Inside The Grand Finale 13U: Same Song!

Team Final Held Off All Challengers

New Season Same Results

Team Final had a target on their back at the Grand Finale but managed to pass their first test. After beating a stubborn Linden Ballers team they mercy ruled NJ Got Game in the final pool game. In the semifinals they showed the heart of a champion by holding off a hungry KYDA. Finally, in the championship they once again found a way to get past The City. Pervis Ellison’s bunch has mastered the art of keeping their cool when other teams make their push. This confidence helped them bring the gold home this past weekend.

Notable Performers

Chris Atkinson Guard (KYDA)- There’s always a player that makes his name in his spotlight debut and Chris did just that. During the semifinals against Team Final Atkinson put on a show. He singlehandedly torched TF and almost sent them packing. He drained deep treys and beat defenders to the cup at will. During that game he played like the best player of the floor. He had the crowd buzzing.

Temple Gibbs Guard (KYDA)- It was good to see Gibbs back at a Spotlight event. He looked very good running the point and attacking inside TF’s defense. His confidence seems to be returning to a high level as he stepped up on the stage. He has his swagger back.

Tony Blackwell Forward (Team Takeover)- I didn’t recognize Tony at first because the braids are gone. He stepped up big for TT after Bryant Crawford was sidelined with a hand injury. Blackwell saved his best performance for the semifinal match up with The City where he finished with 23 points. He ran the floor like a deer and finished off plays all weekend.

Jeff Duwhn Guard (Team Takeover)- Jeff caught fire in the semifinals. He nailed five treys and showed tremendous poise in a very tough contest. I love his demeanor and decision making at the guard spot. Once he finds his range he can fill up the scorebook quickly.

Emmanuel Taylor Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- In their final pool game versus KYDA Taylor scored his team’s first 23 points. He totally punished the defenders on the blocks while making it look easy at times. He doesn’t miss lay ups and hits the glass like a warrior. I can’t wait to see him battle with Trevaughn Wilkerson soon.

Grand Finale 13U All Tournament Team
Lamar Kimble (Team Final)
Malik Ellison (Team Final)
Trevaughn Wilkerson (Team Final)
Vaughn Covington (Team Final)
Eric Paschall (The City)
Wolfgang Novogratz (The City)
Donovan Mitchell (The City)
Mike Williams (The City)
Temple Gibbs (KYDA)
Justin Salem (KYDA)
Chris Atkinson (KYDA)
Tony Blackwell (Team Takeover)
Jeff Duwhn (Team Takeover)
Emmanuel Taylor (F.A.C.E.S.)
Otis Livingston (NJ Got Game)
Davonte Green (Gauchos)

Inside The Grand Finale 12U: F.A.C.E.S. Ready For Next Step!

F.A.C.E.S. Looking Forward To A Meeting With Team Battle!

F.A.C.E.S. GET OVER THE HUMP!

Last season F.A.C.E.S. had several runner-up finishes at Basketball Spotlight events. Sunday night they reached the next level by raising the banner after knocking off reigning Grand Finale champs NYC Gauchos. Now they want a shot at #3 Team Battle and this should be interesting because F.A.C.E.S. did defeat them twice last season. So now it’s on. Hopefully we can get it done at the Clash For The Cup.

Notable Performers

Rakym Felder (New Heights)- There might not be a better pure scorer in the region. The lefty carried his squad once again in the scoring column averaging close to 20 points per game. Against F.A.C.E.S. he pumped in 27 of his teams 41 points. He also is beginning to develop his skills including ball handling and jump shot technique. He’s tough to stop once he gets going.

Terrell Turner (New Heights)- Turner patrolled the inside and made some good moves towards the basket. He has a soft touch and knows how to get good position. He's a good compliment for Felder.


Jamal Allen (MABC)- It was nice seeing this kid move to the wing. He took full advantage of the move by dropping 20 points against Gauchos and 21 versus New Heights. His last second trey attempt almost sent New Heights home during the semifinals.

