12U AAU Nationals Rankings: Top 10 Wing Forwards

Harry Giles Finished As The #1 Wing Forward.

The 12U AAU Nationals featured the top players in the country from the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight spent the entire week at the Boo Williams Center. We decided to break down the top players by position. This list should be taken very lightly because these players are young and will have plenty of time to develop. Now we will look at the Top 10 Wing Forwards.

12U AAU Nationals Top 10 Wing Forwards

1. Harry Giles (Team Felton)- Giles is a recruiter’s dream; young, long and athletic. When you throw his improved ball handling you have a player with Top 5 in the country potential. It’s hard not to see the potential oozing from his veins. Keep working hard kid!

2. Adam Seiko (Impact Basketball)- Seiko has a strong frame and nice touch on his outside shot. He doesn’t mind rebounding and can guard the post on defense. Expect this kid to explode on the West Coast.

3. Keenan Black (SC Ravens)- This will probably be the last time Black will featured in this category. Next season he will become an off guard and eventually move to the point by high school. He gave us a taste of his perimeter skills during this event.

4. Malik Crowfield (LA Primetime)- Crowfield has good size and range on his jumper. Don’t be surprised if he moves up on the rankings as time goes on. He’s still a baby when it comes to his frame so the rest of this class needs to look out.

5. Jawon Pass (Georgia Stars)- Jawon’s potential is also through the roof. He’s a rebounding forward and will need to develop his ball handling. When his skills catch up to his athleticism expect another stud from the Peach State.

6. Jamir Harris (Team Battle)- Harris is another player that days as a forward are numbered. He proved to have added range on his outside and once his ball handling improves he will become a viable combo guard.

7. Joseph Johnson (TGFB)- Once Johnson gets stronger his name will ring bells in Florida. I like some his attributes including size and length. Defensively, he plays inside now but could excel on the perimeter.

8. Adrian Moore (LA Primetime)- Moore might be the best athlete in this class. Once he develops his ball handling and outside shot his game will get even more attention. The great thing is he’s a rising 7th Grader.

9. Ceasar Adim (MABC)- Adim won’t be playing the post that much longer. He’s trying to be ahead of the game by handling the rock and making decisions. I see a wing or maybe combo guard in his future.


10. Jarron Cumberland (Elite Cavaliers)- Cumberland improved his perimeter skills and became the leading source of offense for the defending champs. His confidence on the outside will be important as he marks on his basketball journey.

Others To Watch
De’ Aaron Fox (Defenders Select)
Donovan White (Sports Academy)
Jakeem Sturgis (New Heights)
Nicholas Washington (Puerto Rico Elite)
DuShan Shepeard (Indiana Elite Jazz)
Leon Davis (Elite Cavaliers)
Christian Ellis (Cal. Aces)
Jamar Watson (DC Assault)
Kyle Elliot (NJ Got Game)
Ray Montilous (F.A.C.E.S.)

NEXT UP: WING GUARDS

12U AAU Nationals Rankings: Top 10 Combo Guards

Seven Woods Finished As The #1 Combo Guard.

The 12U AAU Nationals featured the top players in the country from the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight spent the entire week at the Boo Williams Center. We decided to break down the top players by position. This list should be taken very lightly because these players are young and will have plenty of time to develop. Next, we will look at the Top 10 Combo Guards.

12U AAU Nationals Top 10 Combo Guards

1. Seven Woods (SC Ravens)- Woods started the tournament with a buzz but left Hampton with the National title and a household name. His game is well beyond his years and his leaping ability is one of a kind. He will either play the 1 or 2 at the end of the road.

2. Rakym Felder (New Heights)- Felder was spectacular in a couple of contest. The southpaw pulled the trey ball from the cheap seats while also muscling his way to the tin. He’s probably going to end up a point guard once he reaches the high school level.

3. Ashon Riggins (Cincinnati Lakers)- Riggins could have been regarded as a point but fell in this section because of his scoring prowess. Riggins broke down defenders at will while also scoring over smaller guards.

4. Gilberto Cue (KSK)- Cue used a strong game to help his team reach the Elite 8. He intimidated ball handlers on the defensive end and knocked down the trey ball off the bounce. He also will likely convert to the 1 in the future.

5. Joseph Caldwell (Defenders Select)- Caldwell is one of the top defenders on this list. His on the ball defense is outstanding and he has some scoring ability. I expect big things from this kid in a few years.

