Spotlight Alum Battle Seeking Spot On Team USA

 

Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle 

Tyus “Kid Mamba” Battle is currently in Colorado Springs, CO in his quest to make the USA Basketball U16 team. Battle’s grammar school career was well documented on our site including his Diary Of A Baller column. Other Spotlight Alum in attendance include; Harry Giles, Bryant Crawford, Mustafa Heron, Derrick Jones, Devearl Ramsey, Seventh Woods and Horace Spencer. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Tyus and wish him and all the other participants’ good luck in the tryouts. Check out highlights from his freshman year.

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

 

Walter Talley (Rens)

The 7th Grade Division of the MDC had some other players that showed promise. Here’s our second report for this grade level.

MDC 7th Grade Top Performers 

Walter Tally Forward (Rens)- Tally benefitted from the improved passing skills of Nowell. He’s a force on defense and on the boards. On offense he’s still getting the kinks out but should be good to go on the high school level.

Za’eem Garrett Guard (Team Rebels)- Garrett created a little buzz with his attacking style. He doesn’t believe in dancing with the rock instead he’s always full steam ahead. He's built like a true running back.

Jake Betlow Guard (S.H.A. Elite)- The sharp shooter was on his game this weekend. He stroked 5 treys in their overtime loss to Milbank. It seems like Coach Mergin Sina has another group of good prospects on the way. 

Terrence Trice Guard (Milbank)- Trice put of numbers in the past with Riverside now he returned with “The Bank”. He averaged 15 points a game including a 19 marker outing in their win versus Mass Shooting Stars. 

Dallas Watson Guard (Milbank)- This kid continues to show improvement every time he steps on the floor. His knack to score stands out along with his breakdown ability off the dribble. 

Maurice Works Guard (Team DEMI)- Works put in some work which helped his team advance from pool play. He averaged double digits and his big game was a 20 point effort in their loss versus the Rens.

Shandon Brown Guard (Team DEMI)- Brown roams the backcourt with Works and went off against NWK. The superb ball handler scorched the Brick City boys for 26 points in their pool play victory. 

Photo Appears Courtesy of Future 150.  

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Markquis Nowell (Rens)

Name: Markquis Nowell

AAU Team: Rens

Position: Combo Guard

Class: 2018

Breakdown: This weekend Markquis Nowell continued to show he’s probably the most exciting 7th Grade player to watch on the Spotlight circuit. One game he pumped in 30 against NWK but also showed off his passing ability against Team DEMI and New Heights. He’s always worth the price of admissions.
 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Nate "The Great" At It Again!

 

Nate "The Great" Pierre Louis (Metro Flyers)

The MDC would not be complete without highlights of Nate “The Great” Pierre Louis. The scoring guard proved to be worth his national ranking by leading the Metro Flyers to the championship game. It was a fitting way for him to finish off his Spotlight career and what a career he had. Stay tuned as we have more coverage coming. 

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

 

Mikey Watkins (Playaz)

 The 7th Grade Division produced a new champion and gave us some time to check out some emerging prospects. Here’s part 1 of our top performers report from the MDC.

MDC 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Kachleries Twins = Double Trouble

 

Matthew and David Kachleries (Team IZOD)

The Kachleries Twins David and Matthew have dazzled fans on the Spotlight circuit with their play the last few years. During the MDC they made some great plays to help Team IZOD squeeze out a victory. Check out their highlights from this event and stay tuned because we have more recaps, stories and highlights to come. 

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2

 

Chaylynn Martin (CBC)

The loaded 8th Grade Division also had some other players that caught our eye over the weekend. Here’s our second report from the MDC for the graduating class.

MDC 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Rens Dynamic Duo Judah McIntyre and Cole Anthony

 

Judah McIntyre & Cole Anthony (Rens)

We continue our MDC coverage with the NYC backcourt of the future in Rens Judah McIntyre and Cole Anthony. This dynamic duo worked together to lead Rens to the final four of the MDC. Judah was driving and dishing while Cole was showing off his polished handle and pull up jumper. We look forward to watching this duo for the next two years.

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

 

Eric 'Easy" Ayala (We R 1)

The 8th Grade Division was loaded with many players excited about playing in their final Spotlight tournament. Here’s Part 1 of our look into the 8th Grade Division. 

8th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: New Heights Closes The Door!

 

New Heights won the MDC in impressive fashion. They physically pounded opponents on both ends of the floor. This video is an example of the work they put in down in Neptune this weekend. Stay tuned because we have more to come including Top Performer Recaps and more video highlights.

Grand Finale Final Four Teams Announced: Lets Get The Banners!

 The Grand Finale Final Four list for each age group is below. During the semifinals the #1 seed will play the #4 seed and #2 seed will challenge the #3 seed. If a team decides not to attend this event then the next team on the point system list will take their place. Good luck to all the teams and the schedule will be coming shortly. 

