The Adidas Phenom East Super Regional Camp is back in full effect. This camp features the top players in the Northeast Region and has been a hotbed for talent since the beginning. Some of the top players in the in the country have hit the hardwood at this event and you can be next. Phenom Camp Alumni include Tony Chenault, Travis Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Trevor Cooney, Mike Gilchrist, Fergusson Myrick, Alvin Boutte and hundreds more. Don't miss your chance to test your skills against the best. Scouting services will be in attendance.
Date: March 21st and 22nd, 2009
Place: West Chester University
Cost: $225 (Per Player)
Ages: Grades (3rd to 11th)Adidas Phenom Camp Link
The KO Basketball radio show hit the airwaves again last night and I think it was a huge success. The show features team host Tony Sutton and Tony Woods. Last night's show had some special guest including Mikey Dixon from Delaware, Stevie Jordan of Pennsylvania, Carl Culberson from Houston and many others. Basketball Spotlight also made an appearance as discussed the MLK tourney, Clash For The Cup, Middle School March Madness and The Atlantic City Showcase Tourney. The Show link is below. The KO Basketball Show Airs Every Thursday @ 7:00.
January 15th Show
The 13U Final came down to Team Nelson and Team Scan. Team Nelson reached this point by knocking off rival Team Underrated in the semifinals while Team Scan ran past Delaware’s Finest to reach the finals. This game was nip and tuck the entire way before Team Nelson grinded out the victory. Check out the highlights.
Team Nelson vs. Team Scan Highlights
Tonight Basketball Spotlight will be hitting the airwaves on KO Basketball Radio show with host Tony Sutton and Tony Woods. Tonight Show will feature Mikey Dixon of Delaware, Shane Rector of NY, Aaron McGlawn of PA, Stevie Jordan of PA and Rip Engel of PA. Basketball Spotlight will have our segment at 7:30. Basketball Spotlight Topics will be the MLK Tourney, Clash For The Cup and Middle School March Madness. Tune in tonight at 7:00 PM by clicking the link below.
KO Basketball Radio Show
The 11U Gauchos came, saw and conquered the Grand Finale 08. Their guard play and relentless ball pressure carried them through the tourney. In the finals against F.A.C.E.S. the Choz came out strong and held off late F.A.C.E.S. rally to win the crown. Here are the highlights from the 11U Championship enjoy.
Gauchos vs. F.A.C.E.S. Highlights
A few months back we wrote in our Word On The Street column about the Delaware Hawks program. Some people reading the article could have taken it as the total program was gone. That was far from the truth and we sincerely apologize for our wording at that time.
Speaking of the Delaware Hawks I got a chance to talk to the Team Director Bashir Bradley and he gave me the real insight while setting the record straight about their program. Here’s the exclusive interview:
BS: Please explain the situation that transpired with that former Delaware Hawk team that finished ranked in the country.
BB: Well Mike It was a situation where the parents and some of the coaching staff felt their kids weren’t getting treated fair by the then head coach. Thus they decided that they wanted to find a better situation for their kids and also felt they could build a powerhouse squad for the upcoming season.
BS: What was your initial reaction?
BB: Well my reaction was that anytime someone feels they’re not getting what they need with us and make up their mind to leave I wish them the best and hope everything works out. I’m truly not concerned with having a superstar team or all those other accolades. I want to teach some kids how to play and turn them into good young men for society.
BS: How did this affect your program?
BB: The only real affect it had on the program is that we have to add more players to that 13U team and that situation gave people a misconception about our program. We are still here and good as ever.
BS: Speaking of that what’s the current status of your program.
BB: Like I said we are alive and well but since I coach high school basketball I haven’t been able to get things rolling yet. In the past we would have started by now and even played in a few tournaments already.
BS: So what does the future hold for the Delaware Hawks?
BB: The program future is being a positive force in the community. We still have a few teams that can compete on the national level (14U and 15U). So I feel that we have a bright future for our program.
BS: What have you learned from this situation?
BB: The biggest thing I can take from this situation is that I must pay closer attention to what’s going on with my teams and address minor issues early on.
BS: Bashir Thanks for setting the record straight.
