Grand Finale Flashback: Playtime Prevails

Corey Brown had 24 points and Deshawn Washington added 10 markers as Playtime Basketball defeated NYC Gauchos 65-55 to win the Grand Finale 12 and Under Championship. Kai Mitchell led the Gauchos with 13 points in the loss.

Diary Of A Baller: Conrad Chambers (Pennsylvania) Entry #1

What’s going on basketball world this your boy Conrad Chambers from the city of Chester, Pa. I like to start off by saying my summer went very well in basketball with my AAU team, Team Nelson. We didn’t win a lot of tournaments this year but we always played hard but I felt that we should of did better around in the tri-state area and the nationals. After I came back from back from the nationals I immediately got back to my workouts with Pooh Evans and Zain Shaw at Fidonce player development. These two guys have been working with me on my game and I felt as though they are always pushing me to the limit to become a better player. My game is better and better every time I play. My jump shot has been progressing since the summer its really getting water, my workout at Fidonce is always competitive because I work out with some of the best players in the state, these players include DJ Irving, Shep Garner, Jaquan Johnson, and bunch of other great basketball players that come and go hard.

When I was not at Fidonce I was working out for a high school that I have interest in. School has started so its back to the books, that’s the number one thing in my house if the grades are not right there is no basketball for me. The school I go to is Our Lady of Charity in Brookhaven, Pa. My cousin Jaquan Johnson also goes there and it’s a good school because based on catholic principles so we have to learn about the history of God. I am in advanced math and I thought it was going to be hard, but as soon as I learned the work I seen that it was easy. I'm doing very well in school right now the first trimester ends sometime in December, we have a lot of writing assignments for the month of November but Im going to complete all of them and get all A’s. The school season is about to start and we have already started to have practice we have a young team, but I see in practice that our teammates work ethic is tremendous. I can't wait to start the season to really punish the competition because I want to see what CYO basketball is all about. We play my man Shep Garner’s team this year they were the state champs of the CYO so that’s definitely going to be one of the most competitive games of our season. I really am hype for the season. Well that’s it for me for this week until next week im out.

Hard Work Always Beat Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard

Con Im Out!!

John Wall Highlights Are Awesome!

John Wall makes his Kentucky debut tonight and I’ve seen numerous Youtube Highlights film but Wall’s has to be the most impressive. This reel is ridiculous and if you haven’t seen it please enjoy it.

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen "Young One" Henriquez (New Jersey) Entry #7

Hello Basketball World,

This week went by fast; Monday thru Wednesday was pretty much the same. The usual studying and working out. Although there was one difference this week at my school, we had our book fair which is always fun. It also a bit hectic but besides that it was the same. Thursday was good and bad for me. First off, I got to watch a bit of the NBA game with Lebron and Cleveland verses D Wade and the Heat, this was a great game with some amazing highlights especially when Wade dunked over Cavs big man Varejao, this had to be one of the most exciting NBA games I have watched so far. Denver and Melo is also off to a great start beating LA. Unlike my Knicks sitting at 1 and 8 on the season, not a good start for the City, hopefully they can pick it up. It was bad because although school went by fast when I arrived at my game I found out that a few of my teammates were sick forcing us to forfeit the league. We were disqualified from the playoffs from the start. At the beggining our coach, Andre Thomas told us to just go out there and have fun and just play, that is exactly what I did. The last time we played against this team I was held scoreless and we had lost by double digits, so that was not a good experience. I finished this game with 21 points and although we lost I think it was a moral victory for us. We just played, I was able to score at will this game, and I was motivated by the same two opposing players saying they would hold me scoreless again. Just going out there and having fun is a great thing to do, I would also like to thank the head Coach Eli for giving me the opportunity to get a taste of high school basketball. Good luck to him and his team for the rest of the season, I hope they do well. Friday went by slow, but after the long day of school and working out I just relaxed. This weekend was also the same old, Saturday my brother had practice with his team, the Gauchos. After words I got to do a little hanging out with friends which is always fun. Sunday I worked out early morning, and my brother had practice again later in the day. I then came home to finish homework and get ready for a school trip I have tomorrow to the United Nations in New York. This week was a quick one.

