Basketball Spotlight MDC 4th Grade Championship Recap: Riverside Hawks Fly Past Boston Bobcats!

Riverside Rides Again

In the battle of the baby ballers Riverside Hawks won another title as they defeated Boston Bobcats 44-35 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 4th Grade Championship. Congratulations to both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day- Kameren Rodriquez (Riverside Hawks) 
The quick guard showed he wasn’t playing any games by dropping 18 points during the finals. NY guards have always been none for flair and effectiveness therefore Rodriquez might be being groomed to be the next in line.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 5th Grade Championship Recap: Team Nation Conquers The Field!

Team Nation Claims Gold Ball!

Team Nation used a scoring barrage to defeat Riverside Hawks 52-24 and win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 5th Grade Championship. Congratulations to both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day- Tristan Jeffries (Team Nation) 
Jeffries has good size and but possesses a decent skill set. He’s a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor and also is a good rebounder and shot blocker. This kid should be one to watch down the road.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Championship Recap: KSK Victorious!

KSK Wins MDC

King Street Kings held on to beat a stubborn WE R 1 46-40 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Championship. Congratulations to both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day- Jodey Delos Santos (KSK) 
KSK had a few weapons on this teams and Santos was one of them. He not only can score several ways but he also can help his team on the boards. He has good size for this level and uses it to his advantage. He’s a matchup problem at times.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Team IZOD Too Much!

Team IZOD Keeps Rolling

Team IZOD (6th Grade) just out the gate and never slowed down as they ran past Troupe nation 64-28 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day- Zion Bethea (Team IZOD) 
Bethea found his stride in AC and kept it going during the MDC. The big guard exploded during the finals by scoring 24 points. Once he got into the open floor the Troupe Nation boys had no answer for him. When he has is mind on getting buckets he’s difficult to start.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: NY Rens Make Statement!

NY Rens Answer The Bell!

The 7th Grade Orange Division Championship of the Basketball Spotlight MDC came down to the wire as NY Rens defeated Metro Flyers 47-40. We would like to congratulate both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day – Judah McIntyre (NY Rens) 
You have to love this kid when he’s on the floor. He passed the rock marvelous this weekend and kept his teammates mentally in the game. He’s a joy to watch because it’s so rare to see players that want to be unselfish on the floor. He especially played masterfully during their semifinals win against regional power Team RIO and in the finals versus Metro Flyers.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: SJ Select Grabs The Gold Ball!

SJ Select Takes Home Title

In a battle to the end South Jersey Select defeated NWK 50-47 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals.

Mr. Memorial Day- Corey Greer (South Jersey Select) 
Greer made his Spotlight debut with a spark. He helped them win their first game with a buzzer beating trey ball and pretty much kept the momentum going for the rest of the tournament. I heard a lot about this kids middle school scoring feats in South Jersey and were happy to finally catch his game in person.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: NY Rens Holds On For Championship!

NY Rens Take Title

After being down much if the second half the NY Rens made a thrilling comeback to defeat We R 1 55-54 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals through brutal competition.

Mr. Memorial Day - Nayshon Hamlet (NY Rens)- Hamlet brought his A game to the MDC. He shown the ability to venture out to the perimeter but he still does most of his damage near the bucket. I love his quick leaping ability and athleticism he showed. He’s going to be a great addition to someone’s high school next season.

Basketball Spotlight MDC Is In The Books!

The Basketball Spotlight MDC is in the books and we would like to thank everyone for supporting this event. I would like to congratulate all the teams that played hard and especially those that made it to the championship rounds. The champions and runner-ups are below. Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps from the MDC. 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Champions 

8th Grade Orange Championship 
Champion: NY Rens 
Runner up: WE R 1 

8th Grade Blue Championship 
Champion: South Jersey Select 
Runner up: NWK 

7th Grade Orange Championship 
Champion: NY Rens 
Runner up: Metro Flyers 

7th Grade Blue Championship 
Champion: Team IZOD 
Runner up: Troupe Nation 

6th Grade Championship 
Champion: KSK 
Runner up: WE R 1 

5th Grade Championship 
Champion: Team Nation 
Runner up: Riverside Hawks 

4th Grade Championship 
Champion: Riverside Hawks 
Runner up: Boston Bobcats

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Preview

Can Someone Slowdown The Rio Express?

