NJ Shore Shots Showdown 8th Grade Championship Recap: NJ Shore Shots Protect Their Turf!
NJ Shore Shots
The NJ Shore Shots Showdown took place this weekend and Basketball Spotlight was in the building for coverage. In the 8th Grade finals NJ Shore Shots defeated Team Fantasy 52-35. Here’s a look at the top performers from the 8th Grade Championship game.
NJ Shore Shots Showdown 8th Grade Championship Recap
Charlie Gordiner Forward (NJ Shore Shots)- Gordiner is perhaps the best shooter in the state gave us a taste of his total package in Neptune. After keeping the defense honest by nailing some outside shot he showed an improvement in his ball handling and ability to create space. Charlie used his size to help out on the glass and score over smaller defenders. He has enough size and savvy to take defenders anywhere he wants on the floor. He also showed he could score the rock from all three levels.
Zaire Rogers Forward (NJ Shore Shots)- Some might not agree but I think this kid has a chance to be the best prospect from this group. The lanky forward stretched out for some big finishes in transition. He has the body type and potential size that could produce a mouth-watering prospect down the road. Once he develops his ball handling, decision making and ability to create on the wing it could be curtains for the opposition. I would love to see this kid when he reaches his sophomore year in high school. Remember his name.
RJ Weiss Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- The experienced point guard played like a quarterback on the floor. He doesn’t go outside of his skill set to get things done. He runs the team and picks his spots to attack. He also can nail the open jumper when the ball rotates his way. The southpaw comes from a basketball family and that is evident in his IQ on the floor.
Tahj Parland Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- After a subpar semifinal Parland steppe his game up in the finals. He had some explosive moves going towards the basket while displaying a nice drive, draw and dish game. He has a tight handle but must understand that playing with the ball too much can lead to trouble. When he gets it and goes he is tough to stop and he showed good body control in traffic.
Chris Sica Forward (NJ Shore Shots)- Sica did all the dirty work for the champions. He clogged up the lane, blocked shots and controlled the glass. Offensively he used a turnaround shot and kissed a few shots off the glass. He also showed he could use his off hand to finish in the lane and avoid shot blockers.
Jakari Spence Guard (Team Fantasy)- Spence was spectacular in the first half as his team took the lead into the locker room. The Shore Shots seemed to have no answer for his dribble drives and scoring prowess. He even nailed a few treys from deep. When he was on his game he proved to be a great creator especially driving the lane.
Jaylin Champion Forward (Team Fantasy)- Champion also had a good first half. He operated from the high post and either hit the short jumper or attacked the rim. He showed some physical tools when driving including being an explosive leaper. In the second half he went away from that and settled for jump shots when hurt his team’s chances.
Quil Nazario Guard (Hoopanomics)- Nazario showed that toughness that Linden area guards are known for. He played tough defense and handle the rock in the trenches. The fearless guard was afraid to take the big shot as he launched a couple of long treys to keep the game close. He also gave us a chance to see some good court vision. He’s one to keep an eye on.
Vesiah West Forward (Hoopanomics)- West was a pleasant surprise. I like his motor and the versatility he shows on the wing. He can guard multiple positions and ran the floor like deer. Just when you thought he showed enough, West displayed some decision making in transition that caught my eye. Right now he’s a sleeper but that could change shortly.
OUR NEXT STOP: Super Skillcase In Neptune, NJ, November 7th and 8th.