Young One Out.

Reke Havoc

Tyreke Evans started out as a young phenom like many of you. Here’s a look at how his career has gone so far. He is proof that hard work does pay off. Keep working hard fellas and your dreams can come true also. Basketball Spotlight would again like to congradulate Tyreke and his family for his success thus far.

Diary Of A Baller: Anthony "Champ" Mosely (Delaware) Entry #6

Hey world its your boy “Champ”. I had a great week. Tuesday night my brother James and I watched the Len Bias story on ESPN. It was a very good program that taught me a few important lessons. When my coach text me about watching it, I was like who is Len Bias and why should I watch the program. But now I know why he wanted me to watch it. Len Bias was a superstar who played for Maryland University who was drafted by the Celtics with the second pick in the draft who died from drugs the next day. The program talked about how he went back to Maryland U. to celebrate with his friends and teammates and how they celebrated with cocaine and alcohol. It talked about how when certain teammates came to the celebration they would hide the cocaine. What I learned is that we must choose our friends correctly. I say that because if Len would have been friends with the teammates that didn't do drugs he would have had a long NBA career.

Also on Tuesday this week I had a little scare. We were scrimmaging after my workout when I went up for a layup and came down on someone's foot and sprained my ankle. It scared me because when I got up I couldn't put any weight on it. I am glad I always were my ankle braces or it might have been worse. I came home that night and treated it with ice and heat and stayed off of it a couple of days and now I am fine for tryouts next week for the school team. Speaking of schools this week my mom and dad talked to me about what high school I was thinking about going to next year. I answered them that I wasn't sure. But that I have a few in mind. They explained that the enrollment process for private schools is starting soon and that we need to start the process for the private schools I am thinking of going to. A lot of my teammates on DC Assault are going to private schools in MD and VA.

Finally this week was finished with a “DC ASSAULT” workout. We did some drills and we scrimmaged. It was fun as the gym wasn't full this weekend. I made it my focus to finish everything on the right side of the floor with my right hand. I've been watching Brandon Jennings and he does work with his right hand.

Aztec's Future Legend League Recap

Sam Foreman Was Very Impressive Tonight

Basketball Spotlight took a trip to the City Of Brotherly Love for the Aztec’s Future Legend League. We got a chance see some new talent and some familiar faces with improved games. Here’s a breakdown of the players that impressed us tonight.

Top Performers At Aztec’s League

Sam Foreman Guard (Hood Enriched)- I saw Foreman’s name on a few ranking list so I was very curious to watch him rock. He explodes to the cup and throws laser no look passes to teammates. Sam also can take the scoring load himself by bullying his way pass defenders. I was truly impressed with this youngster.

Darnell Foreman Guard (Hood Enriched)- Darnell is a good finisher while being an all purpose guard. He can rebound, handle and score in transition. Foreman isn’t afraid to stick his head inside and do the dirty work to help his team out. He plays the game with great effort.

Levan Shawn Alston Guard (Hood Enriched)- I like some tools that Alston possess. He has good length and handles the pill with great confidence. I can see his scoring ability even though he was clicking on all cylinders. His stroke looks fine and he has an eye for the bucket.

Vince Jackson Guard (PYO)- Jackson’s team was outmanned but he did provide some offense. His outside shot is good but sometimes he settles for it a little too much. He has to get confidence in his ball handling and ability to attack.

Rashann London Guard (Team Answer)- What’s not to love about London’s game. This wing guard is very fluid and can flat out get buckets. He has the size and natural feel for his position and should be a player to watch for years to come.

Nazier Chew Guard (Team Nelson)- Chew showed why is regarded as one of the top playmakers. He split and danced around defenders while dishing to teammates or scoring himself. I love his aggression and willingness to create opportunities. I also must mention his improved outside shot.

Terell Sturdivant Forward (Team Nelson)- The lanky forward played with some spunk under the basket by hitting the glass and finishing off plays. His length caused problems on both ends of the floor. He must just keep this aggression going for the entire contest.

