Inside The Clash For The Cup 14U: Starrett City Settles Any Doubt!

Starrett City Proves A Point!

Inside The Clash For The Cup 14U

Starrett City Settles Any Doubt!

At the Clash For The Cup #1 Starrett City battled #2 Youth Interlock to determine who was the best team in the region. The Brooklyn Boys not only won the title but managed to get past Youth Interlock twice this weekend. The first encounter SC caught YI a little short handed in the first half and propelled to a victory. In the finals a fully loaded Youth Interlock sought redemption but again came up short. Nuff said, Starrett City is the best 14U team in the Northeast United States.

Top Performers

Chance Ellis Forward (Starrett City)- Ellis stung YI in their first meeting draining several treys and made it hard for them to concentrate on Isisah Whitehead. Once he sets his feet just mark down 3 in the books. He made them pay for playing their zone defense.

Timmy Quashie Guard (Starrett City)- Timmy showed his game during pool play and the playoffs. His power allowed him to score in transition and help out on the glass. Once he penetrated the defense he used crisp dribble moves to get around shot blockers. He performed great on the stage.

Thomas Holley Forward (Starrett City)- You can’t leave out the big fella. Holley did damage inside by moving bodies and creating foul trouble for the opposition. His wide frame and hustle helps him make up for not being very athletic. He spent most of the weekend at the charity stripe.

Nazier Chew Guard (Team Nelson)- Chew once again shined while leading TN to another Final Four appearance. He cut through the defense like a knife through hot butter. The field was tough but his play and leadership guided the troops.

Terrell Sturdivant Forward (Team Nelson)- This youngster gets better each time out. He towered over the defense this weekend while continuing to develop his perimeter skills. I’m telling you to watch this kid his potential is scary.

Mahir Johnson Guard (Team Nelson)- Johnson found his perimeter stroke in Neptune. He torched Team Rebels for 3 treys and hit up KSK for 17 markers. His shooting definitely helped TN succeed.



Naim Thomas Guard (Team Scan)- Thomas looked very good this weekend. He’s about 85% back from his injury and his team benefitted. Naim beat defenders off the dribble and knocked down a few pull ups. On defense his foot movement has gotten better and he’s running the floor with more confidence.

Nassir Barrino Guard (Team Scan)- Barrino came down and put in work as usual. He has grown a few inches and added some muscle since last season. His game also has improved in terms of his decision making and shot selection. In fact in the Final Four game I think he was a little too unselfish.

14U Clash For The Cup All Tournament Team
Isaiah Whitehead (Starrett City)- MVP
Mike Silverthorn (Starrett City)
Anthony Williams (Starrett City)
Chance Ellis (Starret City)
Timmy Quashie (Starrett City)
Thomas Holley (Starrett City)
Shepard Garner (Youth Interlock)- Sportsmanship
Malachai Richardson (Youth Interlock)
Rashann London (Youth Interlock)
Nazier Chew (Team Nelson)
Terrell Sturdivant (Team Nelson)
Tavid McIntosh (Team Nelson)
Neuby Saint Hillare (New Heights)
Devin Wilson (New Heights)
Tavid McIntosh (New Heights)
Naim Thomas (Team Scan)
Nassir Barrino (Team Scan)

Inside The Clash For The Cup 13U: KYDA Gets Over The Top!

KYDA Has The Cup!

Inside The Clash For The Cup 13U

KYDA Gets Over The Top

KYDA was waiting for another shot at Team Final after falling to them in the Grand Finale. From the outset you could see the NJ/NY team was focused and determined to get the win. KYDA got off an early lead and Team Final made a strong run. But in the end KYDA pulled away to win the championship and take “The Cup” to North Jersey.

Top Performers

Mike Williams Guard (The City)- Williams had a remarkable tournament. He was well on his way to MVP honors if they could have pulled off the championship run. He got into the lane whenever he wanted and has added some wiggle to his handle. This weekend he emerged as probably the top guard in the building.




Wolfgang Novagratz Guard (The City)- Wolfie was scrappy and nailing jumpers this weekend. I also enjoyed watching give instruction to teammates and his willingness to compete. Any coach would love to have him on their squad.





Donovan Mitchell Guard (The City)- I really got a chance to see how long Mitchell really is. He displayed a versatile game which included him hitting the glass and converting in traffic. He had a serious offensive outburst against the Mid Jersey Heat in the quarterfinals.




Trey Lowe Guard (NJ Got Game)- Lowe got off offensively this weekend. He got out into transition and used his body to shield shot blockers on his way to the goal. As he gets older he will have to get stronger in order to take the physical aspect of the game. But the talent is definitely there.

