John Lucas FOTG Camp Profile: Darnell Vaughan (Wilmington, DE)

Name: Darnell Vaughan Jr.

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2019

Analysis: This was my first look at this Delaware product and I must say he was impressive. I like his body control and ability to finish through contact. Right now he can overpower defenders but he also has the skill level that should help his game progress as he gets older. He as definitely caught my attention. We will be keeping our eye on Vaughan.  

Diary Of A Baller: Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ) Final Entry

Tyus Battle At His Final Spotlight Event

What's up basketball world. It has been a great year and I am finally at the end of my middle school journey. A lot has happened over the past year and I have been really lucky to have been able to share my thoughts with whoever chose to read about me. That sounds crazy when I read it!. During the last 12 months that I have written the diary, I tried to be open and honest in sharing my thoughts about my life, both the good and the challenging parts as well. I also tried to share with people who followed me how much a regular kid I really am and how much I am faced with challenges just like everyone else.

I had to deal with the first death in my life when my Grandma Queeny died and my Nana has struggled to walk since January of this year. In school this year it took me 2 semesters to make the high honors and in middle school basketball, I probably played the worse game of my life against a bunch of kids that I was a lot better than. You all probably remember how I first announced I was going to Gill and then to Saint Joe's and then back to Gill. I believe I am going where I need to be and I am really excited about it! That must have all seemed crazy if you’re not on the inside but it makes sense now. Thanks for reading my diary and here is my finale entry.

Up until Thursday I was at Impossible Training with my little brother Khalif. Micah Lancaster is town for the week and I always try to get with Micah when he is in town. I believe he is one of the best skill and agility trainers in the world. The stuff that he teaches really stretches your imagination and ability to create and also gives you the confidence to try some things you may otherwise never try. The first day I arrived at 12 and I was really tired from staying up a lot later than i should, have. Truth is that I really just could not sleep at all for some reason. So when I arrive at training, I was dead tired but once I got a sweat I was good and it was awesome day. After the camp ended for the day, I stayed late to do a few hours extra hours at the end to make up for the hours that I missed.

Tuesday was a normal day at the Impossible Training. All the kids worked really hard and my brother who has been getting better and better had a great day of camp. For the second day in row we both stayed and worked out for additional hour this time but Khalif did yoga and put up some additional shots where I just worked out with Micah, Bryce and a few of the pro guys who are home from Europe.

Wednesday was a great day because I received a few college offers and although I try to always stay level headed, it made me excited. Rutgers was my first to offer me but I also received offers from Miami, Rhode Island, Seton Hall and Syracuse.. It is really crazy and unexpected. I really appreciate everything that I get and really understand it means nothing except that I have more expectations, which is one of the things that motivate me.

I also played a one on one game with a former college player who is now 25 years old who was so pissed that I was killing him, he basically tackled me during the game. I was so mad that Micah stopped the game before it ended and the guy even got fired but at one point I was up 7 to 2. and I just wanted to win. I was so mad that Micah stopped the game and my dad had to to calm me down because I lost it. Not one of my best moments for sure! That guy whatever his name is, is exactly the kind of bully I like to beat. I know he will never forget me and I want to see him again on the court! Thanks again for reading my diary.

Thanks Mom, Dad, Tanya, Khalif and GiGI for helping me with everything. Special thanks to Mr.Melton for choosing me out of all the kids in the country. Oh, I almost forgot, thanks dad. You taught me that anything is possible with God and although I sometimes say that basketball is life. You remind me that it is not, that life is more than basketball and I should experience it all! This is Tyus Battle signing off! Look out High School, here I come!

Basketball Spotlight National Player Rankings Coming Soon!

Basketball Spotlight will be releasing out National Player Rankings very soon. Stay tuned as we bring you the top players in the country but keep in mind this is just our opinion and should be taken as such. We will be ranking the Class of 2016, 2017 and 2018. It should be a lot of fun.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: NyRhique Smith (Tinton Falls, NJ)

Name: NyRhique Smith

Hometown: Tinton Falls, NJ

Position: Combo Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: “La Smoove” had his moments during the J.E.M. All Star Classic. He got into the lane and finished effectively while also knocking down a few jumpers. On defense he showed the willingness to lock down when his rep is on the line. As he heads to Monmouth Regional he must continue work hard because the program will be his from Day 1. I also see a few college offers heading his way very soon.