Kyle Coleman Guard (Team Nelson)- Coleman looked good especially coming off his injury. He showed little effects while driving in the lane and maneuvering for baskets. His strength is definitely one of his best attributes.

Introducing KeAndre Fair

Throughout my years of covering basketball I've seen quite a few of guards coming from Connecticut area including Chris Prescott, Tyrone Gardner and one of my favorites Anthony Jernigan. Now its seems KeAndre Fair will be the next floor general in line. He ran the show playing up for Connecticut Basketball Club and dominated the competition playing with the CT Rough Riders. Fair took his game throughout the East Coast while making stops at the MDC and Atlantic City Showcase where he was on the All Tournament Team. KeAndre has a bright future and will have a spot in our upcoming rankings.

Grand Finale Update

The Grand Finale 09 is here. Last year this tournament had numerous upsets and some great play. Don’t miss the chance to play in the last hot tournament of 09. This event will draw some of the top teams in the region and will probably be the kick off event for the season. To sign up click on the application link below. Questions Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com

Event: Grand Finale 09

Date: December 5th and 6th 2009

Place: Hoop Group Headquarters (Neptune, NJ)

Cost: $350 (Per Team)

Deadline: November 22nd, 2009

Click Here For Application

Confirmed Teams

14U
1. Team Nelson
2. Team Scan
3. Visionary Basketball Club
4. Team Underrated
5. Philly Aztecs
6. Starret City (Juice All Stars)
7. JSL Hoops
8. Team NJ ABC
9. Brooklyn Ballers
10. Mount Vernon Basketball
11. Playtime Basketball
12. NJ Pirates
Closed

13U
1. The City
2. Philly Aztecs
3. Linden Ballers
4. Team Final
5. Team Underrated
6. NJ Got Game
7. NYC Gauchos
8. Team Takeover
9. Team Rip City
10. F.A.C.E.S
11. Mid Jersey Heat
12. NYC Elite
13. SJ Blitz
14. Del Team Select
15. Showtime All Stars (NC)
16. KYDA
Closed

12U
1. MABC Bengals
2. NY Panthers
3. Team Underrated
4. Playtime Basketball
5. New Heights NYC
6. NYC Gauchos
7. F.A.C.E.S.
8. Staten Island Ironmen
Closed

11U
1. Team Battle
2. Brooklyn Kings
3. Team Underrated (Black)
4. Delaware Royalty
5. Team RIP City
6. Playtime Panthers
7. JSL Hoops
8. MABC Bengals
Closed

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen "Young One" Henriquez (New Jersey) Entry #6

Hello Basketball World,

I want to start by apologizing for the late entry; I had a late night on Sunday, with tons of schoolwork. This week was short; it was only 3 and a half days long due to events at my school. Monday and Tuesday I studied while working out a little bit. Wednesday I came home at 3 to study for an up coming exam for High School. Thursday we had a half-day, in a way I did not, I stood until 3 working with my tutor for an exam I would have to take the next morning. I also had parent teacher conference that went well, I have mainly all B’s, and my dad ended up wanting more. I unfortunately missed my weekly league games for the conference. Friday was our day off; although it was scheduled as a day off it didn’t feel like one. I still had to get up very early to take the Co-Op Exam; this test gets you in to all the Catholic High Schools. I was confident on this test and it felt good. When I got home later that day I worked out while getting rest after a busy morning.

Saturday, I woke up early to take my younger brother Xavier, to try out for the New York Gauchos 8u team. It is always fun to watch my brother play because some say he is a reflection of me on the court. I enjoy watching these kids play cause it’s crazy some of the stuff they can do at such an early age. Saturday night I went to a party with one of my friends JJ Wilson, I had good time-sharing many laughs. The theme of this party was actually the Gauchos, being that the kid who held the party plays for them. Sunday I woke up early once again to take my brother to day 2 of his tryouts. At the end of the day it was worth it, because my brother made the team. Congrats to him on making the Gauchos. I then went home to finish homework and rest for the night. Today was Monday, and it was the first round of our playoffs in the High School fall league. I liked the Monday game being that I had missed Thursday. We played against Pascack Hills, the school that my AAU teammate Jared Shill attends. This was a good game from the start we got off to a good run early, but so did they, at half time it was tied. We only had five guys so we were a bit fatigued. We came out strong from the gate in the second slowly pushing up our lead to come out with the 9-point victory. I finished with 15 points knocking down some 3’s. This was a good victory for us, Thursday were back at it again!

