The 7th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic was filled with talent. Here’s a look at some of the other players that did damage this weekend.
Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3
Mikey Watkins Guard (Playtime)- Watkins was a big part of Playtime’s march to the semifinals. This season he has moved over to the off guard spot and this has enhanced his willingness to score and confidence in his outside shot. I think this experience will make him a well rounded player.
Donovan Toatley Guard (Team Takeover)- Toatley once again displayed the type of handle and style that makes the crowd wow. He has natural instincts that can’t be taught. He has been a name to know on this circuit for years and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Anthony Johnson Guard (Team Takeover)- Johnson got his first taste of the Spotlight and the Pittsburgh product performed up to task. I like his build and the way he attacks the rim. He’s capable of absorbing contact and still keeps moving to the tin. I hope he returns very soon.
Kyle Thompson Guard (Team Final)- The former Mr. Memorial Day nailed 4 treys in the pool play victory over ECE. The wing guard soft touch proved to be enough to help send the Div 2 National Champs home.
ElKhana Hildago Guard (Team Final)- Hildago brought that confidence he developed over the summer on the camp circuit. He handled the ball with more poise and also showed an improved outside shot. He’s really becoming a player.
Steve Cannady Guard (6th Man Warriors)- Cannady caught fire against the Playaz going for 20 points. He had no problem nailing deep shots from behind the arc. He ended the game with 3 treys and helped his squad to an 8 point victory.
Paul Durkee Guard (Mass Shooting Stars)- His team had a tough weekend but Durkee posted some good numbers. He had double digits in scoring in every game and showed the versatility of hitting the outside shot.
Shadique Watkins Guard (New Rens)- Watkins turned in a few good performances. He danced into the lane on a few occasions and finished hard. He’s very deceptive when dribbling the rock and knows how to avoid shot blockers.
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup will be Feb. 2nd and 3rd. This year we will be changing the format for this year. We will not be having a Blue Division and only will be bringing in a select amount of teams. We want this tournament to be the best of the best battling it out and prefer having two teams advance from pool play. Please contact us before registering at 609-532-5122 or BasketballSpotlight@hotmail.com.
The 7th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic had some electric moments. Here’s a group of Top Performers that was new to the Spotlight scene.
Tip Off Classic Top Performers 7th Grade Division (Part 2 Fresh Faces)
Brandon Slater Guard (Metro Sixers)- In one of the best offensive showings in the history of the Tip Off Classic, Slater lit up the books for 38 points in an overtime loss to CIA Bounce. Slater had all facets of his game going including his jumper (nailing five treys). He was definitely a bona fide scoring machine last Saturday.
Danilo Djuricic Forward (CIA Bounce)- Danilo’s long hair wasn’t the only thing that stood out as the lanky forward posted big numbers. His hefty 28 points was a huge reason they were able to escape the Metro Sixers in overtime. On defense his length helped alter or block several shots.
Ignas Brazdeikis Guard (CIA Bounce)- Brazdeikis has the green light on offense and used it against Metro Sixers. He had the ball falling on his way to 23 points and helping them get things done. He’s a kid you need to keep an eye out on.
Rob Miller Guard (Playaz)- Speaking of scoring this kid Miller also knows how to get the ball in the bucket. He has breakdown ability and uses great body control when finishing at the tin. This Playaz team is young but they can still shock some squads with Miller at the controls.
Myles Dread Forward (Metro Sixers)- The versatile wing player made good in his Spotlight debut. He was a tough matchup for the Mass Shooting Stars as he hurt them for a team high 19 points. He has been a dominant force of this age level the past few years.
Cameron Reddish Guard (Team Final)- Reddish made his Spotlight debut and showed some good flashes. He has a lot of wiggle while getting past defenders with ease. I like this kids upside and think this was a good snag for Team Final down the road.