Battle Picks Up Orange Offer

Tyus Battle At Syracuse Elite Camp

Rising Frosh Tyus Battle has now received a scholarship offer from Syracuse University. Battle recently compiled offers from Seton Hall, Rutgers, Rhode Island and the University of Miami. His father Gary Battle appeared happy with the news, “It’s definitely flattering and a blessing to be gaining attention from these universities this early in the process but Tyus understands that this is just the beginning. This road is very long and he has a lot of work to do” said Gary. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Tyus Battle on his scholarship offers and wish him the best during his high school career.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Temple Gibbs (Scotch Plains, NJ)

Name: Temple Gibbs

Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ

Position: Combo Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: Gibbs stepped his game up after receiving the Player Of The Year Award. The physical has been known to drive the ball down the teeth of the defense during any contest. This season he proved to step up big Team Scan needed him the most especially during the Grand Finale and AAU Nationals. Now he takes his game to Seton Hall Prep to follow the footsteps of his older brothers Ashton and Sterling. The Blueprint 3 is one the way.

THE EVENT OF THE YEAR IS NEAR: DON'T MISS OUT!

Basketball Spotlight and I’m Possible Training have joined forces to bring you the best basketball event of the year! The Inaugural 2012 East Coast Super Skillcase.

The 2012 East Coast Super Skillcase, directed by world renowned skills coach, Micah Lancaster, will feature the same advanced teaching and instruction that is offered at Nike skill academies and NBA workouts. Micah Lancaster has directed a Nike related training academy with Kobe Bryant and has worked with NBA players such as Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving, Mario Chalmers, and Nolan Smith along with many others. Now players, grades five through eight, will have the same opportunity as NBA, college, and high school stars to experience Micah's innovative skill training and teaching techniques. The Skillcase is designed to make every player feel like they are alone in the gym with Micah.

Players will be brought through elite skills training in the morning and a competitive five on five game sessions in the afternoon all under the watchful eye of Mike Melton's Basketball Spotlight. Camp video highlights and player analysis will be posted on www.bballspotlight.com at the conclusion of the event.

Through innovative NBA skills training, organized competition, and the presence of Basketball Spotlight, each player will be given the unique opportunity to "skillcase" themselves by flashing their talents, improving their skills, and showcasing their game like never before! Space is limited. Register online now! www.skillcase.org

Click Here To Register

Where: Atlantic City High School
When: October 27-28, 2012
Who: Boy's 5th-8th grade, Classes of 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Cost: $199
Hotel information and weekend itinerary to be posted shortly.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Video Highlights: (Class of 2017 Game)

JEM Classic Rising 8th Grade

The rising 8th Grade game came down to the wire and had some of the top talent on the east coast in the building. Here are highlights from this event courtesy of Elitebasketball1. Stay tuned because we still have more footage and other recaps to come.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Highlights: (Class of 2018 Game)

The rising 7th Graders took the court as the second game of this event and gave the crowd a treat. Check out some video highlights courtesy of Elitebasketball. Stay tuned because we still have more to come from this exclusive event.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Tyus Battle (Edison, NJ)

Name: Tyus Battle

Hometown: Edison, NJ

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: After receiving very few touches in the first half, “Kid Mamba” woke up to make things happen in the second stanza. He converted a few easy buckets posting up and was able to break away from defenders with an array of moves. This kid has had one of the most memorable grammar school basketball careers to date. He was a part of the group of players to help lay the foundation of Basketball Spotlight. He will be taking his instant offense to Gill St. Bernard next year. He has received several college offers already and was just invited to the USA Basketball Trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Introducing EJ Montgomery Of Florida (Class of 2018 Stud)

