They say speed kills and Sa’eed Nelson is a testament to that. Nelson from Pleasantville, NJ is a starting guard for F.A.C.E.S. 11U and 12U. Last season he was a finalist for Player of The Year Honors and took home the Sportsmanship Award. This year his quickness has caused him to be virtually unstoppable at times especially on the 11U level. He returned to his hometown to help F.A.C.E.S. take the AC Showcase 11U crown. We had a chance to holler at Sa’eed “Flash” Nelson and here’s our One On One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? SN: Oceanside Community Charter in Atlantic City, NJ.
BS: Who’s your favorite player? SN: Kobe Bryant because I like his pull up jumper and leadership skills.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? SN: My pull up jumper.
BS: What’s your dream school? SN: North Carolina because I like their coach Roy Williams.
BS: Who’s the toughest player you ever faced? SN: I would have to say Rakym Felder from New Heights.
BS: What was your best game? SN: In the Baltimore Panthers tournament 12U championship I scored 26 points against Team Battle.
BS: If you could have dinner with one person who would you select? SN: Kobe Bryant because he’s my favorite player.
BS: I heard you get busy on the football field. Which sport do you prefer? SN: I would say basketball because I don’t consider football as my favorite sport anymore.
Breakdown: Giles is oozing with potential as a top notch forward. He showed this at the DC Assault Classic while helping Team Felton reach the final four. As he extends his range and improves his ball handling his name will ring bells louder. He’s definitely one of the top forwards in the Class of 2016 in the country. We can’t wait to catch him at the AAU Nationals.
Hey world its your boy Champ coming to you with some highlights from my week. This was a good week for me. This week my brother and I started up our summer training program again. Every summer since I could remember my dad takes us out to a court or gym at 6am to workout 4 days a week for the whole summer. Over the years we have had some other players come out with us, but my dad is tough and in the end it usually just ends up with the 3 of us out there early in the morning. In our 3hr workouts we start with jump roping, then warmups, core work, plyometrics, then we condition by either running 3 miles of sprints on the track or we run timed 17's and different conditioning stuff, he mixes that up on us so we won't know what’s coming. We usually end up shooting 300 to 500 shots a day from layups, to reverses, to pull ups off the dribble just all kinds of shots. Then we get into dribbling drills, all kinds one ball, two balls, cones, backing out you name we get it in. Then we play full court one on ones. When we get home I take a shower and go back to bed.
This week my AAU team had a tournament. We played in the Game Over Classic in New York. In our first game we played the Long Island Lightning and lost. This was the first time in 2 years we lost the first game of a tournament and it didn't feel good. We played horrible and lost by 1 point in OT. In our second game we bounced back in a big way and played well to handily defeat the Km Playaz. On Sunday our first game of the playoff round was against the NJ Playaz and we played really good and beat them by close to 20. Our second game the semi final Sunday was against New Heights out of NY. Going in we knew this was going to be a tough game as they beat us early in the year at the Spring Fling by 1 in OT. But we came out ready to play and beat them in a tough game in OT by 3 pts to move into the Championship game. In the Championship game we got a chance for revenge. We played the Long Island team again and we played well and beat them by 30 to take the trophies home with us. Finally Sunday after playing those three games I went back to Delaware to play in my high school teams’ summer league game. We lost that game by 1 pt. Those are the highlights of my week. Tune in next week to hear more about the week of an 8th grade basketball player. I still say 8th grade even though I graduated because I haven't had an official 9th grade class yet. LOL
Breakdown: Las Vegas is known slot machines and high stakes but the real money man might be point guard Noah Robotham. The 5’9 point guard has taking the Sin City by storm with his play. Last summer he finished as the top point guard at the Adidas Jr. Phenom and is currently ranked as the #1 prospect in the state of Nevada. Noah is a true floor general with an scorer’s mentality and slick moves.. We will keep you posted on Robotham as things heat up in the desert.
The combo guard spot is a unique position on the floor because you have to be able to run a team while also scoring the rock. Christian Wilson showed these attributes at the MDC with the NYC Gauchos. Wilson beat defenders off the bounce while setting up teammates and hit the open shots to help his own cause. We got a chance to talk to Christian at the MDC and here’s our One On One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? CW: Allen Christian School.
BS: Who’s your favorite player? CW: Kobe Bryant because he’s a great leader and winner.
BS: What’s the strongest part of your game? CW: I would say attacking the rim.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? CW: I need to work on getting stronger.
BS: What was one of your best games? CW: In a local NY league I scored 26 points against the NY Panthers.
BS: How was your first Basketball Spotlight experience? CW: It was great because the competition was real good.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? CW: LiL Wayne because I like his flow.
