12U Nationals Day 3 Recap: Top Performers Part 2

Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD)

Pool play wrapped up yesterday at the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight was on hand for the action. Here’s our second report of the top performers of the day.

Top Performers Part 2

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team IZOD)- It was Clarke’s time to shine and he took full advantage. He scored from different areas on the floor and showed a high IQ especially when he throws his body into the shot blocker before finishing. He led the team in scoring during their come from behind victory.

Rooner Joseph Forward (Team IZOD)- There might be bigger and better long term prospects but there isn’t a better rebounding forward in this event. Joseph kept his team in the game early by cleaning the glass on both ends and converting an improved turn around shot.

Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Team IZOD)- Nate fought through a intense defensive scheme designed to stop him. It wasn’t his best scoring game but he still managed to put some crucial points on the board. He showed a lot of heart and determination in this contest.

David Kachleries Guard (Team IZOD)- David was a defensive hawk yesterday. He plucked the opposing point guard at least times at half court. On offense he dribbled through their press and made the right decisions down the stretch.


Marvin Wilson Forward (Houston Elite)- Wilson started the game off killing IZOD inside. The wide body forward has good footwork and low post moves for a youngster. He would have been more effective if he didn’t get into foul trouble.

Ricky Nelson Guard (Houston Elite)- The scoring guard isn’t afraid to take the big shot or to take straight to a shot blocker. I like his confidence and his quickness when attacking the gaps.


Chris Giles Forward (Houston Elite)- Giles did a good job denying Pierre Louis the rock. The plan seemed to work until Giles got into foul trouble in the 3rd quarter. I also think he could have used some of that energy on offense. He showed some offensive promise on a few moves late in the game.

Jarred Vanderbilt Forward (Houston Elite)- This kid has a chance to be a special prospect. The long lefty took over the point guard controls when IZOD applied their full court press. He has a deceptive handle and prototype wing body. He runs the floor like a gazelle.

12U Nationals Day 3 Recap: Top Performers Part 1

Tyler Harris (Memphis War Eagles)

Pool play wrapped up today at the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight was on hand for the action. Here’s a breakdown of a top performers.

Top Performers Part 1

Tyler Harris Guard (Memphis War Eagles)- Harris burned the CB Spiders from the perimeter. He nailed about 6 treys and gave them a steady diet of pull up jumpers. He’s small in size but plays with the heart of a lion like a young Allen Iverson.

Chase Hayden Guard (Memphis War Eagles)- Hayden is a poised point guard that also has a mean pull up jumper. He runs the offense well and usually takes care of the rock. His penetration skills hurt the Spiders late in the game.

Cameron Taylor Forward (Memphis War Eagles)- Down the stretch Taylor was automatic in the paint. He used a feathery touch to convert in the lane and was a menace on the glass. His size was a major factor in them pulling out the win.

Jatirious Smith Forward (CB Spiders)- Smith tried to put the team on his back but came up a little short. He was unstoppable when charging the basket while demonstrating great body control. Smith is also a very efficient free throw shooter. Today he showed big time play making ability.

Ty-Shon Alexander Guard (CB Spiders)- Alexander showed some scoring prowess early on. He was able to stroke the outside shot and finish well on the break. At times he did get a little careless with the pill which caused a few turnovers but you can’t deny this kid’s talent.

Dondre Pittman Forward (RIP City)- The southpaw is a big time athlete with a basketball body. His long limbs help him stretch out for buckets and play the passing lanes on defense. Keep an eye on this young player.

12U Nationals Day 2 Recap: Top Scoring Guards

Eric Ayala (Delaware PAL)

We are in Day 2 of the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight once again caught the action at the Boo Williams Center. Finally, here are the two guards that lit up the score boards.

Day 2 Top Scoring Guards

Eric Ayala (Delaware PAL)- Ayala returned to the game after injuring his head and had a good showing. He grew some inches since I watched him last year and it definitely impacts his game. The big guard can pull up over most defenders and has great touch on his shot.

Kurtlen Brown (West Virginia Explosion)- Brown gave Playtime the business. He bullied his way through the defense and knocked down deep ball in transition. He’s a physical guard that attacks the defense like a running back.

Michael Feinberg (Cali Styles)- Feinberg stroke was on full display yesterday. He set up in the corner or ran around picks to get open. He is a pure shooter that can tickle the twine from anywhere on the floor.

