Showcase games are usually suited for point guards because it’s an up and down pace with emphasis put on ball handling and flair. Since there’s no coach calling plays the PG’s decide who gets the rock and when they get it. Sha Sha Matthews came up from Virginia and used the Gym Rat Midnight Madness to show his array of floor general skills. Matthews walked away with CO- MVP Honors. We got a chance to holla at Sha Sha before he headed back down south. This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: Where did you get the name Sha Sha from?
SM: It’s a nick name I got from my dad I forgot where he said it came from.
7:00
BS: What made you come all the way to jersey for this event?
SM: Well my dad heard about it and said this was something I needed to be in.
6:00
BS: What did you think about the competition?
SM: I felt the comp was definitely serious and it was worth the trip.
5:00
BS: What NBA player would you compare your game too?
SM: DJ Augustine because we are both impact players without a lot of size. We both know how to get to the cup.
4:00
BS: What’s your dream college right now?
SM: Duke or Memphis, Duke because I like the way Coach K coaches and he gets you to the NBA. Memphis I like the freedom the players have on the floor and their style of play.
3:00
BS: What’s your best basketball experience thus far?
SM: When I played for the Diaper Dans of America. It was a Nike team with some of the top players in the country playing together. We had a lot of fun.
2:00
BS: What part of your game needs the most improvement?
SM: I need to get stronger so I can have better control going to the basket. It would help me absorb contact.
1:00
BS: Who has the most influence in your life?
SM: My father and little brother, my father showed me how to play the game and my little brother passed away. So I play very hard for them.
0:00 Ball Game!
Philly Hoops and Five Star Basketball Presents:
The Super 60 Basketball Showcase, Featuring the Top 60 Tri-State Area High School Basketball Players
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2008
Place: Tri-State Sports, Aston, PA (directions)
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: $50.00 per player
Players listed on the Philly Hoops Super 60 Rankings List are invited to register for this event.
ARE YOU ON THE LIST? Find out here!
REGISTRATION:
Visit phillyhoops for registration and payment instructions.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
info@phillyhoops.net
WHY ATTEND THE SUPER 60 SHOWCASE?
One Day, Invitation-Only Event
-Each player will play (5) 30 minute officiated games
-Reversible Nike Jersey and Shorts will be provided for each player
-Skills/Drills/Evaluation/NCAA Clearinghouse Review with Tony Bergeron
-Several Recruiting services will be in attendance
-Player information will be sent to several colleges
-D2, D3, and Junior College coaches will be in attendance
-A member of the McDonald's All-American High School contact committee will be in attendance
-Players will receive a complete profile on phillyhoops.net for maximum exposure throughout the season
EARN YOUR PLACE IN THE RANKINGS!
NJ's Top PG (Kavon Stewart) Is Ready For The Expo!Since the announcement several players have confirmed their spot at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo. Here’s a list of players that have guaranteed their spot at this exclusive event. To confirm your spot contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122.
