Grand Finale 12U Championship Recap: F.A.C.E.S. Raise The Banner!

F.A.C.E.S. Win Grand Finale Title

Christian Ford and Ray Montilous scored 15 points apiece as F.A.C.E.S. defeated the Gauchos 57-54 in overtime to win the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 12U Championship. Shamorie Pond and Jared Rivers both dropped 18 points in the loss for the Gauchos.

Spotlight Players

RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Cole brought his game to the Grand Finale. In the finals he drained 3 treys including a near half court buzzer beater at intermission. This weekend he had his game clicking on all cylinders. The lefty has the knack of finishing off plays on the break.

Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ford had a tough time finishing in the beginning of the contest but he made up for it by hitting the glass and making some tough free throws down the stretch. In overtime his 3 point play the old fashioned way was huge.

Ray Montilous Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ray attacked on the baseline and even pushed the rock the length of the floor on several occasions. His body control and ability to finish off plays was on full display. He’s developing his guard skills which will be important as he gets older.

Azzur Taylor Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor gave the squad huge minutes with his hustle and aggressiveness on defense. He played the passing lanes and had cause a lot of havoc on the press.


Sa’eed Nelson Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- His shot wasn’t falling so Nelson made up for it by getting steals and pushing the rock in transition. He dropped off several assist to teammates cutting to the cup.


Jared Rivers Guard (Gauchos)- Rivers was a warrior all weekend. The strong guard used his ball handling and strength to get to the cup. He has an array of moves and the ability to score well in traffic. Jared had a huge weekend.

Shamorie Ponds Guard (Gauchos)- Ponds started out quiet in the finals then nailed several treys to put The Choz back into the game. You know his stroke is pure and once the rock is in his hands his first step is quick as lightning.

Khalid Muhammad Guard (Gauchos)- This point guard caught my eye this weekend. He isn’t flashy but he has a nice floater and knows how to get teammates involved. We will watch his progress.


Jeff Hayden Forward (Gauchos)- I like this kid’s soft touch around the basket and he even will step out for a short set shot. The Gauchos will need Hayden to contribute more if they want to continue their success this weekend.

Stay Tune Inside The Grand Finale 12 and Under Including the All Tournament Team.

Grand Finale Day 1 Top Performers 13 U Division Part 1

Isiah Stills Was Outstanding This Morning!

The Grand Finale kicked off this morning and the 13U Division lived up to the hype thus far. Here’s a breakdown of the players that caught our attention.

13U Top Performers

Isiah Stills Forward (NJ Got Game)- Stills faced his old squad and put in serious work. His length caused all types of problems around the cup. He was a terror on the baseline stretching for several lay ups. He also looked very comfortable handling the pill.

Otis Livingston Guard (NJ Got Game)- The floor general led the attack from the perimeter he was an excellent playmaker getting everyone involved. He really showed his worth on defense lacking down opposing guards for 94 feet. This kid has a cleaver game.

Jameer Outsey Forward (NJ Got Game)- Outsey punished defenders in the paint. He got low post position and finished with a feathery touch. I like his size and strength but most of all his knack for rebounding and blocking shots. He could be a good one.

Chris Atkinson Guard (KYDA)- This was my first look at this kid and he was impressive. He pushes the rock like a blur and looks to create all the time. In transition he’s capable of finishing himself or dishing the rock. Watch out for him.

Justin Salem Guard (KYDA)- Salen was lights out as expected. His long range was on full display. He knocked down several treys while stretching the defense. He might be the best pure shooter in this age bracket.

Emmanuel Taylor Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor made his debut with the Boys In Black and held it down. He demanded the rock and scored with ease in their first contest. Defensively he clogs the lane and alters shots everywhere. What a pick up.

Trevaughn Wilkerson Forward (Team Final)- Wilkerson was once again a man amongst boys. He showed the ability to score further away from the basket with a face up jumper and hook shot. On defense he hit the boards hard and made it very difficult for driving guards.

Malik Ellison Guard (Team Final)- After a slow start Ellison picked it up and helped his team grab the win. He dished the rock to cutting teammates while also getting out into transition and scoring himself. I look forward to tomorrow when he matches up with NJ Got Game.

Jawan Debuse Guard (Linden Ballers)- Jawan went to work in both contest. He did damage from the perimeter and knifing through the lane. I also love his willingness to hit the glass for caroms. I see his game maturing right in front of my eyes.

Grand Finale Day 1 Top Performers 13U Division Part 2

Horace Spencer Can Be A Serious Prospect!