Young One Out…

Basketball Spotlight Player Rankings Presented By AGAME Team Apparel Coming In January

The Basketball Spotlight player rankings presented by AGAME Team Apparel will be coming in January. This will be our first trip into the world of player rankings. After viewing rankings from other sites we felt the evaluators didn’t take the grammar school basketball world seriously. Now it’s our time to step in and actually give some legitimacy to our culture.

We will be ranking the current 6th, 7th and 8th Grade prospects. Our rankings will be based on players we have actually seen play. We also understand that there’s no direct science to this method but we will do our best to make this list as accurate as possible. Please remember this is only our opinion and should be viewed as such.

Be on the lookout for Basketball Spotlight rankings presented by AGAME Team Apparel.

Grand Finale Flashback: Team Nelson Edges NY Panthers

Dajuan Drennon scored 16 points and Lewis Hayes added 12 markers as Team Nelson held off a late rally to defeat the NY Panthers 59-56 to the Grand Finale 14 and Under crown. John Severe scored 20 points for the Panthers in the loss. This game featured several players that finished the season ranked very high. The Grand Finale 09 will take place December 5th and 6th at Hoop Group Headquarters. Don't Miss The Action.

Diary Of A Baller: Anthony "Champ" Mosley (Delaware) Entry #5

Hey young world its your boy Champ coming to you with another week in my life as a baller. This week was a very slow as there where no games, no open gyms, and the first marking period is over. I had a chance to sit down and think about everything that is going on around me. What came to me is that I am blessed. I just want to thank God for everything, and my mom and dad for their support. Thank You.

Anyway the highlight of the week was the basketball interest meeting at my school. Over 40 boys showed up for interest meeting. There were lots of 7th and 8th graders and all I can remember was Coach saying that he only needed 6 players and noticed a lot of heads go down. From what I saw at the meeting it doesn't look good for any 7th graders making the team this year. I'm also predicting that we win the middle school title this year. Coach also announced me as his captain for the second year and this season I am taking that title more seriously. I have made up my mind that I will lead by example. That means being the first in the gym and the last out, it means working hard in practice and winning every sprint, and finally it means that during our games I will play the hardest defense coach has seen, I am going to get after some people.

Towards the end of the week my Dad gave me an article to read about a former NBA player named David Vaughn. It was a very sad story because he played 4 years in the league and now he is homeless. He made some bad choices with his money, probably didn't finish school, and picked the wrong friends. From the article what I got also is that basketball doesn't last forever and I need to focus on a career that lasts longer. Finally my week ended with “THE DC ASSAULT WORKOUT”. There were some really good ballers there from classes 2011 to 2014. From my class alone there was #38, #51 and #56 ranked players according to hoopscoop. During the scrimmages you get some really good bump. Well thats what happened to me this week, stay tuned next week for the life of a baller.

Champ Out!!!!

AGame Team Apparel Becomes Official Team Uniform Outfitter Of Basketball Spotlight

AGame Team Apparel Has Become The Official Uniform Team Outfitter of Basketball Spotlight.

Within the last two to three years AGame has been making their mark on the industry by producing authentic, pro quality team basketball uniforms that turn heads easily. If your AAU program have participated in any major tournament within the last few seasons you've came across AGame Team Uniforms and more than likely asked yourself "where did that team get their uniforms." AGame provides the best uniforms at the best prices, completely knocking down the competition offering custom tackle twill (lettering & numbers) game uniforms at stock screen print prices. From our brand new Game Reversible Uniforms (with both tops & bottoms being reversible) to our Complete Custom Option (allowing teams to create & design their very own game uniforms from scratch); AGame is hands down the best and most affordable bang for your buck for any and every AAU Program in the nation. Look no further, visit www.agameteam.com and place your team uniform order today!!!!!!

