Word On The Street: Spring Fever!

 

I'm Back With The Flames

A lot of things are going on around the AAU world right now. So we decided to hit a couple of our sources and bring you another “Word On The Street”. Remember most of this information is not concrete as of yet but mostly from the rumor mill.

 

      Swain and Samuels Head To Expressions! 

Yes as many of you have heard, Azar Swain and Jermaine Samuels have left the “Money Team” to join Boston squad Expressions. Both players say the distance was too much to continue with the Connecticut crew. Both players also sat out the recent AC Showcase because they felt it would be disrespectful to their former coach and teammates. This move makes things very interesting in the New England Region heading into the AAU Nationals.

 

Playtime 7th Grade Joins IZOD? 

The rumor mill has it that Playtime’s talented bunch will be heading over to join Team IZOD/Sports U. So not only will Sports U have the talented Supreme Team, it now seems they will be adding the second best 7th Grade squad in NJ. The teams now will carry the names IZOD/Black and IZOD/Red. Stay tuned as this story develops and we will keep you posted.

 

                                            Mitchell Joins DC Assault? 

In a surprising move my sources out of the Potomac Valley area tells us that Team Takeover stud wing DJ Mitchell is now rocking with DC Assault. Mitchell has been a main clog with Team Takeover for years and appeared to be the go to man on this squad. Wow, we will definitely keep you guys posted on this story as more news comes out.

Diary Of A Baller: Azar “A.Z.” Swain (Boston, MA) Entry #4

 

Azar On Easter Sunday 

Dear Diary, Even though I am 14 years old, I still woke up to an Easter basket. It was a surprise because I wasn’t really expecting it. My dad is funny like that sometimes. I haven’t had a day where I can just lay back and chill in a long time. It felt really good to be able to just kick back and eat some good food. I went out to eat at a really nice restaurant earlier in the day. It was setup like a buffet, and when I left, I was stuffed! About an hour later, I got home just in time for the Michigan vs. Florida game. Michigan is looking really good going into the Final Four. They are definitely a threat to win the National Championship. After I watched that game, I did some cleaning up while watching the Louisville vs. Duke Game. When I saw the play that Kevin Ware got injured on, I was in shock. I could not believe that something like that could happen to a human being. My thoughts and prayers most definitely go out to him, his recovery, and his family. That was the worse sports-related injury I had EVER seen. Anyways, after that game, I did a little bit of studying for the week in Spanish. I got to bed early that night, and it was great to have a day to chill. It’s back to the grind tomorrow! Goodnight Diary.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2

 

AJ Hoggard (Team IZOD)

The 6th Grade Division of the AC Showcase was exciting as usual. Here’s our second look at the top performers in this event. 

AC Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

AJ Hoggard Guard (Team IZOD)- After spending most of the tournament being a true facilitator, Hoggard picked up his scoring production during the semifinals. He scored 14 points in the triple overtime loss to eventual champion Team Nelson. His court vision and basketball IQ continues to be advanced for someone his age. 

Jalen Gaffney Guard (Team IZOD)- The reigning POY found his groove down in AC. He scored 14 points vs. Maryland Finest and 15 points against Team DEMI. The fundamentally sound guard has one of the purest strokes in the region. He’s a very crafty player. 

Jordan McKoy Guard (Team IZOD)- The third piece of IZOD triple threat continues to show signs of a good prospect down the line. His production is definitely glued to his confidence, so once he gets flowing he’s difficult to slow down. I can’t wait to him in about two years. 

Josh Watts Forward (ETU Select)- Watts scoring helped his crew reach the finals. His scoring ability allows him to roam on the perimeter with Brelsford. He’s a vital piece to the success of this Potomac Valley squad’s success. He averaged double figures in scoring for the tournament. 

Ashan Huland EL Forward (Metro Flyers)- The big fella is developing into a serious force on the circuit. He understands that he’s indeed a post player so he doesn’t waste time roaming around the arc. Instead he earns his living in the paint rebounding and scoring with his southpaw touch. 

John Wilson Guard (Metro Flyers)- Wilson is definitely a throw-back point guard. He’s a pass first and capable of dropping some serious dimes. I love his toughness and willingness to travel into the land of giants despite his size. 

Josh Pierre Louis Guard (Metro Flyers)- Pierre Louis used his speed to make things happen in America’s Playground. He picks his spots in terms of scoring or passing. He turned up his scoring once pool play ended. He and Wilson should be a dynamic backcourt for years to come. 