6. Anthony Carr (Philly Triple Threat)- PTT made some noise during pool play and Carr was the lead catalyst. He has good ball handling and excellent body control when scoring in the lane. His name will ring bells in Philly the next few years.

7. Brad Hawkins (Team Battle)- Hawkins played lock down defense and contributed on the offensive end. He will nail the open jumper against the zone while also attacking the baseline for buckets. He’s a physical ball handler.

8. Chris Lykes (DC Assault)- The smallest player on this list probably has the biggest heart. Lykes has a good floater and range on his outside shot. His play making ability had the crowd in an uproar.


9. Mattison Cone (SC Ravens)- This kid can shoot the jumper or play the extra ball handling roll. His midrange shot is usually cash money and he isn’t afraid of the big shot. He might be taking his talent to the gridiron.

10. Jarrett Rivers (New Heights)- Rivers showed he was among the elite with his play during this event. He hit the deep shot and finished off tough drives in the lane. He definitely had things clicking this past week.

Others To Watch
Alterique Gilbert (Richmond Gold)
Herb McGee (LA Primetime)
Sa’eed Nelson (F.A.C.E.S.)
Jordan Walker (Elite Cavaliers)
Jagan Mosely (NJ Got Game)
Shacuille Dawkins (Cal. Aces)

NEXT UP: WING FORWARDS

12U AAU Nationals Player Rankings: Top 10 Power Forwards

Khalea Turner Finished As The #1 Power Forward.

The 12U AAU Nationals featured the top players in the country from the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight spent the entire week at the Boo Williams Center. We decided to break down the top players by position. This list should be taken very lightly because these players are young and will have plenty of time to develop. We will begin our rankings with the Top 10 Power Forwards.

12U AAU Nationals Top 10 Power Forwards

1. Khalea Turner (LA Primetime)- Turner was the most dominant inside force in Virginia. He had to lead the tournament in double-doubles and the scary thing is his best basketball days are years away.

2. Edrice Adebayo (Virginia Panthers)- Edrice is a constant shot blocker and an intimidating force. He cleans the glass like Windex and showed some offensive prowess once he touched the pill. He has a chance to be very good down the road with hard work.

3. Davion Thomas (Georgia Stars)- Thomas nickname is “Tree” and I can understand. He will definitely need to pack on some mass but on this level he’s a constant problem. He alters shots well and also runs the floor for his size. Don’t pencil this kid in as a power forward just yet. I see some wing in his future.

4. Raekwon Long (QCAA)- Long has some time to go to become dominant but he takes up so much space his presence is felt. Once again he showed improvement running the floor and in his conditioning. Opponents need to enjoy this time because when he gets it all together there might be some long nights.

5. Trevor Stanback (Cal. Aces)- Stanback made the top five because of his potential. The lanky forward shows some flashes at times but needs to be more consistent. He’s another youngster that should make a national name in a few years.

6. Dedric Lawson (Memphis War Eagles)- Lawson is no longer the biggest player in this class but his skill set is still there. His big, soft hands allow him to catch and maneuver the rock around shot blockers. Since he already has good skills his potential will depend on how much he grows.

7. Matt Bullock (KSK)- Bullock is another player that future position will defend on his size. Right now his soft touch and broad shoulders allow him to be very effective. His footwork his tremendous and he doesn’t waste time roaming the perimeter.

8. Breon Gaddy (Virginia Panthers)- Gaddy played the weak side for the Panthers. He has a wide frame hits the boards like a mad man. His strength stands out on this level and should be his ticket in the future.

9. Darius Gillon (Team Battle)- Gillon relied on his quickness and ability to run the floor to be effective. This time next year expect him to transition to a wing forward because he’s handling the pill a little better.


10. Idris Joyner (NJ Got Game)- Joyner continues to improve and it showed during this showcase. He doesn’t have problems rebounding and getting putbacks. He’s running the floor better and has shown improvement on defense.


Others To Watch
Chase Meltor (Kentucky Elite Kings)
Terrell Turner (New Heights)
Courtney Lark (Defenders Select)
Daveyon Barnes (Sam Cassell All Stars)
Christian Ford (F.A.C.E.S.)
Darius Roundtree (Team Battle)

NEXT UP: Combo Guards

12U AAU Nationals: Best Of The Best Awards

Rakem Felder (New Heights)

The 12U Division 1 AAU Nationals have come to an end and we decided to have a little fun. Here are our Best Of The Best Awards. Please remember this is just us having fun.

Best Of The Best Awards

Best Performer: Rakym Felder (New Heights)- Few can argue about the Bed Stuy Bully performances against Memphis War Eagles and DC Assault. He pumped in 30 against Memphis and 31 against DC Assault. Many spectators will claim he had 50 both games.

