Carmelo Anthony Summer League Notes

Nacho Nwana (Gauchos)

Basketball Spotlight took a trip to Red Hook, Brooklyn for the Carmelo Anthony Summer League. We got a chance to watch the NYC Gauchos vs. the host team Brother Melo. Here are the players that impressed.

Top Performers

Nwanacho Nwana Forward (Gauchos)- Nacho was a true force on the blacktop. He punished the opposition inside and converted several three point plays the old fashioned way. He kind of reminds me of Dwayne “Truck” Bryant as a youngster. Hopefully he can develop his perimeter game and reach the heights of the West Virginia standout.

Amanie Chraddock Guard (Gauchos)- Chraddock also made things look easy against this competition. He drove through the lane with ease and finished under the basket. He has a good feel at the guard spot and should continue to progress in the combo position.

Christian Wilson Guard (Gauchos)- Wilson’s length stands out to me. He was about to knock down a deep trey which is huge on those double rims. Defensively, his long arms allowed him to intercept passes like a NFL D-Back. Keep an eye on this youngster.

Jordan Haywood Forward (Gauchos)- Haywood did damage from the foul line area. His quickness baffled the defense and he was able to score after driving. He doesn’t have full control of his limbs yet which means he has more growing to do. When he’s a finished product, opponents better beware.

NyRhique Smith Guard (Gauchos)- Smith showed some flashes with good passes. But this youngster must understand to go hard even when he feels the competition is inferior.


Jamane Yarbarough Forward (Brother Melo)- Jamane was a bright spot for BM. Even though he was a forward he still was the prime player maker and used his size to make things happen. I also like the fact that he played hard even when the score of the game got out of hand.

Melquan Collins Guard (Brother Melo)- Collins also played with a lot of energy. He attacked the defense when the opportunity came to make plays. He must work on handling the rock with his left hand.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13

One On One Feat. Derryck "Houdini" Thornton

Stephon Marbury once said point guards are born to play the position. I tend to agree because to run a team correctly requires naturally instincts and a feel for the game that’s difficult to teach. While at the 12U AAU Nationals I ran into such a player and his name is Derryck Thornton. Thornton finished as the #1 ranked floor general at this event. We got a chance to holler at Derryck “Houdini” Thornton and here’s our One On One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
DT: Oaks Christian.

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
DT: Deron Williams, we have similar games. We run a team and know how to score.

BS: Who’s the toughest player you ever faced?
DT: Parker Cartwright.

BS: What’s the strongest part of your game?
DT: My ball handling and ability to create.

BS: What part of your game needs the most work?
DT: My jump shot.

BS: Who’s your favorite rapper?
DT: Jay Z.

BS: What’s your dream college?
DT: Kentucky, I love Coach Cal and the way he let his guards go.

BS: What’s your fondest AAU memory?
DT: When we won the AAU Nationals at 9U in Orlando.

BS: Who would you love to have dinner with?
DT: Lebron James because I think he’s a good player and very humble.

BS: What do you think about him going to the Miami Heat?
DT: I think it was cool but I feel it would have been better for the NBA if he would have gone to NY and played with Amar'e Stoudemire.

In The Spotlight: Horace Spencer (Philly Aztecs)

Name: Horace Spencer

AAU Team: Philly Aztecs & Montgomery County

Position: Forward

Class: 2015


Breakdown: As predicted Spencer blow up once he hit the national stage. Basketball Spotlight South scout called him the number #1 prospect at this year’s 13U Nationals. His impact was very apparent as Philly Aztecs made a run to the Final Four. Horace’s grace, size and potential will have his name ringing bells for some time. Expect big things from this phenom. Spencer will take his game to the big stage when he travels to Life Center Academy for the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a name for yourself August 14th.

Isaiah Whitehead All Star Game Bound

Isaiah Whitehead came into this season with a lot of hype and pressure. Everyone was calling him the next great one from NYC. In my opinion the talented shooting guard handled the pressure and excelled in many ways. Isaiah won MVP at the Clash For The Cup among many other events while also taking home All Tournament honors at the Grand Finale. His play led Juice to a #5 finish in the country while only losing 3 games the entire season. Whitehead has been selected to represent the North team in the Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic August 28th at St. Benedicts Preparatory School.