Mekhi Long Guard (Maryland Finest)- Long returned to the Spotlight with MD Finest and had a good game against Team IZOD. He smooth scorer posted 16 points in the loss. His best days of basketball are definitely down the road and I like how his future looks.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Chris Allen (Team Nelson)

The 6th Grade Division of the AC Showcase was exciting as usual. Here’s our first look at the top performers in this event. 

AC Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Chris Allen Guard (Team Nelson)- Allen definitely brought his A game this weekend and this was even more obvious in the finals. He drained 5 treys in the second half while finishing with 19 points. He also pumped in 26 points in their semifinal win over Team IZOD. His stroke looked very pure in Atlantic City and he performed like the best 6th Grader in the building. 

Mark Bradshaw Guard (Team Nelson)- Bradshaw also got things going in the finals. He knocked down 3 treys while ending the game with 14 points. He still has the ability to score in bunches. He’s one of the best scorers in the region. 

Hakim Byrd Guard (Team Nelson)- The pint size floor general really stepped up in Atlantic City. He handles the rock with supreme confidence and was difficult to guard once he got going. His quickness and toughness definitely stand out. 

Tyler Brelsford Guard (ETU Select)- It was Tyler’s play in the semifinals that propelled ETU into the championship. He hit 3 treys and finished with 16 points in their victory against a stubborn Metro Flyers team. 

Tyrese Jenkins Forward (ETU Select)- Jenkins found his scoring groove in the finals with some silky moves on the post. I like his footwork and soft touch around the basket. He understands his role on the team and plays it well. 

Terrence Williams Forward (ETU Select)- “Big Smoove” also had a solid semifinal game. I like how he does a little bit of everything. He helps with ball handling, makes some good passes and can score the pill.

The Basketball Spotlight MDC Registration Has Begun!

 

The Basketball Spotlight MDC is now ready for registration. The MDC was Basketball Spotlight first events and is considered the Grand Daddy of them all. Many top teams have competed for the Gold Ball and many studs have taken home the Mr. Memorial Day Trophy. Don’t miss the opportunity to register for this historic event. Space is very limited. 

Event: Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic 
Date: May 25-26, 2013 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Cost: $400 (Single Team) $350 (Multiple Team Discount)  

One Team Registration  

Multi-Team Registration

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3

 

Devandre Edmonds (Mass Shooting Stars)

The 7th Grade Division was our best ever and featured our first Super Pool. Each game in the Super Pool was a joy to watch and came down to the wire. Here’s our final look at the top performers from this age group. 

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Devandre Edmonds Forward (Mass Shooting Stars)- Though his team took a tough loss Edmonds posted his best numbers during a 30 point outing against NWK. The forward seemed to have everything clicking the entire weekend. When he has his confidence going he is very difficult to contain. 

Paul Durkee Forward (Mass Shooting Stars)- Usually Durkee helps Edmonds out with the scoring and this weekend was no exception. He averaged double digits and also had a good game against NWK with 19 markers. They make up a good 1-2 punch. 

Harran Ranson Guard (NWK)- Ranson carried NWK to a #1 seed after pool play. The tough combo guard has a mean pull up jumper and cradles the rock well when charging the lane. He also made things rough for IZOD before his team lost in the quarterfinals. 

Shackquille Dezonie Forward (Wall 2 Wall)- Shack faced some serious competition in the post this weekend and didn’t back down. He has shown some quickness and decent touch while scoring. He also has long arms that help him avoid shot blockers and rebound. Definitely plays bigger than his size. 

Shandon Brown Guard (Team DEMI)- Brown represented well in his first game against New Heights. He connected on four treys on his way to 22 points. He’s probably the top scoring guard in this class from the New England area. 

Fontaine Wesley Guard (Philly Pride)- The Pride took home the Blue Division crown and Wesley went berserk in the finals. The high scoring guard led all scorers with 21 points against a stingy Delaware Finest defense. He shined in the Spotlight a few years ago and it was good to see him back. 

Deonte Hill Guard (6th Man Warriors)- Hill was at it again in terms of posting numbers. He had a huge game against Team Demi while recording 27 points. He has no problem putting the ball in the basket. The kid can flat out score. 

Jaquan Hooks Guard (Del Finest Stars)- Hooks suited up with hi regular squad for this one and took them to the Blue Division finals. He has proven the last few years to be one of the toughest guards in this class.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

 

Luther Muhammad (Team IZOD)

The 7th Grade Division was our best ever and featured our first Super Pool. Each game in the Super Pool was a joy to watch and came down to the wire. Here’s our second look at the top performers from this age group. 

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Luther Muhammad Guard (Team IZOD)- The defensive specialist picked up his offense in the second half and overtime against New Rens. His team was trailing late and Muhammad put the squad on his back and carried them to victory in the extra period. The reigning POY came through in the clutch. 