Ceasar Adim (MABC)- The MABC told me he had a surprise and it was Adim. The lanky forward is a load to handle down low for this age group on both ends of the floor. But it seems like he will eventually become a wing player and does like handling the rock right now. It will be interesting to see his development.

Grand Finale 12U All Tournament Team
RJ Cole (F.A.C.E.S.)
Ray Montilous (F.A.C.E.S.)
Sa’eed Nelson (F.A.C.E.S.)
Christian Ford (F.A.C.E.S.)
Azzur Taylor (F.A.C.E.S)
Jared Rivers (Gauchos)
Shamorie Ponds (Gauchos)
Khalid Muhammad (Gauchos)
Jeff Hayden (Gauchos)
Rakym Felder (New Heights)
Terrell Turner (New Heights)
Jamal Allen (MABC)
Ceasar Adim (MABC)

Grand Finale 11U Recap: Team Battle Gets It Done

Team Battle Gets It Done!

Chase Barney scored 12 points (3 treys) and Nate Pierre-Louis added 9 markers as Team Battle defeated Playtime Panthers 41-36 to win the Grand Finale 11U Championship. Congratulations to Team Battle and Playtime for making it to the finals.

Team Battle Roster

Nate Pierre-Louis
Aren Clarke
Antonio Greaves
Lucas Hudson
Khalif Battle
Josh Jones
Justin Rodriquez
Kenny Jones
Chase Barney
McQuire Sweeney

Grand Finale 14U Recap: Starrett City Holds On!

Starrett City Survive In OT!

Isaiah Whitehead pumped in 26 points and Mike Silverthorn added 12 markers as Starrett City defeated Team Scan 63-60 in overtime to win the Grand Finale 14U Championship. Nassir Barrino finished with 20 points for Team Scan in the loss.

Spotlight Players

Isaiah Whitehead Guard (Starrett City)- What can I say? This kid showed it all. His jumper was falling, he handles the pill and has the quickness to get to the tin at will. He moves are very sharp and his athleticism allows him to finish above the rim. I thought Shep Garner was hands down the best prospect in the region but now I don’t know.

Mike Silverthorn Guard (Starrett City)- Mike came up big all night but wasn’t nothing bigger than his trey ball in overtime. Team Scan was up 1 and Mike drained a three that put them up by 2. He got major minutes and looks real comfortable with his new team.

Chance Ellis Forward (Starrett City)- Ellis has to be one of the best shooters in this age bracket. He size and range allows him to catch and shoot any time he touches the rock. His quickness is something he will need to work on in the future.


Thomas Holley Forward (Starrett City)- Holley made numerous trips to the free throw line as a result of physical play in the lane. The length of the defenders on this level gave him a little trouble so he must develop into a quick leaper to become more effective.

Nassir Barrino Guard (Team Scan)- Barrino got it going heavy in the second half. He finished in the lane and drained a couple of deep jumpers. He’s known as a big time scorer and had this moniker on full display. The stage was big and he stepped up to the challenge.

Shavar Newkirk Guard (Team Scan)- Speaking of performing on the stage. Newkirk went to work from the point position. He also had a huge second half while taking advantage when the defense switched to man to man. Shavar got to the cup and used his body to shield shot blockers while converting. He got busy!

Stay Tuned For Inside The Grand Finale 14U Including All Tournament Team

Grand Finale 13U Recap: Team Final Adds Hardware

Team Final Reigns Supreme At Grand Finale!

Malik Ellison scored 15 points (3 treys) and Vaughn Covington added 9 markers (3 treys) as Team Final pulled away from The City in the second half to capture the Grand Finale 13U title 44-27. Eric Paschall finished with 8 points for The City in the loss.

Spotlight Players

Lamar Kimble Guard (Team Final)- Kimble put on a show in front of the capacity crowd. He broke down defenders with his ball handling and ability to score. He’s turning into the #1 scoring option on the perimeter for this squad. He kind of reminds me of Villanova guard Corey Fisher when he was at St. Pats. This kid has game.