The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.

Houston Select Repeats As National Champs

The 14U Nationals were done a few weeks ago but Basketball Spotlight had to shout out Houston Select for repeating as National Champs. The boys from the Lone Star State ran through the competition while mercy ruling (20 point win) most teams they faced. In the finals they ran past Ferrari from Chicago 64-53 to win the crown. Congrats to Houston Select players and staff for achieving this great goal.

In The Spotlight: Trevaughn Wilkerson (Team Final)

Name: Trevaughn Wilkerson

AAU Team: Team Final

Position: Forward

Class: 2015


Breakdown: The reigning Player of the Year didn’t slow down during this campaign. He was a dominant force inside by scoring, rebounding and rejecting shots. Wilkerson continues to develop his game away from the basket and running the floor like a deer. His play helped TF finish #6 in the country at the AAU Nationals. Trevaughn will be displaying his skills at the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase August 14th at Life Center Academy. If you think you have game come join the best at the Super Showcase.

Nazier Chew Chosen For All Star Classic

As previously written Nazier Chew will be headed to NJ state power Trenton Catholic. But before Chew puts on the Blue and White he will represent the South team in the Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic held August 28th at St Benedicts Prep. Nazier earned his invite by leading Team Nelson to several victories including a MDC crown. He also took home All Tournament honors in the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale, Clash For The Cup and Memorial Day Classic.

The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.

In The Spotlight: Bryce Aiken (KYDA)

Name: Bryce Aiken

AAU Team: KYDA

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Aiken is one of the most skilled guards in the region. He has an excellent outside shot and specializes in using the floater. This season he was one of the main reasons KYDA had a successful season. He made the All Tournament Team as the Clash For The Cup and the MDC. Bryce will be bringing his game to the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase on August 14th at Life Center Academy. Do you think you can handle Bryce? Bring your game to the Super Showcase.

One On One Feat. De'Aaron Fox (Defenders Select)

Defense is like a lost art in basketball. Media outlets like ESPN Sportscenter and even Basketball Spotlight don’t praise players enough for this attribute. We tend to enjoy offensive prowess and highlights. But there are a few players that don’t mind locking down opponents. One of these players is De’Aaron Fox of the Defenders Select. His defensive efforts helped his team reach the Final Four at the 12U Nationals. We had a chance to talk to Fox and here’s our One On One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
DF: Thornton Middle School.

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
DF: Kevin Garnett, he’s been my favorite since he came out of high school to the NBA.

BS: Who’s the toughest player you ever faced?
DF: Deon Barrett (Team Texas).

BS: What’s the strongest part of your game?
DF: My floater and defense.

BS: What part of your game needs the most work?
DF: My jump shot.

BS: What’s your dream college?
DF: Kansas, they have one of the best programs in the country.

BS: Who’s your favorite rapper?
DF: Lil Wayne, his flow is great.

BS: What’s your fondest basketball moment?
DF: When we beat Team Battle to make it to the Final Four.

BS: Who would you love to have dinner with?
DF: Kobe Bryant because he’s the best player in the world.

Austin Tilghman Takes Talent To All Star Classic

Basketball lovers from the State of Delaware feel they don’t get the credit they deserve in terms of producing players. In some ways they are correct but it’s hard to overlook a player like Austin Tilghman. Austin has been the face of Delaware grammar school basketball for the past few years. He starred with the Delaware Hawks before taking his talent over to Youth Interlock the last two years. The last four seasons he has led his teams to the AAU Nationals medal rounds. Tilghman’s play has earned him a trip to the Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic which is set for August 28th at St. Benedicts Preparatory School.

The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.

More Medal Winners That Traveled Through The Spotlight!

King Street Kings Had 3 Teams That Medaled.

Recently we reported on the teams the won medals at the AAU Nationals. Unfortunately we left out a couple of teams that played in Spotlight events. Please blame on my brain and not my heart. Here’s a look at a few more teams that traveled through the Spotlight on their way to AAU Medals.