Jalen Brooks Guard (Team IZOD)- Brooks logged serious minutes with the injury to Atiba Taylor and he took advantage. In their last pool game against New Rens the southpaw connected on four treys in route to 15 points. His number got called in that game and he delivered. 

Tyrek Chambers Guard (Team IZOD)- Chambers found his scoring groove against Metro Sixers during the Super Pool game. He drained 4 three-pointers while leading the team in scoring with 18 markers in the loss. 

Markquis Nowell Guard (New Rens)- The stage was packed and Nowell went to work against his former team (Team IZOD). During one stretch in the second half he scored 15 points in a row. His fell in overtime but he did give us a show to watch. 

Walter Tally Forward (New Rens)- Tally can be dominate at times but I don’t think the guards work hard enough to get him the rock. Walter did try to get the rock himself by banging the boards and being a beast on defense. 

Donovan Toatley Guard (Team Takeover)- Toatley is known as a showman and he didn’t disappoint. He hit some long treys and gave the crowd a treat with his slick ball handling. He had a couple of defenders shaking in their boots.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

 

Myles Dread (Metro Sixers)

The 7th Grade Division was our best ever and featured our first Super Pool. Each game in the Super Pool was a joy to watch and came down to the wire. Here’s our first look at the top performers from this age group. 

AC Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Myles Dread Forward (Metro Sixers)- A lot of the Sixers success comes from players sacrificing their game for the good of the squad and no one amplifies this more than Dread. Myles is capable of scoring more but he rather rebound, play defense and make the extra pass. His versatility will always make him a scoring threat but it also helps him impact the game in so many other ways. 

Brandon Slater Guard (Metro Sixers)- Slater made his statement for POY honors this past weekend. He has to be one of the best finishers on the circuit. The lefty looked fluid in transition and also tickled the twine from deep. Once his in between game comes together including a mid range pull up, the offensive package could be complete. 

Brandon Madison Guard (Metro Sixers)- I like the transition Madison has made to the guard spot. He looked comfortable handling the rock and making decisions. He still used his powerful build to make things happen in the open floor and on the defensive end. He fit in great with this club. 

Justin Moore Guard (Metro Sixers)- Moore is one of the most polished point guards in the region. He does a good job when taking care of the pill and isn’t afraid to take the big shot especially from the corner. He posted 12 big points in the finals. 

Prentiss Hubb Jr. Guard (DC Assault)- Hubb is a steady as they come. The lefty showed great poise and confident in his shot all weekend. When several teams had the National Champs on the ropes Prentiss would calm them down with a pull up or trey ball from deep. He has ice water in his veins. 

Jared Bynum Guard (DC Assault)- The operator of this DCA machine I an extension on the coach on the floor. He does a great job on getting the rock to all the scorers and even taking the big shot when needed as he did while making the winning bucket against Team IZOD. 

DMarco Baucom Forward (DC Assault)- When Baucom had it going this weekend he looked very dominant. The problem is many forget how young he is and expect him to play at this intensity for the full game. The versatility and talent is definitely there and hopefully the motor will catch up soon. He averaged close to 14 points per game and it looked easy at times. 

Shariff Kenny Forward (DC Assault)- At times Kenny looked liked the best prospect in the building. He has lost the stocky build and has stretched to close to 6’5. His new physique gives him the quickness and ability to play the game at a higher level. I was truly impressed with his play.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3

 

Jordan Salzman (Black Mambas)

The 8th Grade Division at the AC Showcase featured some high powered ballers. Here’s our final look at the top performers in this class. 

8th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Jordan Salzman Guard (Black Mamba)- According to my scouts, Jordan was one of the top performers of the weekend. Salzman was magnificent from behind the arc (making over half of his attempts) and has shown an improvement in his ability to create for teammates. His play helped the Black Mambas almost knock off perennial power CBC. 

Travis Cox Guard (Black Mamba)- Once again the energy player brought his game. He was everywhere on the floor and showed some improvement in his skill set. Cox play has BM in a position to be the Cinderella team in the Grand Finale final four. 

Hassan Diawara Guard (JSL Hoops)- The talented guard made some big plays for JSL Hoops all weekend. He’s tough to keep out the lane and has an array of moves to get past defenders. He’s definitely a crafty ball handler. 

Elijah Barnes Forward (JSL Hoops)- My scout was calling Barnes baby Tim Duncan. His squad fell behind to ESYC early but Barnes went to work inside and helped them gain the come from behind victory. He finished with 16 points in their victory. 

