What happens when you bring the top 7th Grade Ballers from 4 states together for a one day tourney? On February 7th we will find out as Basketball Spotlight will present the Clash For The Cup. Basketball Spotlight will select the top 10 players from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and bring them together for this exclusive battle. The winner will have bragging rights and be presented with the cup. The rosters will be presented on January 9th, 2009. The games will be played at Trenton Catholic High School. Players not seen in person by Basketball Spotlight will not be eligible to play.
The 5th annual 8 is Enough League will begin on Saturday night January 10, 2009. The league is open to the first eight 8th grade teams who enter.Games are played at either 6:30pm or 7:30pm on 7 consecutive Saturdays at Paterson's John F. Kennedy HS which has 2 full courts right next to each other. All 8 teams will make the play-offs. For more info, contact Jimmy Salmon @ 973-207-4346 or JimSal@tmail.com.
When Brandon Jennings decided to go to Italy and play pro ball instead of Arizona it was a daring move and now the young baller gives us some insight on his journey. Youngsters play close attention because he lets you know it’s not all glitz and glamour. Check out the video and article from ESPN MagClick Here For Video and Article2nd Article
Will Joyce (Newark, NJ)
Day 2 of the NJ Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp brought us some faces to feature and also some entertaining basketball. Here’s a look at the 8th Grade division and who impressed us on the floor.
Class 2013 Report
Will Joyce Forward (Newark, NJ)- Do you remember Joe Smith at the University of Maryland? If so then you can imagine Joyce’s game during this camp. The lanky forward is just too long and talented at this venue but the scary thing is his best basketball is years ahead. He definitely has a few more inches to go and time for his body to feel out. 
Kody Jenkins Guard (Hackensack, NJ)- Another day and Jenkins looked like one of the top points in this class. His size at the position automatically makes you take notice up him brining the rock up. It also allows him to or shot over defenders whenever he wants. I love his instincts on the floor. He was one of the top 5 players in attendance.
Jordan Forehand Guard (Woodbridge, NJ)- In terms of all around performance few have matched Forehand. The power guard always seemed to make the proper pass, score in volume and just make all the correct plays. He’s attends Rutgers Prep right now but it won’t be long before the NJ Powerhouse schools began showing heavy interest.
Jared Hall Guard (West Orange, NJ)- Hall is one of the most talented guards in the building. He has an accurate jumper and breaks down defenders easily when getting to the bucket. I just would like to see him play with more sense of urgency because I’ve seen that he’s capable of dominating.
Donald Turner Guard (Bronx, NY)- Turner is a solid lefty who’s a midrange scoring threat. He seems to be able to play the point but on this squad it’s not necessary. He displayed some good court vision and a handle that would let him get to anywhere on the court.
Keion Osbourne Forward (Bergenfield, NJ)- Keion is a streaky outside shooter that found his mark today. He had good range on his shot and expanded it to the 3 point line. Once he dropped one his confidence was evident and he kept stroking.
Jonathan Azzinaro Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Azznairo found the hot hand early and often. His high arching jumpers touched the bottom of the net and he showed some promise in the point guard position. This should be a sign for things to come.
Stephen McNair Guard (Newark, NJ)- The lefty does a lot of things with the rock a loves breaking down the defense with an array of dribble moves. I like him best when he dishes the rock while in traffic because sometimes he gets into trouble trying to force shots over shot blockers.
Bernard Brantley Guard (Bridgeport, CT)- Brantley finished off his consistent weekend with a good day. The combo guard has a lot of positive aspects in his package. He’s a sneaky rebounder that scores the ball inside or on the perimeter. His name will be one to hear in the State of Connecticut.
Malcolm Manning (Maplewood, NJ)The Baby Ballers also got into action on Day 2. I go a chance to see some serious talent in this division. Here’s a look at the 5th and 6th Graders that were impressive on the second day.
Baby Ballers Report
Malcolm Manning Guard (Maplewood, NJ)- Manning got the nod as the top point guard on Day 2. He just knows how to manage a ball club. He sets the stage and even calls for the pick and roll. When you throw in his scoring ability, body control and court vision it makes him even more impressive.
Daniel Brownstein Forward (Flemington, NJ)- Big Daniel was a problem once again on the blocks. He clean up any miss shots from his teammates and converted them into easy buckets. On the defensive end he a constant problem in the lane by altering or blocking shots and rebounding heavy.
Brenden Ruby Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Ruby was red hot once again. He scores in bunches from the perimeter which is tough. He also gets to the hole in a hurry and has some basketball instincts you can’t teach. He has a lot of fire and toughness.
Matt Latka Forward (Franklin Lakes, NJ)- Latka was a new face that caught my eye on Day 2. He battled inside for buckets and does possess some fundamentally sound post moves. I think in the future he will round out to be a perimeter player though.