BB: Anytime Mike
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is finally a finished product. After long hours of reaching out and negotiating with teams we have come up with the list of programs that will participate in this event. We will have an 11U and 12U bracket and here are the 4 teams that will be representing each age group. Please note that we made efforts to contact ALL the top teams in the region before compiling this list. We like to thank the teams that committed to this event. The Clash For The Cup will take place on February 7th at Trenton Catholic High School.
12 and Under Teams
1. Harvest Knights
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. The City
4. Team M.V.P.
11 and Under Teams
1. Team Battle
2. Gauchos
3. F.A.C.E.S.
4. Team Ron Artest
This is a single game elimination event but teams that entered will play a semifinal game then will advance to the finals or play in a consolation. I think this will turn out to be a good event and Basketball Spotlight will be giving you blow by blow.
Attention College Coaches the Basketball Spotlight Early Jump Report Fall/Winter is complete and ready for send off. The Basketball Spotlight Early Jump Report will feature an analysis and breakdown of the Top 8th Graders (Class 2013) in the region. Including in- depth strengths and areas of improvement. This report will not be viewed by the public and is strictly for college recruiting purposes. The Fall/Winter Reports taking from the following events.
• Gym Rat Midnight Madness
• Hoop Group Jr. Elite Regional Camp
• NJ Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp
• Funsport Jr. Pros
• Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo,
• Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 08
Report to include: Player; Name, Position, HT, AAU Team, Hometown, Strengths, Areas of Improvement, and Projected Level of Play in College.
Any College Coaches interested in receiving the Early Jump Report Contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122.
The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase Tournament has received early interest and seems to shaping up to a good event. This tournament will be held in Atlantic City March 21st and 22nd. Here’s a look at some of the committed teams. If you are interested in attending this event please request an application from Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or by phone at 609-532-5122. There’s 12 spots for each age group. Deadline is March 1st or when event sells out.
14U Teams
1. Team Nelson
2. Delaware Hawks
3. Team Underrated
4. Peacemakers
5. Linden Ballers
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7. Garden State Knights
8. Team Artest
9.
10.
11.
12.
13U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. Team Rebels
3. Team Nelson
4. Team MVP
5. Gauchos
6. Team Underrated
7. Team Crossover Elite
8. Mid Jersey Heat
9. Team Artest
10. Youth Interlock
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team Rebels
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. Team Final
4. The City
5. Team MVP
6. Team Underrated
7. Team Crossover Elite
8. All Mighty Force Warriors
9. Linden Ballers
10. Mid Jersey Heat
11. Team Artest
12. 13.14.15.16.
11U Teams
1. Team Battle
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. Team Underrated
4. Team Artest
5. Mid Jersey Heat
6. Team NJ ABC
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
10U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. South Jersey Blitz
3. Team Underrated Black
4. Team Underrated White
5.
6.
7.
8.
The best game of the Elite 80 Expo was definitely the last one. The Championship Game featured Team Duke vs. Team Arizona. It was a very intense battle and you can see the emotion throughout the contest. The game came down to the wire and there was a thrilling finish. We don’t want to give it away so take a look yourself.
Team Duke vs. Team Arizona Highlights
Name: Jordan Washington
Position: Power Forward
HT: 6’5
Hometown: Queens, NY
AAU Team: NY Panthers
Strengths: Washington is as dominant as they come on this level. Inside he’s a relentless worker that hits the glass and scores anytime he establishes position. He’s quick for his size on the baseline and has the touch to make difficult shots. Finally Jordan has the ability to push the rock end to end for a sure bucket. On defense he’s a shot blocking force inside and clogs up the lane with his presence. He also will go on the perimeter and attempt to guard a wing forward.
Areas of Improvement: If Jordan has peaked in terms of growing than he must began to develop his perimeter game because on the next level he will be pushed to the perimeter. So ball handling, outside shooting and agility should be his focus.
Name: Britton Lee
Position: Point Guard
HT: 6’1
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
AAU Team: Peacemakers
Strengths: Britton is a very strong and athletic guard that explodes to the basket and plays with a high motor. In transition his speed and power makes him virtually unstoppable on the move. He also gets into the lane and will hit a nice pull up. On defense he’s a true ball hound that moves his feet well and bullies smaller ball handlers. He always around the rock and has a good presence on the floor.
Areas of Improvement: Britton needs to put in a lot of work on his outside shot and his decision making with the rock. He shot needs form work and when he’s handling the pill sometimes he gets out of control or gets caught in the air trying to make a decision. Word is he headed to Roman Catholic so these small adjustments should be taken care of.