Maurice Works Guard (DEMI)- Works put in that work while helping Team Demi go 2-1 over the weekend. The combo guard was like a bulldog when attacking the glass. His relentless style put tremendous pressure on the defense. His best game was a 23 point performance against CIA Bounce (Red).
Shandon Brown Guard (DEMI)- Works backcourt mate and cousin, Brown also got involved in the action while defeating CIA Bounce (Red). He finished with 16 points while knocking down a pair of three pointers.
The 7th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic had some electric moments. Here’s a first group of top performers.
Tip Off Classic Top Performers 7th Grade Division (Part 1)
Jahvon Quinerly Guard (Team IZOD)- Quinerly missed the Spotlight circuit last season so he decided to make up for lost time by scorching the competition. The combo guard took control of the squad and tournament from the outset. He proved to be too physical and has improved his outside shot. In transition he’s a beast and too much to contain. If we gave out the MVP award he would have walked away with the hardware.
Atiba Taylor Guard (Team IZOD)- Quinerly’s backcourt mate seems to enjoy playing with this loaded squad. This season he gets to play off the ball a little more and it’s paying dividends. He got off things started early with a 16 point performance against Team Melo.
Jalen Brooks Guard (Team IZOD)- In the finals Wall 2 Wall looked to be on the verge of upsetting the Supreme Team. Brooks checked in and made a few big plays to help his boys escape. The southpaw knocked down two treys and dropped some good dimes in transition.
Nazreon Reid Forward (Team IZOD)- Reid battled a knee injury all weekend but was still able to be a factor. When he got touches he made some good plays inside and battled on the boards. I do think his guards need to make more of an effort to get him the rock inside.
Shackglle Dezonie Forward (Wall 2 Wall)- Shackglle used his thick frame too dominant on the post. He is a little undersized for the position but the way he uses his face up game and footwork makes him very effective on this level. He gets the job done on both ends of the floor.
Aidan Ellwood Guard (Wall 2 Wall)- Ellwood has a mean pull up jumper from different angles of the floor. This event was a big time atmosphere and this southpaw should he was ready to bang with the best.
Alex Serrano Guard (Wall 2 Wall)- The go to guy stepped up big when his squad needed them most. He helped them overcome a huge semifinal deficit to Playtime Panthers by nailing 4 treys. This kid has a big time future in this game of basketball.
Mikey Esquilin Guard (Wall 2 Wall)- During the finals this pint size guard played big by escaping the defense down the floor and making some key buckets. He also was able to get into the lane whenever he wanted which caused Team IZOD to bring in Brooks to match up with Esquilin.
Basketball Spotlight Alum Karl Towns Jr. has committed to the University of Kentucky. Towns starred in the 2nd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic while leading the North Squad to a victory. He attends St. Joseph Metuchen School and has reclassified back into the Class of 2014.
Congratulations to Karl Jr., Karl Sr. and Jackie Towns, Basketball Spotlight wish you guys the best and hope to see Karl on TV very soon.
The 8th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic gave us some great moments. The talent was thick and here’s our final group of top performers.
Tip Off Classic Top Performers (8th Grade Part 3)
Tristan Patterson Forward (CBC)- Patterson teams with Samuels and Charles to give CBC a physical front line. Tristan is an athletic workhorse that plays both ends of the floor with high intensity. He erupted at the Tip Off Classic in his first game by punishing New Rens with 24 points.
Ja’quaye James Guard (Milbank)- James impressed me with his ability to run a team and his toughness when charging the lane. He has the NYC style that shows no fear and his battle with Chris Lykes was a joy to watch.
Andre Boykins Forward (Team Takeover)- Boykins continues to show strides facing the basket. He gets to where he needs to be on the floor and understands his limits. When running the floor in transition he’s like a freight train when he hits the lane. On defense he pounds the glass and will even step in a take a charge.