Breakdown: Snider is always been a clever point guard and this hasn’t changed. Right now he’s considered the number 1 floor general in Kentucky. Quentin’s court vision is tremendous and his handle is very quick. Snider will be headed to the AAU Nationals in Orlando and look for him to put on a show down there.
The Top 13U teams in the country will head to Memphis for the AAU 13U National Championships. Several teams from our region and Top 10 rankings will be taking the trip. Here’s a breakdown of the squads heading down and what their chances are of bringing home the crown.
13U Nationals Preview
Team Final: This squad has held the top spot for nearly two years and can run the table in Memphis. They have the guard play and post presence to get it done. The question is going to be if they can get some scoring from the bench.
The City: They definitely have the length to get the job done especially when they are fully loaded. Scoring shouldn’t be a problem but they might need another ball handler to free up Wolfie and Mike Williams.
KYDA: I heard they added another guard as I suggested, now I think these boys should be ready to go. Their guards will have to be ready to score often and also pumped the ball inside to their bigs.
Team Rebels: This pesky bunch has a chance to surprise a few teams out in Memphis. They will have to play disciplined basketball and control their emotions on the floor.
NJ Got Game: NJGG focus will have to be on the defensive side. If their guards can patrol the perimeter and contain penetration they should do all right. They are a battle tested bunch and that should help.
Philly Aztecs: Aztecs are no longer a secret and will have to bring their game every night. I think their tough scheduling this year should give them a shot to knock a few teams off.
Linden Ballers: Tha Ballers have played strong all season. Now as they make this trip they need to remember where their success came from. Playing strong defense and running their sets.
King Street Kings: I haven’t seen this group together but they do have some familiar faces. Their true test will be in the chemistry area. Can they jell in time to make an impact? We will see.
NJ Triple Threat: This squad has some serious talent on the low. But they will have to show that they are ready for this type of event. Sometimes this atmosphere can be a little too much but they should be okay.
SJ Blitz: The SJ Blitz have the weapons offensively to knockoff anyone. Their test will be playing tougher defense and hitting the glass. They will need to do both very well for them to get some wins.
Long Island Lightning: The Lightning have the pieces to make a little run. I like the heart they showed in the MDC and think they should have a decent showing in Memphis.
Peacemakers: This is a scrappy bunch that plays hard whistle to whistle. Any team that sleeps on them might leave with the loss.
In 2010 Basketball Spotlight will be presenting our inaugural Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic. The details are developing and we will keep you guys posted. Expect a special announcement coming soon concerning this event. Mark your calendars for next January baby. It’s On Baby!
Breakdown: Wiggins rocks on the 16U level and has to one of the most dominant grammar school players in the country. His size and mobility alone will have scouts salivating in the near future. I know I had this video on here before but he’s so dominating I had to feature it again. I apologize but I enjoy watching talent.
#1 Team Battle 11U won the Game Over Classic title after defeating Juice All Stars 63-40. Nathaniel Pierre-Louie led with 19 pts. Aaron Clarke followed closely with 18 pts and point guard David Kachblries finished with 7 pts in the victory. Congrats to Team Battle for winning the crown.
This pass weekend Showtime All Stars 13u team played up in the 14u division at 2010 Swish City June tenth: Emancipation Tournament in Raleigh N.C at St Augustine University. This tournament featured some of top prospects in the class of 2014 and 2015 in N.C. The Showtime All Stars was so dominant all weekend beating teams by 20 points and better each game. Showtime All Stars went 4-0 to win the 14u division June tenth: Emancipation tournament. In the championship Showtime Allstars defeated N.C. Courage 70-46 while Showtime All Stars was trailing at halftime by 14 points but Ronshad Allen-Shabazz led the comeback with a game high of 29 points, ll rebounds and 4 steals. Also Showtime All Stars were led with outstanding play of Jaylin Price who many top high school coaches and scouts said can be the next John Wall out of the class of 2015. Ronshad Allen-Shabazz was named MVP of the tournament. You can catch the Showtime All Stars this weekend June 25th-27th at CB Spiders in Charlotte N.C covered by Basketball Spotlight. This is going to be a great tournament also the first time Basketball Spotlight will be in the south.
Earlier this year Kahari Beauford and Levy Gillespie did battle in a travel team game. Both prospects are considered among the best in the New England area. Basketball Spotlight received this elusive footage and would like you to vote on who’s the best. We will post a poll in the right column as well as the video in case you need to review it again.
Tale Of The Tape
Kahari Beauford 6’3 Guard: Beauford is a scoring machine that has a Carmelo Anthony type game because of his size and ability to get a clean look. He has a scorer’s mentality and a basketball expert respects a player that can get a clean look at anytime.