The 7th Grade doesn't have the same amount of teams as the 8th Grade division but things still should get very interesting. Take a look at the 7th Grade squads that will be spending the weekend with us in Neptune. 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Preview 

Team RIO Nationals: The Kings of the Hill come off a great NYBL weekend in Kentucky. They are the overwhelming favorite to win it all and should give us a show in the process. This loaded bunch is clicking right now.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Preview

Can New Heights Win The Gold Ball?

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Division is wide open and we are curious to see who rises to the top. Here’s a breakdown of the top 8th Grade teams that will be headed to Neptune. 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Preview 

New Heights: These boys are hot coming off an AC Showcase Championship and should be one of the favorites to win the Gold Ball. I only saw them once in America’s Playground so they didn’t get their individual just due. But I will be watching more this time.

Basketball Spotlight Feature: Introducing Caleb Hodgson (Michigan)

Caleb Hodgson 

There are many club programs throughout the country Team Teague and The Prospectors are two of the tops. What does it mean when a player plays for both? It means that player has some “game”; enter Caleb Hodgson a 6’5 postman out of Dansville, MI. Caleb already has great size for the class of 2019, along with exceptional length, soft hands, and he plays a very efficient game on both end of the court, always shooting a high percentage. 

Hodgson is an instinctive rebounder despite not being a quick leaper, but does exhibit a very solid first jump. His soft touch around the basket makes him tough to stop and as his range extends along with his ability to handle away from the basket he will continue to expand his game and reduce the likelihood of opponents being able to stop and contain him. With his continued play with high level clubs vs high level competition Caleb is a player to watch and one to keep an eye on – we have the Spotlight on him right now and you should too, see why below!

Basketball Spotlight Feature: Ramel Lloyd Jr. (You Can Hate Me Now!)

Ramel Lloyd Jr. & John Lucas 

Often children of high level athletes have all the pressure and eyes on them. Do they live up to their father or mothers hype? At a young age it is hard to project a kid’s future in the sport. As of today, Ramel Lloyd Jr. is in the right path. The 5'5 PG out of the 2022 class is son of New York legend Ramel "Rock" Lloyd who played at Syracuse under Jim Boeheim. 

Los Angeles native Ramel Lloyd Jr. is a long point guard with a tremendous ability to pass the ball. His size allows him to be affective on the boards and to pick up steals in the passing lane. He plays club ball for I-10 Celtics (ESP Bobcats) 2022 team. This year playing a national schedule he has proven to be a top 5 player in this class nationally. It is rare to see a kid at this age with the size at the point guard position. Ramel can also shoot the ball from deep and has the ability to score with contact in the paint. With his dad’s size and playing history, on top of playing under big time skill developer Julius von Hanzlik, Ramel Jr. future is promising to say the least.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Division Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

Pool L 
1. New Heights 
2. Jersey Shore Warriors 
3. Mass Shooting Stars 
4. Gym Rats 

Pool M 
1. WE R 1 
2. Jersey Force 
3. We All In 
4. Team DEMI 

Pool N 
1. Team Twelve Watchmen 
2. Joeys Angels 
3. CBC 
4. Team Final 

Pool O 
1. Hoop Heaven Elite 
2. Philly Triple Threat 
3. Team 85 
4. Rens 

Saturday May 24th 
2:50 PM L3-L4 (HGH 1) 
2:50 PM L1-L2 (HGH 2) 
2:50 PM M1-M2 (HGH 3) 
2:50 PM M3-M4 (HGH 4) 
5:10 PM N3-N4 (HGH 1) 
5:10 PM N1-N2 (HGH 2) 
5:10 PM O1-O2 (HGH 3) 
5:10 PM O3-O4 (HGH 4) 
6:20 PM L2-L4 (HGH 1) 
6:20 PM L1-L3 (HGH 2) 
6:20 PM M1-M3 (HGH 3) 
6:20 PM M2-M4 (HGH 4) 
7:30 PM N2-N4 (HGH 1) 
7:30 PM N1-N3 (HGH 4) 
8:40 O2-O4 (HGH 2) 
8:40 O1-O3 (HGH 3) 

Sunday May 25th 
12:30 PM N2-N3 (HGH 1) 
12:30 PM N1-N4 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM O1-O4 (HGH 3) 
12:30 PM O2-O3 (HGH 4) 
1:40 PM L2-L3 (HGH 1) 
1:40 PM L1-L4 (HGH 2) 
1:40 PM M1-M4 (HGH 3) 
1:40 PM M2-M3 (HGH 4) 
4:00 PM 1ST L-1ST M (HGH 1) 
4:00 PM 1ST N-1ST O (HGH 2) 
6:20 PM 8TH Grade Orange Championship (HGH 3) 