Boubacar Kamissoko (Playtime)- Kamissoko had it going from deep and in transition. He’s on the thin side but plays a lot stronger than he looks. Once he gets it going he’s very difficult to stop.


Donovan Steward (6th Man Warriors)- Steward started out shaky against Cali Styles but good things together and began scoring. He range is unbelievable for a rising 7th Grader. He shoots the ball consistently from NBA 3 point range.

12U Nationals Day 2 Recap: Top Point Guards

Jaecee Martin (CBC)

We are in Day 2 of the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight once again caught the action at the Boo Williams Center. Next, here’s a look at the top point guards that ran the show.

Day 2 Top Point Guards

Jaecee Martin (CBC)- The rest of the country got a taste of Mayweather’s flurry. He was relentless in attacking the defense with wicked crossovers and spin moves. His threw zip passes through the defense while spoon feeding teammates. I have surveyed many of the teams down here and I’m comfortable in saying he’s the #1 point guard in the building.

Imani Starling (Nashville Celtics)- The pint size lefty shows a lot of grit and desire. He isn’t afraid to shoot the big shot or dribble into the teeth of the defense. He doesn’t go for the spectacular play but instead runs the show very steady.

Colin Miller (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)- Miller on the other hand loves hitting the home run. When he gets into the lane he prefers the look away pass and I also love his spin move. He’s a very confident ball handler who can also help his team by scoring the ball.

Jordan Poole (Wisconsin Playground)- Poole’s play made things interesting against Delaware PAL. He handled the rock like he had it on the string. He curved up the defense and scored with scooping lay ups.


Silas Nazario (West Virginia Explosion)- Not many guards attack the defense Like Nazario. His quickness is one of his best attributes while also possessing good change of direction and court vision. I like his style.


Keith Deloatch (Delaware PAL)- The strong point guard loves using the crossover snatch back to get past defenders. His strong frame helps him protect the pill and carry defenders. He made his presence felt on both ends of the floor.

12U Nationals Day 2 Recap: Top Forwards

Cody Riley (Cali Styles)

We are in Day 2 of the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight once again caught the action at the Boo Williams Center. Today we will start off by bringing you the top forwards that performed on the stage.

Day 2 Top Forwards

Cody Riley (Cali Styles)- Riley is a dominant force on this level. He showed his all around game today. He intimidated the opposition with his defensive presence and pushed the rock up the floor. I really got a kick out of watching his court vision. This kid really sees the floor like a guard. The youngster finished off his day with a two handed dunk off the vertical leap.

Trenton Russell (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)- It was another polished performance for the versatile forward. Russell did damage inside but also hurt the Nashville Celtics with his outside touch even draining a few three balls. He refused to let his team loss today.

Dillon James (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)- While Russell showed his perimeter skills James commanded attention in the paint. His turn around shot has great touch and he knows how to establish position on the blocks. His play was crucial in his team’s victory.

Jermaine Bowe (Delaware PAL)- Bowe cleaned the glass well for his team while also running the lane in transition. He’s a straight lined kid who could have a future as a wide receiver or track star. This kid is a true athlete.

Coulter Dotson (Nashville Celtics)- Dotson is definitely polished for this age. He demonstrated a mature drop step and excellent touch on the blocks. I like his length and really believe he has a good upside down the road. Remember this name.

Ismail Charles (CBC)- Charles scared the competition when he ran the floor. He finished off several feeds from Mayweather Martin and punished them on the boards. I also like the way he continues to improve his ball handling. He has a ways to go but I love the effort.

Lydell Geffard (Playtime)- Lydell positioned himself deep under the basket and operated. He controlled the boards and used a baby hook to score over the defense. I like the fact that understands he’s post player and doesn’t waste time roaming the perimeter.

Jahki Clark (Playtime)- The one word that describes this kid is energy. He runs the floor like a deer and is involved on every play. He manufactures points just off his hustle play. Any coach would love this kid.