Levy Gillespie 5’10 Guard: Levy nickname is “Skates” I guess because the way he handles the pill. Gillespie is a guard that pats the rock with the best of them. He gets into the lane with ease and can nail the trey.
Breakdown: Martin has been remarkable this year for CBC. The powerful point guard won MVP honors for six different tournaments while also leading his team to the Final Four of the AC Showcase. The floor general eludes defenses with a crisp handle and supreme quickness. CBC has been putting out top guards for years and this baby baller may be next.
Kobe Gantz of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is point guard for Back To Basics. Gantz recently starred at the Hoop Group Skills Camp in the Poconos and I can see why. He made 1st Team All Camp and took home the Newcomer of the Camp Award. I got a chance to watch Kobe this weekend at the AGame Super Shootout playing 13U and was thoroughly impressed. But when I found out he just turned 12 and is actually a 6th Grader my interest grew. Gantz has a Chris Paul type of feel for the game and his confidence should take him far. He maneuvered around defenders at will and led his team to the finals. After taking Gantz’s photo the youngster said “I was ready to be on the Spotlight and my goal was to come here win and impress you”. Mission Accomplished!
Gantz’s father and Coach, Collins took the modest approach when analyzing his son. “He’s an okay ball player but he still makes a lot of mental mistakes” said Collins. Basketball Spotlight will be keeping a close eye on Kobe’s progress and don’t be surprised if he surfaces at the Super Showcase in August.
Montez Weathers led the scoring attack as Team Rebels held off Albany Dream Team 54-48 to win the AGame Super Shootout 14U title. Tyrell Ramsey had a good showing for ADT.
Top Performers
Montez Weathers Guard (Team Rebels)- Weathers is a sharp shooter especially from the corners. He made ADT pay every time they left him open or forgot to rotate. I need to see him put the rock on the floor a little more and shoot off the dribble. On the high school level he will need to expand his game in those areas.
Dennis White Forward (Team Rebels)- White patrolled the middle like a security guard. He rejected shots on a regular basis and beat the opposition to the glass. Offensively he needs to work on putting together moves and extending his shooting range to at least the foul line area.
Ethan Ridgeway Guard (Team Rebels)- Ridgeway made some good plays running the point but also got himself in trouble trying to dribble through the pressure. All in all I like the endurance he showed playing a lot of minutes as the primary ball handler under very hot gym temperatures.
Tyrell Ramsey Guard (Albany Dream Team)- The southpaw doesn’t have much flash but plays with a lot of substance. He showed a full barrage of moves. He converted off dribble drives while also sticking the mid ranger and dropping floaters. I also like the way Ramsey moves his feet on defense.
Jizziah Carr Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Carr ran the floor well and filled the lane before finishing. In the half court set he plays the role of a slasher and shows a good nose for the ball. He’s also another ADT player that goes hard on the defensive end.
Juwan Gooding Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Gooding just ran out of bullets in the finals. Playing two age groups and being one of the main options on both finally caught up with the youngster. He still went hard in transition but you could see the fatigue in his legs on jump shots and finishes in the lane. Under the playing conditions this was expected in my eyes.
In the 12U championship action Baltimore Panthers ran past Flash Basketball 46-28. Dajuan Honeyblue led the winners with 14 points and Rahiem Burnett finished with 12 markers for Flash in the loss.
Top Performers
Daveyon Barnes Forward (Baltimore Panthers)- Barnes definitely helps BP in a big way. The big fella is very mobile and active inside. He’s a constant shot blocker and hits the glass very hard. Like most post players on this level he’s needs to work on footwork and moves in the paint. This kid has the frame to shoot up a lot of inches in years to come. You will be hearing this name for a while on the circuit.
Dajuan Honeyblue Guard (Baltimore Panthers)- Honeyblue did the scoring from the perimeter. His methods were draining the outside shot and beating the defense down the floor in transition. He picks his spots well and attacks when giving the opportunity.
Khalil Richards Guard (Baltimore Panthers)- I like this kids size and his ball handling on this level. Flash really didn’t have anyone to stay in his way once he attacked. He was either too quick for the forwards or too big for the guards.
Rahiem Burnett Guard (Flash Basketball)- I wanted see if Burnett still had his swagger against a better team and he showed me that his handle was still intact. He kept defenders on their heels with double and triple crossovers. It’s very tough for any defender to stay in front of this youngster.
Eric Ayala scored 17 points and Kineph Turner chipped in 9 markers as the Delaware Royalty defeated PA Falcons to win the AGame 12U Super Shootout championship. Quade Green pumped in a game high 23 points in the loss.