Leondre Washington Guard (Englewood, NJ)- Washington picked up his defense in the All Star game. He moved his feet well and cut off the penetration of the opposing guards. He picked up his teams energy. He plays the game with a lot of passion to be a youngster.
Dylan Yerkes Guard (Mount Laurel, NJ)- Yerkes was a like a young Steve Kerr today. Dylan is small but his strength and accuracy makes him a dangerous 3-point shooter. This baby baller burned the net tremendously and consistently.
Adam Perry Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Perry can flat out score the ball from anywhere on the floor. He can stick the jumper, make the floater and finish off fast breaks. His jab step and pump fake move is very effective on this level. He also makes sure he's in the right position to get buckets.
Wassup guys, Last week Friday I took the TACHS test. For me the test was a breeze. I made 3 choices but I would like to keep my options open. Later that night I worked out with my dad and Eagle Academy’s super senior Fabean Blackwood. On Saturday I did not have school practice so I chilled with my Lightning teammate Donavon Johnson. Later that day I had a game in Far Rockaway Queens. It was an easy game we blew the team out.
Sunday in Funsport we played against a not so good Next Level team, another easy win. I ended off my night watching the Patriots play led by Jemal Smith and Davonne (Papa) Ragin. They lost to a good NJ Pirates team. That was my weekend so I’ll hit you guys up next week with some more updates.
(Butta) out!
This is segment on Basketball Spotlight will talk about the happening in the world of grammar school basketball. We will try to stay away from immature gossip but instead to give you guys the 411 on what’s going on.Educated Athletes Make Move!
The Chester, PA based Educated Athletes have now come under the name Team Nelson. Jameer Nelson the Chester, PA product with Orlando Magic is now sponsoring 2 squads from his beloved city. They have a 13U bunch formerly Youth Interlock and the 14U juggernaut Educated Athletes. As you remember they have won the Mid Atlantic Regionals numerous times and won the MDC twice. Congrats to Hassan, Malik and ya’ll squads while also saying good looking out Jameer. We need NBA players like you. Stay tune next week for some more “Word From The Street”.
Jordan Forehand (Bridgewater, NJ)Basketball Spotlight traveled to Wayne, NJ to check out the NJ Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp. He gave us a chance to see some familiar faces and new talent on the horizon. Here’s a report from the Class of 2013
Class 2013 Report
Jordan Forehand Guard (Bridgewater, NJ)- Forehand terrorized opponents on both ends of the floor. His Stephon Marbury type finishes at the hole was too much for this competition to handle. He bullies defenders in traffic and uses the backboard very wisely. I think he needs to show more confidence in his outside shot to keep defenders honest. Defensively he applied tremendous pressure to the ball handlers and forced numerous turnovers. He had a very dominant morning session.
Rakwan Kelly Forward (Newark, NJ)- The Brick City has a bona fide scorer in Kelly especially in transition because he runs the floor like a deer. He has good length for the wing spot and has a nose for the rock. Kelly does run into a little trouble while shooting from the perimeter, this area will need some work. On defense I like his energy and his ball hawking skills.
Will Joyce Forward (Newark, NJ)- Will is an intriguing prospect. Very long, wiry and can put the rock on the floor a little. As he gets older he must pack on some muscle in a big way. Right now he can hold position on the blocks but his lack of strength causes him to miss some makeable shots. But for the most part I like what I see out of this youngster especially his upside.
Hakeem Saintil Guard (West Orange, NJ)- Hakeem caught my eye with some clever moves going to the basket. I like his balance on the floor and his court vision in traffic. He’s like a quiet assassin on the floor. He beats defenders to the cup and hits teammates cutting regularly. 
Kody Jenkins Guard (Hackensack, NJ)-The last time I saw Jenkins he was playing with the Harlem Kings at the MIT. Not much has changed; he still handles the pill well and sees the floor. He also has the height at this position that would make any high school coach salivate. Kody does need to be cautious about over dribbling and fine tune his outside shot.
Chris Jenkins Forward (Hillside, NJ)- Jenkins is a work horse on the glass and is very efficient around the basket. He’s strong, runs the floor well and even tries to handle a little. He does need to extend his range on his outside and work on his form. Because it seems like he will settle into a guard size when it’s said and done.
Jonathan Azzinaro Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Azzinaro has the point guard frame but likes to shoot high arching shots from 3-point land. He does possess some point guard skills and needs to show that side a little more. He can be very heady at times. 
Bernard Brantley Guard (Bridgeport, CT)- Bernard is tough as nails and has the body frame that allows him to get to the tin whenever he wants. He gets out into the open floor and finishes with either hand. Right now he’s a combo guard with the ability to finish in traffic. I like some if his attributes.
Corey Edwards Guard (Union, NJ)- The pint size guard made some plays that caught my eye including some drive, draw and dish flavor. I also can see that he has total confidence from the perimeter. Edwards does run into a little trouble when he over dribbles and forces the action a little too much. Other than that I love his posture and energy.
