Monday, November 30, 2015

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen Cone (Kernersville, NC) Entry #5

The Cone Family 

The most important thing to me, next to God, is my FAMILY!!! I have been blessed in my short fourteen years of life with a wonderful family. My parents are Harold and Alicia Cone. They have been married for twenty-one years and counting! My dad is from North Babylon, New York and came to North Carolina for college. He played basketball at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). My dad is a trainer at Fitness One Training Systems and he trains athletes from five years-old to professional players who play oversees. He and my mom were friends at church, but did not start dating until they were at UNCG together. My mother is an English Language Arts teacher – can’t you tell because she edits all of my articles. She is also my number one cheerleader! I thank my dad for training me all of my life and for inspiring me to work hard. I thank my mom for nurturing me and making me work hard academically.

I have three siblings, Drew, Madison and Joy. Drew is my oldest brother and he is a college student who plays point guard at Sandhills Community College. He inspires me and he pushes me to excel in basketball and to walk close with Jesus in my everyday life. My second oldest brother, Madison, is a beast on the football field. He is a defensive back who plays corner. He has eight college offers and counting. He is also a dynamic basketball player. Finally, my beautiful little sister is my Joy Joy! She is my ace even though we fuss. She is a gifted singer and a pretty good athlete on the basketball court. 

 In closing, I cannot talk about family without mentioning my rock, my Grandma, Pastor Geralene T. Patterson. She spoils me and she prays for me daily! My grandpa, Madison W. Cone is also a great supporter of my family. My late grandpa, Aaron Patterson, Sr., and my late grandma, Alice T. Cone, are my guardian angels watching me from heaven and cheering me on as I journey through life. I am appreciative to all of my family, friends, church family and god-parents, Chris and Kristi, for all of your love and support. …

To keep up with me daily follow me on Instagram @jcone15 and on Twitter @j15cone.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Super Skillcase Profile: Taj Montgomery (Philadelphia, PA)

Name: Taj Montgomery 

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: I should have known this guard was from Philly because his game speaks toughness. Taj is built like a bowling ball and drives through the defense like a running back. On defense he was a ball hawk and bullied defenders into turnovers. He plays both ends of the floor in a very fast pace. It seems to be a free agent on the AAU scene but that should change soon.

Super Skillcase Profile: Jake Koverman (Severana, MD)

Name: Jake Koverman 

Hometown: Severena Park, MD 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Koverman hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he could be. He showed he could hit the open shot but also showed improvement with putting the ball on the deck. Once he gains more confidence and his size kicks in he might surprise a lot of people down the road. He’s definitely projected to stretch out.

Super Skillcase Profile: Jack Miller (Ocean, NJ)

Name: Jack Miller 

Hometown: Ocean, NJ 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Miller loves exposing his handle. He has a crafty handle that allows him to get anywhere he wants on the floor. He uses this maneuver to get past the defense or create space. Once he gets the space he needs he will launch a trey ball from deep. We will see him rocking with the Jersey Force in the spring.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Introducing Luke Brown AKA Little Steve Nash (Indiana)

Luke Brown showed flashes of Steve Nash type game at the MSHTV Camp in Indianapolis. The 8th grader from Brownsburg Indiana came into the camp as a relative unknown, but left as one of the most impressive players. Luke Brown showed great vision and play making skills to go along with his long range shooting. After making a big time impression at the MSHTV Camp, expect to hear more from Luke Brown as he becomes a well-known player in the Class of 2020.

Super Skillcase Profile: Al-Fatir Connor (Roselle, NJ)

Name: Al-Fatir Connor 

Hometown: Roselle, NJ 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Connor is constantly in attack mode and putting pressure on the defense. He’s good at penetrating especially if he doesn’t decide to go too deep. He’s good at pushing the rock in transition and making decisions. On defense he works hard at moving his feet and forcing ball handlers to make decisions.

Super Skillcase Profile: Tony Lorrick (Springfield, MA)

Name: Tony Lorrick 

Hometown: Springfield, MA 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Hodge is a strong body forward that can play the bruising style but also has some skill in his game. He’s mobile enough to make moves along the baseline while also bullying his way to the basket. He’s a talent to watch in the New England area especially when you realize he’s only a 6th Grader. A few teams will be vying for his services.

