By Marcus Shockley & James Blackburn

Theo Pinson Wesleyan Basketball
Theo Pinson is currently ranked as the #2 sophomore prospect in the nation by some publications

The MLK Classic in Greensboro, NC is one of the more elite gatherings of high school teams in the nation, this year bringing in teams like storied Oak Hill, Quality Education Academy and Wesleyan Christian Academy.

Some of the standout players of the day:

Aaron Rountree (F, 6’8″, 2012) – Greenfield HS (Clinton, NC), a Wake Forest commit, showed off much of his versatility. Rountree is the type of player that isn’t a pure post player and isn’t a pure wing, but does some things in each of those roles and brings a lot of energy to the floor. He’s long and athletic and turned in one of the best performances on the day. We last scouted Aaron at the CP3 Elite Guard Camp.

Diante Baldwin (G, 5’11”, 2013) – High Point Christian Academy , showed incredible ability under the bright lights with the game on the line. Baldwin is deft in traffic and plays well in the open floor, cutting through the lane with reckless abandon. We last scouted Diante at the Adidas Phenom 150 camp. Has an offer from Appalachian State.

Tyler Lewis (PG, 5’11”, 2012)- Oak Hill, committed to NC State. By now, it should be well known what Lewis brings to the table, having played several games on national television with Oak Hill, but he’s still proving that he can play at the elite level without question. He’s known for flashy passes and no-look shiftiness, but the reality is that it’s not all show with Lewis; he will find whichever teammate is open at any time. We last scouted Lewis when Oak Hill played QEA earlier in the season and when the team took on Miller Grove.

Jordan Adams (SG, 6’5″, 2012) – Oak Hill, committed to UCLA. Jordan looks like he’s gotten back in season shape and was running the floor better; smooth with a good ability to slash across the lane, Adams is primarily known for being a deep threat. He has a pro jump shot and is as consistent as ever.

Brandon Bolden (C, 6’11”, 2012) – Quality Education Academy, committed to Georgetown. Bolden is athletic and has a great second bounce off of the floor. He wants to block everything and is a factor with his height and both ends of the floor. Still raw offensively but definitely a high major big.

Montay Brandon (G, 6’7″, 2012) – Wesleyan Christian Academy, committed to Florida State. Brandon didn’t have a great shooting performance but his size and ability to play at the perimeter make him a tough stop for smaller guards. Big time bounce, good ballhandling and solid potential headed to the ACC.

Theo Pinson (SG, 6’5″ 2014) – Wesleyan Christian Academy Undeclared. Although most recruiting publications don’t rank sophomores, some have ranked Pinson as the #2 sophomore in the nation behind Andrew Wiggins, who we scouted last May at the Jordan Brand Classic. Pinson has the build to play the off guard and is explosive in transition. Can shoot from deep and if he keeps working, should have a bright future.

Christian Hairston (SF, 6’7″, 2013) – Greensboro Day School Undeclared. Hairston is a smooth forward and has great awareness on the floor, definitely a player to keep up with and already has some offers. Explosive and a good defender, closes out fast on the shooters and can slash to get his own shot.

Christian Hairston basketball
Christian Hairston is an unsigned prospect with big time potential.

James Ford (SG, 6’4″, 2012) – Quality Education Academy Ford is a big time prospect that hasn’t been on the radar as much as he should be, but this year teams are starting to take notice. He can shoot from deep, get to the rim and has all of the skills to play at the next level. Getting interest from Clemson, College of Charleston, Duquesne, Georgia State.

Shannon Hale (PF, 6’8″, 2012) – Christ School Committed to Alabama. A smooth forward, Hale makes the game look easy. He has a good high release on his shot and defends well on the ball.

Jerome Hairston (PG, 6’2″, 2012) – Christ School Committed to Towson. Showed slick ballhandling and highlight passes, Hairston showed he has some mixtape moves with the ball in his hand. Surprise talent of the day.

A.J. Hammonds (C, 7’0″, 2012) – Oak Hill Committed to Purdue. A big force in the paint, Hammonds is a half court center who can be a brutal defender in the lane, making guards and wings regret they attempted to slash to the hoop.

Sam Hunt (PG, 6’0″, 2013) – Dudley HS (Greensboro, NC) Showed he could compete at a high level as his team took on Oak Hill. The game wasn’t close, but Hunt poured in 23 points and showed his ability to score and defend on the perimeter.

Josh Level, (SG, 6’5″, 2014) – Christ School A guard with good size and vision. Level squares up on his shot, is a big time leaper and good defender. A lot to like about his game.

JaQuel Richmond (PG, 6’0, 2014) – Wesleyan Christian Academy – solid, quick point guard who throws bullet passes and runs the offense with purpose. Has an ability to get to the rim against elite competition and still has two more years to improve.

Reed Lucas (SG/SF, 6’4″, 2013) – Greensboro Day School Deceptively athletic wing who has a good first step and likes to slash to the basket, but also can shoot from range.

More Notable Players:

Colton Bishop (PG/SG, 6’1″, 2014) – Forsyth Country Day

Darryl Davender (PG, 5’9″, 2013) – Body of Christ Academy

Mike Murray (PG, 5’9″, 2012) – Norfolk Christian Academy

Reggie Dillard (SG, 6’3″, 2013) – Greensboro Day School

Jackson Kent (SF, 6’7″, 2013) – High Point Christian Academy

Tracy Gathings (SF/PF, 6’5″, 2012) – Ben L. Smith HS (Greensboro, NC)

Ibrahim Diallo (C, 6’9″, 2015) – Quality Education Academy

Joshua Woodward (PF, 6’6″, 2012) – Wesleyan Christian Academy

Jonathan Hood (G/F, 6’4″, 2012) – Body of Christ Academy

Tevin Findlay (G, 6’4″, 2012) – Quality Education Academy

Jordan Robinson (PF, 6’8″, 2014) – Quality Education Academy