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) Registration Deadline: Novermber 25th (No Teams Can Enter After This Date)Awards and Serious Website Coverage will be given.
Confirmed Teams
14U Teams
1. Trenton Hurricanes
2. Team Nelson
3. Keystone Blazers
4. New Heights White
5. New Heights Blue
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7. Team Underrated
8. New York Panthers
9. F.A.C.E.S.
10. Boston Saintz
11. PPY Elite
12. Hoop Heaven AAU13. Playaz14.15.16.
13U Teams
1. PYO
2. Team NJ ABC
3. JSL Hoops
4. Mid Jersey Heat
5. Team Underrrated
6. Team Nelson
7. Delaware Finest
8. Baltimore Nike Elite
9. Linden Ballers
10.
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. LD Rebels
3. JSL Hoops
4. F.A.C.E.S.
5. Garden State Elite
6. New Heights White
7. Philly Aztecs
8. Mid Jersey Heat
9. Team Underrated
10. The City
11. Bayshore Bulldogs
12. Playtime Basketball13. Gauchos
14. Linden Ballers15. Harvest Knights
16. Team Takeover (Nike)17.18.19.20.21.22.23.24.
11U Teams
1. F.A.C.E.S.
2. Mid Jersey Heat
3. Team Underrated
4. New Heights Blue
5. KBR Raptors
6. Team Battle
7. Delawares Finest
8. NYC Gauchos (Black)
9.
10.
11.
12.
10U
1. Team Battle
2. JSL Hoops
3. South Jersey Blitz
4. Team Underrated
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
The Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo has added a few elements that are very important. A few high school scouting services are scheduled to come through and Basketball Spotlight will be sending full reports from this event (not scene on website) to every Division 1 and Division 2 school in the country. In this day and time the college coaches are requesting info about players in the 8th Grade. We are just trying to give the players every opportunity available to get noticed.
Scouting Services:
NJ Hoops: Jay Gomes
Hoop Scoop: Patrick Stanwood
Generation Next: Spencer Pulliam
Basketball Spotlight: Mike Melton
Also:
Detailed Reports Sent To Every D1 and D2 College in America!
Basketball Spotlight Fans I need you help! We at Basketball Spotlight are always stressing education and are in support of it. As some of you probably know I’m a middle school teacher in Red Bank, NJ. Recently the students in my school entered a contest to produce a video about technology. The video is great and they have made it into the Top 5 in the country. This is where you come in at; the public must vote the winner. I want you to take a look at the video and please find it in your heart to vote for these students. They worked extremely hard and deserve to win. The winner will get new technology equipment at their school. Check out the Video. PLEASE HELP MY STUDENTS. The contest voting ends November 14th. You must register before voting but it's free and takes 2 minutes. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND TO VOTE
Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Wayne, NJ November 8th and 9th for the New Jersey Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp. This camp hosted by the NJ Panthers should bring together to top grammar school players in the region. Basketball Spotlight will be on hand to bring you coverage of this top notch event.
Event: NJ Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp
Date: November 8th and 9th
Place: Wayne, NJ
Contact: Donnie Forster at 908-337-3844 or at donnie.forster@newjerseypanthers.org
Reasons to attend the New Jersey Adidas Jr Phenom Camp
• Guest speakers with topics concerning skills and development.
• Exposure to highly competitive players throughout the state.
• Top Coaches from various AAU and High School Programs.
• Hoop Scoop and other scouting services will be in attendance.
• Quality instruction will be given with daily drills
• The NCAA estimates that 2.9% of HS seniors will compete in college
• Each year competition to win basketball scholarships at every level becomes more intense. Every legitimate means of gaining an edge toward securing an education and the opportunity to play at the college level is an “investment” in your future.
For more information or to register Click Here
Wassup Guys, My week I experienced two tough loses. I also learned a lot from the 3rd all time leading scorer from Fordham University. He taught me a lot of tricks on how to get open and how to free up myself off of one quick move. On Saturday I played in Stop The Violence Tournament in Far Rockaway Queens with my Lightning team. We played against the Panthers and we lost by 3 in overtime. On Sunday we played against New Heights Red in Funsport. David and Jhamie two former Lightning players were playing with them, so I was very hype to play. I started off the game with two big 3's. I ended the game with about 20 pts. We lost by about 7 because of lack of communication and scoring in the final minutes. I was very angry. The rest of the day I hung out with my Patriots and St. Raymond’s teammate Jovon Parks. We went out to eat and called it a night. Next Funsport game I’m going to make sure we win.