SITES 
HGH: 
Hoop Group Headquarters 
 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Division Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

Pool P 
1. NJ Shore Shots (Bajohr) 
2. MJ Mavericks 
3. NWK 
4. SJ Select 

 Pool Q 
1. NJ Shore Shots (Fraunheim) 
2. NJ Connection 
3. Kingdom Elite 
4. DC Premier 

Saturday May 24th 
9:00 AM P1-P2 (HGH 2) 
9:00 AM P3-P4 (HGH 3) 
10:10 AM Q1-Q2 (HGH 2) 
10:10 AM Q3-Q4 (HGH 3) 
11:20 AM P1-P3 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM P2-P4 (HGH 3) 
12:30 PM Q1-Q3 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM Q2-Q4 (HGH 3) 

Sunday May 25th 
10:10 AM P1-P4 (HGH 1) 
10:10 AM P2-P3 (HGH 2) 
10:10 AM Q1-Q4 (HGH 3) 
10:10 AM Q2-Q3 (HGH 4) 
2:50 PM 1ST P-2ND Q (HGH 1) 
2:50 PM 1ST Q-2ND P (HGH 4) 
5:10 PM 8TH GRADE BLUE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 3) 

SITES 
HGH: 
Hoop Group Headquarters 
1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Orange Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Orange Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

Pool R 
1. Rens 
2. We R 1 
3. Team Final  
4. Team Nelson 

Pool S 
1. Team RIO National 
2. CBC 
3. Philly Triple Threat 
4. Metro Flyers 


Saturday May 24th 
1:40 PM S1-S2 (HGH 3) 
1:40 PM S3-S4 (HGH 2) 
4:00 PM R1-R2 (HGH 2) 
4:00 PM R3-R4 (HGH 1) 
4:00 PM S1-S3 (HGH 3) 
4:00 PM S2-S4 (HGH 4) 
7:30 PM R2-R4 (HGH 2) 
7:30 PM R1-R3 (HGH 3) 

Sunday May 25th 
11:20 AM R2-R3 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM R1-R4 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM S1-S4 (HGH 3) 
11:20 AM S2-S3 (HGH 4) 
4:00 PM 1ST R-2ND S (HGH 4 ) 
4:00 PM 1ST S -2ND R (HGH 3) 
6:20 PM 7TH GRADE ORANGE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 2) 

SITES 
HGH: 
Hoop Group Headquarters 
1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Blue Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Blue Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

Pool J 
1. Team IZOD 
2. NJ Connection 
3. Jersey Force 
4. Morris Magic 

Pool K 
1. Ocean Basketball 
2. MSU Skyliners 
3. Give and Go 
4. Troupe Nation 

Saturday May 24th 
9:00 AM J1-J2 (ACAC) 
10:10 AM J3-J4 (ACAC) 
11:20 AM K1-K2 (ACAC) 
12:30 PM K3-K4 (ACAC) 
1:40 PM J1-J3 (ACAC) 
2:50 PM J2-J4 (ACAC) 
4:00 PM K1-K3 (ACAC) 
5:10 PM K2-K4 (ACAC) 
6:20 PM 3RD F-3RD G (ACAC) 

Sunday May 25th 
10:10 AM J1-J4 (ACAC) 
11:20 AM J2-J3 (ACAC) 
12:30 PM K1-K4 (ACAC) 
1:40 PM K2-K3 (ACA) 
4:00 PM 1ST J-2ND K (AS 1) 
4:00 PM 1ST K-2ND J (AS 2) 
6:20 PM 7TH GRADE BLUE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 4) 

SITES 

HGH: 
Hoop Group Headquarters 
1930 Heck Ave. 
Neptune, NJ 07753 

ACAC: 
Academy Charter School 
1725 Main St Belmar, NJ 

AS: 
ALL SPORTS 
1750 Brielle Ave 
Ocean Township, NJ 0771

Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

 Pool F 
1. Team 85 
2. NJ Shore Shots
3. MJ Mavericks

Pool G 
1. Jersey Force 
2. SJ Domination 
3. We R 1 

Pool H 
1. Ocean Basketball 
2. MSU Skyliners 
3. North Brunswick Bulldogs 
4. KSK

