Basketball Spotlight 13U Award Winners

Youth Interlock Finihsed #9 In The Country

The 13U AAU division had some interesting stories and action. Basketball Spotlight has chosen its awards winners and would like to congratulate all of them. Here’s the final breakdown of the season for this age group.

Team Of The Year

Youth Interlock: This team was assembled to win it all. They came up a little short but ran through many squads in their quest. They conquered several tournaments including the Mid Atlantic Regionals in dominating fashion. They finished #9 in the country.

Player Of The Year

Shepard Garner: Few youngsters brought the intensity, focus and production like Garner. Having talent is one thing but Shepard’s will to win is special. On several occasions I witnessed his demeanor lift the spirit of his teammates which is the sign of a star. Keep working hard young man.


Coach Of The Year

Malik Walker: After losing a talent like Garner many programs would be on the verge of folding but Walker rallied his troops. His Team Nelson crew won the Triple Crown and finished 3rd in their competitive region. He did a great job.



Sportsmanship Award

Matt Reiss: After playing the entire MDC tourney with a cracked rib Reiss was a no-brainer for this award. During that tourney he helped his crew get all the way to the finals. He showed true guts.




Best Play Maker

Nazier Chew: Chew gave Team Nelson a shot in the arm once he joined the squad. His ability to push the rock and create opportunities propelled them to a few pieces of hardware.

Best Defender

Austin Tilghman: This kid tries to use his power and smartness to lock down the top player from the other squad. Tilghman is willing to dig down deep while also moving his feet to get the job done.
Best Shooter

Jake Dadika: This kid has tremendous range and great accuracy once he lets it go. He led his team to a solid season while not backing down from any opposing guards. Keep an eye on this kid.

Best Scorer

Adeyinka Adams: This combo guard always finds away to fill it up. His mid range game and ability to finish at the cup makes him a dangerous player at all times. He scores the rock quickly and in bunches.

Best Backcourt:

Shaquan Worthy, Isiah Powell and Wade Baldwin: Team NJ ABC was one of the smallest teams in the region but their backcourt play brought them a NJ State title. Any team that faced them can attest to this.

Best 1st Year Program

Team Scan: Coach Williams’s crew came out of nowhere and took home several titles. They traveled the East Coast and represented to the fullest. They are a dangerous program.

Most Improved

Isiah Powell: Powell came out this season and lit up the scoreboards. His shooting ability and improved dribble drive game stood out. Once again he should be considered one of the top guards in the region.

13U Final Rankings

1. Youth Interlock
2. Juice All Stars
3. Gauchos
4. Team Nelson
5. Team Kobe
6. Team Scan
7. Team Final
8. Team NJ ABC
9. Philly Select
10. Team Underrated

Basketball Spotlight 12U Award Winners

Team Final Takes Top Prize

The 12U Division this year was very competitive. I got a chance to watch some serious talent and terrific games. Basketball Spotlight has chosen its awards winners and would like to congratulate all of them. Here’s the final breakdown of the season for this age group.

Team Of The Year

Team Final: This Mid Atlantic Powerhouse won the Clash For The Cup, Atlantic City Showcase and the Mid Atlantic AAU Regionals. During the 12U Nationals they made a run to the Sweet 16 before getting clipped by the #3 team in the country.

Player Of The Year

Trevaughn Wilkerson: Wilkerson was the most dominant player in the region period. On the offensive end his improved footwork and touch made him impossible to defend. Then on the defensive end he was a human fly swatter. He blocked and altered shots on a regular basis.



Coach Of The Year

Science Mapp: Mapp faced some early changes with his squad but still guided them to win the Metropolitan AAU crown and runner up finishes at the Grand Finale and MDC. He made sure the Gauchos always had a shot to win it all.

Sportsmanship Award

Mike Williams: Williams is a tough competitor and was one of the biggest reasons The City were so successful. He scored the rock, made passes and played good defense. Mike did whatever his squad needed to get victories. Finally, I like his demeanor on the floor and the way he conducted himself.

Best Play Maker

Malik Ellison: Ellison moved to more of a point guard role and concentrated on running the squad. When things got serious Malik was capable of switching gears and turning up his scoring effort. Ellison’s future looks bright and we will be watching for the next few years.

Best Scorer

Myles Powell: This kid from the Blitz just can flat out get buckets. He has a natural knack for scoring and will pull the trigger against any squad or from anywhere in the gym. When his shots are falling it’s like he’s in a zone.

Best Backcourt

Ray Lawry, Malik Ellison and Lamar Kimble: The Team Final backcourt set the stage on both ends of the floor. They forced many teams into turnovers and then punished them by pushing the rock down their throats.


