Durand In 8th Grade
Back when I started writing during my Metro Hoops days there were a group of 8th Graders that I deemed as being special. These were the first grammar school players I wrote about. These players included Tyreke Evans, Ashton Gibbs, Travon Woodall, Mike Rosario, Nasir Robsinon, Jordan Theodore, Darryl Bryant, Jio Fontan, Erving Walker and Sylvan Landesberg. Last night I felt very proud while I switching though the various ESPN Channels (Full Court Package) and I’m actually watching all most of theseyoung guys rocking for major colleges. I felt really proud for them and their families to see these youngsters reach that level. Watching Ashton Gibbs pull up for jumpers, Woodall rip a point guards crossover, Nasir Robinson rip down a rebound and Tyreke Evans score in traffic brought a huge smile to my face. I’ve also read about successful starts for Rosario, Walker and a 32 point debut from Landesberg. I don’t have any children of my own but I had father type butterflies while watching this youngsters play. It was truly a night to be proud of the Class of 2008.
Name: Jashaun Agosto
Will Joyce (Newark, NJ)
Kody Jenkins Guard (Hackensack, NJ)- Another day and Jenkins looked like one of the top points in this class. His size at the position automatically makes you take notice up him brining the rock up. It also allows him to or shot over defenders whenever he wants. I love his instincts on the floor. He was one of the top 5 players in attendance.
Jordan Forehand Guard (Woodbridge, NJ)- In terms of all around performance few have matched Forehand. The power guard always seemed to make the proper pass, score in volume and just make all the correct plays. He’s attends Rutgers Prep right now but it won’t be long before the NJ Powerhouse schools began showing heavy interest.
Jared Hall Guard (West Orange, NJ)- Hall is one of the most talented guards in the building. He has an accurate jumper and breaks down defenders easily when getting to the bucket. I just would like to see him play with more sense of urgency because I’ve seen that he’s capable of dominating.
Jonathan Azzinaro Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Azznairo found the hot hand early and often. His high arching jumpers touched the bottom of the net and he showed some promise in the point guard position. This should be a sign for things to come.
Bernard Brantley Guard (Bridgeport, CT)- Brantley finished off his consistent weekend with a good day. The combo guard has a lot of positive aspects in his package. He’s a sneaky rebounder that scores the ball inside or on the perimeter. His name will be one to hear in the State of Connecticut.
Malcolm Manning (Maplewood, NJ)
Daniel Brownstein Forward (Flemington, NJ)- Big Daniel was a problem once again on the blocks. He clean up any miss shots from his teammates and converted them into easy buckets. On the defensive end he a constant problem in the lane by altering or blocking shots and rebounding heavy.
Brenden Ruby Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Ruby was red hot once again. He scores in bunches from the perimeter which is tough. He also gets to the hole in a hurry and has some basketball instincts you can’t teach. He has a lot of fire and toughness.
Matt Latka Forward (Franklin Lakes, NJ)- Latka was a new face that caught my eye on Day 2. He battled inside for buckets and does possess some fundamentally sound post moves. I think in the future he will round out to be a perimeter player though.
Leondre Washington Guard (Englewood, NJ)- Washington picked up his defense in the All Star game. He moved his feet well and cut off the penetration of the opposing guards. He picked up his teams energy. He plays the game with a lot of passion to be a youngster.
Dylan Yerkes Guard (Mount Laurel, NJ)- Yerkes was a like a young Steve Kerr today. Dylan is small but his strength and accuracy makes him a dangerous 3-point shooter. This baby baller burned the net tremendously and consistently.
Adam Perry Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Perry can flat out score the ball from anywhere on the floor. He can stick the jumper, make the floater and finish off fast breaks. His jab step and pump fake move is very effective on this level. He also makes sure he's in the right position to get buckets.
Tyler Jones (Lawrenceville, NJ)
Tony Ellington Guard (South Jersey)- Ellington was very quick when attacking defenders. He got into the teeth of the defense and dropped some impressive dimes. Ellington relies on his speed and a tight crossover dribble to get the job done.
Malcolm Manning Guard (Maplewood, NJ)- Manning is a polished guard despite his age. He has a mature handle and will knockdown the outside shot with great confidence. He’s very strong dribbling in either direction and can take it to the playground style if needed.
Brenden Ruby Guard (Westhampton, NJ)- Brenden had the Steve Nash type hairstyle flowing and made some quick moves on the floor to back it up. He pushes the rock end to end very quickly and will hit an occasional outside shot. I like his spunk.
Leondre Washington Guard (Englewood, NJ)- Washington is a showman and gets to the hole like others from the Big Apple. He has some slick moves and I love his swagger at this age. His baskets started falling as the game wore on but he broke down defenders at will.
Daniel Brownstein Forward (Flemington, NJ)- Brownstein was a force inside on this level. His height and mass made it pretty much impossible to block his shot. His field goal percentage has to be high because he rarely missed a lay-up. He also was a monster on the glass.
Jordan Forehand (Bridgewater, NJ)
Will Joyce Forward (Newark, NJ)- Will is an intriguing prospect. Very long, wiry and can put the rock on the floor a little. As he gets older he must pack on some muscle in a big way. Right now he can hold position on the blocks but his lack of strength causes him to miss some makeable shots. But for the most part I like what I see out of this youngster especially his upside.
Hakeem Saintil Guard (West Orange, NJ)- Hakeem caught my eye with some clever moves going to the basket. I like his balance on the floor and his court vision in traffic. He’s like a quiet assassin on the floor. He beats defenders to the cup and hits teammates cutting regularly. 
Kody Jenkins Guard (Hackensack, NJ)-The last time I saw Jenkins he was playing with the Harlem Kings at the MIT. Not much has changed; he still handles the pill well and sees the floor. He also has the height at this position that would make any high school coach salivate. Kody does need to be cautious about over dribbling and fine tune his outside shot.
Chris Jenkins Forward (Hillside, NJ)- Jenkins is a work horse on the glass and is very efficient around the basket. He’s strong, runs the floor well and even tries to handle a little. He does need to extend his range on his outside and work on his form. Because it seems like he will settle into a guard size when it’s said and done.
Bernard Brantley Guard (Bridgeport, CT)- Bernard is tough as nails and has the body frame that allows him to get to the tin whenever he wants. He gets out into the open floor and finishes with either hand. Right now he’s a combo guard with the ability to finish in traffic. I like some if his attributes.
Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Wayne, NJ November 8th and 9th for the New Jersey Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp. This camp hosted by the NJ Panthers should bring together to top grammar school players in the region. Basketball Spotlight will be on hand to bring you coverage of this top notch event.