LIST OF TEAMS WE OUTFITTED (just to name a few....)
-New York Gauchos
-Team Boston Elite (Boston, Mass.)
-Arizona Gym Rat (Phoenix, Arizona)
-Team Underrated (New York)
-UBA (North Carolina)
-Team Philly
-Team Kobe
-New Jersey Panthers
-Mount Vernon Jr. Knights (New York)
-Garner Road Bulldogs (North Carolina)
-Connecticut Bulldogs
-Team CrossOver Elite (Delaware)
-Lady Elite (Durham, North Carolina)
-Rytes Warriors (Houston, Texas)
-SSBC (Rhode Island)
-Showtime Allstars (North Carolina)
-Team Rip City (Coatesville, Pa)
-NYC Elite (New York)
-Delaware Royalty
-New Heights (New York)

CONTACT US TODAY!!!!
AGAME TEAM APPAREL
877.898.4082
Visit our brand new website CLICK HERE today!!!!

MLK Classic Is Back!

Event: MLK Classic

Date: January 15th thru 17th

Cost: $400

Ages: 9U Thru 14U

Grand Finale Update

The Grand Finale 09 is here. Last year this tournament had numerous upsets and some great play. Don’t miss the chance to play in the last hot tournament of 09. This event will draw some of the top teams in the region and will probably be the kick off event for the season. To sign up click on the application link below. Questions Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com

Event: Grand Finale 09

Date: December 5th and 6th 2009

Place: Hoop Group Headquarters (Neptune, NJ)

Cost: $350 (Per Team)

Deadline: November 22nd, 2009

Click Here For Application

Confirmed Teams

14U
1. Team Nelson
2. Team Scan
3. Team Final
4. Team Underrated
5. Philly Aztecs
6. Starret City (Juice All Stars)
7. JSL Hoops
8. Team MVP
9. Brooklyn Ballers
10. Mount Vernon Basketball
11. Playtime Basketball
12.

13U
1. The City
2. Philly Aztecs
3. Linden Ballers
4. Team Final
5. Team Underrated
6. NJ Got Game
7. NYC Gauchos
8. Team Takeover
9. Team Rip City
10. F.A.C.E.S
11. On Point Cyclones
12. NYC Elite
13. SJ Blitz
14. Del Team Select
15. Showtime All Stars (NC)
16. KYDA

12U
1. MABC Bengals
2. Sam Cassell All Stars
3. Team Underrated
4. Team Final
5. New Heights NYC
6. Riverside Hawks
7. F.A.C.E.S.
8. On Point Cyclones
9. Team Scan
10. Playtime Panthers
11. King Street Kings
12.

11U
1. Team Battle
2. Brooklyn Kings
3. Team Underrated (Black)
4. Delaware Royalty
5. Team RIP City
6. Playtime Panthers
7. JSL Hoops
8. MABC Bengals

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen "Young One" Henriquez (New Jersey) Entry #5

Hello, Basketball World

This week was a long one; on Monday I stood for the second to last ISEE prep class that my school holds. Thankfully we only have one left! Although this class is helpful for the test, staying at my school for two hours after we’ve already been at school since eight is not exactly what I want to do on a Monday afternoon, but I have to. Tuesday, I got home late after playing an additional sport at my school. Wednesday, I met with my ISEE tutor for the first time. We worked for about two hours on different areas of the test. This session is very helpful because its one on one work as oppose to a class, you get more attention and are able to focus on the material you struggle with.

Thursday, I had my weekly league game. This was at City Sports on 4, in the High School Fall league. This game was not my best, although I took all the right shots as the coach said, they just didn’t drop. Whenever my offense isn’t working I try to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Many players get out of their games when their offense isn’t going well. Unfortunately for me being in 8th grade this was an extremely physical game against a high school varsity team. In the end, we ended up falling to them by about 13 points. We fought hard but struggled on the offensive side of the floor and did not rebound the ball, which is pivotal in these games. We gave them about 20 extra shots off of rebounds alone, not well but we learned from our mistakes. Friday, after coming home to finish homework I went for late workout being that I was not satisfied with my performance. I worked on shooting and conditioning; this was a good workout after having an off game Thursday. Saturday was Halloween, I worked on homework and went out with some friends, a fun day off. Sunday, I worked out a bit early in the morning and started school work. I was also invited by Mrs. Forehand (Jordan Forehand’s mother) to see the screening of the new movie “The Streets Stops Here” a documentary about Bobby Hurley. Check this movie out, I wont spoil it but I do recommend all basketball fans look at the trailer, although I was not able to go due to the amount of studying and homework I had, but it looks great and gives insight on the legendary coach Hurley and St. Anthony’s High School, as this is one of the schools I’m considering to attend. Go Yankees!!