14U Division

King Street Kings: KSK took two 14U teams to the AAU Nationals and both teams left with medals. Both teams played in the Final Four of the Classic bracket. One team finished ranked #16 while the other squad finished #17 in the country.

13U Division

CBC: The boys from Connecticut played in the 13U Division 3 National Championship game at the buzzer. They played in the AC Showcase and are known to bring the noise. Congratulations to Coach Hatchett and his bunch.



12U Division

King Street Kings: The Kings were a heavy favorite to win the 12U Nationals and finished in the #14 ranking in the country. They advanced to the Elite 8. Their size is a major factor and should be for time to come. They competed in the Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup.

11U Division

Maryland Panthers: The MDC Champs placed #10 in the country at the 11U National Championships. The PV boys have some good pieces and it will be interesting to see how they develop over the years.

One On One Feat. Jacob Valero (San Antonio, Texas)

Most youngsters practice buzzer beaters all day in the park or their local gym. It’s like a dream for a player to actually make one of these shots during the game. Jacob Valero dreams became reality against the Cincinnati Lakers at this year’s 12U Nationals. In the closing moments Valero got a steal and nailed a trey off the glass as the buzzer sounded. We got a chance to talk to the Texas native after his game and here’s our One On One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
JV: Driscoll Middle School.

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
JV: Kobe Bryant because he is so smooth.

BS: What’s your fondest basketball moment?
JV: When I scored 46 points during a single game in San Antonio.

BS: What’s the strongest part of your game?
JV: It has to be attacking the basket.

BS: What part of your game needs the most work?
JV: My outside shooting.

BS: What’s your dream college?
JV: Kentucky, I like their system and their program.

BS: Who’s your favorite rapper?
JV: Drake, I like the way he flows.

BS: If you could have dinner with one person, who would you select?
JV: Michael Jordan because he’s the best player ever.

Shepard Garner Selected For All Star Classic

Shepard Garner has been a dominant player in the country for the past few years. The 6’1 scoring machine has led Youth Interlock to multiple AAU regional crowns and Top 20 national finishes. His effort has earned him an invite to the Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic. This event will take place August 28th at St. Benedicts Preparatory School in Newark, NJ.

The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.

One On One Feat. Jamar "Boogie" Watson

Basketball Spotlight loves to give out nicknames. We feel it’s a fun thing and it helps the players develop more personality. Though sometimes players come with nicknames already attached and there’s no need to touch them. This is the case with Jamar “Boogie” Watson. Watson is a wing forward for DC Assault Clark and we got a chance to holler at “Boogie” during the AAU Nationals. Here’s our One on One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
JW: Holy Family Middle School.

BS: How’s your favorite player?
JW: Carmelo Anthony because I think our games are similar.

BS: What’s the strongest part of your game?
JW: Driving to the hole and playing defense.

BS: What part of your game needs the most work?
JW: My outside shot.

BS: Who’s the toughest player you even faced?
JW: Rakym Felder from New Heights.

BS: What’s your fondest basketball moment?
JW: Finishing #2 in the country twice.

BS: What’s your dream college?
JW: Kansas because I like their style of play.

BS: Who’s your favorite rapper?
JW: Drake because he goes hard rapping and singing.

BS: Name one person you would love to have dinner with?
JW: Kobe Bryant because he is the best.

BS: What do you think about Lebron James going to the Miami Heat?
JW: Lol, I’m playing with them on 2K11.

Please Read Important Annoucement: Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Date Change

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase has a change with the dates. Both classes (2015 & 2016) will be held on August 14th at Life Center Academy. We decided to switch to this date because we understand players will need time to prepare for the upcoming school year. We hope this date change hasn’t caused any inconvenience to anyone. Please take note of this change. There will be only 60 players from each class allowed in this event.

Event: Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase
Date: August 14th 2010
Place: Life Center Academy
Deadline: August 5th 2010

Click Here To Register

Class 2016 Commitments
Class 2015 Commitments

The Road To The Medal Leads Through Basketball Spotlight: Come Get Spotlight Tested!

The AAU season is officially over and the champions are crowned. One of the goals of Basketball Spotlight is to get teams prepared to make AAU National Championship runs. We would like to congratulate the following teams that came through our events and performed well on the national stage.

