Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Sheraton To Host Atlantic City Showcase


The Atlantic City Sheraton Hotel is the host for the Atlantic City Showcase. Teams interested in staying in a beautiful hotel close to the boardwalk should register here. Special rates have been set aside for teams entering this event. Click the link below for hotel information and to register.

Hotel Registration


Shopping Outlets

Pier Shop At Ceasars

Casino's Page

40/40 Night Club

Atlantic City Showcase Is Here!


The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase is back. Basketball Spotlight will be hitting America’s Playground April 2nd thru 4th for the AC Showcase. Registration information is below and please sign up quickly because this event will sell out.

Event: Atlantic City Showcase

Date: April 2nd - 4th 2010

Price: $375 (Per Team)

Ages: 10U Thru 14U

Deadline: March 21st (Strictly Enforced)

Click Here To Register

Click Here For Hotel Information

Hoop Group Presidents Weekend Showdown Recaps

13 And Under Division

NJ Shore Shots 13U Champs

Isiah Brown 13U MVP (NJ Shore Shots)

11 And Under Division

Juice All Stars 11U Champs!

Tyler Bourne 11U MVP (JUice All Stars)


10 And Under Division

Fastbreak Basketball 10U Champs

Joshua Serrano 10U MVP (Fastbreak Basketball)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Need Team Sneakers? Reebok Promotion!


Any team looking for good team deals on good product for their players, please contact Rob Engemann at robengemann@gmail.com or 908-309-4494. EXTREMELY discounted prices on all the brand new styles of Reebok Basketball Shoes, Running Shoes, Sweatsuits, Warm-up Suits, Duffel Bags, and Coaches Shirts. Don't hesitate though because Reebok is only offering this promotion for AAU teams until April 2010.

In The Spotlight: Willie Hope

Name: Willie Hope

AAU Team: PV Warriors

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Hope spent the weekend at the MIT splitting double teams and dribbling through pressure defenses. His low dribble and constant change of direction kept defenses guessing. Willie also loves letting the floater go once he gets into the lane. He definitely stood out against Richmond Phenom. This kid is a blur with the rock.

In The Spotlight: Rick DeBerry

Name: Rick DeBerry

AAU Team: Richmond Phenom

Position: Forward

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Mr. Memorial Day did work at the MIT. His turnaround jumper in the lane was money in the bank. I also like the way he ran the floor while filling the lane and scoring in transition. On defense he anchored the press while working hard on the glass. Keep an eye on this youngster.

Class 2014 Player Profile: Justin Jenifer

Name: Justin Jenifer

AAU Team: Team Melo

Position: Point Guard

Height: 5’7

Strengths: I saw Jenifer at the MIT and I liked what I saw. He has increased his speed and his court savvy is apparent. His court vision is excellent and his handle is something to see. When Justin was left open he drained the open jumper. He was a joy to watch.

Areas Of Improvement: Justin will have to get stronger and continue to concentrate on being a floor general. He will also have to improve his footwork while playing man to man defense. I think he has a chance to be a special player.

Hoop Group Presidents Weekend Showdown Recap 14U Division: Team Scan Cruises!

Team Scan Win Easy!

Isiah Ice had a huge game as Team Scan defeated Rockland Royals 68-42 to win the Hoop Group President's Weekend Showdown. Mike Jurzywski put together a good game for the Royals.

Top Performers


Isiah Ice Guard (Team Scan)- Ice is long overdue for some pub. Today he did well on both ends of the floor. On defense he led their pressure attack including collecting steals. On the other end he filled the lane and finished off plays. He left with the MVP hardware.

Kalid Long Forward (Team Scan)- His last name is very fitting. Kalid’s length caused some serious problems for the Royals. He was very active in the paint by altering shots and hitting the boards. He kept the ball alive several times for his teammates.

Paul Jorgensen Guard (Rockland Royals)- I like Paul’s ball handling and ability to set up teammates. He has a lot of bounce to his game and will even shake a few defenders out their boots.

Troy McLaughlin Guard (Rockland Royals)- Troy is also a guard with some good skills. I like his composure with the pill and his stroke off the bounce. He also showed some toughness and savvy play during the finals.

Mike Jurzynski Forward (Rockland Royals)- Mike did some damage inside. I like his up/under move and his feathery touch. He also challenged the more athletic Scan players on the glass. He didn’t back down one bit.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Hoop Group Presidents Weekend Showdown Recap 12U Division: Too Much Juice

Juice All Stars Victorious!

Rashaun Minter scored a game high 28 points and Juice All Stars defeated Team Scan 58-32 to win the Hoop Group Presidents Day Showdown. George Pena scored 19 points in the loss.

Top Performers

Rashaun Minter Guard (Juice All Stars)- Minter took home MVP honors as he was virtually unstoppable. His quickness and open floor prowess made the difference in the finals. This kid went end to end in a blur while scoring with ease.

Richard Knowlin Guard (Juice All Stars)- This youngster is very smooth handling the pill. He has a nice hesitation crossover and can finish off plays in transition. He looks like he will be a good point guard in the future.

Cameron Winston Forward (Juice All Stars)- Winston did the dirty work inside including hitting the glass and finish off plays. He specializes in getting 3 point plays the old fashioned way. He plays with a high motor and competes on a high level.

George Pena Guard (Team Scan)- Pena didn’t back down from the competition. He pulled deep treys, created opportunities and dropped the floater in. He continues to perform as one of the top floor generals in the region. This kid has game!

