From the Sideline
Carmel Christian MLK Showcase
All-Tournament Team
The inaugural Carmel Christian MLK Showcase was held on the beautiful campus of Carmel Christian. There was plenty of talent on hand with four outstanding showcase games during the day. In the opening game, it was Concord First Assembly pulling out a 68-50 win over NCHSAA 2A power Forest Hills. In the second game of the day, it was Rabun Gap pulling out a hard-earned win over Hargrave Varsity by the score of 61-53. The third game of the day featured top heavyweights in Carmel Christian and Lincoln Charter. While Carmel Christian led by two points at halftime, they went on a 40-24 run in the second half for an impressive 75-62 win. The nightcap once again provided excitement between two NCISAA Asheville Christian and Trinity. While Asheville led the majority of the game, Trinity Christian went to a full court press which allowed them enough defensive pressure to disrupt their offensive flow. Asheville Christina had a chance to win the game with less than a second remaining on the clock but didn't connect on the free throw opportunity. Now, let's take a look at the impact players.
5'11 ’18 Kody Shubert (Lincoln Chatter)
The Presbyterian signee once again displayed a true all-around game. One thing is for certain, Koby Shubert will have an amazing career at Presbyterian College. The crafty and self-confident point guard plays with tremendous flair and energy each and every setting. Against Carmel Christian, Shubert finished with 24 game-high points and eight assists in the game against a very good Carmel Christian team.
6'3 '19 Donovan Gregory (Carmel Christian)
The biggest question about Donovan Gregory is 'what position will he play at the collegiate level'' In our opinion, he can play and guard multiple positions. While he doesn't possess a 'knock down' perimeter jump shot, Gregory is an all-around play. He's simply a 'pit bull' on both ends of the court. Gregory plays with a tremendous amount of energy and is the ultimate stat stuffer. Against Lincoln Charter, Gregory finished with 23 points going 8-17 from the floor and a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line, not to mention nine rebounds and six assists.
6'3 '19 Caleb Mills (Asheville Christian)
Caleb Mills almost single-handedly pulled off the upset over Trinity Christian. While Asheville Christian led the majority of the game and had a chance to win the game at the free throw line, Mills had a superb performance. He finished with 28 points going 11-20 from the floor, 3-5 from the 3-point line, and 3-4 from the free throw line. He collected three rebounds, dished out one assist, blocked one shot and even had one steal. Mills is an effortless scorer that favors going left where he utilizes a nice change of pace dribble to get into the lane with ease.
6'6 '19 Audiese Toney (Trinity Christian)
Audiese Toney is on the verge of becoming a recruitable high major prospect. We're talking about a strong, lengthy, and athletic 'power point guard.' Toney finished with 20 points going 7-11 from the floor and 6-9 from the free throw line. He collected five rebounds and dished out four assists. Toney has the size, power, and strength to overpower opposing guards, however, he plays well within the team structure. Once he gains confidence in his perimeter shooting, the sky's the limit. While the southpaw does have good shooting mechanics and form, he feels more comfortable attacking the rim.
6'8 '19 Joey Baker (Trinity Christian)
The Duke commitment had a solid game, however, he hit two big-time 3-pointers in overtime that elevated Trinity Christian to gain momentum and earn the victory. One thing is for certain, Baker is a shot maker. Shooters translate at every level and his ability to score from the perimeter off the dribble/bounce is high level. Baker finished with 18 points going 4-11 from the floor, 3-5 from the 3-point line and 7-8 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected six rebounds and dished out two assists.
6'3 '18 Tomas Brutkus (Rabun Gap)
The unsigned senior was a man on a mission yesterday. The hard-nosed blue-collar shooting guard plays with tremendous effort and energy. He would be a welcome addition to a high D2 to low major school. For the game, he tallied 28 points going 8-13 from the floor, 2-5 from the 3-point line and 12-14 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected seven rebounds and dished out three assists.
6'4 '18 Stephen Edoka (Concord First Assembly)
The athletic wing guard is active and aggressive on both ends of the court. He plays with confidence and is a willing defender. Edoka finished with 22 points going 8-12 from the floor and 6-10 from the free throw line, not to mention seven rebounds. He will need to add more consistency on his 3-point shot, but his size, length, and athleticism should be quite appealing to low to mid-major schools.
6'2 '21 Trae Benahm (Concord First Assembly)
Like we've always stated, shooters translate at every level. Benham was named game MVP and tallied 20 points going 7-12 from the floor with 6-9 coming from the 3-point line. Benham has a quick release and velvet smooth jumper.
5'11 '18 Jaleel McLaughin (Forest Hills)
If you're a D2 school looking for an aggressive and energetic point guard, be sure to give the unsigned senior a close look. McLaughin shows a lot of heart and impressed all the scouts in attendance with his 'never quit' attitude. He finished with 20 points and the collected nine rebounds. That's a pretty impassive number for a point guard.