Super Skillcase Profile: Jayden Moore (Allentown, PA)

Name: Jayden Walsh 

Hometown: Allentown, PA 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Walsh is a nice guard with size and a burst of speed. He gets into the lane at will and specializes in using the spin to finish off plays. He has a nice feel for the game and rocks with ESYC Elite so hopefully we will see him to rock a little more.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Is At Capacity!



The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Deadline has expired and the teams listed below will most likely be the squads participating in this event. The schedule will be released next week. Thank you for your support. 

8th Grade Teams
1. Team Final (Black)
2. Playaz
3. Harlem United 
4. PSA Cardinals
5. New Heights
6. NJ Shore Shots
7. Team Phenom
8. NJ Bulldogs
9. Riverside Hawks
10. Hilltoppers Heat
11. St. Michaels
12. Brooklyn Rens 
13. NY Rens
14. Team Final (Blue)
15. CTA Turbo 
16. Boston Spartans
17. Playtime
18. Milbank Flyers
19. Team RJS
20. Fulton Ballers
21. Expressions 
22. Shore Boys
23. B'More United Thrill
24. Playaz (Gray)

7th Grade Teams
1. S Elite (Red)
2. S Elite (Black)
3. PSA Cardinals
4. Playaz
5. Team Final
6. NJ Bulldogs
7. Riverside Hawks
8. Philly Triple Threat
9. Philly Triple Threat (Hildalgo)
10. Hilltoppers Heat (Black)
11. Team Serenity
12. NY Rens (Kat)
13. Boston Spartans
14. Gauchos
15. NY Rens (Harris)
16. Milbank Flyers 
17. B'More United Thrill
18. Team Focus
19. Team IZOD
20. Stan Jones All Stars

6th Grade Teams
1. Team Final
2. New Heights
3. NJ Bulldogs
4. Riverside Hawks
5. Harlem United 
6. Playaz
7. Hilltoppers Heat
8. NY Lightning 
9. Brooklyn Rens 
10. NY Rens
11. Boston Spartans
12. Playtime 
13.  B'More United Thrill
14. NJ Shore Shots 
15. Team IZOD
16. NY Mustangs 

5th Grade
1. Team Final
2. Team IZOD 
3. Riverside Hawks
4. CT Defenders
5. New Heights
6. NY Rens 
7. Philly Triple Threat 
8. Boston Spartans
9. Playtime
10. We R 1
11. SJ Domination
12. B'More United Thrill

4th Grade 
1. New Heights 
2. Riverside Hawks
3. Expressions 
4. Playtime
5. NABC Elite 
6.  B'More United Thrill
7. Gauchos
8. Ring City Elite





Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Follow Basketball Spotlight On Twitter!


Basketball Spotlight has entered the world of Twitter. Now we will be giving you updates from tournaments, camps and clinics from our Twitter page. To follow us on twitter click the link below. Basketball Spotlight will continue our efforts on trying to keep you updated with all the new action and occurrences.

Click Here To Follow Basketball Spotlight

Monday, November 23, 2015

Super Skillcase Profile: Michael Dickinson (York, PA)

Name: Michael Dickinson 

Hometown: York, PA 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Dinkinson showed some quickness at the position and displayed smooth court vision at the Super Skillcase. He was able to put together some big plays. He should be a good player to watch as he takes the court with the York Raiders.

Super Skillcase Profile: Richie Greaves (Staten Island, NY)

Name: Richie Greaves 

Hometown: Staten Island, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Greaves took his talent up to the 9th Grade level and was still able to hold his own. The crafty point guard used his improved strength and size to maneuver on the floor. He also seems to have improved his outside shot. After a successful summer on the camp circuit Greaves confidence is through the roof. Hopefully he will carry this over to the NY Rens when he rocks with them on the circuit. We expect him to make a jump in our national rankings next fall.

Super Skillcase Profile: Naadhir Wood (Philadelphia, PA)

Name: Naadhir Wood 

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Wood is young on the court and is developing moves but could be something serious down the road because of his size. He was able to alter shots and rebound the ball. I like his work ethic and motor when playing the game. Like I stated earlier he’s still in the project faze but would be a good investment for a tri-state AAU squad.