14U Nationals Final Four Preview (Presented By Hype Basketball)

2011 BOYS’ EIGHTH GRADE AAU DIVISION I NATIONAL

CHAMPIONSHIP: FINAL FOUR PREVIEW
What an exciting weekend of basketball it’s been at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Florida! Perhaps the best is yet to come on the event’s final day as the remaining teams in this year’s field are among the nation’s best and will not leave the Orlando area without placing nationally. Some of the top clubs and players here are familiar within the class of 2015 while others are beginning to make their mark on the grassroots hoops scene. HYPEBasketball is happy to be present in Florida for the conclusion of the premier junior high event in the country and has a glimpse of what to look for as the final day of action is ready to go. The remaining four teams set to participate in the 2011 Eighth Grade AAU D1 National Semifinals are as follows:

WORLDWIDE (GEORGIA)
The Peach State squad is much improved since last year and have added a huge piece in guard Terrance Phillips. This young team not only cruised through pool play but have yet to be seriously tested in the championship bracket thanks in large to the play of their frontcourt that includes major pieces in Daniel Giddens, Kevin Murph, and Makki Brown. Wing Ty Hudson is battled tested for Worldwide and has been a major contributor for the team throughout the majority of the week as well. As their rematch with the Texas Titans approaches, it will be interesting to see if 2016 guards Jared Harper and Christian Turner handle the bigger and older Titans backcourt with the same poise that have carried themselves with thus far during the week.

TITANS (TEXAS)
Last year’s 13U AAU National Champions in the 2015 class, the Titans have long been recognized as a power in this age/grade division. A confident and well-coached group with plenty of chemistry, the Titans also have a number of standout players that take turns sharing the spotlight. Typically thought of as the main attraction, 6-foot-7 forward Mickey Mitchell is an impressive athlete with a developing skill set. He’ll have help on the wings from Jessie Pistokache and Soso Jamabo. Grant Troutt is the team’s main threat from the outside, while Dennis Hogg and Samir Sehic give the Titans even more size and offensive versatility in the post.

BOCA P.A.L. VIPERS (FLORIDA)
Call them the surprise of the tournament and you won’t hear many arguments. The Vipers have stormed through an unbelievably talented eighth grade field and made it look relatively easy for the most part. They earned their way into the semifinals after fighting back from a seventeen point deficit versus the Atlanta Celtics. A gritty backcourt led by Joshua Borders and Jose Morales, the Vipers have shot the ball well in this tournament, and are capable of going on big runs from deep as a team. On the wing, Greg Kaeprzak has provided excellent minutes for the team, and may be one of the most versatile rebounders and defenders in the field of nearly 130 teams. In terms of long-term prospects, there has definitely been a buzz in the gym about 6-foot-6 forward Alaowei Talent, and the Coral Springs native can make that buzz grow into a roar if he’s able to lead his team to a championship at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports.

TEAM TEXAS ELITE (TEXAS)
The semifinal field concludes with a familiar squad in Team Texas Elite. A well-known program, and long respected team in the class of 2015, Team Texas has a lot of offensive firepower in their favor. Their backcourt is anchored by Matt McQuaid and Austin Grandstaff, two of the better shooters in the entire country who each take turns handling the ball for Texas. The frontcourt is just as imposing, featuring Elijah Thomas and Tony Lewis, two big-bodied post players who are capable of finishing at the rim with power.

12U Nationals Day 1 Recap: Top Forwards

Jatirious Smith (CB Spiders)

The AAU 12U Nationals kicked off today in Hampton, Virginia and Basketball Spotlight was in the building as promised. We got a chance to watch some new talent and usual suspects. Finally, here are the forwards that impressed us the opening day.

Day 1 Top Forwards

Jatirious Smith (CB Spiders)- Smith skills showed why the Spiders are tough to beat. He beat the opposing big man down the floor for several easy buckets. Being that this youngster has guard skills He’s too difficult to slow down in transition which leads to points for his squad. He has a huge impact on the game on this level.

Ronner Joseph (Team IZOD)- Joseph was a rebounding machine today on both ends of the floor. Most players in this class can’t match his motor or intensity right now. He simply outworked the opposition on during their win against CT Elite.


Tyree Montgomery (Indiana Elite)- Tyree has a high ceiling and showed flashes today. He was one of the best athletes I saw today. He’s a quick leaper with developing offensive moves. He looks like one of the next forwards in the Indiana Elite pipeline.

Myles White (Haywood Elite)- White will eventually transform to the wing. But right now he showed decent ups and a good face up game. He was able to roam the baseline and cash in on opportunities.