Top Performers
Eric Ayala Guard (Delaware Royalty)- Ayala hit several big treys as DR pulled away in the second half. He has total confidence in his outside shot and will launch it from anywhere. He even knocked down a three after getting fouled. This kid can go!
Kineph Turner Guard (Delaware Royalty)- Turner turned it up big in the closing minutes. First he drained a huge trey then he attacked the cup with a slick handle. He plays a lot bigger than his size and I love the heart he shows.
Keith Deloatch Guard (Delaware Royalty)- Deloatch is a hustle player that does a little bit of everything for his team to win. I like how he ran the floor and played the passing lanes on defense. His play definitely helped his team get the win.
Quade Green Guard (PA Falcons)- Wow, Green was virtually unstoppable at times. He got anywhere he wanted on the floor and scored in bunches against the DR defense. At one point he took over the game while scoring on drives and long shots. This kid is nice.
The AGame Super Shootout heated up for Day 2. Once again we had some top players performing in the building. Here’s our first report of the top players on Day 2.
Top Performers Day 2
13U Division
Juwan Gooding Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Gooding put in serious work against Abyssinian Church. He pumped in 17 points, added double digit rebounds and would have finished with double digit assist if his teammates handled his passes better. He definitely looked like the best player on the floor today.
Najee Ward Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Ward got things going early for ADT. He converted on a few tough shots when penetrating the lane. In transition he’s truly a problem especially when the defender is back peddling. He knows how to get under the shot blocker while getting his shot off.
Jaquan Hickman Guard (Abyssinian Church)- Hickman showed me he can go against a better brand. He was on attack against ADT before suffering a bad ankle sprain. I did see that he needs to work on his outside shot particularly his release and arc.
14U Division Marquis Chandler Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Chandler gave Team Scan the business. He got to the cup at will and used his strength to muscle baskets. The Bronx squad had no one to stay in front of this guard he was a like a freight train when attacking. On the next level he will need to improve his range and technique on his outside shot.
Conrad Chambers Guard (Team Scan)- For the most part offensively he did damage. His stop and go confuses most defenders and he usually explodes before he finishes. He should be a fine guard once he reaches the high school level.
Cheddi Mosley Guard (Team Scan)- Mosley is a serious trey ball threat and he shoots it with a load of confidence. He tickled the twine several times while I was watching. He fits in well with the bunch.
Basketball Spotlight is now twitting updates from the Grand Finale. Follow the twitter update in the right column to get scores and serious developments from the Grand Finale. This event is the first leg on the Road To Summer Slam. Click the link below to follow us on twitter fulltime.
The afternoon session of the AGame Super Shootout also had some top players. Here’s a breakdown of the talent that was present in Pottstown, PA. Here’s part 3 of Day 1 report.
Top Performers Part 3
Conrad Chambers Guard (Team Scan)- This was Chambers first trip home since joining Team Scan and he appeared to be a little anxious. As a playmaker he looked okay in terms of handling the rock and throwing passes. But when it came to finishing off plays he came up a little short at times in his first outing. In his second game he performed a lot better.
Cheddi Mosley Guard (Team Scan)- This was my first look at Mosley this season and I like some of his attributes. He has good size for the guard spot and can stroke the rock. Today he showed the ability to drive and let the game come to him. He should be a good one in high school.
Shavar Newkirk Guard (Team Scan)- Newkirk did his usual job of running the team but he probably finished as one of the top rebounders on his squad. Shavar has improved his strength and definitely plays bigger than his size. A true point guard is a rare breed but Newkirk is one.
Kevin Seymour Guard (Team Scan)- Seymour showed some flashes of brilliance getting out on the break and converting buckets. He looks good as a slasher and has improved his on the ball defense. He also isn’t afraid to stick his head inside for a carom.
Austin Tilghman Guard (Flash Basketball)- Austin made an appearance with the Delaware squad and had a good impact. He got to the tin at will and spent most of the game at the charity stripe. Austin reminds me of former Ohio State star and NBA player Jim Jackson. He has a good frame and great body control.
Horace Spencer Forward (Montgomery County)- Spencer was a shot blocking machine while throwing everything in sight. On the offensive end was a different story I think he should be touching the rock a little more. He has to demand the pill and his teammates much understand how valuable he is on the floor.
They say speed kills and Sa’eed Nelson is a testament to that. Nelson from Pleasantville, NJ is a starting guard for F.A.C.E.S. 11U and 12U. Last season he was a finalist for Player of The Year Honors and took home the Sportsmanship Award. This year his quickness has caused him to be virtually unstoppable at times especially on the 11U level. He returned to his hometown to help F.A.C.E.S. take the AC Showcase 11U crown. We had a chance to holler at Sa’eed “Flash” Nelson and here’s our One On One.
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