baker: “Malaki is a willing passer and very good teammate. He’s a good finisher and finishes well in transition. Malaki can continue to develop his strength, quickness, and shooting ability. He runs the floor well and plays team defense.” Baker battled hard throughout his time at camp and could be a prospect to keep an eye on, especially if he continues to work.
#145: 5’11 ’24 AJ McClary (The Burlington School)
Next, we look at a player that made an impression as one of the most reliable backcourt prospects on this team, AJ McClary. He’s a young, smart, well-rounded guard prospect with an excellent penetration sense and the ability to finish strong or effectively set up others when attacking. McClary possesses a very high motor and utilizes it to make his presence felt as a rebounder and on-ball defender. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him an even more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Wilson on McClary: “AJ is a strong ball-handler, good on-ball defender, and a great teammate. He has good leadership qualities, being vocal and showing his ability to take command of a team. AJ can work on developing his shooting and finishing around the rim off of two feet.” McClary proved to be an asset during camp and should be able to carve out a useful role for TBS over the coming years.
#154: 5’11 ’23 Justin Shumaker (Porter Ridge)
Moving onto a player with the necessary shooting skills to effectively mesh with any collection of teammates, Justin Shumaker. He’s a smart, extremely unselfish guard prospect with an active motor and the necessary skillset to effectively operate with or without the ball in his hands. Shumaker is a very reliable perimeter shooter, both off the catch and bounce, and displays a willingness to set up others whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on his ability as a rebounder, as it would allow him to grab boards and push the break more frequently. Coach Wilson on Shumaker: “Justin is a very good shooter that has a good ability to finish around the rim. He runs the floor well and cannot be left open from the perimeter. He’s also a good passer and gritty defender. Justin is not afraid to get on the floor for loose balls.” Shumaker found numerous ways to impact the game during his time at camp and should be a quality contributor for Porter Ridge.
#155: 5’11 ’23 Orlando Burch (Forest Hills)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach during his time at camp, Orlando Burch. He’s a wiry, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and excellent vision as a passer. Burch is a capable midrange shooter but also showed his ability to make his presence felt as a rebounder, especially for his size. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender at the point of attack. Coach Wilson on Burch: “Orlando is a great teammate that plays hard and is unselfish on both ends of the floor. He can continue to develop his strength, speed, and agility while working on his shooting ability. Orlando has very good court vision and a strong passing ability.” Burch enjoyed a solid showing at camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful contributor for Forest Hills over the next few years.
#169: 6’7 ’23 Patrick Tivnan (Charlotte Catholic)
Next, we look at a player that made a lasting impression with his combination of skill and athleticism, Patrick Tivnan. He’s a wiry, team-first forward prospect with a pretty well-rounded array of tools. Tivnan is an excellent rebounder, especially for his size, and pushes the break with relative ease in transition. He shoots the ball at a reliable clip from midrange or beyond the arc, but can also attack the basket or set up others whenever available. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Wilson on Tivnan: “Patrick is a skilled forward with very good athleticism. He can finish above the rim, shoot the midrange and the three-pointer. He’s a good rebounder, shot-blocker, and rim-protector.” Tivnan proved to be an asset during his time at camp and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for Charlotte Catholic.
#178: 6’1 ’23 Eli Clark (Metrolina Christian)
Moving onto a player that quietly operated as a main glue-guy for this team on both ends of the floor, Eli Clark. He’s a smart, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with the ability to make his presence felt from either backcourt position. Clark is a knockdown midrange shooter and reliable three-point threat with the necessary strength and penetration ability to finish through contact. He displays sharp vision and looks to set up others at every available opportunity. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him a better defender at the point of attack. Coach Wilson on Clark: “Eli is a competitor with the ability to get to the paint and finish well. He’s a good shooter, but also displays a nice floater and reliable pull-up jumper. Eli is a heady defender that rebounds the ball well. He can continue to develop his strength and quickness.” Clark found numerous ways to make his presence felt during camp and has the tools to be an impact player for Metrolina Christian going forward.
#196: 6’2 ’23 Clayton Gaither (Providence)
Continuing onto a player that arguably stood out as the most dependable spot-up threat on this roster, Clayton Gaither. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with excellent perimeter shooting and the combination of mechanics and quick release to make a constant impact. Gaither displays an unselfish mentality, quality overall feel for the game, and the ability to operate effectively within his role on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on adding strength, as it’ll only make him more physically imposing on either end of the floor. Coach Wilson on Gaither: “Clayton is a really good shooter with nice touch. He’s a good finisher and possesses good length for his position. He can work to improve his strength and confidence. Clayton has a nice midrange shot and the ability to score from all three levels.” Gaither quietly made an impression as one of the more reliable players on this team and could emerge as a strong piece for Providence over the next few years.
#205: 6’2 ’23 Lundon Pritchett (Southeast Guilford)
Next, we look at a player that found ways to make his presence felt within the flow of the action on both ends of the floor, Lundon Pritchett. He’s a wiry, team-first wing prospect with the ability to score quite effectively from inside the arc. Pritchett moves well without the ball, rebounds effectively for his size/position, and makes smart passes to his teammates. Next in his development process is working to become a better shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Wilson on Pritchett: “Lundon is a great teammate and proved to be very coachable throughout the day. He’s normally in the right spot and displays the makings of a willing passer. He can continue to develop his shooting and overall finishing ability. Lundon is a versatile player.” Pritchett did an excellent job of finding ways to produce within his role during camp and could become a useful player for Southeast Guilford over the coming years.
#229: 6’4 ’22 Jefferson McLamb (Wesleyan Christian)
Moving onto a player that already possesses the athleticism and physical tools to make a strong impact, Jefferson McLamb. He’s a sturdy, team-first wing prospect with excellent finishing ability, especially when attacking the basket and looking to meet opponents at the rim. McLamb plays with a high motor and finds ways to get involved defensively and on the glass. He utilized his body well around the basket, both to secure rebounds and create space for finishes. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Wilson on McLamb: “Jefferson is an athletic wing that has the ability to finish above the rim or knock down perimeter jumpers. He plays hard on both ends and is good at attacking the rim. He’s also a good rebounder that plays with toughness.” McLamb enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be one to keep an eye on over the next calendar year, as he could emerge as a target for the right program.
#244: 6’7 ’23 Hunter Hinson (Piedmont)
Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased an intriguing array of tools during his time at camp, Hunter Hinson. He’s a big, long post prospect with a high motor, unselfish mentality, and blue-collar approach on both ends of the floor. Hinson is a quality finisher, rebounder, and midrange shooter with excellent cutting ability. He defends well and finishes effectively with either hand around the basket. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him a more reliable penetrator and defender along the perimeter. Coach Wilson on Hinson: “Hunter has great length, rebounds well, and is a good finisher around the rim. He plays hard and has the ability to make open midrange or three-point jumpers. Hunter can continue to develop his strength, speed, and agility. Hunter has a good jump-hook and plays physical in the post.” Hinson found ways to make an impact at camp and will be one to monitor throughout his continued progression.