Top Teams BY Age

14U Division

Juice All Stars: The Brooklyn Boys finished #5 in the country after making an Elite 8 run. I thought they had the talent to make a run like this and I was right. There’s no question that they will be taking home the “Team Of The Year” award.

Future Players: They came north to get that bump and it helped them take home 9th place medals. I like how they competed all year and should have some pieces to transform onto the high school level. This is a tough group.

Youth Interlock: YI made an Elite 8 run before losing to eventual national champ Houston Select. They finished ranked 14th but if you make it to the Elite 8 we feel you are among the Top 8 teams in the country.

13U Division

Philly Aztecs: Their Final Four run was the talk of Memphis. During the Spotlight events they showed promise and were on the verge of knocking off a few top teams. Congrats to this group for going down in the history books. They finished #4 in the country.

Team Final: TF finished ranked #6 which was good considering the amount of teams in Memphis. Expectations in this camp were a little higher so they will be looking to finish the job this time next year.

Richmond Phenom: Many felt this group wasn’t as powerful as before but once again they left with a medal. They took home 7th place and showed that sticking together still counts for something these days.

12U Division

Delaware Finest Stars: This rugged group from the First State won the Division 2 National title. They made some serious noise at the AC Showcase but I didn’t expect a run like this. Congrats to this group for bringing home the title.

Team Battle: They had many new faces but once again TB finished in the Top 5. Two Top 5 finishes in only 3 years of existence is a remarkable feat for any team to accomplish. They should be even hungrier next year.

DC Assault Gorham: This PV crew always seems to find away to leave with a medal. The used the tough MDC pools to get ready for their run and it paid off. I can’t wait to see them in the building next year.

CT Elite: This quiet group made a lot of noise at the Division 2 Nationals. They finished #6 after making a deep run. They have a good group and we look forward to them returning next year.

F.A.C.E.S.: The Killer Bees made it to the Final Four of the Classic bracket and finished with a #17 ranking. They had one of the smallest but toughest groups in this event. They never stop competing.

Long Island Lightning: The Lightning also made it to the Final Four of the Classic Bracket. They used that New York toughness to get through this rugged field. I’m definitely proud of this group.

11U Division

Team Battle: TB won the championship in the Classic bracket. This was a great run considering the two teams they lost to in pool play made it to the Championship bracket Final Four. Good job for this first year program.

12U AAU Nationals Rankings: Top 10 Point Guards

Derryck Thornton Finished As The #1 Point Guard.

The 12U AAU Nationals featured the top players in the country from the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight spent the entire week at the Boo Williams Center. We decided to break down the top players by position. This list should be taken very lightly because these players are young and will have plenty of time to develop. Finally, we will look at the Top 10 Point Guards.

12U Nationals Top 10 Point Guards

1. Derryck Thornton (Cal. Aces)- Houdini was a joy to watch during my week in Hampton. He has the flair for the dramatic and gets anywhere he wants on the floor. He has a good outside shot though he lets it go from his hip. Once he gets stronger that glitch will be taken care of. The floor general is an exciting player and with hard work should be a big time scholastic performer. He says he likes Kentucky; hopefully Coach Cal will stick around to land this kid.

2. Aaron Augustine (Georgia Stars)- If you love substance look no further than Augustine. This floor general did whatever his team needed. In most of the contest he had to take the scoring load and he still lead them to an Elite 8 finish. His strong shoulders and penetration ability made it hard for defenders to hold him off. I also love his mid range pull up.

3. Vaughn Covington (Team Battle)- It was hard to believe that this was Covington’s second tournament with this group. He ran the squad like a true veteran. His swagger and willingness to play defense caught the attention of many onlookers. He had a great debut on this level.

4. Alani Moore (DC Assault Gorham)- All Moore does is win, win, win and he showed that at this event. While others might have more talent around them “Showtime” still managed reach the round of 8. He has an aggressive style that helps him impact the game several ways.

5. Anthony Cowan (DC Assault Clark)- There’s not many tougher than this kid. Cowan gets to the cup with great quickness and lives at the charity stripe. Don’t be surprised if he rises in the ranks through the years. He also can knock down the open shot.