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen Cone (Kernersville, NC) Entry #4

Jalen's High School Squad

Our first game was this past Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Before the game my teammate, Edrice “Bam” Adebayo, signed his national letter of intent to play with the University of Kentucky! Our team surrounded him and his family as he signed. This was a great moment for my teammate and our team. We played New Garden Friends School and we beat them by 40+ points. 

On Friday, we traveled to The Cannon School for their annual tournament. We played Metrolina and beat them by 40+ points. We made it to the championship on Saturday and we beat Durham Academy by 30+ points. I played solid defense in all three games and ran the point guard position well with many assists and rebounds. Coach Calipari from the University of Kentucky was in the building for the championship game. I made the top standouts for the Hoop’s Column report for the tournament. 

They said the following.. “5’9″ PG Jalen Cone – Amongst the very best 8th graders in the nation, Cone once again showed why he is special. He played crucial minutes as a back up PG and found shooters in the corner. Very good athlete with excellent speed and quickness. Was very difficult for players 4 years older than him to stay in front of him. Elite PG.” 

I learned that the game is faster, more physical and players are stronger on the high school level. I fit right in, I just have to let my confidence keep building and as my confidence builds I will become a better player.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Super Skillcase Profile: Ricardo Alleyne (Brooklyn, NY)

Name: Ricardo Alleyne 

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: It’s all about potential with this kid. He has the quickness and height to make some things happen on the floor but needs to add some strength to take his production to the next level. He used that quickness to get past defenders and was able to look over them also for nice passes. Like most NY guards he prefers the transition game. In a few years I think this kid will blossom.

Super Skillcase Profile: Joshua Gonzalez (Saylorsburg, PA)

Name: Joshua Gonzalez 

Hometown: Saylorsburg, PA 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Gonzalez is a strong guard but is quicker off the dribble then he looks. He penetrates the lane and bounces off of defenders like a pinball. Once he gets some space he uses a nice pull up to finish off plays. He game should develop very well as he will be practicing against that loaded IZOD crew. We will get a few good looks at this kid.

Super Skillcase Profile: Yash Dattani (Princeton Junction, NJ)

Name: Yash Dattani 

Hometown: Princeton Junction, NJ 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Dattani instantly speeds up the game with his play. He gets up and down very quickly and is willing to make the extra pass. Sometimes he can take a too many risk with the rock but we believe that will settle down as he gets older. He looks his best when he picks his spots and plays under control. He should be a name to know in the Mercer County area.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Super Skillcase Profile: Shane Dezonie (Tobyhanna, PA)

Name: Shane Dezonie 

Hometown: Tobyhanna, PA 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Dezonie is another member of that powerful IZOD group and he is also highly rated in our rankings. Shane has slimmed down while improving his athleticism and his game shows it. He’s much quicker on both sides of the ball and explodes too the cup when trying to finish. I also like how he handles the ball and make plays against top competition. He has a chance to shoot up in our national ranking come September.

Super Skilcase Profile: Trey Patterson (Somerset, NJ)

Name: Trey Patterson 

Hometown: Somerset, NJ 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Patterson came into the Skillcase rated as our #1 7th Grader in America. But that didn’t stop him from working hard in the drills and trying to become better. Patterson showed improved in his motor which is major and also proved he could bang with the big boys (Played with the 9th Graders). Trey versatility remains his strong point as he’s difficult to guard for big forwards and wings. He handles the rock like a point guard and has extended his range. I can’t wait to see him with that loaded Team IZOD 7th Grade bunch.

Super Skillcase Profile: Ibraheim Wattara (Mount Kisco, NY)

Name: Ibraheim Wattara 

Hometown: Mount Kisco, NY 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: What a fresh face! Wattara immediately caught my attention with his athleticism, high motor and ability to finish. When I looked closer at his game I saw he put the ball on the deck and was attempting some perimeter moves. At times on the floor he was the most dominant person. Right now he’s under the radar but playing with the NY Rens should thrust him into the national scene.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

6'9 8th Grader Makes Splash At MSHTV Camp!