The hot action continued in the 13U division this afternoon. We got a chance to see some of the top talent in the region. Here’s a breakdown of the ballers that impressed us.

13U Division Top Performers Part 2

Horace Spencer Forward (Philly Aztecs)- I heard big things about Spencer and today I saw him in action. I must say this youngster has a load of potential and hasn’t even scratched the surface yet. The lanky forward looked good on the blocks but will eventually be a big time wing forward. His wing span is tremendous.

Chester Alexander Guard (Philly Aztecs)- Alexander’s penetration skills made things go for the Philly squad. He put tremendous pressure on the defense with dribble drives. He also caused numerous turnovers with ball pressure.

Tavon White Guard (Del Team Select)- White is a strong guard with good size and some explosive moves. He loves getting into the lane and using his strength to finish off plays. He has high scoring ability and is a serious competitor.

Marcus Floyd Guard (Del Team Select)- Floyd can stroke and run an offense if needed. He got into the seams of the defense and made things happen. He wasn’t afraid to travel into the land of the giants and get buckets.

Donovan Mitchell Guard (The City)- Mitchell has a chance to be big time. His size at the guard spot stands out on this level. He seems to always make the correct play and will only get better. Once he grows into his body it might be over for other guards.

Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (The City)- Once again Wolfgang helped the squad from the perimeter. He nailed 6 treys to open up a once close game. This youngster doesn’t fear the moment and loves to take the big shot. Today he came through in a big way.

Ronshord Allen-Shabazz Guard (Showtime All Stars)- The lefty has a strong frame and goes hard on both ends. His outside shot is decent and should only improve but he has the scoring ability you can’t teach.

Di-Antre James Guard (Showtime All Stars)- Another lefty for this North Carolina squad that excels in transition and has a nice stroke from the perimeter. His game is very fluid and he loves to put the rock in the hole.

Malik Maitland Guard (Gauchos)- The south had a crossover dribble that shook the defender out his boots. He was a huge factor this afternoon and continues to become a true floor general.


Mustafa Jones Forward (Gauchos)- The lanky forward did damage inside with his length. He blocked a couple of shots and hit the boards hard. His game is truly coming together so be on the look-out for him.

Jaquan McKennon Guard (Gauchos)- Jaquan showed some good signs today. He toned down the ball handling a bit instead concentrated on scoring with the floater and getting teammates involved.

Grand Finale Preview: 14 And Under Division

Can Team Nelson Keep Their Spotlight Streak Going?

The 14 and Under Division for the Grand Finale has some familiar faces and a few making their Spotlight debut. It’s a 12 team field so there should be a lot of interesting developments. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that will be in the building.

14 And Under Preview

Team Nelson: The Triple Crown Winners are back ready to defend their Grand Finale title. Their backcourt is tight with Nazier Chew and Kyle Coleman while Terrell Sturvidant will be patrolling the paint. Several teams are gunning for them.

Starrett City: The NYC Boys are making their Spotlight debut and many expect them to blow through the competition. Isiah Whitehead might be the best prospect in the region and Chance Ellis is a strong outside shooter. Welcome to the Spotlight!

Team NJ ABC: The NJ State Champs are back for another run. Their guard play is strong with Shaquan Worthy, Wade Baldwin and the return of Deante Cole. Kaison Randolph is still the Go To guy and should have a huge year.

Team Scan: The Newcomers Of The Year will not be able to sneak up on anyone this year. Kevin Seymour and Adeyinka Adams form a nice combination and their defense should hold them down. Scan seems to always be there when the smoke clears.

Team MVP: Isiah Powell came over from Team NJ ABC and should provide the scoring punch. I also like the way Nasier McCoy handles the pill and make plays. They are a stubborn squad.


Team Underrated: TU should be ready to return to their form of two years ago. Chris Davis is one of the top guards around and will be ready to turn it on. The field is thick but they should be ready for battle.

Brooklyn Ballers: This scrappy bunch brings the pain. Neuby Saint-Hillare is the inside force while Tyrone Johnson handles the guard duties. They will be a tough out for any squad.


Other Teams To Look Out For: NJ Pirates, Playtime, Visionary Sports Club, JSL Hoops and Mount Vernon

Grand Finale Preview: 13 And Under Division

Will Team Final Finally Win The Grand Finale?

The Grand Finale 13 and Under Division is very deep and talented. There will be several teams vying for the crown. Team Final is the early favorite but last year they were in the same position before they got knocked off. Here’s a preview of the tournament where anything can happen.

