Super Skillcase Profile: Michael Spisto (Mount Kisco, NY)

Name: Michael Spisto 

Hometown: Mount Kisco, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2023 

Breakdown: This point guard plays the game with hard-nosed passion. He’s small but was a fearless penetrator that showed good court awareness and vision. He wasn’t afraid of any defender in the building as he attacked the cup. He had a good all-around weekend.

Super Skillcase Profile: Issace Hester (Ocean, NJ)

Name: Issac Hester 

Hometown: Ocean, NJ 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: They say the art of shooting is gone in the young game today but no one gave Hester the memo. The kid has a rifle especially from the corner. He has the shooters mentality and knows when the correct to the fade to the 3 point line is. He’s also strong enough to finish through traffic after contact. He went coast to coast a few times with ease.

Super Skillcase Profile: Dwayne Williams (Baltimore, MD)

Name: Dwayne Williams 

Hometown: Baltimore, MD 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2023 

Breakdown: At first glance I figured Williams was a 6th Grader because of his size. Then once I checked my roster and realized he was a 5th Grader his stock immediately rose in my eyes. Williams possesses size as I mentioned but also has the speed and court awareness to make an immediate impact. He looked good in the open floor and converted when needed. I also like his confidence handling the rock.

Super Skillcase Profile: Kerry Glover (York, PA)

Name: Kerry Glover 

Hometown: York, PA 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: This York Raiders point guard made his presence felt at the Skillcase. He has size in terms of height and strength. He got to the hole by using nice dribble moves and scored with either hand even in traffic. He knows his way around the floor and didn’t hesitate to get involved early. He had the flashy shorts on but his game also took our notice.

Super Skillcase Profile: Julian Perez (Plainsboro, NJ)

Name: Julian Perez 

Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: The Mercer County product was one of a few big men in this age group. He’s still learning the game but was able to score close to the rim. He used a soft touch off the glass and also used his size snatch rebounds or block shots. His best days of basketball are ahead of him.

Does Team Melo Have The Next Carmelo?

Che Evans (Team Melo)

Many years ago and wing forward surfaced from Baltimore’s Townson Catholic named Carmelo Anthony. This smooth forward then attended famed Oak Hill Academy before leading the Syracuse Orange to their first NCAA National Championship. As we know Anthony later entered the NBA and became a perennial All Stars. 

Fast forward to 2015 and now Baltimore has another lanky forward standing 6’5 with a perimeter game reminisced of Anthony, his name is Che Evans. Evans is an 8th Grader and member of the Nike sponsored Team Melo (What A Coincidence). He currently ranks #3 in our National Rankings and showed over the summer that he was worth his spot. He starred in several events including the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom and CP3 Camp. Evans has the size and the skill set to be something special down the road of he continues to work hard. He already has college scholarship offers from Arizona State and St. John’s. Recently the big dogs at Duke University has shown some early interest. 

Dwayne Wise of Team Melo thinks he has a good one oh his hands. “Che right now reminds me of my younger cousin Mark Karsher as an 8th Grader but more athletic. He has a great natural feel the game and excels in the half court. Karcher finished as one of the best ever in Baltimore as a high school player. Che potentially in my opinion will be the best overall talent in the class because of his IQ mixed with his size and skill set” he finished. 

Basketball Spotlight will be getting a good look at Evans and his Team Melo teammates as they have entered the loaded Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic.

Super Skillcase Profile: Tyler Hawkins (New York, NY)

Name: Tyler Hawkins 

Hometown: New York, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Hawkins got in the lane at will be for some reason on Day 1 his shots were rolling out. But on Day 2 he totally dominated the competition. He had explosive drives and used supreme body control to convert. Also on the second day he trusted his teammates a little and delivered some laser passes. When he picks up a head of steam he difficult to contain. He was a 100% in attack all weekend. He finished as the most dominant guard in his class.

Super Skillcase Profile: Ben Roy (Spring Lake Heights, NJ)

Name: Ben Roy 

Hometown: Spring Lake Heights, NJ 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Roy was big and clever enough to get his shot off this weekend. He muscled through smaller defenders and showed the ability to put the rock on the deck. He’s pretty confident while driving to ball to the cup. I’m sure we will see more of him when he suits up with the NJ Shore Shots Nitro.