EJ Montgomery

Florida native EJ Montgomery has been called the top 7th grader in the nation by some onine outlets. The 6’6 shooting guard was a special talent to watch at the 2012 JR All-American Camp as he showed a game mature beyond his years. Clay Dade who runs the JR All-American Camp compared Montgomery to a young Grant Hill. Montgomery is definitely a player to watch in the class of 2018.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Unique McLean (Brooklyn, NY)

Name: Unique McLean

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: The game’s MVP was up for debate until McLean closed the show in spectacular fashion. On the game’s final play Unique broke away from the pack, bounce to rock up over the rim and dunked it in with authority. It was a fitting way to end this season and that event. He’s by far the best dunker to ever compete on the Spotlight circuit period. He will be playing his second varsity at Hoosac School in upstate New York.

J.E.M. All Classic Profile: Tuva Mott (Philadelphia, PA)

Name: Tuva Mott

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Position: Forward

Class: 2016

Analysis: Mott showed some progress in his perimeter skills. He demonstrated some court awareness and ability to shoot from the perimeter. I was intrigued by his form from behind the arc. If he continues to develop his ball handling and decision making he could turn into a serious combo guard one day. He will be under the watchful eye of Coach Pervis Ellison at Life Center Academy.

Team IZOD Hosting Tryouts

Team IZOD will be hosting tryouts for their 13U team for next season. The details of the tryouts are below.

Date: September 8, 2012

Place: Sports University Complex
22 Madison Rd. Fairfield, NJ (Off Of RT. 46)

Time: 9:00 AM-11:00AM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
(Players trying out must attend both sessions to make the team.)

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Reggie Gardner (Bowie, MD)

Name: Reggie Gardner

Hometown: Bowie, MD

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: Gardner performed well enough to take home the MVP honors. He lit up the net from the perimeter while knocking down 5 treys. His shots seemed to come at the right time and the crowd really enjoyed his shooting display. He plays his best when his confidence is flowing on this type of level. Hopefully he can take this swag into Dematha High School next season.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Alani Moore (Germantown, MD)

Name: Alani Moore

Hometown: Germantown, MD

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: “Showtime” tried his best to give the crowd a treat. His showcased his tricky handle and ability to get past defenders. He has proven over the years to be one of the top performers to come through our events. He will be taking his talent to Dematha High School and should start on that national stage by the time he’s a sophomore. We would like to thank him for some great times.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Bryce Aiken (Randolph, NJ)

Name: Bryce Aiken

Hometown: Randolph, NJ

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: Aiken capped off his grammar school career in great fashion. “Capo” ran the show for the North squad at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. It’s amazing how he dictates the pace no matter the competition or atmosphere. Bryce was able to make plays for himself as well as his comrades. We will really miss his unselfish style, competitive nature and willingness to win. He will be a great addition to Pope John High School next winter.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Anthony Cowan (Bowie, MD)

Name: Anthony Cowan

Hometown: Bowie, MD

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis:”Mister” Cowan tickled the twine a few times from outside the arc. He’s comfortable at either guard spot and was able to apply some defensive pressure on the pill. He had a stellar Spotlight career and left us with some fond memories. He should be given the keys to the offense at Good Counsel next winter. Hopefully we will be reading about him on the high school websites.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Profile: Vaughn Covington (Philadelphia, PA)

Name: Vaughn Covington

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016

Analysis: Covington started off hot from the perimeter while helping the South take an early lead. He had the 3 ball working from the corners while also making the extra pass to teammates. Vaughn displayed the knack off getting into the lane while at the controls. It seems like Philly powerhouse Neumann-Goretti might have inherited their next pure floor general in this kid.

J.E.M. All Star Classic: Daveyon Barnes (Baltimore, MD)

Name: Daveyon Barnes

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Position: Forward

Class: 2016

Analysis: Standing 6’4 Barnes is a physical specimen and good athlete. During the J.E.M. he was able to overpower a few defenders and hammer the glass. Now he must develop his perimeter skills because of the next level the length of the interior defenders might become a problem. He seems to have a serious work ethic some we have no doubt about him transforming to the wing.