Trevaughn Wilkerson Forward (Team Final)- Sometimes Wilkerson’s presence is not written in the scorebooks. He changes the game on both ends of the floor by hitting the glass and either blocking shots or getting put backs. He’s definitely the most dominant force in the region.

Malik Ellison Guard (Team Final)- Ellison found his range from the perimeter. He nailed 2 treys in the first half and 1 on the second stanza. He also made opponents pay at the charity stripe nailing free throws to stretch the lead.

Vaughn Covington Guard (Team Final)- This kid has improved tremendously. He worked his way to the lineup and has taken full advantage. His length is a problem for opponents and I can see his confidence as he nailed a few treys. Keep an eye on this prospect.

Jake Silpe Guard (Team Final)- Silpe not only provided an outside touch but if you run up on him you might get crossed. He has a slippery handle and loves using it to drive past defenders.


Eric Paschall Guard (The City)- Eric has developed his game into a wing forward. This weekend he showed me a lot including a nice crossover dribble. If he continues to improve he might be a nice look on the high school level.

Mike Williams Guard (The City)- Williams had a solid showing especially in the semifinals. His steady play will make any high school happy because he doesn’t take many chances with the pill and usually makes the correct decision. I love his poise on the floor.

Stay Tuned For Inside The Grand Finale 13U Including All Tournament Team.

Grand Finale 12U Championship Recap: F.A.C.E.S. Raise The Banner!

F.A.C.E.S. Win Grand Finale Title

Christian Ford and Ray Montilous scored 15 points apiece as F.A.C.E.S. defeated the Gauchos 57-54 in overtime to win the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 12U Championship. Shamorie Pond and Jared Rivers both dropped 18 points in the loss for the Gauchos.

Spotlight Players

RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Cole brought his game to the Grand Finale. In the finals he drained 3 treys including a near half court buzzer beater at intermission. This weekend he had his game clicking on all cylinders. The lefty has the knack of finishing off plays on the break.

Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ford had a tough time finishing in the beginning of the contest but he made up for it by hitting the glass and making some tough free throws down the stretch. In overtime his 3 point play the old fashioned way was huge.

Ray Montilous Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ray attacked on the baseline and even pushed the rock the length of the floor on several occasions. His body control and ability to finish off plays was on full display. He’s developing his guard skills which will be important as he gets older.

Azzur Taylor Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor gave the squad huge minutes with his hustle and aggressiveness on defense. He played the passing lanes and had cause a lot of havoc on the press.


Sa’eed Nelson Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- His shot wasn’t falling so Nelson made up for it by getting steals and pushing the rock in transition. He dropped off several assist to teammates cutting to the cup.


Jared Rivers Guard (Gauchos)- Rivers was a warrior all weekend. The strong guard used his ball handling and strength to get to the cup. He has an array of moves and the ability to score well in traffic. Jared had a huge weekend.

Shamorie Ponds Guard (Gauchos)- Ponds started out quiet in the finals then nailed several treys to put The Choz back into the game. You know his stroke is pure and once the rock is in his hands his first step is quick as lightning.

Khalid Muhammad Guard (Gauchos)- This point guard caught my eye this weekend. He isn’t flashy but he has a nice floater and knows how to get teammates involved. We will watch his progress.


Jeff Hayden Forward (Gauchos)- I like this kid’s soft touch around the basket and he even will step out for a short set shot. The Gauchos will need Hayden to contribute more if they want to continue their success this weekend.

Stay Tune Inside The Grand Finale 12 and Under Including the All Tournament Team.

Grand Finale Day 1 Top Performers 13 U Division Part 1

Isiah Stills Was Outstanding This Morning!

The Grand Finale kicked off this morning and the 13U Division lived up to the hype thus far. Here’s a breakdown of the players that caught our attention.

13U Top Performers

Isiah Stills Forward (NJ Got Game)- Stills faced his old squad and put in serious work. His length caused all types of problems around the cup. He was a terror on the baseline stretching for several lay ups. He also looked very comfortable handling the pill.

Otis Livingston Guard (NJ Got Game)- The floor general led the attack from the perimeter he was an excellent playmaker getting everyone involved. He really showed his worth on defense lacking down opposing guards for 94 feet. This kid has a cleaver game.

