AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Charles Pride (Gym Ratz)

The AC Showcase 8th Grade Division had some of the best talent in the country. Here’s Part 3 of the top performers and our final look at this grade level. 

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Charles Pride Guard (Gym Ratz)- This kid helped his team reach the finals and he continues to show he’s on an elite level. Pride was one of the top scorers in the tournament including a 25 point performance against WE R 1 and 26 markers against Expressions in the final four. He scores the ball from all three levels and will take the trey during the big moments. He has shown that he is a bona-fide scoring machine. He seems to be gaining more and more confidence each time he steps into a Spotlight event.

Mika Adams-Woods Guard (Gym Ratz)- MAW didn’t light up the scorebook as he did in previous Spotlight outings but his play helped them get to the finals. His slick ball handling and aggressive style enables his team to set the tempo. The lefty has established himself as one of the best point guards in the Northeast region. He really made a name for himself this season.

Naz Johnson Forward (Gym Ratz)- The intimidating force inside clears space for that dynamic backcourt to operate. He’s a workhorse inside and a capable scorer on the blocks. He stayed in the double digit department in the scoring column.

Shaquest Chavis Guard (Team Twelve)- This lefty has been known to get buckets in a hurry and Team DEMI can confirm that. He hit the New England squad for 30 points including 5 treys. When he is on it’s very difficult for anyone to slow him down. Chavis is just a natural scorer hands down.

Theodore Senior Guard (Team Twelve)- Chavis gains many open looks because of the play of Senior. Theo penetrates defenses like its second nature which gives is teammates open options. His speed is something most 8th graders are foreign to.

Alex Serrano Guard (We All In)- Alex Serrano played with We All In and made his presence be felt. The scoring combo guard collected 25 markers against Team DEMI and finished averaging near 16 points. He has shown over the years to be a legit scorer and he showed that this weekend.

Julian Howell Guard (Team DEMI)- Howell is a guard with a lot of offensive prowess but his defense it what stood out this weekend. He was able to lead DEMI’s pressure attack and cause several turnovers. His style of play ignites his teammates.

Tanahj Pettway Guard (Team DEMI)- Pettway had one of the best scoring outings of the tournament when he scorched We All In for 30 markers. He can hit you up from deep or get to the hole and score. The guy just gets buckets.

Devrae Burns Guard (Team DEMI)- Burns also contributed for Team DEMI. This guard showed the ability to really stroke the rock. In their matchup with We All In he knocked down 5 treys and made it look easy. He can really stretch the defense.

Jamal Whittlesey Forward (WE R 1)- The Delaware boys had a tough weekend as a whole but big Jamal continues to show strides in his game. What’s unique about his game with his array of post moves and passing ability from the blocks. In high school if he dedicates himself to his conditioning don’t be surprised if he emerges as a decent prospect.

Quashawn Lane Guard (Joey’s Angels)- Lane's crew won the Blue Division crown and the guard was a major part of their success. He handled the rock, knocked down a smooth pull up and finished with the floater. He has an air of confidence about his game that cannot be taught.

Reggie James Forward (Joey’s Angels)- James was Lanes sidekick in the finals. He’s the size of a forward but does have good play making ability. He was a match up problem for the Wiz Kids all in the finals. He was too versatile for the big men and too big for their guards. He managed to score the ball in a variety of ways. I’m hearing he will join Lane at Trenton Catholic Academy next fall.

NOTE: Devrae Burns, Tanahj Pettway and Julian Howell photos appear courtesy of Hooprootz.net. 

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Ja'Quaye James (Playaz)

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Division of the AC Showcase featured some of the best talent in the country period. Here’s a look at Part 2 of the top performers from the AC Showcase. 

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Ja’Quaye James Guard (Playaz)- I wanted to see how James would hold up against the national heavyweights and he impressed me. I’m convinced that no grammar school player in the country can stop this kid from getting into the lane. He had the defenders on skates and led his team to a victory over G3IE, one of the top defensive teams in the country. Ja’Quaye also has picked up his scoring and isn’t afraid to challenge the giant trees in the paint. This boy has that rock on a string. Finally his court vision and pass first mentality is very throwback and a lost art. 

Justin Winston Forward (Playaz)- Winston was definitely in mid-season form for the AC Showcase. He showed a nose for the ball and I like his turn around baby hook on the lane. Justin showed a lot of aggression in terms of rebounding on both ends of the floor. His mid-range jumper was okay but he ran into a little trouble when he stepped out too deep. He has put together a serious campaign this year.