Super Skillcase Profile: Cameron Mercadel (Lake Forest, CA)

Name: Cameron Mercadel 

Hometown: Lake Forest, CA 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2024 

Breakdown: Cameron’s game caught my eye early on but I was even more intrigued when I read that he was a 4th Grader. He’s ultra-quick with the ball in his hands while getting from end to end in a blur. When he gets through the defense he’s athletic enough to finish above or around shot blockers. He can score the rock from all three levels but looks his best in transition. On defense he applies enormous pressure and forced several turnovers. He represented the West Coast to the fullest.

Super Skillcase Profile: Marcus Gaffney (Columbus, NJ)

Name: Marcus Gaffney 

Hometown: Columbus, NJ 

Position: Forward 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Coming from a family of guards Gaffney naturally possesses some ball handling and perimeter skills. But his body type and size makes him more suitable for the blocks right now. He bullied past defenders and used a feathery touch to finish off plays. Gaffney also played big on the blocks in terms of rebounding and clogging the lane.

Super Skillcase Profile: Brandon Klatsky (Colts Neck, NJ)

Name: Brandon Klatsky 

Hometown: Colts Neck, NJ 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Klatsky is still a little shy at times but when he opens up he shows good range, accuracy and an improved handle. He drained some deep treys and showed off his skill set that he developed under the tutu ledge of I’m Possible head guy Mr. Lancaster. We will get to see a lot of him as he takes the court with Team RIO National 6th Grade bunch.

Super Skillcase Profile: Luke Pennie (Pinecrest, FL)

Name: Luke Pennie 

Hometown: Pinecrest, FL 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Florida is a long way from Jersey but Pennie didn’t waste the trip. It was kind of unfair to have him on the same team as Mason because they were deadly together. Pennie is a John Stockton type and one of the most effective guards in the building. He carves up the defense with his ball handling. He drives to the rim with great passion and has a mean drive, draw and dish game. He finds the open shooters like clockwork.

Super Skillcase Profile: Mason Piorkowski (Hillsdale, NJ)

Name: Mason Piorkowski 

Hometown: Hillsdale, NJ 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: This kid has a chance to be a good player down the road. He has command of the game and a basketball IQ that’s top notch for a player is age. Mason is a threat from anywhere on the floor and can pass the rock with the best of them. He understands how to finish with either hand and to shield shot blockers. On defense he is a constant ball hawk. He’s a joy to watch especially when he is breaking down defenders. He’s running with Team Rio’s 6th Grade bunch so we will keep our eye on him.

Super Skillcase Profile: Curtis Staie (Adams, NY)

Name: Curtis Staie 

Hometown: Adams, NY 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2023 

Breakdown: Staie travels to play the best and showed well at the Super Skillcase. He has one of the best strokes in this class and has shown improvement in his ball handling and decision making. He’s one of the quickest guards in this class that was in attendance. He loves showing his stuff at Spotlight events.

Super Skillcase Profile: Ryan Bisono (Bronx, NY)

Name: Ryan Bisono 

Hometown: Bronx, NY 

Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: This young 6th Grader has the total package. He’s a wizard handling the rock and his court vision is through the roof. He used look away passes to hit teammates in stride. He has the unique ability to see the next play before it develops. He also enjoys using slick dribble moves combined with a step back to create space for his wet jump shot. He had my attention for most of the weekend. He’s a crowd pleaser with that NY swagger to match.

Word On The Street: Let's Get It Started!

It’s November and the AAU season is about to kick off on the East Coast. There has been some player movement and Basketball Spotlight is here to let you know what’s going on. Here’s the Word On the Street.

Johnson and Carcamo Deliver A PSA! 

Majesty Johnson and Speedy Carcamo showed flashes of brilliance last season while playing for the NY Rens. Now the duo has decided to take their talent to the Nike program PSA Cardinals formerly Team Scan. The Cardinals had a fierce bunch but now have to be considered one of the top 8th Grade teams in the North East. Coach Sean Adams now has an army of guards ready to attack at any minute. I can’t wait to see this group at the Tip Off Classic.

Byers and Toles Get A Thrill! 