Saturday May 24th 
9:00 AM F1-F2 (HGH 1) 
9:00 AM G1-G2 (HGH 4) 
10:10 AM H1-H2 (HGH 1) 
10:10 AM H3-H4 (HGH 4) 
11:20 AM F1-F3 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM G1-G3 (HGH 4) 
12:30 PM H1-H3 (HGH 1) 
12:30 PM H2-H4 (HGH 4) 
1:40 PM F2-F3 (HGH 1) 
1:40 PM G2-G3 (HGH 4) 
6:20 PM 3RD F-3RD G (ACAC) 

Sunday May 25th 
9:00 AM 1ST G-2ND F (HGH 1) POOL G 
9:00 AM 1ST F-2ND G (HGH 4) POOL F 
9:00 AM H1-H4 (HGH 2) 
9:00 AM H2-H3 (HGH 3) 
2:50 PM POOL G-2ND H (HGH 2) 
2:50 PM POOL F-1ST H (HGH 3) 
5:10 PM 6TH Grade Championship (HGH 2) 

SITES 

HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 
 1930 Heck Ave. 
 Neptune, NJ 07753 

ACAC: 
Academy Charter School 
1725 Main St
 Belmar, NJ

Basketball Spotlight MDC 5th Grade Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 5th Grade Schedule is below. Please make sure you arrive early for your games and keep in mind that holiday traffic will be heavy. Finally make sure all teams travel with all their necessary paperwork. 

Pool C 
1. Playtime 
2. SJ Domination 
3. We R 1 

Pool D 
1. Riverside Hawks 
2. Jersey Force 
3. SJ Blitz 

Pool E 
1. Boston Bobcats 
2. Kingdom Elite 
3. Team Nation 
4. New Heights 

Saturday May 24th 
1:40 PM C1-C2 (AS 1) 
1:40 PM D1-D2 (AS 2) 
2:50 PM E1-E2 (AS 1) 
2:50 PM E3-E4 (AS 2) 
4:00 PM C1-C3 (AS 1) 
4:00 PM D1-D3 (AS 2) 
5:10 PM E1-E3 (AS 1) 
5:10 PM E2-E4 (AS 2) 
6:20 PM C2-C3 (AS 1) 
6:20 PM D2-D3 (AS 2) 
8:40 PM 3RD C-3RD D (HGH 4) 

Sunday May 25th 
11:20 AM E1-E4 (AS 1) 
11:20 AM E2-E3 (AS 2) 
12:30 PM 1ST C-2ND D (AS 1) 
12:30 PM 1ST D-2ND C (AS 2) 
2:50 PM POOL C-1ST E (AS 1) 
2:50 PM POOL D-2ND E (AS 1) 
5:10 PM 5TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 4) 

SITES 

AS: ALL SPORTS 
1750 Brielle Ave 
Ocean Township, NJ 07712 

HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 
1930 Heck Ave. 
 Neptune, NJ 07753

Basketball Spotlight MDC 4th Grade Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight MDC 4th Grade Schedule is below please make sure you are on time for your games and keep in mind about the holiday traffic. 

Pool A 
1. Team RIO National 
2. MJ Heat 
3. MJ Mavericks 
4. Playtime Panthers 

Pool B 
1. New Heights 
2. Boston Bocats 
3. Riverside Hawks 
4. Team Future 

Saturday May 24th 
9:00 AM A1-A2 (AS 1) 
9:00 AM A3-A4 (AS 2) 
10:10 AM B1-B2 (AS 1) 
10:10 AM B3-B4 (AS 2) 
11:20 AM A1-A3 (AS 1) 
11:20 AM A2-A4 (AS 2) 
12:30 PM B2-B4 (AS 1) 
12:30 PM B1-B3 (AS 2) 

Sunday May 25th 
9:00 AM A1-A4 (AS 1) 
9:00 AM A2-A3 (AS 2) 
10:10 AM B1-B4 (AS 1) 
10:10 AM B2-B3 (AS 2) 
1:40 PM 1ST B-2ND A (AS 1) 
1:40 PM 1ST A-2ND B (AS 2) 
5:10 PM 4TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 1) 

SITES 
AS: ALL SPORTS 
1750 Brielle Ave, 
Ocean Township, NJ 07712 

HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 
1930 Heck Ave. 
Neptune, NJ 07753

John Lucas Best Of The Best Highlights

The John Lucas International Combine once again turned out some of the best middle school players in the country. I wasn’t there but looking at the list and this video this event had to be off the hook. Shout out to the Brian Merritt and John Lucas for putting together a top notch event. Enjoy the video!