Cody Bowes (Top Risers)- Bowes threw his weight around in the paint. He scored close to the tin and used his fouls very effectively. He made guards pay dearly for driving down the lane. I also like the way he runs the floor for a gentle giant.


David Baptiste (Top Risers)- David can handle the ball but has a soft floater when facing the cup. His body structure tells me his post days are numbered and we will be reading about him on the wing.

12U Nationals Day 1 Recap: Top Scoring Guards

Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)

The AAU 12U Nationals kicked off today in Hampton, Virginia and Basketball Spotlight was in the building as promised. We got a chance to watch some new talent and usual suspects. Next, we will take a look at the top scoring guards that got busy.

Day 1 Top Scoring Guards

Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)- CT Elite tried to make things interesting but Pierre Louis stepped up to close the door. The poised scorer loves the stage and showed his outside shot especially from the mid range area. He hurt their heart with some clutch buckets and free throws down the stretch.


Will Dillard (Haywood Elite)- It took only a few moves and I can see what the big fuss is about in Dillard. He’s a big time athlete with breakout ability. In this game he let his team run their offense and concentrated on playing good deny defense. He showed good maturity for a rising 7th Grader.

Quadir Burgess (Philly Freedom Stars)- Burgess didn’t have is best shooting game but his confidence to pull off the dribble from anywhere makes me believe he knows what he’s doing. He is strongly built so he showed effect the game for a few more years.

Shyheim Hicks (CT Elite)- I saw the numbers he posted at the Spotlight events and after watching him I see why. The big guard has a lot of wiggle in his game and the size to finish off drives. Years to come he will learn to cut down his amount of dribbles which will turn him into a better prospect.

Wooshie Sapitan (Indiana Elite)- Wooshie had to be one of the quickest guards I saw today. This southpaw rushed into the lane and finished frequently. He doesn’t waste time with a lot of dribbles but instead attacks like a running back.

Jamell Goulbourne (Top Risers)- Jamell has a ratchet from deep. He shots high arching treys that cut deep to opponents when they drop. I do think he needs to work putting the pill on the floor and creating plays but the good thing is he’s only a 6th Grader so he has time.

Markus Howard (West Coast Elite)- This guard put up one of the best performances of the day. The combo guard scorched the competition for nearly 30 points with deep treys and nice finishes in the lane. He was definitely a nice surprise today.

12U Nationals Day 1 Recap: Top Point Guards

Ty'Shon Alexander (CB Spiders)

The AAU 12U Nationals kicked off today in Hampton, Virginia and Basketball Spotlight was in the building as promised. We got a chance to watch some new talent and usual suspects. First, we will take a look at the top floor generals of today.

Day 1 Top Point Guards

Ty-shon Alexander (CB Spiders)- Some will wonder about Alexander being listed on this section but he distributes the rock so well I didn’t know where else to put him. Today he truly dominated the game in several categories without scoring big numbers. You have the love it when you watch a lanky guard rebound the rock push it coast to coast and drop a nice dime or finish easy. There are not many guards at this event that possess this kid’s all around skills.

Zack Dawson (Top Risers)- The slick point guard from Miami kept me on my toes. He combines a smooth dribble and good court vision with an accurate stroke from behind the arc. Indiana Elite tried pressuring this floor general but he had too many tricks up his sleeve.

Tra Landers (Indiana Elite)- Landers loves to show off his ball handling which can cause trouble when he tries to split traps. His crossover makes him difficult to defend in a man to man situation. When he’s playing under control he makes good things happen.

Jordan Perkins (Haywood Elite)- Perkins did a good job managing the game in their win against DC Assault. He used his strong frame and low dribble to protect the pill while orchestrating the offense. He seems to have a very high basketball IQ.

Quade Green (Philly Freedom Stars)- Green enjoys setting defenders up for his deep crossover. He was able to make some things happen but I think he settled for his 3 point shot a little too much. He should concentrate on putting more pressure on the defense by driving.

David Kachleries (Team IZOD)- David confidence showed today. He was able to make plays against and strong and stingy CT Elite defense. He also seems to have the floater back which is a good weapon when he drives the lane.

Azur Swain (CT Elite)- Swain is maturing nicely at the point guard spot. He showed more speed and the ability to make plays. He’s very poised and knows his way around the floor.