Emmanuel Okpomo is a 6'9 eighth grader from Mississippi. At the 2015 MSHTV Camp Emmanuel showed that he is a ridiculous amount of potential to go along with his size. On this play Okpomo showed his defense and ability to run the floor, not to mention the coordination to make this play. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more footage from this event. Shout to my man Ty Kish for doing a great job with this event.

Super Skillcase Profile: Majesty Johnson (New York, NY)

Name: Majesty Johnson 

Hometown: New York, NY 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: If Johnson is not a miniature James Harden, my name isn’t Mike Melton. The southpaw gets it done from all three levels on the floor very quickly. He has a quick release and very good accuracy. His confidence soars once he gets going. He joined a loaded PSA Cardinal squad and should be a welcomed addition.

Super Skillcase Profile: Brandon Weston (Brooklyn, NY)

Name: Brandon Weston 

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: PSA Cardinals have been known for producing big time forwards and Weston might be another one in the pipeline. Last season he played primarily on the post but during the Super Skillcase he was seen pushing the rock coast to coast and making plays. Don’t get me wrong he still showed versatility on the blocks but his perimeter improvement really impressed us. He is definitely a candidate to jump in our rankings.

Super Skillcase Profile: Antoine Jack (Upper Marlboro, MD)

Name: Antoine Jack 

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Jack showed prowess as an on ball defender. He pressured the rock 94 feet and caused some confusion. On offense he’s capable of running the show and was able to hit the open jumper when the ball swung around. In transition he showed a burst of speed and was able to finish or hit teammates. Most players don’t concentrate on defense in this type of event but Jack preferred to dig in.

Super Skillcase Profile: Jaylen Murray (Bronx, NY)

Name: Jaylen Murray 

Hometown: Bronx, NY 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Class of 2020 guards look out because Murray is coming. The silky smooth combo guard let it be known at the Super Skillcase. He works great during the pick and roll while preferring to pop the pull up jumper. I like how he has developed his driving and finish game. Murray confidence handling the rock has reached another level and he’s looking to move up our rankings quickly. If he plays like this during the season it could be a problem for the opposition.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Super Skillcase Profile: Abdias "Speedy" Carcamo (Brooklyn, NY)

Name: Abdias “Speedy” Carcamo 

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Carcamo didn’t appear in our national rankings and we take full responsibility for that mistake because this kid has the goods. He put on the show at the Super Skillcase and might have moved into the top point guard in NYC spot. His smooth handle and court demeanor reminds me of fellow Brooklynite Eugene Harvey. He gets anywhere he wants to be on the floor while either finishing with a bucket or nice dime. His addition to the PSA Cardinals only makes them stronger and a potential national threat.

Super Skillcase Profile: John Wilson (Brooklyn, NY)

Name: John Wilson 

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Wilson is another guard that should get a boast in our next ranking if he continues the play he had at the Super Skillcase. John used improved strength, skill and jump shot to dominate the competition in Neptune. If he wasn’t hitting midrange pull ups in the lane, he was finishing at the cup or making teammates look good in transition. One of his most noticeable new assets is his ability to create space off the bounce and go right into his jump shot. Look out for this kid once he hits the AAU scene this year.

Super Skillcase Profile: Jahki Parrinello (Nanuet, NY)

Name: Jahki Parrinello 

Hometown: Nanuet, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2021 

Breakdown: Parrinello put on a memorable shooting display at the Super Skillcase. He pulled shots well behind the 3 point line with total confidence. He’s also blessed with superb speed and court savvy. Many may doubt his strength because of his size until he raises up from super deep and buries a three ball. One game he totally blacked out from behind the arc.

Super Skillcase Profile: Kyree Banks (Clinton, MD)

Name: Kyree Banks 

Hometown: Clinton, MD 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2020 

Breakdown: Banks returned to the court after going through an off the court tragedy. This kid not only showed the heart to return but also to go out and perform at a high level. I liked the way he pressured the rock full court and how he created plays on the offensive end. He has quickness and has improved on his decision making. He has a few more years to add some weight to his frame.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen Cone (Kernersville, NC) Entry #3

High Point Christian Academy Basketball Team

This week I will be talking about our upcoming season at High Point Christian Academy. We are hype about our first game on this Tuesday, November 17th at home. We cannot wait to play together in an actual game for the first time! We know that the gym is going to be packed and we cannot wait to show the world what we’ve got! 