Elite 80 Expo Confirmation List
Jason Boswell (LI Lightning)
Britton Lee (Peacemakers)
Kavon Stewart (Playaz)
Reggie Cameron (Playaz)
Joshua Marquez (Playaz) Chris Regis (Playaz)
Darius Robinson (Educated Athletes)
Jaquan Johnson (Educated Athletes)
Jakari Rowe (Educated Athletes)
Comrad Chambers (Educated Athletes)
Dylan Daniluk (Harvest Knights)
Ramone Gibbons (Boston Saintz)
Timmance McKinney (Boston Saintz)
Wayne Sulden (Boston Saintz)
Ian Rohde (Ringwood, NJ)
Larry Morton (Lexington, KY)
Dillon Avare (Lexington, KY)
Jamal Adu Peasah (Lexington, KY)
Jordan Forehand (Bridgewater, NJ)
Gary Whritenour (Wood Ridge, NJ)
Devon Bell (Voorhees, NJ)
Ryan Bland (Sicklerville, NJ)
Amir Middred (Camden, NJ)
Yusef Yacob (Chester, PA)
Joel Hernandez (Teaneck, NJ)
Dwayne Foreman (Spring Valley, NY)
Shacore Edwards (New Jersey Panthers)
Elite 80 Expo Invite List
Act Fast Or Read About It Later! ONCE WE HIT 80 THE EVENT IS CLOSED! 80 Players8 Teams 1 Champion
It’s time to rumble the Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic is here and will take place December 27th and 28th in Lakewood, NJ at the brand new High Performance Facility. This event should feature the top teams in the region and will have serious Basketball Spotlight website coverage. We are only taking 12 teams for each division so sign up quickly. Request an application by email from Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or call at 609-532-5122. Travel Teams and Grammar School Teams are also invited!Event: Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic
Date: December 27th and 28th
Place: Lakewood, NJ (High Performance Facility)
Ages: 10U thru 14U or 4th Grade thru 8th Grade
Price:$300 (Holiday Discount)
Awards and Serious Website Coverage will be given.
Confirmed Teams
14U Teams
1. Trenton Hurricanes
2. Educated Athletes
3. Keystone Blazers
4. New Heights White
5. New Heights Blue
6.
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9.
10.
11.
12.
13U Teams
1. PYO
2. Team NJ ABC
3. JSL Hoops
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. Gauchos
3. JSL Hoops
4. FACES
5. Garden State Elite
6. New Heights White
7. New Heights Blue
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
11U Teams
1. FACES
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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9.
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12.
Travel Teams
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Dwayne Foreman Jr. had been on the New York basketball scene since my days with Metro Hoops. DJ has played for a few teams and has been a fixture for exposure camps all over the country. This last season he came over the water and suited up for New Jersey’s Trenton Hurricanes. We caught up with DJ Foreman after the Gym Rat Midnight Madness and here’s what he had to say…. This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: How did you feel playing in the Gym Rat Midnight Madness?
DF: I enjoyed it because I was able to play against the best players in my class and it gives me a look at where I stand against them.
7:00
BS: Last season your squad won the Basketball Spotlight MDC, how was that feeling?
DF: It felt great because it was a serious tournament with all the top teams in the region. So for us to reign supreme says a lot for our team and we have to be mentioned as one of the top programs in the region.
6:00
BS: You have played at several exposure camps which do you think was your best experience?
DF: It would have to be when I went to the Midwest Adidas Camp when I was in 6th Grade. That was the farthest I ever went for a camp and I got a lot of exposure.
5:00
BS: Speaking of camps you are confirmed for the Elite 80 Expo, what do you expect to gain from that experience?
DF: I’m very excited because all the top players from my class will be there and we get to match-up for whole weekend. I will just use the event to measure my skills and get better.
4:00
BS: What NBA player would you compare your game to?
DF: I would say “The Ice Man” George Gervin because I’m a prolific scorer like him.
3:00
BS: If you could wake up at any college which one would it be and why?
DF: I would say U Conn because they have so many good players from there, they get you ready for the NBA and I love the basketball atmosphere there.
2:00
BS: What part of your game do you need to improve on the most?
DF: My strength and my shooting because right now I get pushed around inside a little too much at times and I don’t shoot enough jump shots. I need to shoot more.
1:00
BS: Who’s the best 8th Grader in NY right now?
DF: I would have to say I am one of the better big guards in the city. The other guards are smaller and use their strength to their advantage.
0:00 Ball Game!
Hi this is Jay Smooth coming at you again. This week was a really tough week for me because I became ill and was not able to go to school or work out. I was very disappointed because I was looking forward to playing the Gauchos in round ball. The Gauchos beat the Patriots by 6 points and I know if was there that probably would not have happened. My Lightning team is playing in a local tournament in Far Rockaway this coming weekend but my mom is encouraging me to get some rest and catch up on my school work which is more important. Don’t worry when I get better, I will give you more exciting updates and give people the business.