6. Braxton Beverly (Kentucky Elite Kings)- His team had a serious pool but Beverly brought many defenders to their knees. His mixture of ball handling and craftiness gave them a chance to knock off anyone. I was very impressed with how he handled the quality teams they faced.

7. Asante Gist (KSK)- Gist impressed many in this event. He made the defense pay with cleaver passes and an automatic pull up in the lane. He has a natural feel for the game and plays with a veteran type approach.

8. Jayce Wolfe (CC 1st)- Wolfe has a motor out of this world. He’s constantly on attack mode off the bounce. It’s nothing fancy with his game but defenses still have a hard time stopping him.


9. Caleb Tregre (Elite Cavaliers)- Tregre still runs a good show for EC. He distributes the rock well and makes sure the floor is balanced. I like his approach to the game and his willingness to take the big shot.

10. Carson Edwards (Defenders Select)- Many question his size but Edwards is still an effective floor general. He directed his club to the final four while knocking off some of the top teams in the country. On defense he’s one of the best ball hounds in the country.

Others To Watch
Roderick Caldwell (Cincinnati Lakers)
Jarvis Johnson (SC Ravens)
Edwin Cancel (PR Elite)
NyRhique Smith (NJ Got Game)
Lucky Cheateum (Memphis War Eagles)
Joshua Sharley (Philly Triple Threat)
Isiah Saenz (Next Level)
Kobe Gantz (Centrall Penn Ballers)
Jeremy Sheppard (Richmond Gold)

12U AAU Nationals Rankings: Top 10 Wing Guards

Tyus Battle Finished As The #1 Wing Guard.

The 12U AAU Nationals featured the top players in the country from the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight spent the entire week at the Boo Williams Center. We decided to break down the top players by position. This list should be taken very lightly because these players are young and will have plenty of time to develop. Now we will look at the Top 10 Wing Guards.

12U AAU Nationals Top 10 Wing Guards

1. Tyus Battle (Team Battle)- His play during the last five games was poetry in motion. The outside shot was falling and his moves towards the cup were on a high school level. Battle also got to show other intangibles of his game by averaging close to 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. Do I smell “The Stamp” coming soon?

2. Vijay Blackmon (Indy Hoosiers)- Blackmon came in with a national rep and I can see why. This kid has a polished game and was likely more explosive before a knee injury. I like his court presence and his scoring ability.

3. Jayson Tatum (Memphis War Eagles)- Tatum has the length and the genes to get even taller. That’s a scary thought because the skill set is already there. Once he improves his foot speed he might convert to a big point guard. We haven’t heard the last of this kid.

4. Eron Gordon (Indy Hoosiers)- This kid might shoot up the rankings. Eron is built similar to his brother from the LA Clippers. He knows how to muscle his way to scoring buckets and probably could have been in the combo section.

5. Reggie Gardner (DC Assault)- As projected Gardner is beginning to stretch out like a giraffe. He showed me some fire against Team Battle in their highly anticipated matchup. If he continues to bring this aggression every night there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be one of the top shooting guards in America once he reaches high school.

6. Jerrick Ahanmisi (Impact Basketball)- I like Jerrick’s size, athleticism and ability to make plays. He handled the rock a lot of his club which is good for his development. He used his length to shoot over smaller defenders and hit the boards.

7. Jacob Valero (Next Level)- Valero is a big name Texas. He showed he’s worth the hype by making some huge plays in Hampton. He likely will move over to the point guard spot as his game progresses. The Lone Star State has a good one in this kid.

8. Joshua Hall (Defenders Select)- Hall has the size and touch to become a big time wing guard. His high arching jumpers tickled the twine several times. He also plays good defense like his ball hawking teammates.

9. Ty Graves (SC Ravens)- Many people marveled at the way this kid shoots the rock. He knocked down some big shots during their national title march. He also has the genes that indicate he will be at least 6’2. If so he might be wearing that Carolina Blue.

10. Jamal Allen (MABC)- MABC knocked off a few teams and Allen was one of the reasons. The lefty got into the gaps of the defense and used the floater. When they backed away he knocked down the long trey ball. He showed he was a national level player.

NEXT UP: POINT GUARDS