My teammates as mentioned on the roster below inspire me daily to work hard and to get better. They always push me around to make me tough mentally and physically. They also joke with me and treat me like I am their little brother. The welcomed me to the team since day one and did not treat me like an outsider. We are like a family; everybody looks out for each other and has each other’s back. It really is a great experience to be on a team like this and to be a part of a great school and basketball program. 

In closing, I have to give my head coach, Brandon Clifford, and my assistant coach, JD Johnson a shout out. They have confidence in my ability to be a great basketball player. They always get on me and yell at me, but at the end of the day I realize that they want to me reach my full potential in the classroom and on the court. I also want to thank them for allowing me to come over my eighth grade year. Most programs of this caliber bring in juniors and seniors for varsity, but they wanted to start with me as an eighth grader to help me realize what it takes to be great. I also want to give my other assistant coach, Mr. Spencer, some recognition for helping me on the court but mostly for helping me to get closer to God. 

Team Roster 
0 Ty Graves G Sr. 5-11 175
1 Jalen Cone G 8th 5-9 140
2 Chantz Sawyers G Jr. 6-0 160
3 Michal Seals G Sr. 5-9 160
5 Amidou Bamba F Sr. 6-7 235
10 Reece Bogan G Jr. 6-2 180
11 Michael Hueitt Jr G Jr. 6-3 150
12 Jalen Seegars G Jr. 6-5 225
13 Edrice "Bam" Adebayo F Sr. 6-9 262
14 Ben Robertson G Sr. 6-5 195
21 De'shaun Taylor G Jr. 6-3 175

Super Skillcase Profile: Ethan Wilson (Colts Neck, NJ)

Name: Ethan Wilson 

Hometown: Colts Neck, NJ 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Wilson was strong inside and knew how to power up to get buckets and rebounds. While most players just looked to score he didn’t mind also doing the dirty work like boxing out and moving bodies.

Super Skillcase Profile: Julian Granville (Jackson, NJ)

Name: Julian Granville 

Hometown: Jackson, NJ 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2024

Breakdown: Granville possesses good size for a 5th Grader and has some wiggle in his game. Once he gets loose from defenders he can hit the step back shot or get to the rim. His size allowed him to see over defenders with ease. I won’t be surprised to see him on a nice Jersey AAU squad soon.

Super Skillcase Profile: Connor Howard (Manalapan, NJ)

Name: Connor Howard 

Hometown: Manalapan, NJ 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Someone in the Garden State needs to snatch up this kid for AAU. The forward should good range from the perimeter but can also bully defenders to get to the cup. He’s a slasher with a scoring mentality that should take him a long way in this game. Stay tuned because we will be watching.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Teach Me Classic Winter League 6th Grade Top Performers

Jayquan Briggs (Playaz)

The Teach Me Classic Winter League kicked off this weekend and Basketball Spotlight went to Teaneck, NJ for the opening day. We decided to focus our coverage on the 5th and 6th Grade Divisions. Here’s our top performers from the 6th Grade Division. 

Teach Me Classic Winter League 6th Grade Top Performers 

Jayquan Briggs Guard (Playaz)- Briggs is no doubt to the go to man on this squad. He has the green light and uses it often. He finishes well with either hand while scoring in traffic or transition. He used power to get through the gaps in the defense before scoring. He showed he could get buckets quickly and often.