Basketball Spotlight will be heading to Philadelphia Friday October 3rd for the Jr. Elite Regional Camp. The Philadelphia site has an influx of talent on hand. Some of the top players in the region will be at Germantown Academy. Top players already confirmed include Britton Lee, Brandon Austin, Mikey Dixon, Samir Taylor and young point guard Tyler Jones. Basketball Spotlight will be giving you full recaps of the games and player performances. Anyone wanting to sign up for this event contact the Hoop Group at www.hoopgroup.com.
You read about plenty of his basketball feats on this website especially him winning Mr. Memorial Day at the Basketball Spotlight MDC but did you know he was a starting quarterback for his football squad or that he likes to spend his past time studying? Here’s your chance to meet Malik Ellison!
Malik Ellison’s Favorites
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite College: North Carolina
Favorite Sneaker: Kobe Retro’s
Favorite Rapper: TI
Favorite NBA Player: Lebron James
Favorite All-time NBA Player: My Dad
Favorite Website: Youtube
Biggest Influence: My Dad
Career Goal: NBA Player
It has come to my attention that Basketball Spotlight has be prematurely placed on numerous fliers and event announcements as being assigned to cover tournaments, showcases etc. We don’t want to mislead teams, organization or players and we don’t promote false advertisement. Please take note that if you do not see this event advertised on our website or on the Certified Circuit List “We Will Not Be There”. If you have any questions on whether we will be attending an event please contact me basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Here’s the list of events we are scheduled to attend.
Basketball Spotlight Certified Circuit
Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic
• Date: December 26th and 27th
• Place: TBA
• Cost: $350
• Ages: 11U Thru 14U
• Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
JSL MLK Classic
• Date: January 16th thru 18th
• Place: Lakewood, NJ
• Cost: $400
• Ages: 10U Thru 14U
• Contact: Laurene Jackson at 848-525-3201 or visit http://www.eteamz.com/jsl/index.cfm?
Rebounds Presidents Day Classic
• Date: February 14th and 15th
• Cost: AAU $350 Non AAU $275
• Ages: 9U Thru 14U and 3rd Grade to 8th Grade
• Contact: Joe Stein at 732-897-3196 or visit http://www.hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/rebounds.php
Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase
• Date: March 21st and 22nd
• Cost: $350
• Place: Atlantic City, NJ
• Ages: 10U thru 14U
• Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Beantown Mazzacre
• Date: March 28th and 29th
• Place: Milton, Mass.
• Cost: $400
• Ages: 11U thru 17U
• Contact: Coach Pumpkin at 857-891-4797 or at coachpgbball@yahoo.com
Basketball Spotlight MDC
• Date: May 22nd thru 24th
• Place: Neptune, NJ
• Cost: $400
• Ages: 10U thru 16U
• Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Playaz Club Blow Up
• Date: June 5th thru 7th
• Place: Paterson, NJ
• Cost: $375
• Ages: 12U thru 14U
• Contact: Jim Salmon at 973-207-4346 or visit http://www.playazbasketball.org/
Game Over Classic
• Date: June 19th thru 21st
• Place: New York City
• Cost $425
• Ages: 10U thru 17U
• Contact: Dana Dingle at 646-773-4878 or visit http://www.gameovernyc.com/
California has been a hot bed for point guards for years. Gary Payton to Jason Kidd and most recently Brandon Jennings all surfaced from the West Coast state. Now Jennings has gone to Europe and some of the top point guards are starting to emerge. The scary thing is that one of the best is only in the 7th Grade. His name is Parker P- Funk Cartwright who runs the show for grammar school AAU giants Arc Gorillas. The Arc Gorillas coach Lee Garson has full faith in his floor general. “We played in most of the top events and I haven’t seen a better point guard in this age group period” Garson said.
