2025 The Main Event : Top Performers, Part I
The Main Event is officially in the books. The three-day event at Suwanee Sports Academy was an event filled with some of the best independent teams around and also some top shoe teams for showcase games.
We’re kicking off our event coverage by looking at the top performers from the 17U division, headlined by some of the best overall players in the event.
Without further adieu, here’s our first installation of the top performers from the 17U division…
Tarris Bouie, Team Thad - Tarris Bouie was electric all weekend long for Team Thad at The Main Event, showing exactly why he’s regarded as a Top 50 national prospect in the class of 2026. The Charlotte native lit it up in multiple games, including a dominant 24-point outing in a win over Team Person where he scored at all three levels and led a second-half surge that sealed the game.
Bouie’s athleticism jumps off the page—he lives above the rim and thrives in transition, finishing plays with authority. But what really separates him is his smooth stroke from deep and his ability to score in bunches without forcing shots. He’s a natural shot-maker with confidence and rhythm.
He also flashed some underrated playmaking, making timely passes and showing he can be more than just a scorer. Whether it was slashing to the rim, pulling up off the bounce, or burying threes, Bouie brought the full package. His tools, production, and upside make him one of the most exciting young wings in the country—and he proved that in a big way this weekend. - Mekhi Mckinney
Tatum Holmes, SEBA - Size and skill. Holmes gives you both. He is a sturdy 6-foot-5 wing and can hurt defenses with his ability at this level to play inside and stretch the floor out. He can hurt you with his slashing ability to the rim, his upper-body strength makes him finish a lot of plays with fouls and his mid-range game was there this weekend.
He is a superb rebounder that can move the ball up the court off misses. Holmes has been as steady as a driving test with the coffee cup on the dashboard for SEBA this weekend.
During the games we were able to see, Holmes was in the 20-plus point total and rebounds were not far behind. Holmes was recently named All-Region in the GHSAA 7-AAAAA division. - Justin Byerly
Aiden Bolden, Team Mookie - Aiden Bolden made his presence felt in Team Mookie’s win over Norcross Heat. The 6-foot-5 wing was one of the most physically imposing players on the floor, bringing toughness, energy, and a relentless motor from start to finish. Whether it was attacking the glass, getting out in transition, or guarding multiple positions, Bolden impacted the game in every way.
What stood out most was Bolden’s ability to drive and kick. He consistently collapsed the defense and made high-level reads, delivering on-time passes to open teammates. His vision and feel elevate him beyond just a scorer—he makes the right play, and that makes him incredibly valuable to his team on both ends.
A true two-sport athlete, Bolden’s blend of strength, athleticism, and versatility makes him a matchup problem. He finishes through contact, defends across multiple positions, and creates scoring opportunities just off hustle. Expect college coaches to take notice—he’s built for the next level. - Mekhi McKinney
Fallou Dioum, Team Bo Bell - Fallou Dioum was one of the most dominant interior presences at The Main Event, putting together a standout performance for Team Bo Bell 17U. The 6’10 big man finished with a team-high 20 points, but his impact went far beyond the box score.
Dioum’s motor was relentless. He controlled the paint on both ends, protecting the rim with authority and cleaning up everything on the glass. He moved well for his size, ran the floor hard, and consistently gave his team second-chance opportunities. Offensively, he showed soft touch around the rim and the ability to finish through contact.
His physical tools and energy make him a clear difference-maker inside, and his game continues to trend upward. With his size, mobility, and work ethic, Dioum is a name that college coaches need to start tracking closely. - Mekhi Mckinney
Jared White, S.M.A.S.H - The 6-foot-3 guard had an excellent weekend here at The Main Event. He is a guy that can fill it up from the outside and has the game to attack off the dribble and get into the lane and cause even more problems. He has a big bag of offensive weapons that help him create space and get some tough shots off.
He currently holds a Division One offer from New Orleans and it became easier to see why after each game over this weekend.His older brother James, started out at Ole Miss and was at New Orleans last season. Apple doesn’t fall far from these basketball playing brothers. - Justin Byerly