Name: Darrian Collins
Position: Point Guard
HT: 5’8
Hometown: South River, NJ
AAU Team: JS Fliers
Strengths: Collins is a smart player that knows his limits and how not to dribble into the trouble. He has been known as a good outside shooter and does have enough ball handling skills to play the point. His game experience is something also on his side.
Areas of Improvement: Collins is a point guard size thus he must get most reps at the PG spot. Once he enters high school he will have to become a true floor general. He also must hit the weight and pick up some mass to be effective on both ends of the floor. He has the mindset to make the transition his upside depends on his future physical attributes.
Name: Jaren Sina
Position: Point Guard
HT: 6’0
Hometown: Lake Hopatcong, NJ
AAU Team: Hoop Heaven AAU
Strengths: Jaren is one of the top point guards in the country. He runs a team like a quarterback and has top notch court vision. He pushes the rock with his head and knows how to make plays. Unlike some point guards Sina also has a fluid outside stroke. When he gets hot his range extends from anywhere in the gym. He should have a few more inches to grow and if so look out.
Areas of Improvement: Like most grammar school plays Sina will have to get stronger once he hits high school. He also tends to fall in love with his jump shot and should look to mix it up a little especially in transition. On the defensive end his improved strength will help him guard his position better.
Garrett Anderson an 11 year-old youngster from Florida just appeared on the Rachel Ray Show. He plays for Florida Prospect from Orlando, Florida. He is a very talented guard that has aspirations of playing on a higher level with the Florida Rams. But right now take the time to watch his video on National Television. Rachel Ray Episode
Tonight Basketball Spotlight will be hitting the airwaves on KO Basketball Radio show. The show will focus on KO Basketball, its upcoming events and youth basketball throughout the country. KO Basketball is the new upcoming brand that promotes one of one basketball with the professional boxing format. Check out the radio show at the link below. Showtime is 7:00 PM tonight.
KO Basketball Radio Show
This Saturday Basketball Spotlight will head up to Paterson, NJ (JFK High School) for the opening night of the Playaz Club 8 Is Enough Winter League. The league features 8 14U teams from the Northeast and should be a treat. Here’s a schedule for the opening night.
Saturday January 10th
6:30 PM. Vernon Jr. Knights vs. New Heights
6:30 PM Metro Hawks vs. NY Panthers
7:30 PM NJ Select Stars vs. St. Michaels
7:30 PM PPY Elite Pirates vs. Playaz Basketball Club
Breakdown and Analysis of the games will be posted Sunday.
Team Battle Wins MLK Classic 11U Crown!
Tyus Battle Guard (Team Battle)- After a tough first half Battle showed why he’s probably the top 11 and Under player in the region. In the second stanza he moved to the off guard spot and put on a memorable shooting display. The lanky guard caught fire from behind the arc knocking down 4 straight treys and igniting his team comeback. He has showed big improvements in his game including quickness, shiftiness and obviously and improved outside shot. In second half performance is one the will be remembered in the MLK vaults. 
Chase Barney Guard (Team Battle)- Chase finished with 8 points and his first half play kept Team Battle from being totally blown out. He made an impact against F.A.C.E.S. pressure by handling the rock and making a few key buckets. His toughness came into play and he held it down for his team until their offense began clicking.
Jamir Harris Forward (Team Battle)- When the momentum switched in the second Harris’s size and athleticism came into play. On the defensive end he was able to deflect passes which led to transition buckets. Once on the break was too athletic for many 11 and Under players to slow down. He was also instrumental in their comeback.
Ray Montilous Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Montilous capped off a good tournament with some impressive championship play. He’s the primary post player for his team but has guard like quickness that allows him to get around bigger players on the blocks. Once he gets in triple threat position most forwards are at his mercy and he proved this all weekend.
RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- As usual Cole brought his game for the entire tournament. In the finals his aggressive play on both ends of the floor helped his team to a big first half lead. You know he can shoot the long ball but I also was impressed with his ability to score near the basket with floaters over outstretched post players.
Shyquan Gibbs Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Gibbs also deserved some ink for his play this weekend. The lefty moves well in the offensive and knew when to attack. He got into the lane and used his body to shield shot blockers. He also can knock the open shot if you leave him open.