Talek Williams Guard (ESYC)- Williams was the leading scorer for the Allentown bunch. His best game was a 20 point outing in their tough loss to JSL Hoops. His play helped ESYC march to the Blue Division finals in which he finished with a team high 16 markers. 

Boubacar Kamissoko Guard (Playtime)- Kamissoko was one of my favorite players for Playtime and he returned with the group for the AC Showcase. He had his total game flowing while leading the team in scoring and to the Blue Division championship. 

Curtis Gordon Forward (Playtime)-The strong forward did all the dirty work while helping PP grab the crown. He’s a tenacious rebounder and physical scorer inside. His toughness is an ingredient Playtime needed to get over the top.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2

 

Chaylynn Martin (CBC) 

The 8th Grade Division at the AC Showcase featured some high powered ballers. Here’s our second look at the top performers. 

8th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Chaylynn Martin Guard (CBC)- According to my scouts Chaylynn picked up some of the scoring load. He opened up his offensive game and even showed some improved leaping ability while trying to catch a follow-up dunk. This kid is a true testament of how hard work can help a player improve. 

Jaecee Martin Guard (CBC)- His squad lost a few key players but Mayweather still managed to get them to the final four. He combined his knack to score with the ability to make teammates better. No matter who’s in the CBC line up this kid will always go down swinging. 

Aaron Clarke Guard (CBC)- Clarke had another solid weekend shooting the rock. He went over double digits in his amount of treys and averaged about 16 points a contest. If the “Money Team” has any aspirations of winning the Grand Finale crown he needs to stay on point with this type of production. 

Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Expressions)- I’m still waiting for a defense that can slow this kid down. Once again he averaged over 20 points a contest including a 30 point outburst against Riverside Hawks. I don’t have an exact number but it’s hard to imagine someone scoring more points than him during their Spotlight career. 

Lonnie Walker Guard (MCB Elite)- My scout calls this kid the silent assassin. He said the big guard did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted while leading MCB Elite to the final four. He hit CBC for 19 points and NY Lightning for 26 markers. I will watch him personally at the MDC.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

 

Ray Cortes (Team IZOD)

The 8th Grade Division at the AC Showcase featured some high powered ballers. Here’s our first look at the top performers. 

8th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Ray Cortes Guard (Team IZOD)- Cortes play the JJ Reddick role for IZOD and did a great job damaging Milbank in the finals. He benefits from penetration ability of Duval and Crawford. Cortes usually sets up on the wing or in the corner and buries the trey ball. 

Trevon Duval Guard (Team IZOD)- This kid stock continues to rise. He seems more confident with his new teammates and they also show more confidence in his game. His game winning bucket showed that he wants the rock at big time moments and can deliver. 

Kimani Foster Forward (Team IZOD)- Foster was very active along the baseline and in the lane on both ends. He missed a few dunk attempts but I was thrilled that he made the effort to flush the rock. He has shown massive improvement on the offensive end. 

Khalif Crawford Guard (Team IZOD)- The addition of Duval gives Crawford a break off the ball. But when things got tough he was able to make some clutch plays to help them get over the hump. He demonstrated excellent body control and ability to finish off plays in traffic. 

Paul Person Guard (Milbank)- Speaking of finishing plays in the lane, Person might be one of the best. He specializes in avoiding shot blockers while in the air. He makes a living drawing fouls while putting pressure on the defense. He does need to trust his outside shot a little more. 

Sid Wilson Forward (Milbank)- This was my first look at this kid and he is oozing with potential. On defense he steps in as a shot blocker but can also guard on the perimeter. On the other end his face up game is good and his range extends to the 3 point line. Once he gets his pat game together and realizes how good he could be opponents will be in trouble. Reminds me of a young Herve Lamizana. 

Mohammed Bamba Forward (Milbank)- Bamba also made his Spotlight debut and was a major factor. Standing 6’8 he caused a mountain of problems for IZOD in the finals. Not only does he alter shots and rebounds but he also can put together a move or two on the offensive end. He’s still in project mode but the potential seems apparent. 

Pedro Marquez Guard (Milbank)- Marquez is a another strong guard in the Milbank army. The lefty plays with a lot of swagger and will bury the deep ball. His frame allows him to bust throw many perimeter defensive schemes.

Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week: Brandon Slater (Metro Sixers)

 

Brandon Slater (Metro Sixers)

The Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week goes to Brandon Slater of Metro Sixers. Slater averaged close to 20 points a game including a 21 point (3 treys) performance in the 7th Grade AC Showcase championship game against DC Assault. Congratulations to Brandon and keep up the good work this is just the beginning.