Markquis Nowell Guard (Playaz)- Nowell told me he was excited about playing at the AC Showcase and he showed it with his play. There’s not many in the country that has the scoring knack of Nowell. He will hurt you with the deep trey or climb into the chest of the shot blocker at the rim. I also noticed a tighter handle and better decision making on his part. His game is really coming together.

Armoni Sexton Forward (Playaz)- It was great to see Armoni back in action and he performed well this weekend. He played under control for the most part and was a beast on the glass. He’s a quick leaper and is relentless when trying to get the rock. He was a double-double machine this weekend. Keep up the positive work kid. You belong on the floor.

Kevin Easley Forward (G3IE)- His team had a tough weekend in the superior White Division but Easley made the most of his time. The high motor forward put together some decent showings and his 20 point semifinal performance almost sent home WACG. They lost that game 52-51. I like how hard this kid goes regardless of the score.

Dontay Dixon Forward (WACG)- Dixon plays opposite side of Bagley and handles the weak side rebounding. I like his length and touch from the perimeter. When Bagley is double team he can hit the jumper from the high post or slash to the basket. On defense he’s another legit shot blocker which allows the guards to be extra aggressive on defense.

DeShawn Jenkins Forward (WACG)- Jenkins is an athletic forward that comes in off the pine and sparks the squad. He’s good on help defense and attacking the glass. He does have some range on his outside and will run the floor in transition.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Marvin Bagley III

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Division of the AC Showcase featured some of the best talent in the country period. Here’s a look at Part 1 of the top performers from the AC Showcase. 

AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Marvin Bagley III Forward (WACG)- Bagley came in regarded as the top player in the country and showed why. The 6’9 southpaw captivated the fans with his size, skill set and playing making ability. He spent most of the weekend tested the rim strength while banging home tons of dunks. In his matchup versus the Supreme Team, Bagley proved to separate himself from his peers. I like his footwork and moves on the post. He also surprised me with court vision when teammates were cutting. His big time dunk on Saturday night in front of the packed house will be one to remember in Spotlight history. If there’s someone better in America please point me in his direction. He’s #1 in my book! Stay tuned because we have more Bagley coming.

Darius Garland Guard (WACG)- If you looked up confidence in the dictionary they probably have a picture of this kid. This kid’s range is when he walks in the gym. He spent most of the weekend nailing treys from the floor logo. He loves taking the big shot including the dagger that ends the dream for opponents. But if you think he’s just a spot up shooter you are sadly mistaken. Garland has a serious handle, wiggle and breakdown ability. He can finish in transition; see the floor and loves throwing lobs to teammates. You have to love his swagger!

Cameron Johnson Guard (WACG)- Johnson proved to be the most consistent guard for the Nashville boys this weekend. He’s deadly because he can hurt you in so many different ways. He penetrates the defense and scores with a floater or tough finish. He also will shoot the lights out from the corner in the half court set or in transition. There’s nothing fancy about his game but his substance speaks volumes. He torched all three opponents in the super White Division.

Marquis Brown Guard (WACG)- Speaking of defense this baller picked off passes like Deion Sanders and played locked down defense. He was assigned high scoring guard Jahvon Quinerly in the finals and his length caused a few issues which helped WACG cruise to the victory. On offense he’s a transition demon and usually finishes with an extended left hand. He also showed the ability to hit the mid-range pull up. He was one of the best athletes in the building and has a huge upside.

Mark Freeman Guard (WACG)-Every good car has a serious engine and Freeman provides this service for WACG. The lightning quick point guard pushes the rock in a blur and has a handle the shakes defenders out of their boots. I like how he sees the floor, delivers the pill on time and hit the mid-range pull up or deep ball. On defense he’s one of the best in the land, he's constantly turning over ball handlers and beating them to the spot. In this day and age many young players don’t except their role on the squad but this kid seems like an exception.

Tyger Campbell Guard (WACG)-Campbell came off the bench in the Big Showdown and showed why he has to be the best 7th Grade point guard in the country. He got to the cup on demand and went on a personal 7 point run which helped WACG gain their biggest lead of the game. He changes gears better than most and has unique finishing ability. He seems more eager when playing against 8th Graders.

Jahvon Quinerly Guard (Team IZOD)- I learned a few things in AC and one of them was that Jahvon “Inferno” Quinerly is the best scoring guard in America. Yes I said America. During the Saturday night showdown Quinerly caught fire to help the Supreme Team comeback and get the victory. He had the ball falling from all three levels and finished the game with 34 points including the now controversial game winner. I’m in the office now shining up that Spotlight POY trophy.