Aaron Thompson Guard (Team Takeover)- It’s rare to see a player control a basketball game without scoring a bucket but Thompson has that ability. Once again he quarterbacked his team to the finals. It’s hard to find another point guard in the country that has a better winning percentage than this kid.
Shyheim Hicks Guard (Expressions)- Hicks wasn’t spectacular this weekend but he did bring it against Milbank with a 24 point performance. His team went 1-2 this past weekend so I know he will be anxious to return to the fire very soon.
Leondre Washington Guard (Playaz)- Washington gave Team Final fits by penetrating their defense. Once he got to the rim he finished well by absorbing contact and kissing the ball off the glass. He showed great poise during that contest while running the show.
Marcus McClary Forward (Playaz)- McClary is playing the forward spot for this squad which gave him a matchup advantage against most of his opponents. On occasion he showed he could hit the open jumper even from three point range. He made some big plays for the Paterson bunch this past weekend.
The 8th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic gave us some great moments. The talent was thick and here’s our second group of top performers.
Tip Off Classic Top Performers (8th Grade Part 2)
Jermaine Samuels Forward (CBC)- Samuels was a problem all weekend. It’s difficult for most forwards to guard him because he runs the floor so well. He constantly beat his opponent down the floor and paid dividends with buckets. I also see that he’s trying to extend his game to the perimeter. This is still a work in progress but it’s definitely a move in the right direction.
Chaylyn Martin Guard (CBC)- No offensive player is safe when the “Black Widow” in the building. He’s the perimeter leader of CBC stingy defense. Offensively he had his moments while helping the “Money Team” claim the crown. I’ve actually had the joy of watching this kid’s game develop right in front of my eyes.
Anthony McNish Forward (CIA Bounce)- McNish tried to tear down the rims at Hoop Group Headquarters. The athletic put on an air show including a 360 degree dunk. Anthony his tough to stop on this level because he’s built like a linebacker but has the gracefulness of a wide receiver.
Quinton Drayton Guard (Team Takeover)- Don’t be surprised if Drayton ends up being one of the top prospects from this program. He has a fluid perimeter game and a natural feel. Like everyone on this level he still has some kinks to workout but his ceiling seems to be very high.
Evan Logino Forward (Team Final)- The bruising forward used his southpaw style to make some things happen. He can actually put the rock on the floor a little in traffic. Reminds me of a young Othella Harrington. He’s another good pick up for this group.
Chris Lykes Guard (DC Assault)- Lykes handle is ridiculous in a good way. He is able to get anywhere he wants on the floor while killing the competition with mid range pull ups. He dribbles the rock so low to the ground it’s almost impossible to rip him.
Patrick Stryzala Forward (Team IZOD)- Team IZOD wasn’t fluid this weekend without the point guard but Patrick made the most of his Spotlight appearance. The forward averaged a double-double including about 18 points a contest. We expect him to be extremely hard to guard this year.
The 8th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic gave us some great moments. The talent was thick and here’s our first group of top performers.
Tip Off Classic Top Performers (8th Grade Part 1)
Jamir Harris Guard (Playaz)- Every year someone uses the Tip Off Classic as their coming out party and this year Harris stole the show. After scorching PYO and UPlay with 30 point outings, “The Terminator” saved his best show for Nike rival Team Final. Harris rallied his team back from a second half deficit by nailing outside shots from all over the perimeter. His elevation on his jump shot and ability to get a clean look for anywhere made him impossible to guard. He chipped the Philly based squad for 33 markers. Right now he might be the early favorite for POY.
Jaecee Martin Guard (CBC)- Like quarterbacks, point guards are measured by the way they lead their teams to victories and once again Mayweather directed the troops to the finish line. Since the squad has so much balance he doesn’t have to worry about putting up huge scoring numbers and this should help him even more in becoming a all around point guard.
Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Expressions)- Nate “The Great” made a special appearance with the X. His team went 1-2 over the weekend but he did manage to put in heavy numbers. He finished the tournament averaging 27 markers a game. This kid scores like we breathe. He might be the most prolific scorer to ever come through the Spotlight doors.