Grand Finale Point System Update

 

The Road To The Grand Finale made the third stop at the Clash For The Cup. Champions were crowned and teams have collected their first set of points. Remember the top four teams according to points will meet at the Grand Finale Final Four to play for the Spotlight Banner. The final stop is the Memorial Day Classic May 25th and 26th in Neptune and Lakewood, NJ. 

Grand Finale Point Totals 

8th Grade 
CBC- 10 Points 
Playaz-8 Points 
Black Mambas-8 Points 
Team IZOD-8 Points 
Team Nelson- 7 Points 
MCB Elite- 7 Points 
Expressions-6 Points 
DC Assault- 6 Points 
CIA Bounce- 5 Points 
New Heights- 5 Points 

7th Grade 
Metro Sixers- 10 Points 
Wall 2 Wall- 9 Points 
Team IZOD-8 Points 
CIA Bounce- 8 Points 
Philly Pride- 4 Points

6th Grade 
Team Nelson- 12 Points 
Metro Flyers-11 Points 
Team IZOD- 10 Points 
ETU Select- 9 Points 
Philly Pride- 7 Points 
CIA Bounce- 5 Points 
6th Man Warriors- 5 Points 

5th Grade 
Gauchos- 10 Points 
Team Glory- 10 Points 
CJ Hawks-8 Points 
Team Phenom-8 Points 
Team Takeover- 6 Points

AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Duval's Bucket Lifts Team IZOD!

 

Team IZOD Wins At The Buzzer

Trevon Duval made a tough layup as time expired to give Team IZOD a 52-51 victory over Milbank to win the AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange Division Championship. This game was a see-saw battle which literally came down to the final shot. 

Team IZOD’s Coach Luis Delgado loves the way his team is playing; “Winning the Spotlight championship was well deserved for this team. We are playing real well right now and the credit goes to these guys. Their sacrifice and commitment to playing team basketball is the reason for our success.” 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Playtime Grabs Banner!

 

Playtime Showed Tough Guys Can Wear Pink 

Playtime wore their fresh uniforms and held on to defeat EYSC 60-58 to win the AC Showcase 8th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for making the finals and giving us a good finish. 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Metro Sixers Conquer Atlantic City!

 

 Metro Sixers Are Champions

After finishing second in the Super Pool Metro Sixers revenged an earlier loss and defeated DC Assault 54-51 to win the AC Showcase 7th Grade Orange Division Championship. This was a heavy weight boxing bout all the way through. Shout out to both teams for a great show. 

Metro Sixers coach Aaron Dread was pleased with his team’s performance, “As an organization we were happy to be invited to participate in such a highly competitive tournament. We battled some of the best teams and extremely talented players on our road to the championship. We were proud our guys stuck together through some adversity and were able to close out an outstanding weekend” he finished. 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Philly Pride Stands Tall!

 

 Philly Pride Storms From Behind For Victory

After falling behind early Philly Pride rallied back to defeat Delaware Finest Stars 48-41 to win the AC Showcase 7th Grade Blue Division Championship. Both teams went toe to toe in this one. Coach Hart of Philly Pride didn’t mind the dog fight in the finals. “We don’t want anything easy. The harder the battle the better it will make our players later on. We like the rough road.” 

 Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Team Nelson Cashes In!

 

 Team Nelson Takes Crown

In a thrilling game Team Nelson held on to defeat ETU Select 47-44 to win the AC Showcase 6th Grade Orange Division Championship. It was a joy to watch these two teams collide. Coach Howard Hudson of Team Nelson sees some progress in his team, “I told our kids everyone has counted us out but we will grind in practice, get better and peak at the right time. Our motto is we started from the bottom now we are here” he concluded. 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: RJS Holds On!

 

RJS Captures Crown

In a defensive battle RJS defeated Team Philly 27-24 to win the AC Showcase 6th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for making an outstanding run to the championship. “Everybody pulls for David but nobody roots for Goliath. We are a team on the rise. 3D’s (Discipline, Dedication and Determination)” said Coach Sullivan of RJS. 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.

AC Showcase 5th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Nation Basketball Academy Victorious!

 

NBA Gets It Done!

Nation Basketball Academy fought off a tough Team Takeover (Orange) to win the AC Showcase 5th Grade Blue Division title 34-31. This was a hard fought game all the way through and we congratulate both teams for making it to the championship on Sunday. 

Coach Justin Razzano of NBA was happy with his team’s success, “I always told my kids you have to work hard to see results and that’s exactly what they did. Playing in a Basketball Spotlight event was a great test to see where my team was on a national level. I’m proud to see we have a Basketball Spotlight banner” he finished. 

Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you more coverage of the exciting AC Showcase.