If you were a fan of high school basketball in the Knoxville area the name Tyler Gaskin may have a familiar ring to it.

The former Maryville Red Rebel was a standout on the gridiron; as well as, the hardwood during his prep days.

The "quiet assassin" made his presence felt Wednesday night scoring 26 points in a hard fought loss for the Toyota of Knoxville squad that was beset with player absence all week.

Coach Rick Campbell did an outstanding job of keeping the contest with SunTrust close, finishing the game with only four players on the floor. 

One of those players was Gaskin and you could see in his eyes the opportunity to compete against the big boys was important to him.

Gaskin, who plays his college ball at Tennessee Wesleyan, where he is a two-time honorable mention NAIA All-American is holding his own very well and using his quick hands to create havoc for opposing guards who think they can dribble around him. Bad move.

One of the reasons for the immediate success of the PRTL has been the presence of the players from the DII, NAIA and DIII schools who are proving to the basketball fans of East Tennessee that they belong.

Tyler Gaskin is one of these players.