While some coaches might over hype their players Cartwright’s resume speaks for itself. He guided ARC to top finishes in some of the top tournaments in the country. He was phenomenal during the AAU Regionals, Super Regionals and Nationals as he led his team to a Final Four Appearance in Hampton, Virginia. He also flexed his muscles at the showcase tournaments such as the West Coast Nationals in Las Vegas and the Presidents Day Tourney in Portland Oregon where he averaged 24 points and 7 dimes. Garson feels very comfortable with P-Funk at the controls, “Not only does he do an excellent job running the show he also gets it done on the other end of the floor defensively which is very impressive”. This assessment came true to form at the Jr. All American Camp where Parker totally dominated the competition and left as our pick as the top performer for the Class of 2014.
We are not saying we guarantee that Parker will make to the heights of those mentioned above but right now we feel he’s the top point guard in this class. Coach Garson also see a bright future ahead, “I think he will at least be a phenomenal high school player but if he grows like I think he would then of course his success will carry on”. One thing is certain if you get a chance to check him out don’t pass it up because you will be missing out on the next great one.
One of the good things about Basketball Spotlight switching our focus to grammar school basketball is that we are likely to see some new talent each time we walk into the gym. This was the case when I traveled to Cherry Hill for the Gym Rat Midnight Madness. This event had an influx of talent including Ryan Bland a forward from Sicklerville, NJ. I got a chance to talk to Bland during this event and here’s what he had to say. This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: How did you enjoy this event?
RB: I thought it was very fun because I just love playing the game of basketball.
7:00
BS: What NBA player could you compare your game to?
RB: Amare Stoudemire because I am a power forward but I’m not afraid to put the ball on the floor.
6:00
BS: If you could wake up at any college in the country where would you want it to be?
RB: Villanova because I love there basketball coach, team and they have a good law program. I want to be a lawyer.
5:00
BS: What’s your best basketball memory of your young career?
RB: Well in one game my team was down by 2 points in the final seconds, I drove to the hole got fouled and 1. I went to the foul line and won the game for us.
4:00
BS: What part of your game do you think needs to most improvement?
RB: My shooting because I want to extend my range which would make me harder to defend.
3:00
BS: If you could have dinner with one person who would you choose and why?
RB: Kobe Bryant because I think he’s the best in the NBA and I would love to talk to him.
2:00
BS: Who’s the biggest influence in your life?
RB: My parents because they support me in basketball and in school.
1:00
BS: Who’s the hottest rapper out there right now?
RB: LiL Wayne because he does it all. No one is hotter right now!
0:00 Ball Game!
I first noticed Steve Jordan at the Basketball Spotlight MDC playing for the Philly Aztecs coached by his mother. Many people might think that he gets special perks playing for his mom but that means you haven’t watched the Aztecs play. The point guard has a nice handle and has some sneaky moves that catch defenders off guard. Here’s a breakdown of some things that matter in Steve’s world.
Steve Jordan’s Favorites
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite NBA Player: Allen Iverson
Favorite Singer: Chris Brown
Favorite TV Show: ESPN SportsCenter
Favorite Sneaker: Jordans
Favorite Website: Youtube
Favorite College: North Carolina
Career Goal: NBA Star
Most Influence In His Life: His Mom
Team NJ ABC's Markus Kennedy will be there.Northstar Basketball, LLC will host a college showcase on Sunday, October 5, at the Mercer County indoor center at the Mercer County Airport, for high school players looking to enhance their recruitment. Many D2, D3 and NAIA coaches will be invited, with many in attendance, and a summary report with attendee evaluation and information will be sent to numerous D1 schools across the country. Additionally, a number of the top scouting/recruiting services, such as Scout.com, Hoopscoop, Northstar Basketball, NJHoops.com, Zags Blog, Basketball Spotlight, etc will be invited so they can evaluate and report about the attendees. This event will surely be well organized and tightly run.A few highlights:
· 3 games for each particpant - equal playing time guaranteed
· ONE DAY EVENT!