TJ Robinson Guard (Playaz)- Robinson is only a 4th Grader but was one of the quickest guards we saw in Teaneck. He used blurring speed to get through the defense before getting to the cup. His size caused him to have early trouble finishing when he went too deep but he was able to hit a big trey to help put the game away. On defense he moves his feet well and understands that his job is to stay in front of defenders.
Sydir Mitchell Forward (Playaz)- The big fella showed endurance by playing on two different grade levels. He gets deep post position while displaying a soft touch. If you make the mistake of fouling him he’s pretty efficient from the charity stripe. He’s truly a load to handle down low on this level.
Shyheed Jenkins Guard (Hilltoppers Heat)- Jenkins is a tremendous ball handler with court vision and finishing ability despite his size. He’s fearless when attacking the lane and maneuvers around shot blockers very well. He’s a joy to watch and worth the price of admission.
Wendell Moreland Guard (Hilltoppers Heat)- Moreland played alongside Jenkins and provided the scoring for Hilltoppers. He’s stronger than Jenkins and uses this strength to go past defenders. He also showed good passing ability and a clean stroke from the mid-range area. He and Jenkins form a dynamic back court.
Cornelius Robinson Forward (Hilltoppers Heat)- Robinson did the rugged work inside for the Hilltoppers. He was tireless on the boards and scored on a couple of put backs. He’s strong enough to move bodies inside and quick enough to guard on the perimeter.
TJ Chisoln Guard (NY Lightning)- TJ joined the Lightning this year and looks good with his new team. He showed his quickness and superb ball handling to get anywhere on the court. He started the game out against Team IZOD by connecting on a few early threes. His play helped them pull out the win.
Nasir Muhammad Guard (NY Lightning)- Muhammad joined in on the win with Chisoln. He also drained a few early treys and converted on some tough finishes. He’s crafty and strong enough to split the defense and avoid traps. Finally, he was very active and useful in their pressure defense.
Jahlil Bethea Guard (NY Lightning)- Bethea reminds me of scoring southpaw Shamori Ponds. He has the quickness with the rock combined with range and a quick release. He made some good plays down the stretch of his team’s victory.
Sebastian Robinson Guard (Team IZOD)- Team IZOD has a tough day but I did like the smoothness of this point guard. Robinson has a fluid motion when handling the rock and can either set up teammates or look to score himself. His overall feel for the game makes me believe he should be a good one down the road.

Teach Me Classic Winter League 5th Grade Top Performers

Christian Greeley (Team IZOD)

The Teach Me Classic Winter League kicked off this weekend and Basketball Spotlight went to Teaneck, NJ for the opening day. We decided to focus our coverage on the 5th and 6th Grade Divisions. Here’s our top performers from the 5th Grade Division. 

Teach Me Classic 5th Grade Top Performers 

Christian Greeley Guard (Team IZOD)- Greeley started the game with a flurry of good passes and quick drives to the cup. He surveyed the floor like a true surgeon and delivered the passes on point. He had a good balance of attacking and also letting the game come to him.


Elliot Cadeau Guard (Team IZOD)- Cadeau entered the game and went right to work. He was one of the most talented players I seen on this grade level. He has a strong handle with the rock and a unique feel for the game. He scored with ease and also proved to be a more than capable play maker. On defense he bullied ball handlers and stripped several steals.
Tahaad Pettiford Guard (Team IZOD)- The southpaw came up big at the end of the game with a long trey and a steal which resulted in a layup. He’s an instant spark once he touches the rock and isn’t afraid to let it fly. I like his confidence and he will be a player to watch.
Mackenzie Mgbako Forward (Team IZOD)- This kid has a motor most will dream of. He’s always around the rock whether it’s rebounding or blocking shots. He has some ways to go in terms of establishing his touch inside but that should come in time. But he will nail free throws if he’s put on the line.
Michael Salibo Guard (Playtime)- This Playtime floor general understand his role and plays it well. He enjoys breaking down defenders and getting the ball to teammates. He has an impressive drive, draw and dish game. He also will nail the trey ball off the dribble or when the rock is rotated his way.
Justin Bonsu Guard (Playtime)- While Salibo ran the show Bonsu took care of the scoring. The combo guard stroked the deep ball and was a load to handle in transition. He continuously beat defenders down the floor and finished at the cup. He has the strength and confidence to be a major contributor on this level.
Akil Watson Forward (Playtime)- Watson also plays the game with enormous energy. He’s very active on both ends of the floor and will convert a layup in traffic. I like his size and potential he shows down the road. Playtime might have a good one in this kid.

Super Skillcase Profile: Joaquin Ortiz (York Haven, PA)

Name: Joaquin Ortiz 

Hometown: York Haven, PA 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2023 

Breakdown: Not many play the game with more passion than this pint sized floor general. Ortiz will attempt to drive past or crossover any defender in his way. He has a pass first mentality which his rare these days. If you back off him or leave him open will fling up a trey ball which was on point while I was watching.