Ramel Powers Guard (Team Scan)- I like some of this kid’s tools. He has a good handle and a nice pull up jumper. He gets where he wants on the floor and has a scorer’s mentality.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

In The Spotlight: Ceasar Adim

Name: Ceasar Adim

AAU Team: MABC

Position: Forward

Class: 2016


Breakdown: This Kevin Garnett type brought his game to the Grand Finale and was very impressive. Adim’s wingspan makes him very dominant on this level. He blocked shots, rebounds and scores the rock in the paint. What might be his most impressive attribute might be his willingness to handle the pill. He really enjoyed pushing the rock up the floor.

Class 2014 Player Profile: Kaison Randolph

Name: Kaison Randolph

AAU Team: Team NJ ABC

Position: Wing Forward

Height: 6’0


Strengths: The wiry forward has the knack scoring around the basket. He also has good touch from the foul line in. His ball handling continues to improve and he’s making better decisions with the pill. On defense he moves his feet very well and his wingspan helps him defend the passing lanes.

Areas Of Improvement: Randolph must work on his outside shot while making the transition to high school. This improvement will keep the defense honest and open up the lane for him to drive. He will be pushed to the wing so he will have to get stronger because improved perimeter skills will be a must.

Friday, February 12, 2010

St. Patrick's Banned From State Tournament

NJSIAA bans St. Patrick basketball team from state tournament, suspends coach Kevin Boyle

Today the NJSIAA ruled that St. Patrick's High School will not be allowed to particpate in the NJ State Tournament. The committee decided that St. Patrick's broke the rule concerning open gym because Coach Boyle was present these sessions. Above is the video of the proceedings courtesy of NJ.com.

In The Spotlight: Isiah Stills

Name: Isiah Stills

AAU Team: NJ Got Game

Position: Forward

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Stills opened eyes at the Grand Finale with his stellar play. Right now he’s a recruiters dream long, lanky and able to create. Right now Stills a baseline bandit in terms of scoring and hitting the glass. High school coaches are going to be coming hard for his services. He has a chance to be a serious prospect.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

One On One Feat. Tyus Battle


Team Battle has a memorable run last season. They received the Team Of The Year Award and finished #3 in the country. One of the major reasons for their success was the play of Tyus Battle. Battle was spectacular throughout the year including winning the 11U Player Of The Year Honors. Now Battle and his teammates must face another tough season and new challenges. We sat down with Tyus to find out about him and what he looks forward to this season.

One On One

BS: How was your team’s memorable run last season?
TB: I loved it especially the nationals. We had some tough games down there and it was kind of scary sometimes. When we played Puerto Rico Playmakers we had a big lead then they came storming back. I love playing in high pressure games like that.

BS: How was the Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp experience?
TB: It was cool I got a chance to play against some top players I never heard of before. That was very interesting.

BS: How do you like the Basketball Spotlight events?
TB: I love them because first of all we don’t have to travel far to play good teams. They all come here. The games are always exciting and the website helped us get a good reputation last season.

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
TB: Kobe Bryant, I think he’s the most skilled player of all time. Yes, including Michael Jordan.

BS: If you could go to any college where would u go?
TB: North Carolina, I love their history and I would love to have my jersey retired in the rafters with Jordan and the others.

BS: How will Team Battle face the challenges coming this season?
TB: We must really come together this year because everyone we play will give us their best game. So we must play as a total unit. Right now I think we need to improve on offense and defense.

BS: Good Luck Tyus
TB: Thank You, Mr. Melton

In The Spotlight: Malik Ellison

Name: Malik Ellison

AAU Team: Team Final

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2015

Breakdown: While many expect the spectacular Ellison has settled into a true floor general. He picks his spots well and has become more vocal with teammates. In transition his game flourishes with crisp passes and tough finishes. At the Grand Finale he quarterbacked Team Final to the championship and helped to guide them to the finals of the Clash For The Cup. This play will need to continue if Team Final wants to make a serious run at the AAU nationals.

Introducing Craig Victor (New Orleans, LA_



Name: Craig Victor

Position: Forward

AAU Team: New Orleans Elite II

Class: 2014

Class 2014 Player Profile: Malachai Richrdson

Name: Malachai Richardson

AAU Team: Youth Interlock

Position: Shooting Guard

Height: 6'0


Strengths: Richardson is one of the best outside shooters in the class. He has good size for his position and seems to have a few more inches coming in the near future. He can catch and shoot while also getting better knocking down shots off the dribble.

Areas Of Improvement: Malachai will have to improve on creating his own shot off the bounce. When he gets to the next level defenders will key on him being a spot up shooter thus his ball handling will be vital. He also will need to get stronger to take the physical part of the high school game.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

In The Spotlight: Darrick Boyd

Name: Darrick Boyd

AAU Team: OLSH Blue Jays

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Boyd led his team to the finals of the Jr. Hoophall Classic. The talented floor general destroyed the competition throughout the entire weekend. His cat quick moves, court vision and ability to finish off plays made him a main attraction. Hopefully, we can get Boyd and his teammates down for an event.

Introducing Jonathan Williams (Richmond, Virginia)



Name: Jonathan Williams

AAU Team: Richmond Phenom (Formerly U-Turn Warriors)

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2015

Class 2014 Player Profile: Jarred Reuter

Name: Jarred Reuter

AAU Team: New England Playaz

Position: Power Forward

Height: 6’6


Strengths: Reuter has soft hands and makes his presence felt inside on both ends of the floor. Once he gets going he uses a burst of energy to explode near the tin. He has decent touch near the hoop and has a true knack for rebounding the pill. On defense he’s a capable shot blocker and knows how to clog the lane with his size. He has a chance to be a high profile prospect.

Areas Of Improvement: If Reuter grows a few more inches then he should be okay with his game. But if he doesn’t then to become a big time prospect he will have to make a few improvements. He would have to develop a perimeter game including ball handling and outside shot. On defense his foot speed must increase so he can guard wing forwards.