Young One Out…

Lehigh Valley Hoops Eastern PA Super 60 Showcase

LEHIGH VALLEY HOOPS EASTERN PA SUPER 60 SHOWCASE

FEATURING THE TOP 6,7,8,& 9th GRADERS from the Eastern Pa, Philly, NY & NJ. COMPETE vs the players in your grade / area and see where you rate.

Gain Exposure and Showcase your SKILLS for the TOP Ranking services and High school coaches. PREP, PRIVATE, CATHOLIC SCHOOL coaches will be in attendance.

All players receive equal playing time, written evaluations and player improvement plans.

Event: SUPER 60 SHOWCASE

Date: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2009 12:30 PM @ EASTSIDE YOUTH CENTER ALLENTOWN PA.
TOP 6-9 GRADERS GAIN EXPOSURE AND SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS FOR RANKING SERVICES AND COACHES. Get an early start on the recruiting process.

COST: 50.00 INCLUDES SHIRT.

NYC 90 min PHILLY 60 min

She Has Game: Dajane "Snoop" James

Name: Dajane "Snoop" James

AAU Team: Connecticut Basketball Club

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016

Breakdown: James is one of the top girls in the country. Last season she led Connecticut Rough Riders to a 37-0 record. She also played with the CBC boys squad in several tournaments including the Atlantic City Showcase.

Diary Of A Baller: Anthony "Champ" Mosely (Delaware) Entry #4

Hey what’s up basketball fans it’s your boy “Champ” coming with another week of the life of a baller. This week was a good week for me. The week started out good and ended good now that’s what’s up. The week started with “THE DC ASSAULT WORKOUT”. My teammates Darius, Cory and I were the only 8th graders in the gym but that’s cool with me because playing against the older boys will only make me better. During the workout Coach has really kept me focused on the things I need to work on the most. We did a lot of dribbling drills at the workout and then we went right into to scrimmaging, which was cool with me because normally we do a lot of other drills too. During the scrimmages the coaches challenged me to handle the ball a lot more than I like to and also to finish every play from the right side of the floor. Those two challenges seemed easy when they said them, but as the scrimmages went on I realized that they had taken me out of my comfort zone. I like to run the floor without the ball and I really like finishing on the left side of the court. I did what they said though and my team won a lot of games that day but finishing plays on the right side of the floor felt uncomfortable and it shouldn’t.

The middle of the week was good also. It all started with a 85 on my test in math. I know an 85 is not the highest grade you can get, but honestly I have been struggling in math and needed this good grade to get my score up. Other than that it was a normal mid-week for me, going to school and going to workout except I didn’t go to the gym Thursday and Friday but I still worked on my strength and ball handling at home. I did back and forth, changing directions drills in my basement along with 200 pushups a day, lunges. squats, and toe raises.

The week ended good as we closed it out with a game!!! Yes it was DC Assaults 14U Gold first game since the end of the summer. A team traveled all the way from the country Ireland to play us at Gonzaga High School in DC. I was hyped up at the chance to beat an Irish team. I don’t know if they where the Irish National 15/16U or not, but all I know is they weren’t going to beat us. We ended up beating them up pretty bad, but it was fun to get back to action. I finished with 23, 7, 5, and 4 but the highlight for me was going for a dunk after a steal. I missed it though but it was my first time trying one in a game. My teammates were shocked and my coach didn’t get mad because we were up big. But I will keep working on it and promise I will get it done before the summer is out. What a week a good week.

Champ Out!!!!