Nazereon Reid Forward (Team IZOD)-Reid showed flashes of being one of the best in the country. In his showdown with Bagley he attacked the rim at times with dunks including a nasty backdoor reverse lob. I do think he needs to be a little active on the post because he tends to wander on the perimeter. On defense he always a factor in the middle and gives the IZOD guards a chance to gamble in the passing lanes. He stood tall in his big time matchup with Marvin Bagley. All in all he’s the top prospect in the region and that doesn’t seem to change anytime soon.

Luther Muhammad Guard (Team IZOD)- Muhammad stepped up again on both ends of the floor. You have to give this kid kudos on the way he improved his offensive game. He now has confidence in his jumper and ability to create plays off the dribble. He had a couple key buckets in IZOD’s comeback victory over WACG Saturday night.

Atiba Taylor Guard (Team IZOD)- During the big showdown Saturday night, Taylor did a good job handling the pressure of the WACG guards. Right now he’s playing at more of a half court pace which is good for his development as he approaches high school. I expect his game to continue to turn the corner.

Kyle Thompson Guard (Team IZOD)- In the semifinals against the Playaz, Thompson came off the bench and sparked IZOD. His outside shot was wet and he got it off in a hurry. They had plays designed for Kyle and he made the most of them. He reminds me of a young Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson.

Don't Panic This Is Only Part 1, we have tons of more coverage coming your way. 

AC Showcase Highlights: Harmon VS Springer (The Sequel)

Zion Harmon (white jersey) and Jaden Springer (blue jersey) went head to head once again at the 2014 Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase. Zion and Jaden are considered some of the top basketball players in the class of 2021. Springer's We All Can Go Team defeated Harmon's Team Glory in the 5th Grade championship game in Atlantic City. It's still extremely early, but it was intriguing to watch two of the top players in the class of 2021 match up against each other. Both players were able to rise to the occasion and seemed to enjoy competing against one another. Stay tuned because the AC Showcase coverage is just getting started.

Diary Of A Baller: Ja'Quaye James (Englewood, NJ) Entry #9

PROBLEM, ACT ON IT 

 Yo what's popping it's your boy Ja'Quaye James aka JellyFam Guwop signing on. 

All I have to say is WOW, the Atlantic City Showcase was everything I thought it was going to be. I got to play against the top teams and talent in the country. I loved every minute of it. Even though we got beat in the semi finals. I thought with all the time we had off we would look really rusty, but we played good I thought. We went 2-2 on the weekend and got to see what we need to work on to be the #1 team in the country. But #3 ain't bad. I promise we will kick up in nationals. 

Wanna give a shout out to WACG and Team IZOD cause I felt we are some of the top teams in the country and we competed at a high level and gave our parents and supporters that came out what they came to see. As for me my favorite moments this weekend was against WACG and Team IZOD. WACG did not know me, but they do now. I had the first 3 baskets, but the coach still said I was shaky, rip him, so next play down I called ISO play for me I crossed went behind my back and spin off and caught the and 1. That got my team and I going against IZOD. I had a bunch of dimes, but the best thing was just going against my brother Jahvon and talking trash to him on the court...he hit a 3 on us, I came right back down and hit one too, the whole game everybody was going at it...But as the weekend concluded I feel I was the best PG hands down. I had my team playing hard, I was dishing and scoring, but now I know, I just need to do a little bit more of everything and we will become the team holding up the banner at the end of every tournament. 

All in all the weekend was great. My Grandma and my aunts came out and of course my #1Fan my baby sister Jordann. The games were good, and I closed any doors that might have been open about me. 

Shout Out to Mike Melton and Basketball Spotlight for putting that together. Great Weekend and I'm signing off Mr. NY/NJ!!! Get down or lay down. PLAYAZFAM Men lie Women lie numbers don't. 

 PS: Felt good to have my lil big bro Armani Sexton back on the court. Keep you cool I got you. LOL!!!

AC Showcase Exclusive Highlights: Team IZOD Versus We All Can Go Highlights (Both Games)

The AC Showcase was highlighted with two of the top teams in the country (Team IZOD and We All Can Go All Stars) facing off. This matchup was epic and lived up to the hype. The teams tangled twice with Team IZOD winning round 1 and WACG taking home the chip. For those that weren't there here are the highlights. Remember where you saw it first.

AC Showcase 8th Grade White Division Championship Recap: We All Can Go All Stars Conquer America's Playground!