13 And Under Preview

Team Final: This squad really has a target on their back. They have the personnel to run through the field but it won’t be easy. Their quartet of Trevaughn Wilkerson, Malik Ellison, Lamar Kimble and Ray Lawry are among the best in America. This will be there first new test.

Team Takeover: This squad is anxious for a shot at Team Final. They also have a mean quartet of Bryant Crawford, Tony Blackwell, Jeff Duwhn and Keith Wormley. They are in search of their first Spotlight title but must get past a stubborn Gauchos team in their final pool game.

The City: This year they won’t be a secret. Now they are the hunted. Some player movement will give this team a different look but expect them to still make some noise. They are always a threat to win it all. Expect Mike Williams to have a huge tournament.

F.A.C.E.S.: The addition of Manny Taylor seems to be huge but I think this tourney might be the coming out party for Samir Taylor. His production will have to be higher for them to succeed. The Boys In Black have a date with KYDA in their final pool game.

Gauchos: The Choz are coming off a runner finish at the MDC and want to go all the way. Shake and Bake is back and should team with Davonte Green to form one of the top backcourts in the region. 2009 Coach Of The Year Science Mapp will have his boys ready.

NJ Got Game: On paper this squad has all the pieces. Trey Lowe, Isiah Stills, Otis Livingston and high scoring guard James Wright now grace the roster. The question is do they have enough time to develop chemistry for this event? They better act quickly because Team Final will be waiting in their last pool game.

KYDA: Well here we go Temple Gibbs, Bryce Aiken and Justin Salem return to the Spotlight after a year hiatus. They are with a new squad and the early report is they are ready for work. This trio will lead their team into battle with F.A.C.E.S. in their last pool game.

Philly Aztecs: This is one of the most dangerous teams in the tourney. They made some noise at the AAU Nationals and nearly won the Hoop Group Turkey Tipoff last weekend. Stevie Jordan and Dave Liggeons will be ready. I also heard they will have a surprise suiting up.

Other Teams To Watch Out For: Showtime All Stars, Linden Ballers, Team Underrated, SJ Blitz, Mid Jersey Heat, NYC Elite, Delaware Team Select, Team RIP City

Grand Finale Preview: 12 And Under Preview

Can Ponds Lead The Choz To Another Grand Finale Crown?

The 12 And Under Bracket at Grand Finale should be a dandy. The “Team Of The Year” Team Battle is not in the field so that leaves things wide open. Which squad will be ready to rise to the top and take home the crown? Here’s a preview of the squads that will be in Neptune.

12 and Under Preview

NYC Gauchos: The defending Grand Finale Champs had some player movement but should be ready to rock. Shamorie Ponds is suiting up and he can catch fire quickly. The Choz are always a tough out and nothing should change this weekend.

F.A.C.E.S: The Grand Finale runner ups are back with one of the quickest teams in the region. Their backcourt of RJ Cole, Sa’eed Nelson and Shyquan Gibbs are experienced and ready to take home their first Basketball Spotlight crown.

New Heights NYC: New Heights also are in the hunt from their first Spotlight banner. Rakym Felder is one of the most explosive guards in the country and a joy to watch. This could be there time to get everything together and take the trophies back to the Big Apple.

MABC Bengals: The Bengals bring their game down from Boston. Jamal Allen is one of the best forwards we saw last season and we only expect him to get better. The question is are they ready for their first “Spotlight Experience”.

Staten Island Ironmen: Formerly Ron Artest these youngsters are tough as nails and ready to go. Their guard play is always serious and they play defense end to end.

Playtime Panthers: Playtime is always a tough squad from the North Jersey area so look out. At anytime they can knock off any of the teams listed above.

NY Panthers: Coach Kat has gone back down to develop another group. He’s known for forming dominant squads on the grammar school level. We will see if this holds true.

Team Underrated: One thing is for certain, Team Underrated will leave everything on the floor. Can they pull off the upset? Well that’s what the Grand Finale is known for!

Grand Finale Rules And Regulations

Refunds:There will be no refunds for any team pulling out of this event.

Forfeits: Forfeits will be enforced to keep the games on time. Any teams that purposely forfeits because of non pool advancement will not be allowed to enter any other Basketball Spotlight Events.