DJ Mitchell Guard (Team Takeover)- TT made it to the finals and Mitchell played his part. He’s silky smooth and can score it from all three levels on the floor. He’s gotten better with creating his own shot off the dribble and his ball handling. Keith Stevens and crew have a good one in the kid.
Trevon Duval Guard (Team Final)- Duval was a nice pick up for Team Final. I saw some good things in this kid’s package. He’s a crafty ball handler and superb finisher at the rim. I also like how he has improved his leaping ability when attacking the rim. He has a chance to be a special point guard down the road.
David Beatty Guard (PYO)- PYO knocked off Team Final in the morning and Beatty was part of the reason. He combines strength and ball handling with a unique knack to score. He’s still a little raw but the energy he brings cannot be ignored. He’s relentless on both ends of the floor.
Jamir Moultrie Guard (DC Assault)- The powerful guard knows how to find the bottom of the net. He torched Milbank for 27 points while being a beast in transition. He shields the ball well to avoid shot blockers and knows how to finish with his off hand.
Stay Tuned Because We Are Just Getting Started With This Coverage.
This week was a normal week for me with some basketball workouts with my dad, school, and working out with Obe. We had our first practice with Team Final with the whole team there on Wednesday at Roman Catholic H.S. to prepare for the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic.
As you probably know by now, our team didn’t perform as we would have liked. We have a lot of work to do because we really are now a new team again and time will help develop our chemistry together. Coach Orlando will get us in the lab and everyone will see the “real” Team Final next time. Congratulations to CBC for a great win against Takeover and all the other teams that performed well this weekend. Mr. Melton brought in fantastic competition for this tournament. Also, a shout out to my friends at Wall2Wall for playing their hearts out this weekend and finishing second in the seventh grade division. Coach Rockmore and Coach Dre did a great job!
And I want to thank the Lord for protecting my mom Saturday night. I didn’t tell anyone on Sunday, but she had a very bad allergic reaction to something that must have been in our hotel room. She had to go to the hospital that night because her throat was closing up. But, praise the Lord she is fine now!
Until next time, keep working hard in the gym and in the classroom!
The Road To The Grand Finale kicked off at the Tip Off Classic. Champions were crowned and teams have collected their first set of points. Remember the top four teams according to points will meet at the Grand Finale Final Four to play for the Spotlight Banner. The next stop is the Clash For The Cup Feb. 2nd and 3rd.
Grand Finale Point Totals
8th Grade CBC- 5 Points Team Takeover- 4 Points New Heights – 3 Points Playaz – 3 Points Black Mamba’s- 3 Points CIA Bounce-2 Points PYO- 2 Points DC Assault- 2 Points New Rens- 2 Points Philly Flight- 2 Points
7th Grade Team IZOD- 5 Points Wall 2 Wall – 4 Points Playtime- 3 Points CIA Bounce- 3 Points NWK- 3 Points Team Final- 2 Points 6th Man Warriors- 2 Points Metro Sixers- 2 Points Diamond In A Rough- 2 Points Milbank- 2 Points
6th Grade Team IZOD- 5 Points Team First- 4 Points ETU Select- 3 Points Diamond In A Rough- 3 Points
Beyond The Lines- 3 Points CIA Bounce- 2 Points New Heights- 2 Points CJ Hawks- 2 Points 6th Man Warriors- 2 Points
5th Grade Gauchos- 5 Points Team Glory- 4 Points CJ Hawks- 3 Points Team Phenom- 3 Points Team Takeover (Orange)- 2 Points
The 8th Grade Orange Division Championship was like a heavy weight fight as CBC defeated Team Takeover 48-44 to take home the Tip Off Classic title. The Money Team avenged a close Clash For The Cup loss to Team Takeover last season. We will keep a close watch on this rivalry this season.