WACG Shines At Spotlight

In the rematch of the Game Of The Year (Saturday Night), We All Can Goo All Stars got revenge and defeated Team IZOD 62-47 to win the AC Showcase 8th Grade White Division Championship. Congrats to both teams as they showed throughout the tournament that they are among the best in America. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from this big time event.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: New Heights Takes Crown Back To Big Apple!

New Heights Wins It All 

New Heights used an attacking style and good defense to defeat Gym Rats Basketball 62-54 and win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congrats to both squads for making it to the finals and giving us a good outing in the championship. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from this age group.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Joeys Angels Fly On Easter!

The Angels Won The Title

Joeys Angels used a balanced attack to hold off Wiz Kids of NY 70-61 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 8th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for being in the finals and participating in this event.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Team Takeover Adds Hardware!

Team Takeover Still Winning 

In a rematch of the Potomac Valley AAU Championship Team Takeover defeated DC Premier 40 to 36 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 7th Grade Orange Division title. This looks like a rivalry in the making and TTO seems like the #1 team in the region right now. Stay tuned because we have more coverage from this age group.

AC Showcase 7th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: ESYC Elite 610ers Get It Done!

WE All In Takes Title

ESYC Elite 610ers came into the AC Showcase as a surprise team and ended up winning the Blue Division crown after defeating Team Scan 48-44 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 7th Grade Blue Division title. Congrats to both teams for making it the finals.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: EYSC Elite Shines!

EYSC Elite Grabs Banner

ESYC Elite 610ers hang on after a tough battle with D & B All Stars 53-47 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 6th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for a making it to the finals and playing hard on the floor.

AC Showcase 6th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: George Hill Rising Stars Handle Their Business!

George Hill Rising Stars Too Much!

The #3 team in the country George Hill Rising Stars showed they were about business as they defeated Team IZOD 57-38 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 6^th Grade Championship. Both of these teams deserve kudos for making it to the finals through a stacked 6^th Grade division. Stay tuned because we have more coverage from this age group. 

AC Showcase 5th Grade Championship Recap: WACG Outlast Team Glory!

WACG Flexes IN AC 

In the battle of two national heavyweights We All Can Go All Stars outlasted Team Glory 49-37 to win the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 5th Grade Championship. This game featured some of the top players in the country and was a true dandy end to end. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals. We will have more coverage from this age group.

AC Showcase 4th Grade Championship Recap: Gauchos Win Crown!

Gauchos Capture Title

In a rematch of the Tip Off Classic Championship the Gauchos came back from a huge deficit to defeat Riverside Hawks 49-37 to win the Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade AC Showcase Championship. This was classic NY battle that brought back memories of the glory days of these two programs. Congrats for both teams for making it to the finals.

AC Showcase Highlights: Bagley Brings Down The House!

Marvin Bagley had the highlight of the day at the 2014 Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase when he put down this monster dunk against Team IZOD in front of a wild crowd. We should also mention that Marvin is a 6'9 eighth grader and many consider him to be the #1 player in the Class of 2018 Basketball Rankings.

Day 1 Play Of The Day: Quinerly Nails Game Winner!

Jahvon Quinerly this step back three at the buzzer in overtime to lift Team IZOD to a one point win over We All Can Go at the 2014 Atlantic City Showcase. Much more from this crazy game and great event hosted by Mike Melton of Basketball Spotlight.

AC Showcase Special Announcement! (Includes Site Change) Please Read!

The Atlantic City Showcase has a few very special announcements that concern every team in this event. Please take notice to these listings. Please don’t ignore. 

 1. ALL TEAMS MUST REGISTER AT ATLANTIC HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE YOUR FIRST GAME. IF YOU DON’T HAVE A RECEIPT YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY YOUR FIRST GAME. 
Atlantic City High School 
1400 N Albany Ave 
Atlantic City, NJ 08401 

2. All teams must have all team paperwork including birth certificates and report cards. 

3. All Games Scheduled For The AC Boys and Girls Club (BGC) have been moved to Holy Spirit High School. 
Holy Spirit High School 
500 S New Rd 
Absecon, NJ 08201

AC Showcase Rules and Regulations

Refunds: There will be no refunds for any team pulling out of this event.

Forfeits: Forfeits will be enforced to keep the games on time. Any teams that purposely forfeits because of non pool advancement will not be allowed to enter any other Basketball Spotlight Events. Forfeits are worth 15 points for the winning team.

Playing Times: All Games Use Stop Clocks

10U Division- 2 (12 Minutes Halves)
11U Division- 2 (13 Minute Halves)
12U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
13U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
14U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)

Fouls:Foul Out- 5 Fouls
1-1 Bonus- 10 Fouls
Double Bonus- 13 Fouls

Game Time and Grace Period:Each Team is responsible of being at the gym at least 15 minutes before their scheduled game. There will be no grace period allowed for any games. There will only be a 5 minute warm up time before the game and 2 minutes at halftime.