· $125 entry fee, payable via credit card at www.northstarbball.com
· Reversible jersey for all participants
· Skills/drills/guest speakers/recruitment discussion
· Attendee information sent to many colleges
· D2 and D3 coaches in attendance
· All-star teams
· Multiple scouting services invited: Northstar Basketball, Scout, Rivals, Hoopscoop, Basketball Spotlight, NJHoops.com, Zag's Blog, etc
BE RECOGNIZED, EVALUATED, AND RECRUITED . . . BE THERE!!!!Attendance will be limited. More information and registration can be found at www.northstarbball.com or you can contact Matt Pauls at northstarbb@gmail.com or at (609)468-0552.
The ESPN Show Outside The Lines recently featured Marquise Walker the Youtube basketball phenom from Chicago, Illinois. The feature examined of players are too young to be featured on video sites and if there’s too much pressure from the parents. I think it was an interesting piece and invite all you guys to watch it. A Must See!ESPN Outside The Lines Story
Jason Boswell has his spot, where are you?Since the announcement several players have confirmed their spot at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo. Here’s a list of players that have guaranteed their spot at this exclusive event. To confirm your spot contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122.
Elite 80 Expo Confirmation List
Jason Boswell (LI Lightning)
Britton Lee (Peacemakers)
Kavon Stewart (Playaz)
Reggie Cameron (Playaz)
Joshua Marquez (Playaz)
Darius Robinson (Educated Athletes)
Jaquan Johnson (Educated Athletes)
Jakari Rowe (Educated Athletes)
Comrad Chambers (Educated Athletes)
Dylan Daniluk (Harvest Knights)
Ramone Gibbons (Boston Saintz)
Timmance McKinney (Boston Saintz)
Wayne Sulden (Boston Saintz)
Ian Rohde (Ringwood, NJ)
Larry Morton (Lexington, KY)
Dillon Avare (Lexington, KY)
Jamal Adu Peasah (Lexington, KY)
Jordan Forehand (Bridgewater, NJ)
Gary Whritenour (Wood Ridge, NJ)
Devon Bell (Voorhees, NJ)
Ryan Bland (Sicklerville, NJ)
Amir Middred (Camden, NJ)
Yusef Yacob (Chester, PA)
Joel Hernandez (Teaneck, NJ)
Dwayne Foreman (Spring Valley, NY)
Shacore Edwards (New Jersey Panthers)
Elite 80 Expo Invite List
Act Fast Or Read About It Later! ONCE WE HIT 80 THE EVENT IS CLOSED!
When you travel to a different state to compete in a showcase event you have to make sure you bring your game because you represented your hometown. Austin Colbert did that and much more has he won the MVP honors at the Gym Rat Midnight Madness. Colbert took the up Rt. 13 from Chesapeake, Virginia to the Garden State and didn’t waste his father’s gas money. We got a chance to holla at the event and here’s what he had to say. This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: How did you end up coming to this event in New Jersey?
AC: My mom had heard about the event and she wanted me to come up and see what I could do. She told me to just go out there and have fun.
7:00
BS: What AAU team do you play for?
AC: I currently play for the Virginia Beach Heat.
6:00
BS: If you could compare your game to any NBA player who would you compare it to?
AC: Kevin Garnett because I can play the post like a traditional power forward but I also can put the ball on the floor and create my own shot. I also like his work ethic he works very hard on his game.
5:00
BS: If you could wake up tomorrow at any college in the country what school would it be and why?
AC: It would be North Carolina because I like Roy Williams and the players they have produced like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse and others.
4:00
BS: What part of your game you feel needs the most work?
AC: I think I need to work on driving hard to the left. My left hand needs to get stronger.
3:00
BS: If you could have dinner with one person who would you pick?
AC: Dwight Howard because he’s a good athlete but more importantly they say he’s just a good person with a nice heart.