5th and 6th Grade (Saturday, June 15th) 

7th and 8th Grade (Sunday, June 16th) 

@Trenton Catholic Academy 

8th Grade Teams 
1. CBC 
2. Team IZOD 
3. Playaz 
4. New Heights 

7th Grade Teams 
1. Metro Sixers 
2. Wall 2 Wall 
3. Team IZOD 
4. Team Final 

6th Grade Teams 
1. Team Nelson 
2. Metro Flyers 
3. ETU Select 
4. Team IZOD 

5th Grade Teams 
1. CJ Hawks 
2. Gauchos 
3. Team Glory 
4. Nations Basketball Academy

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Patrick Stryzala (Team IZOD-8th Grade)

 

Patrick Stryzala (Team IZOD)

When the Spotlight circuit started Patrick Stryzala was projected as one of the top players in the region and he has answered the bell. During the MDC he put up serious numbers while his squad finished second in pool play. Check out his highlights from this event and stay tuned because we have so much more to come. 

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Armoni "Live Wire" Sexton (Playaz - 7th Grade)

 

Armoni "Live Wire" Sexton 

Each year a player uses the MDC as their coming out party and in 2014 Armoni Sexton was that guy. The Mr. Memorial Day Award winner gave us a taste of all his talents in full speed. He capped off his memorable weekend in explosive fashion with a thunderous dunk. It’s only right that his new name becomes Armoni “Live Wire” Sexton. It's potential is crazy. He could be a Top 10 player in this class when it's all said and done.

 

Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week: Keith Williams (New Heights)

 

Keith Williams (New Heights)

The Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week goes to Keith Williams of New Heights. Williams led New Heights to the Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Championship against the top teams in the region. Congrats to Keith and remember to continue to work hard because this is just the beginning.

Basketball Spotlight MDC Highlights: Cameron "The Prince" Reddish (Team Final - 7th Grade)

 

Cameron "The Prince" Reddish 

Cameron Reddish used the MDC to prove he’s one of the top guards in the country. His handle, court vision and scoring ability were on full display. Team Final has a budding super-star in this kid if he continues to work hard. Therefore let’s now introduce Cameron Reddish AKA “The Prince” because he’s next in line for the throne. Stay tuned because we are just getting started with our coverage of the MDC.

 

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Division Recap: New Heights Crashes The Party!

 

New Heights Takes Gold To NYC 

New Heights simply came to the MDC and bullied their way to the Gold Ball. In the finals they defeated Metro Flyers 66-52 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Orange Division Champions. Congrats to New Heights for winning the title and gaining entry to the Grand Finale. 

                                                      
Mr. Memorial Day – Keith Williams (New Heights) 
Williams went to work at the MDC like he was D-Wade. The strong combo guard attacked the relentlessly, showed off his hops and played lockdown defense. He leaves all the glitz and glamour for others while tormenting defenses with strength and precision. He definitely deserved the MVP Award.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: NBA Storms Through MDC!

 

NBA Wins Title Easily 

Nations Basketball Academy stormed through the MDC as they defeated Boston Spartans 50-30 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Blue Division Championship.

                                                     
Co- Mr. Memorial Day- Mikey Grande and Matt Ciaccio (NBA) The inside/outside combination were too much for anyone in this division to handle. Their play helped the NJ squad to a mercy rule championship victory.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Blue Division Champonship Recap: Boston Spartans Strike!

 

Boston Spartans Are Champions 

The Boston Spartans proved their trip was worth the money by defeating the Brooklyn Badgers 55-48 to win the Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to the Spartans and we look forward to seeing a lot of them on the Spotlight circuit next year.


                                                      
Mr. Memorial Day- Dominic Jones (Boston Spartans) 
Jones was the unanimous selection for Mr. Memorial Day which means he dominated the competition all weekend. His versatility and athleticism stands out and we look forward to watching him develop.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 7th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Playaz Just Too Much!

 

Playaz Grab Gold Ball 

The Playaz Basketball Club continued their impressive play by defeating Team Final 60-43 to win Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congrats to the Playaz and wewish them luck the rest of the season.

                                                      
Mr. Memorial Day - Armoni Sexton (Playaz) 
Sexton turned his game up at the MDC. The lanky forward was like the Energizer Bunny on both ends of the floor. He blocked shots, rebounded and moved his feet well on defense. On offense he finished well and was constantly on the move. His motor is extremely high and once the game slows down to him we will have a scary prospect on our hands. Mark my words.

Basketball Spotlight MDC 6th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Philly Pride Cruises!

 

Philly Pride Takes Crown

Philly Pride used a blitzing style to run past Nations Basketball Academy 45-24 to win the Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade MDC Blue Division Championship. The Pride will be a tough to team to beat next season as they move over to the Orange Division.

                                                     
Mr. Memorial Day- Hakim Hart Jr. (Philly Pride) 
The coach’s son stepped up again and helped the Philly boys when the title. His silky smooth handle and deep range is something to watch for a kid this young. Hart seems to be another Philly guard on the way with plenty of game. We have two more years to watch him develop.