Best Prospect: Harry Giles (Team Felton)- Giles represents the future of basketball. The lanky forward has a Kevin Durant type frame and if he continues to develop the sky is the limit. Mark my words.

Best Playmaker: Derryck Thornton (Cal. Aces)- Houdini could probably dribble through a key hole. Defenders must have their ankles taped when trying to contain his handle. I saw many defenders fall victim at this event.

Best Scorer: Tyus Battle (Team Battle)- The last five games “Kid Mamba” went for 20 plus. He gave the national crowd a taste of his full arsenal. Spin moves, treys and pull ups off the bounce. A clean look is no problem for this kid.

Best Shooter: Ty Graves (SC Ravens)- Graves burned the nets for most of the tournament. He catch and shoots with the best of them and isn’t afraid to let it go during crunch time. This kid has a serious ratchet.

Best Big Man: Khalea Turner (LA Primetime Select)- Turner was totally dominant this week. He recorded a double-double every game while drawing double teams. He also has a claim as the top prospect. Big time schools will be hollering soon.

Best Defender: Vaughn Covington (Team Battle)- Covington usually had to shut down the opponents top point guard and he did the job. His long arms and foot movement allowed him to cut the head off of many offenses.

Best Passer: NyRhique Smith (NJ Got Game)- This kids court vision is ridiculous. He sees the play before it develops and sometimes his teammates are not expecting it. He can drop dimes from any angle. He must have eyes in back of his head.

Best Swagger: Keenan Black (SC Ravens)- Some might look at Black’s swagger as being cocky. But when you are raising the National Title trophy at the end, you might have to view it as confidence.


Best Little Big Man: Chris Lykes (DC Assault)- The crowd fell in love with Lykes. This guard got it done on the scoring tip with floaters and dip treys. Defenses have to plan to slow him down. He played so big that his nickname now is 6’9.


Best Athlete: Adrian Moore (Primetime Select)- This Josh Smith clone can throw it down with two hands. How can you argue with that? Expect him to be dunking on a few youngsters in the future.


Best Dunk: Seven Woods (SC Ravens)- The 11 year old stole the show when he flushed it on the break during pool play. The high glider is a crowd pleaser. Come on dunking at 11 years old, enough said.


Best Crowd: Puerto Rico Elite- They had the drums, beats and whatever you needed. I was tempted to go over and join their fiesta. They proved that the innocent celebration still existed.


Best Pregame Warm Up: Defenders Select:- This squad didn’t use a ball to get ready. Opponents smirked in the beginning but were gasping for air before the game was over. Intensity times 10. They go hard on D.

Best Uniforms: Elite Cavaliers: The yellow-green uniforms and matching kicks made you want to watch their games. They truly run their squad like a professional team from top to bottom.

12U AAU Nationals Update: South Carolina Ravens Win National Crown!

South Carolina Ravens 2010 12U National Champions

Seven Woods made two free throws in the closing seconds as the South Carolina Ravens defeated LA Primetime Select 44-38 to win the 12U Division 1 National Championship.

Top Championship Performers

Seven Woods Guard (SC Ravens)- This youngster became one the stars of this event. When money time arrived he delivered with an old fashioned three point play while also nailing two clutch free throws to seal the deal. Expect many people to scream this name.

Jarvis Johnson Guard (SC Ravens)- The tough point guard came up big for the Ravens. He nailed two big treys and converted a huge layup after getting a steal. He was a huge offensive surprise in this rugged contest.

Keenan Black Forward (SC Ravens)- Black saved his heroics for the end of the contest. After Woods three point play gave SCR a one point lead, Black intercepted a pass and converted his own bucket after getting fouled. This play gave the Ravens the push they needed.

Khalea Turner Forward (Louisiana Primetime) – Turner battled foul trouble but was still a huge problem for the Ravens. He had another double-double while being a serious force inside. His presence alone changes many aspects of the game. He's a sure fired stud.

Malik Crowfield Forward (Louisiana Primetime)- Crowfield has excellent size and can stroke it. He hit a couple of big jumpers and has the build of a solid athlete. Expect a national explosion from this kid in a few years.

Herb McGee Guard (Louisiana Primetime)- McGee is a strong guard and plays good defense while sticking his head inside on the boards. During this tug a war McGee managed to hit some big shots including a trey to cut the lead to two in the closing moments.

Coming Soon: The Top Players From Each Position