2:00
BS: Who is the most influential person in your life?
AC: My father because he was the first one to put a ball in my hands. He was very good in his day and he just gives me the right advice about the game of basketball.
1:00
BS: Who’s the best 8th Grader in Virginia?
AC: Not to be self-centered or anything but I think I am because I can do it all.
0:00 Ball Game
Vince Jackson Jr. is a 6th Grader from Cherry Hill, NJ that I had a chance to see play on a couple of occasions. Most recently I watched Jackson get busy at the Gym Rat Midnight Madness where he showcased some good skills. Here’s your chance to get know Jackson check out some things that’s really peaks his interest.
Vince Jackson’s Favorites
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Rapper: Jay Z
Favorite Sneaker: Adidas
Favorite TV Show: Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Favorite Website: ESPN.com
Favorite NBA Player: Chris Paul
Role Model: My Dad
Dream College: Wake Forest
Career Goal: To Be A Successful Person
Wassup basketball world its Jason Boswell back again to inform you guys on how my week went.
I started off my week which seemed like it at St. would never end at Raymonds Middle School. This is my first year attending this school. School is very important to me but this year more then ever because it determines what high school I choose.
My weekend was pretty simple. I attended a good friend Durand Scott IS8 game. He played very well. I also had a game in Gauchos Roundball Classic with Ny Patriots coached by Elliott Rosado. I got my teammates involved in the first half, but in the second half I turned up my offensive and defensive game to make sure my team came out with the win.
We played against a New Heights team with a lot of good little guards. I ended the game with about 16pts and 10 or 11 boards. I think the final score was 61-57. We play again in Roundball on Friday at 5. I also worked out with my AAU coach Shandue McNeil at St. Johns University. I love his workouts. That sort of ended off my week.
So hopefully next week I can make it more exciting for the readers.
Peace! (Smooth Out)
MVP's Austin Colbert and Sha Sha Matthews
MVP Austin Colbert scored 15 points and Dwayne Foreman added 13 markers as the Red team stormed past the White team 70-39 in the Middle School Elite Game of the Gym Rat Midnight Madness. Sha Sha Mathews led the White team with 13 points in the loss and was rewarded MVP.
Top Performers
(Red Team)
Austin Colbert Forward (Chesapeake, VA)- He’s 6’8 and he has the goods. The youngster knows how to establish position and is eager to get his hands on the pill. He has some polished post moves and even uses his off hand on finishes. Some people that the true center is out of basketball but in a few years Colbert might have them singing a different tune. 
Dwayne Foreman Guard (Spring Valley, NY)- The lefty had his moments and used them wisely. He showed the ability to finish which is his forte and even showed some range knocking down a NBA length 3-ball. I liked the energy he brought in the 2nd Half and he seemed to be enjoying himself on the floor. It should be an interesting year for Foreman.
Amir Middred Forward (Camden, NJ)- Sometimes a player doesn’t have to light up the scoreboard for you to see his skills and today that player was Middred. Amir has a Billy Owens type of game meaning he has a sure fire forward’s body but handles the pill like a guard. Amir also lends a hand on the glass and is able to start a fast break himself. I see something special in this player.
Sheppard Gardner Guard (Chester, PA)- The 7th Grade used the 2nd half to remind people of his skill set. Gardner caught fire from the perimeter, scored in the open floor and punished defenders in traffic. After using the first half to get used to the games pace, Sheppard confidence soared in the second stanza. He proved he belonged and more.
Aaron McGlawn Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- I was very impressed with the way this point guard pushed the rock and put pressure on the defense. He’s equally effective dribbling with either hand and has added a nice floater to the arsenal. He beat several defenders off the bounce and stayed in attack mode the entire contest.Devon Bell Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Bell is a southpaw combo guard that likes to initiate contact when going to the basket. He drives well from the wing and does have some decent touch on his outside shot. Bell also digs in on defense and will occasionally hit the boards to support his team.