Most Improved

Jack Laffy: Laffy had the skill set last season but this year his improved intensity was apparent. While playing with F.A.C.E.S. Laffy was a true warrior on the post and played the game with great passion.

Best Defender

Ray Lawry: Lawry used his strength and speed to hound ball handlers while also roaming the passing lanes. Most guards at this level weren’t physically ready for his onslaught so turnovers were frequent. This kid was a pest.

Best Shooter

Justin Salem: This kid has accurate range from anywhere in the gym. Once he sets his feet you can count it the books. Salem showed his outside shooting ability all season especially during the NJ State tourney.

Best 1st Year Program

The City: These guys went out and captured some hardware including the MLK Classic, Never Nervous Invitational and most recently the AAU Nationals Classic title. Excellent job guys.


Showcase or Camp Award

Perry Dozier Jr.: Hey the kid went two both All American Camps and walked away as the #1 player each time. His talent was on full display and many regard him as the top player in this class. We look forward to seeing at Spotlight events next season.

12U Final Rankings

1. Team Final
2. U Turn Warriors
3. DC Assault
4. The City
5. Team Takeover
6. Gauchos
7. King Street Kings
8. F.A.C.E.S.
9. Linden Ballers
10. SJ Blitz

Diary Of A Baller: Jordan Forehand Entry #25

Hello Basketball World!

It's your boy Jordan. I just completed the Basketball Spotlight All-Star game this past weekend. Mike Melton did a great job in organizing this event. There were a lot of talented players from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. I played on the North team, unfortunately we lost to the South team 110-102. We fell behind early and got it close, but could not pull it out. Maybe we can get a reunion game for next year. Good luck this coming school year to all of players who participated. Thanks also for our North team coach, Rob Engemann and Mike Farrelly for the South team.

My thanks go out to Mike Melton for presenting me with the Scholar-Athlete Award. It was truly an honor and a surprise!

I can't believe that the summer is just about over. Next week will be my last week for writing on the Basketball Spotlight blog. It has been a great experience and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. It will also be my chance to announce where I am going to high school. After a lot of thought, the decision has been made.

Stay tuned!

J4-Out
11-17-94

Basketball Spotlight 11U Award Winners

Team Battle: 11U Team Of The Year!

The 11U Division was very interesting and exciting all year. Basketball Spotlight has chosen its awards winners and would like to congratulate all of them. Here’s the final breakdown of the season for this age group.

Team Of The Year

Team Battle: What else needs to be said TB won the Atlantic City Showcase, Clash For The Cup, Memorial Day Classic, MLK Classic, NJ State Tournament and finished an astounding #3 in the country. This was truly their year.

Player Of The Year

Tyus Battle: Many defenses focused on this kid and he still managed to one of the most dominant players in the region. He is very talented for his age and has a huge basketball IQ. If he continues to develop he has a chance to be a very special player in the future.


Coach Of The Year

Gary Battle: Coach Battle guided is troops through some intensive tournaments. After being knocked off during the Grand Finale he rebounded his squad to sweep the rest of the Spotlight tourneys among many others. His #3 finish went down in Jersey 11U history.



Sportsmanship Award

Sa’eed Nelson: Nelson came over to F.A.C.E.S. and made an immediate impact. He showed true durability playing up an age level and taking many lumps. He hit the ground on several occasions but fought back like a true champion.




Best Play Maker

Anthony Mr. Cowans: The DC Assault floor general simply makes it happen. He gets to the hole whenever he wants and can light up a score board quickly. He was simply the engine to this high powered machine.

Best Backcourt

RJ Cole and Sa’eed Nelson: This 10U backcourt got the nod because they performed at a high level while playing up an age group. They gave opponents fits with their hounding defense and offensive prowess.

Best Scorers

Rakym Felder: This lefty from New Heights NYC proved he could score on anybody team in the country. During the DC Assault Classic he torched opponents while averaging close to 27 points per game. He’s capable of punching in 30 points each time he touches the floor.

Shamorie Ponds: Ponds play was one of the major reasons the Gauchos had a great start to the season. The southpaw is one of the purest scorers in the region and loves to have the rock in his hands when the game is on the line.

Best Shooter

Reggie Gardner: Even when this kid misses his shots still look good. I love his form and confidence. His high arching bombs can break the spirit of any teams they are facing. This kid can flat out shoot the rock.

Best Defender

Brandon Randolph: This kid's speed and long arms allow him to excel when playing the passing lanes. He specializes in getting steals during the press and helping his squad get easy buckets. Look for him to have a bright future.