(Butta is out. LOL)
Two summers ago at the 11U AAU Nationals in Cocoa Beach, Florida the scene was set for a phenomenal finish. Things looked bleak for Ohio Basketball Club as they trailed the South Louisanna Elite Warriors by 18 points heading into the 4th quarter. It would take a miracle for them to pull win off but little did the fans know but Tyler Ulis was just getting started. Ulis was the floor general for this young squad but turned into a scoring machine during this final stanza. His coach Myron Bess remembers it like it was yesterday: “It was amazing Tyler carried us he hit about 4 treys including one at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. Then he won the game for us in OT with a floater. It was unbelievable” said Bess. The legend of Ulis had begun.
Last season Tyler continued his stellar play running the show for OBC. “He’s a true point guard” Bess continued. “He has everything court vision, ball handling and the ability to get everyone involved”. Ulis also showed well once again during the AAU Nationals as he rocked in both the 12U in Hampton, Virginia and 13U in Memphis, Tennessee. This type of consistency has Bess convinced of one thing “I feel he’s the best point guard in the state of Ohio. Not 7th Grader but including 8th Graders also”. This type of admiration will force Ulis to hit the gym and continue to get better as competitors will look at him as a target but Bess isn’t worried: “I think he needs to get better at his leadership skills on and off the floor while also stressing defense as much he does offense”.
We will be on the lookout for Ulis and if you are ever in Ohio you need to drop by and check out also. Check out this video of that memorable game in Cocoa Beach. Click Here For Video
The 8th Annual MLK Classic is back and will be held in Lakewood, NJ January 16th thru 18th and should be packed with some top squads. In the past this event has featured some of the top up and coming players and squads past participants include Tyreke Evans, Lance Stephenson, Dexter Strickland and many more.
Event: MLK Classic
Date: January 16th thru 18th
Place: Lakewood, NJ
Cost: $400
Ages: Boys and Girls (9U Thru 14U)
Contact: LJ at 848-525-3201
Basketball Spotlight Will Be In The Building!
Marcellas Washington headed to San Diego, California to the Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp last summer to make his name known has a national player. The lefty from the Blue Grass State must have put in major work because he finished as the #2 point guard in his class. His Hoop Dreams AAU coach Mike Scott wasn’t surprised: “His game is beyond his years. He’s a top notch point guard and showed up for us big during last season’s run. He should see time on the frosh team at Lexington Catholic as a 7th Grader” he continued.
If you haven’t seen Washington rock he is a lefty with some Brandon Jennings type flair to his game. He also has the swagger that some might take as arrogance but his coach will quickly set them straight: “He has a swagger and can get emotional at times but that’s because he’s a tough player and a product of the inner city of Lexington. I love that aspect of his game though. He gives our team toughness” said Scott.
We will be checking out Washington during numerous events this year and let you know about his progress.
New York here we come. This Sunday Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Thomas Jefferson, HS in Brooklyn, NY to check out FUNSPORT. Word is that this is the top league in the region. I must admit the schedule looks very impressive and we will be there to give you game by game recaps. Check out the schedule below.
Sunday, November 2nd
9:30am: Next Level- Panthers
10:30am: NY Patriots - Raising Champions
11:30am: New Heights Blue – Wildcats 1
12:30pm: LI Lightning - New Heights Red
1:30pm: Almighty Force - Brooklyn Ballers -A
2:30pm: Gauchos- Metrohawks
3:30pm: Assassins - Team Underrated
4:30pm: Brooklyn USA -1 - NJ Pirates
Auxiliary Gym:
9:00am: Brooklyn USA -2 - BK Rams
10:00am: NY Patriots- Team Xcel
11:00am: C-3 Elite - King of the Court
12:00pm: Brooklyn Ballers -B - Starrett City
Some people consider Tyler Dorsey the top 6th Grader in the country. I know this is a little early to be talking about rankings but when you see a player do work while playing up at the AAU Nationals you have to be impressed. His California Arc coach also agrees with the scout’s assessments “He’s likely the number 1 player in the country in his class. His game is inside and out. He proved that by leading our team in rebounds a few times” Garson said. The 6’1 slasher held true to the praise by turning in great performances at AAU National events in Hampton, VA (12U) and Cocoa Beach (11U) before capping off his summer finishing as one of the top players at Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp.
Even though Dorsey is receiving this type of attention his coach feels he has a lot to work on. “I think he will be a guard possibly a point guard thus he needs to work on ballhandling and seeing the floor. He also needs to work on guarding the perimeter in terms of moving his feet quicker” Garson said. In the near future Dorsey seems to be concentrating on the higher level as word from his camp is that he won’t be participating in the 12U Nationals this year. “I don’t think he has anything else to prove on that age level he will play strictly 13’s this year” said Garson. The scary thing is he dominated on that level too when I was present.
Since the announcement several players have confirmed their spot at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo. Here’s a list of players that have been invited to this exclusive event. To confirm your spot contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122. This event is for 7th and 8th Graders.
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