Yusef Yacob Guard (Chester, PA)- Yacob has a very slim build but loves to throw his body into shot blockers when scoring in the lane. He has a deceptive handle but the quickness to get to the cup. He also looks like he has a few more inches to add to his frame.
(White Team)
Sha Sha Matthews Guard (Sydney, VA)- Matthews won MVP honors for the White Team after playing like a true showman during the game. The Virginia point guard has tremendous poise and knows how to dip in and out of traffic while handling the pill. Sha Sha is a pass first point guard and seems to enjoy the role.
Austin Tilghman Guard (Wilmington, DE)- Tilghman played with tremendous toughness for his team. The physical guard hit the boards hard and tried everything he could to get his squad going. If his teammates would have match his intensity the outcome would have been a little closer.
Miles Overton Guard (Chester, PA)- The son of the former NBA player Doug Overton has some versatility to his game. I like his size for the wing on this level and how he gets rid of defenders with dribble moves. Overton also has the ability to create his own shot which is important on any level.
Ryan Bland Forward (Sicklerville, NJ)- The wide body is light on his feet and has very soft touch near the tin. He matched up with Alston Colbert which would have been a tough duty for anyone. Bland held his ground and made his presence felt. I see good things for him in the future. ELITE 80 EXPO INFO
MVP's Malik Ellison and Kamari Peel
MVP Malik Ellison scored 16 points and Trey Lowe had a good showing as the White Team held on to beat the Red Team 48-43 in the Baby Ballers Game of the Gym Rat Midnight Madness.
Top Performers
(White Team)
Malik Ellison Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- It was no surprise that that he left with the MVP because he got going towards the basket he was too difficult to defend. Malik used strength, size and quickness to get anywhere he wanted on the floor while also rebounding inside for his club. In the open floor he exploded and made most of the finishes look to easy. The stage lights were on again and he performed.
Trey Lowe Guard (Ewing, NJ)- Speaking of the stage the Ewing product stepped up in a big way. I like the control he possesses on the floor. He has the knack for scoring and knows how to get out quick on transition. Lowe also showed some point guard instincts in terms of passing while setting up teammates.
Robert DE Persia Guard (Cherry Hill, NJ)- The kid nicknamed “Dirt” did a tremendous job on defense moving his feet and also dazzled the crowd with some crafty offensive moves. He had one hesitation move that froze the defender in his tracks. He loves Steve Nash’s game and I can tell.
Nick DE Persia Guard (Cherry Hill, NJ)- The other DE Persia twin Nick also has a hard nose style of game but prefers the perimeter shot more than his brother. He hustles similar on defense but doesn’t handle ball as much as Robert. I like the Cherry Hill Duo.
Adam Perry Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Perry has good control when dribbling the basketball. He never seems to be playing out of control and gets his shot off no matter the size of the defenders. The lefty has nice range on his outside shot and shoots the floater with great confidence.
Jeff Thompson Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Thompson is athletic on this level and plays with a lot of energy. He raced down the floor while scoring in transition and kept the ball alive inside with hustle plays. As he gets older you will see him transcend to the wing more.
Randall West Forward (Moorestown, NJ)- West was forced to play inside being the tallest guy on his team. He wasn’t totally out of position but you can see that he’s more comfortable on the wing. I like his game facing the basket and he does handle the rock a little.(Red Team)
Kamari Peel Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Peel won MVP for the Red Team after having an all around effort. He scored inside, blocked shots and rebounded like a Mad Man. Peel has some concept of post moves but still needs a lot of work which is normal considering he’s a 6th Grader. Expect a long wiry prospect in a few years.
Vincent Jackson Guard (Cherry Hill, NJ)- I saw another side of VJ’s game. He showed me the point guard pass first and create version. Jackson attacked often and good opportunities inside the lane. He either dished off to teammates or made his way to the free throw line. He has a good basketball IQ.ELITE 80 EXPO INFO