Most Improved

Darius Gillon: Few can argue about the improvement of this kid. His inside presence and dominance propelled TB to many tournament victories. His post moves have improved which caused his confidence to soar through the roof.


Showcase Or Camp Award

Jamir Harris: Harris traveled to the Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp and came away with the #1 ranking. The lanky forward has a serious upside and will be tough to deal with in years to come.

11U Final Rankings

1. Team Battle
2. DC Assault
3. F.A.C.E.S.
4. New Heights NYC
5. Gauchos
6. Sam Cassell All Stars
7. Team Takeover
8. King Street Kings
9. MABC
10. KBR Raptors

Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic Recap: South Outlast North

Howard Sellers Took Home MVP Honors

Howard Sellers scored 20 points including 4 treys and Conrad Chambers added 15 markers as the South All Stars defeated the North All Stars 110-102 to win the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic. Jason Boswell and Ramone Gibbons finished with 15 points apiece in the loss.

MVP (South Squad)

Howard Sellers Guard (Coatesville, PA)- Sellers was on fire and let everyone knows that he is a force to be reckoned with. He went to work letting loose long trey balls with great accuracy. He also was able to create his own shot off the dribble by using slick moves to create space. The kid played with great passion and effectiveness.

MVP (North Squad)

Ramone Gibbons Guard (Boston, MA)- Gibbons took the ride down I95 and represented. He added a few pounds of muscle and used it to his advantage. He maneuvered in the lane and dropped a few floaters above shot blockers. This was an All Star Classic but Gibbons went hard like it was a championship game.

Other Top Performers

South Squad

Conrad Chambers Guard (Chester, PA)- Chambers proved once again that he can get to the tin anytime he wants. The shifty guard excels in the transition game thus this event is right up his alley. Once he got past the first line of defense he stretched out for tough lay ups in traffic. He was also in the running for MVP.

Austin Colbert Forward (Chesapeake, VA)- Brace yourself NJ because this kid is going to cause havoc the next few years. The 6’8 live body showed all facets of his game. Of course he showed he could go above the rim but he also displayed his ability to put the rock on the floor and shoot the trey ball. Colbert has potential oozing out of his veins and with the training and development from St. Pats. The sky is the limit.

Britton Lee Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Lee played with a great burst energy all game. He got after it on defense and pushed the ball like a blur on offense. Lee got into the lane and hot a couple pull up jumpers while even attempted to throw down a dunk.

John Davis Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Davis was a work horse on the glass once again. He punished the North players inside and basically out hustled them. I like his demeanor and post game in this stage of his career. He should have a good high school career.

Semaj Reed Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Reed ran the floor very well for his size. He also was able to show some outside touch in the mid range area and behind the arc. He understood that this was not a post up type of game and wandered on the perimeter with the guards.

Aaron McGlawn Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- McGlawn was looking to score the rock and made it happen in transition. He got out on the break and scored a few uncontested lay ups.

North Squad

Jaren Sina Guard (Lake Hopatcong, NJ)- I like Sina’s swagger and confidence against some the top defenders in the region. He nailed a few treys and created some opportunities for teammates. He definitely seems like he’s ready to go and run someone’s high school team.

Jason Boswell Forward (Bronx, NY)- Boswell had his moments in the lane extending for lay ups over traffic. His outside shot had good range but he does need to work on his release point. All in all I think he will be a top notch prospect in years to come.

Will Joyce Forward (Newark, NJ)- Joyce didn’t light up the scoreboards but his length and hustle was on full display. I tried to grab every rebound in sight and did convert a couple of buckets near the cup.

Kavon Stewart Guard (Paterson, NJ)- Stewart’s play in the second half helped the North Squad get back into the game. He lefty raced pass defenders and dropped off a few dimes. His competitive nature came out and it inspired his team.

Reggie Cameron Forward (Hackensack, NJ)- Cameron drained a few jumpers and was able to score a bit in the lane. He also got a taste of the size he will face on the high school level thus he should use this off season to improve his speed and agility. But look for him to still shine.

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All Star Classic Final Analysis

The Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic and Awards Ceremony was a success. We would like to thank all the participants and congratulate the award recipients. We also would like to thank the other scouting services that were attendance including Jay Gomes of NJ Hoops, Alex Schwartz of North Star Recruiting Service and a representative from Phillyhoops.net. Reports from the scouting services are linked below. Again we would like to thank everyone involved including the sponsors Converse and Summit Training Facility.

NJ Hoops (Rivals) Recap

North Star Scouting Service Recap

We will see everybody at the Grand Finale.