Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Xavier Pina (WE R 1)
The 6th Grade Division at the Basketball Spotlight MDC was filled with new teams therefore we saw a load of fresh faces. Here’s Part 1 of our top performer report from the Class of 2020.
Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Xavier Pina Guard (WE R 1)- Please allow us to introduce the tournament leading scorer for the 6th Grade division. Pina gets it done and he makes it look smooth. He can kill you with the trey ball (9 treys for the weekend) or score when going to the tin. He torched Team 85 for 27 points in the quarterfinals while also dropping 20 markers on SJ Domination. He made his presence known at the MDC.
Daniel Nixon Guard (KSK)- The big guard has a Carmelo Anthony type feel which makes it hard for other 6th Graders to guard him. He started the tournament a little slow but then picked up his play by scoring 19 against MSU Skyliners in their overtime victory and 21 against the NJ Shore Shots in the semifinals. He’s a kid that’s always smiling and seems to love the game.
Giovanni Phillip Guard (KSK)- It was Phillip’s job to keep scorers Nixon and Santos happy and he did it well. The speedster beat presses and split defenses all weekend. Once he got to the open floor he was able to deliver a dime or score himself. He averaged 10 points a contest and had his best outing with 16 markers against an over matched North Brunswick Bulldogs.
Marshawn Lloyd Guard (WE R 1)- Lloyd was a bully on this level. He powered his way past the smaller defenders before scoring at the cup. His size also gave him the advantage on the boards because his mass could not be matched. He also had a great game against Team 85 with 16 points.
Elijah Malloy Forward (WE R 1)- Standing 6’3 Malloy’s size caused controversy off the floor and damage between the lines. Like many of his peers that grow early he’s still developing post moves and an overall feel for the game. But when he’s rolling by blocking shots, rebounding and making layups he’s definitely an impact.
Tommy Carter Guard (WE R 1)- The architect of the WE R 1 offense caught my eye early. Team 85 could not keep this youngster put the lane. Once he reached the paint he dropped dimes like a snitch. Carter fed teammates well but didn’t shy away from getting buckets himself. He’s a guard to keep an eye on.
Griffen Rooney Guard (MSU Skyliners)- The point guard has a lot of flair and scoring ability for this Plainfield crew. I saw him shale up several defenders when pushing the rock and score in variation. He finished in transition but also pulled the trey ball, just ask North Brunswick Bulldogs. He hit them up for 20 points including 4 treys.
Ethan Hilliman Forward (MSU Skyliners)- Hilliman is a load inside and workhorse on the glass. He’s learning to play facing the basket including showing a short jumper. But ultimately he gave the opposition problems scoring close to the tin. He’s very strong for a 6th Grader.