Overtime: 3 minutes.

Time Outs:
There will two full timeouts a half (4 per game) for each team. No carry over and no 30 seconds time outs.

Uniforms: Each Team must have two sets of uniforms (light and dark).

Mercy Rule:
If a team is ahead by 20 points or more with 2 minutes remaining in the contest the game will be called at that point. The team ahead by 20 will be awarded the victory.

Player Ejections:
Any player ejected from a game will be suspended the next game. Any player involved in or ejected for fighting will be suspended the remainder of the tournament.

Birth Certificates:All teams must have birth certificates for each player on their roster in case of a challenge. Each team will be allowed unlimited grade exceptions. Grade Exceptions must have paperwork. AAU Rules are enforced in terms of age.

Challenges: Must be made before the game and will cost the challenging team $60. If the challenging team is correct their money will be refunded.

Daily Admissions: $10 per day ( No Weekend Passes)


Tie Breaker Criteria (In Order):1. Won-Loss Record
2. Head to Head Competition
3. Point System (Margin Of Victory)- Any team winning by more than 15 points will only be rewarded 15 points for the victory. So if you win by 20 points you still will be rewarded only 15 points.
4. Least Amount of Points allowed in Pool Play
5. Coin Flip

Attention: Any teams that don't complete the tournament including 3rd Place games will be subject to be omitted from future Basketball Spotlight Events.

Any rules not mentioned above will be worked out fairly at the discretion of the tournament director.

AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange and White Division Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase 8th Grade Orange and White Division Schedule is below. Please make sure you are early for you games and keep in mind of the holiday traffic. Both teams should bring both light and dark uniforms. 

Pool Z 
1. Team IZOD 
2. Playaz 
3. G3IE 
4. WACG 

Pool AA 
1. Team Twelve 
2. We All In 
3. Team DEMI 

Pool BB 
1. WE R 1 
2. GYM RATS 
3. Mass Shooting Stars 

Pool CC 
1. Expressions 
2. New Heights 
3. CMEK 

Pool DD 
1. Hilltoppers Heat 
2. Hoop Heaven Elite 
3. Boston Spartans 

Saturday April 19th 
9:00 AM AA1-AA2 (ACHS 2) 
9:00 AM CC1-CC2 (MLK) 
10:10 AM BB1-BB2 (ACHS 2) 
10:10 AM DD1-DD2 (MLK) 
11:20 AM AA1-AA3 (ACHS 2) 
11:20 AM CC1-CC3 (MLK) 
12:30 PM BB1-BB3 (ACHS 2) 
12:30 PM DD1-DD3 (MLK) 
1:40 PM AA2-AA3 (ACHS 2) 
1:40 PM CC2-CC3 (MLK) 
2:50 PM Z2-Z3 (ACHS 2) 
2:50 PM DD2-DD3 (MLK) 
4:00 PM BB2-BB3 (ACHS 2) 
5:10 PM Z3-Z4 (ACHS 2) 
6:20 PM Z1-Z2 (ACHS 2) 
6:20 PM 3RD CC-3RD DD (MLK) 
7:30 PM 3RD AA-3RD BB (ACHS 2) 
8:40 PM Z1-Z4 (ACHS 2) 

Sunday April 20th 
10:20 AM Z1-Z3 (ACHS 2) 
10:20 AM Z2-Z4 (MLK) 
11:30 AM 1ST AA-2ND BB (ACHS 1) POOL AA 
11:30 AM 1ST BB-2ND AA (ACHS 2) POOL BB 
11:30 AM 1ST CC-2ND DD (ACHS 3) POOL CC 
11:30 AM 1ST DD-2ND CC (MLK) POOL DD 
12:40 PM 1ST Z-4TH Z (ACHS 2) SEMIFINAL 
12:40 PM 2ND Z-3RD Z (MLK) SEMIFINAL 
1:50 PM POOL AA-POOL DD (ACHS 2) 
1:50 PM POOL BB-POOL CC (MLK) 
3:00 PM 8TH GRADE WHITE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP (ACHS 2) Z POOLS 
4:10 PM 8TH GRADE ORANGE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP (ACHS 2) 

Sites: 
ACHS: Atlantic City High School 
1400 Albany Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 

MLK: Dr. Martin Luther King School 
1700 Marmora Ave Atlantic City, NJ 08401