Two of the DMV area top players Nationally ranked Cameron Byers and Jordan Toles have reportedly joined newly formed B’More United Thrill. Both players were formerly with Team Melo and now have apparently switched from Nike to Under Armor. This move will help B.U.T. thrust themselves into the thick of things in the DMV and the East Coast. We will get a look at this tandem at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic December 5th and 6th.

Greaves Crosses The Bridge! 

Carcamo’s departure from the NY Rens apparently opened the door for the Garden State’s top point guard to jump to the Big Apple. Greaves was set to play for newly formed Team Towns but has now decided ti suit up for the NY Rens. I’m looking forward to see him with his new squad at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic.

Roach Ready To Takeover! 

After splashing on the scene at the AAU Nationals. Jeremy Roach has decided to take his talent from Team Melo to Team Takeover. The dynamic lead guard will only make TTO more dangerous as he will team with some of the top players in the country including Terrence Williams and Hunter Dickinson. This move should make this season even more exciting. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight bring you more news from Word On The Street!

Holiday Inn Express To Host Tip Off Classic

The Hotel Unlimited Group has decided to host the Tip Off Classic. The group has several hotels under their umbrella with great deals. Below is a list of the hotels and the rate that have. Please register quickly because they will sell out soon especially with the rate. ASK For BBS Code! Or Use The Link Below

Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Long Branch 
294 Route 36 West Long Branch, NJ 07764  (732) 542-1234
Basketball Spotlight Team Rate: $79 + tax including Hot Express Start Breakfast Nice clean hotel with indoor pool and complimentary WiFi 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Neptune 
3510 Route 66 Neptune, NJ 07753  (732)-922-9600
Basketball Spotlight Team Rate: $79 + tax including Hot Express Start Breakfast Newer, super clean hotel with indoor pool and complimentary WiFi

REGISTRATION LINK

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen Cone (Kernersville, NC) Entry #2

High Point Christian Academy 

This week I am going to talk about my goals. My first goal is to gain exposure to major Division I colleges before my 8th grade year ends. To achieve this goal I have to keep on working hard every day. I have to get stronger and make sure that my handle is on a rope. To make this happen I have to stay focused and limit all distractions in my life. My trainer told me to make sure that I am eating right and getting enough sleep each night as well. I have to do all three things to grow athletically, mentally and physically. 

My second goal is to prove that I am the best point guard in the Class of 2020. Every year I am moving up in the rankings and currently I am ranked 14th in the country according to Basketball Spotlight – All glory goes to God! 

My third goal is to win a National Championship this year with my school, High Point Christian Academy. We have the talent to win, we are getting a lot of attention this year. We are already one of the top teams in the country, we just have to keep working hard, keep our focus and take it one game at a time. This past week we had a photo shoot with Max Preps. It was a great opportunity. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of this team and to see what the top players in the class of 2016 and 2017 get every day – like all of the attention and everything! Seeing all of this makes me work harder because that is what I want when I get to my high school career. 

I know that there are a number of people who wish they were in my position, especially as an 8th grader. I realize that I am blessed and I am humbled by this opportunity! 

Talk to you next week Basketball Spotlight Family…

Super Skillcase Huge Success!

The 2015-2016 Super Skillcase was a huge success. Over 200 players gathered at the Hoop Group Headquarters for intense training with I'm Possible and play under the watchful eye of Basketball Spotlight. We are excited because it gave us a chance to see a host new and under the radar talent. We look forward to profiling the top performers of this event and helping them reach the next level of their basketball dreams. Stay tuned as we bring you coverage of this event and we thank everyone for their continued support. 

OUR NEXT STOP: TEACH ME CLASSIC WINTER LEAGUE (SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14TH)

Sonny Johnson Jr. Headed For Stardom!

Sonny Johnson Jr. (Ohio)

I’ve been covering basketball for nearly 20 years and nothing feels better than when you see an outstanding player getting busy for the first time. A certain spice and chill goes through your body and you can’t wait to get home to write about this prospect. I had that feeling when I watched Sonny Johnson Jr. play at the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. 

The floor general put on a spectacular performance and feel for the game is beyond his years. His skill set is top notch including shooting, court vision and desire to win. He gets into the lane with ease by handling the rock with both hands. He’s capable of going a serious scoring run at any time. This kid is definitely worth the price of admissions. 

Basketball Spotlight will make it our business to go check Johnson out this season. We will keep you updated on his progress.