Playing Times: All Games Use Stop Clocks

10U Division- 2 (12 Minutes Halves)
11U Division- 2 (13 Minute Halves)
12U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
13U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
14U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)

Fouls:
Foul Out- 5 Fouls
1-1 Bonus- 10 Fouls
Double Bonus- 13 Fouls

Game Time and Grace Period:
Each Team is responsible of being at the gym at least 15 minutes before their scheduled game. There will be no grace period allowed for any games. There will only be a 5 minute warm up time before the game and 2 minutes at halftime.

Time Outs:
There will two full timeouts a half (4 per game) for each team. No carry over and no 30 seconds time outs.

Uniforms: Each Team must have two sets of uniforms (light and dark).

Mercy Rule:
If a team is ahead by 20 points or more with 2 minutes remaining in the contest the game will be called at that point. The team ahead by 20 will be awarded the victory.

Player Ejections:
Any player ejected from a game will be suspended the next game. Any player involved in or ejected for fighting will be suspended the remainder of the tournament.

Birth Certificates:
All teams must have birth certificates for each player on their roster in case of a challenge. Each team will be allowed 3 grade exceptions. Grade Exceptions must have paperwork.

Challenges: Must be made before the game and will cost the challenging team $60.

Daily Admissions: $8 Adults $5 Kids (No Weekend Passes)

Tie Breaker Criteria (In Order):
1. Won-Loss Record
2. Head to Head Competition
3. Point System (Margin Of Victory)- Any team winning by more than 15 points will only be rewarded 15 points for the victory. So if you win by 20 points you still will be rewarded only 15 points.
4. Least Amount of Points allowed in Pool Play
5. Coin Flip

Attention: Any teams that don't complete the tournament including 3rd Place games will be subject to be omitted from future Basketball Spotlight Events.

Anything that's not covered in the above rules will be handled fairly by the tournament director.

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen Henriquez (New Jersey) Entry #9

Hello Basketball World

Happy Thanksgiving, this week was good!

Monday after school I came home to study and finish homework. Tuesday was a bit hectic. During the day we had a concert at our school for the holiday, which was good. After school I had tutoring, for the ISEE next month. After finally getting out of school at about five, I had a workout till 7 working on different aspects of my game. Wednesday was a helpful day because I got just stay home, study a little, and rest. I also went to see the Blind Side about the Ravens Left Tackle Michael Oher, this was one of the best movies I have ever seen, and I recommend it to everyone. Thursday being Thanksgiving, I ate a lot. I had a big lunch and an even bigger dinner finishing off the night watching football, I had a good time with the fam. Friday I stood home again and just relaxed while watching College Basketball, I watched my Duke Blue Devils beat the Connecticut Huskies in the NIT Season tip off championship. I was very happy with Duke's play and think they will have a great season. Saturday and Sunday I hung out with some friends while doing schoolwork and a few workouts. Speaking of workouts, as of last week Tuesday I am on my own to work out. I can no longer work out with any of my AAU teammates, that reason being because all of them are in high school and their school seasons has begun. It would be a violation for me to workout at a high school being the 8th grade, I do plan to attend a few of the high school games as a spectator cheering my teammates on at the varies high schools. I am also excited for this week, being the start of my middle school season. Although it is not very competitive it’s more of me having fun playing center slash guard.



Young One...Out

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale Hotel Listing

Below are the listings for Hotels in the Neptune, NJ Area. Make your reservations quickly as these places are likely to fill up quickly.

Laquinta Inn
109 Rt. 36
Long Branch, NJ
732-403-8700 ($119 Double Beds)
Indoor Pool and Hot Tub

Holiday Inn Tinton Falls
700 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: 732-544-9300

Marriot Residence Inn Neptune
230 Jumping Brook Rd
Neptune City, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-643-9350
Official site: www.residenceinn.com

Days Inn Neptune
3310 Hwy 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-643-8888
Official site: www.daysinn.com

Courtyard Wall at Monmouth Shores Corporate Park
1302 Campus Pkwy
Neptune City, NJ 07753
800-804-6835

Residence Inn by Marriott Tinton Falls
90 Park Rd
Eatontown, NJ 07724
800-804-6835

Extended Stay America Red Bank - Middletown
329 Newman Springs Rd
Red Bank, NJ 07701
800-804-6835

Sheraton Eatontown Hotel
6 Industrial Way E
Eatontown, NJ 07724
800-804-6835

Courtyard by Marriott Tinton Falls
600 Hope Rd
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
800-804-6835

Comfort Inn Middletown
750 Route 35
Middletown, NJ 07748
800-804-6835