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The Main Event Saturday Notebook from Mekhi McKinney

6, Apr 2025

The Main Event Saturday Notebook from Mekhi McKinney

Atlanta, GA - Day two is in the books and our own Mekhi McKinney has a ton of notes from the second day here at Suwanee Sports Academy for our Main Event. 

 

Dylan Jones, Team Thad 2026

High-Motor Wing Making Noise This Spring

Dylan Jones had a strong showing with Team Thad 16U, showing why he’s one of the top names to watch this spring and summer. In a standout performance, he dropped 25 points in a win over Red Line Basketball Club. Dylan is a high-energy forward who plays with real intensity and confidence.

He’s physical when attacking the rim, shows great body control, and has the bounce to finish plays with power. On top of that, he’s a solid shooter from deep and plays with a mindset that lifts the team. Defensively, he’s active, aggressive, and never slows down—always locked in and playing with effort from start to finish.

 

Aiden Bolden, Team Mookie

Versatile Athlete Bringing Power and Hustle

Aiden Bolden was a force in Team Mookie’s win over Norcross Heat. The 6’5 wing brings toughness and physicality every time he steps on the floor. He plays with a relentless motor, attacking the glass hard and running the floor like a one-man fast break.

His size and strength at the wing spot make him a tough matchup—he can bully defenders in the paint and hold his own on switches. Bolden thrives in transition, finishing through contact and creating scoring chances off hustle alone. A true two-sport athlete, he’s explosive, versatile, and built for big moments.

 

JahMar Maurice, Game Elite 15’s

Skilled Guard with Poise and Scoring Touch

Jahmar Maurice impressed in the backcourt for Game Elite in their win over Redline Basketball Club Elite. The Woodstock High School guard plays with a calm confidence well beyond his years. He’s a pure scorer who can get a bucket from all levels and knows how to pick his spots.

Maurice is an efficient shot-maker, a smooth straight-line driver, and a steady playmaker who makes the right reads. Whether he’s running the offense or creating his own shot, he brings a mature, composed approach that keeps his team steady and dangerous.

 

Xavier Hall, Team Mentality Elite

Dominant Big Playing Beyond His Age

Xavier Hall made his presence felt in a big way during Team Mentality Elite’s 69-43 win. Despite being a 2028 prospect, Hall is playing up in the 16U (2027) division—and you wouldn’t know it by watching him work. He completely controlled the paint, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Hall is a traditional bruiser at the 5—strong, physical, and not afraid to do the dirty work. He carves out space down low, finishes through contact, and alters everything around the rim. With his size and toughness, he’s already a problem and is only going to get better.

 

Jay Green, Self Made Ballers 

 Tough Lead Guard Setting the Tone

Jay Green set the tone every time he stepped on the floor here at The Main Event today. The Ramsay High point guard plays with toughness and a sense of urgency that’s hard to match. At 6’1, he brings physicality to the position and constantly puts pressure on defenses with his ability to get downhill and make plays.

Green is sharp in the midrange, knows how to find his spots, and keeps defenders on their heels. He gets others involved and runs the offense with control, but it’s his energy on defense that really stands out—he’s picking up full court and making life tough for opposing guards.


Justin Byerly
State Editor

Justin Byerly has spent the past 15 years covering North Carolina prep and grassroots basketball. He has previously worked with The Recruit Scoop and Rivals.com. In addition to that he has contributed to The USA Today, Charlotte Observer, The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Sun News. He has held The Justin Byerly Upstate/WNC Showcase the past two years and has helped student-athletes from North Carolina and South Carolina receive college scholarships. He owns The Byerly Report scouting service that has over 100 college subscriptions. Justin resides in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Danielle and four children.