Jameer Outsey Forward (NJ Got Game)- Outsey punished defenders in the paint. He got low post position and finished with a feathery touch. I like his size and strength but most of all his knack for rebounding and blocking shots. He could be a good one.

Chris Atkinson Guard (KYDA)- This was my first look at this kid and he was impressive. He pushes the rock like a blur and looks to create all the time. In transition he’s capable of finishing himself or dishing the rock. Watch out for him.

Justin Salem Guard (KYDA)- Salen was lights out as expected. His long range was on full display. He knocked down several treys while stretching the defense. He might be the best pure shooter in this age bracket.

Emmanuel Taylor Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor made his debut with the Boys In Black and held it down. He demanded the rock and scored with ease in their first contest. Defensively he clogs the lane and alters shots everywhere. What a pick up.

Trevaughn Wilkerson Forward (Team Final)- Wilkerson was once again a man amongst boys. He showed the ability to score further away from the basket with a face up jumper and hook shot. On defense he hit the boards hard and made it very difficult for driving guards.

Malik Ellison Guard (Team Final)- After a slow start Ellison picked it up and helped his team grab the win. He dished the rock to cutting teammates while also getting out into transition and scoring himself. I look forward to tomorrow when he matches up with NJ Got Game.

Jawan Debuse Guard (Linden Ballers)- Jawan went to work in both contest. He did damage from the perimeter and knifing through the lane. I also love his willingness to hit the glass for caroms. I see his game maturing right in front of my eyes.

Grand Finale Day 1 Top Performers 13U Division Part 2

Horace Spencer Can Be A Serious Prospect!

The hot action continued in the 13U division this afternoon. We got a chance to see some of the top talent in the region. Here’s a breakdown of the ballers that impressed us.

13U Division Top Performers Part 2

Horace Spencer Forward (Philly Aztecs)- I heard big things about Spencer and today I saw him in action. I must say this youngster has a load of potential and hasn’t even scratched the surface yet. The lanky forward looked good on the blocks but will eventually be a big time wing forward. His wing span is tremendous.

Chester Alexander Guard (Philly Aztecs)- Alexander’s penetration skills made things go for the Philly squad. He put tremendous pressure on the defense with dribble drives. He also caused numerous turnovers with ball pressure.

Tavon White Guard (Del Team Select)- White is a strong guard with good size and some explosive moves. He loves getting into the lane and using his strength to finish off plays. He has high scoring ability and is a serious competitor.

Marcus Floyd Guard (Del Team Select)- Floyd can stroke and run an offense if needed. He got into the seams of the defense and made things happen. He wasn’t afraid to travel into the land of the giants and get buckets.

Donovan Mitchell Guard (The City)- Mitchell has a chance to be big time. His size at the guard spot stands out on this level. He seems to always make the correct play and will only get better. Once he grows into his body it might be over for other guards.

Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (The City)- Once again Wolfgang helped the squad from the perimeter. He nailed 6 treys to open up a once close game. This youngster doesn’t fear the moment and loves to take the big shot. Today he came through in a big way.

Ronshord Allen-Shabazz Guard (Showtime All Stars)- The lefty has a strong frame and goes hard on both ends. His outside shot is decent and should only improve but he has the scoring ability you can’t teach.

Di-Antre James Guard (Showtime All Stars)- Another lefty for this North Carolina squad that excels in transition and has a nice stroke from the perimeter. His game is very fluid and he loves to put the rock in the hole.

Malik Maitland Guard (Gauchos)- The south had a crossover dribble that shook the defender out his boots. He was a huge factor this afternoon and continues to become a true floor general.


Mustafa Jones Forward (Gauchos)- The lanky forward did damage inside with his length. He blocked a couple of shots and hit the boards hard. His game is truly coming together so be on the look-out for him.

Jaquan McKennon Guard (Gauchos)- Jaquan showed some good signs today. He toned down the ball handling a bit instead concentrated on scoring with the floater and getting teammates involved.