Otis Livingston Guard (NJ Got Game)- You have to love this kids ball handling he could probably dribble through a key hole. Once Livingston gets into the teeth of the defense something good is bound to happen. He’s a true floor general.

Kevin Alexis Guard (Team MVP)- Many spectators asked me about Alexis. The southpaw has a silky smooth handle and will shake a defender out of their sneakers. On this squad he carries the scoring load and delivered this weekend.

Gilberto Cue Guard (King Street Kings)- Cue looked good running the point this weekend. I was surprised with his understanding of the position after watching him playing the post last season. He did damage running the team and scoring the pill.

Da’Shon Barnes Guard (Team Rebels)- This southpaw was tough to stop once he got into the lane. He’s very strong on this level and has the natural knack for scoring the rock. He plays the game with that Chester, PA toughness.


Clash For The Cup 13U All Tournament Team
Justin Salem (KYDA)- MVP
Manny Taylor (KYDA)
Bryce Aiken (KYDA)
Temple Gibbs (KYDA)
Trevaughn Wilkerson (Team Final)
Malik Ellison (Team Final)
Lamont Kimble (Team Final)
Vaughn Covington (Team Final)
Mike Williams (The City)
Wolfgang Novogratz (The City)
Donovan Mitchell (The City)
Trey Lowe (NJ Got Game)
Otis Livingston (NJ Got Game)

Inside The Clash For The Cup 12U: Is New Heights The New 12U Kings?

New Heights Reaches New Heights!

Inside The Clash For The Cup 12U

New Heights Gets It Done!

New Heights NYC picked up their first Basketball Spotlight crown by winning the Clash For The Cup. The Big Apple squad looked very impressive this weekend by running away from the competition. Rakym Felder was excellent and performed like the top player in the region. This was an great start for Greg Tejadi’s crew. Right they should be the favorite to repeat as the Metropolitan AAU champs.

Team Battle Playing Up!

The buzz around the Clash was the fact that Team Battle played in the 13U bracket. Many of the 12U coaches expressed the interest of playing against the #3 team in the country. Well they will get their shot because Team Battle will return to the 12U Division for the Atlantic City Showcase. Coach Battle seems ready "Be careful what you wish for" Battle said. This should make things very interesting Easter Weekend in America’s Playground.

Top Performers
George Pena Guard (Team Scan)- Pena made his Scan debut and went straight to work. The southpaw floor general showed his penetration skills and ability to get the team going in transition. In his teams overtime win against NJ Got Game Pena took over the scoring load down the stretch.

Korey Dunson Forward (Team Scan)- Dunson is a nice size wing forward that will hammer the boards and handle the rock. He did most of his offensive work along the baseline and in the lane. On defense he also was a problem inside.

Jeff Hayden Forward (Team Scan)- Hayden also got involved inside for Team Scan. I like his foot work and soft touch around the tin. He played with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor. Keep an eye on him.

Daveyon Barnes Forward (Sam Cassell All Stars)- Baby Shaq showed a lot of promise as a prospect. He has good size and will hit the glass at anytime. I was really impressed with his coordination as a young post player. This is a name we will hear for years to come trust me.

Everett Winchester Guard (Sam Cassell All Stars)- This smooth guard can do it all. He plays either guard spot and loves creating opportunities for his teammates. He also seems to have a high basketball IQ and the willingness to do whatever it takes to win.

Dajuan Honeyblue Guard (Sam Cassell All Stars)- Honeyblue is the spark plug for this group. He pushes the pill down the throat of the defense while scoring or passing near the cup. On defense he loves applying full court pressure.

Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ford had a solid weekend for F.A.C.E.S.. The lefty converted several put backs and filled the lane in transition. His confidence was definitely flowing and it showed in his play.

Ray Montilous Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Montilous also stepped for the Newark, NJ squad. He drove past post defenders for buckets or trips to the charity stripe. I also see him getting more comfortable handling the pill on the perimeter.

Joshua Sharkey Guard (Philly Triple Threat)- It seems Philly has another nice point guard on the horizon in Sharkey. He has swift moves and the pass first mentality. He gave defenders fits with his ball handling and decision making.

Clash For The Cup 12U All Tournament Team
Rakym Felder (New Heights)- MVP
Terrell Turner (New Heights)
Jakeem Sturgis (New Heights)
Nyrique Smith (NJ Got Game)- Sportsmanship
Jagan Mosley (NJ Got Game)
Khalif Crawford (NJ Got Game)
George Pena (Team Scan)
Korey Dunson (Team Scan)
Jeff Hayden (Team Scan)
Christian Ford (F.A.C.E.S.)
Ray Montilous (F.A.C.E.S.)
Everett Winchester (Sam Cassell All Stars)
Dajaun Honeyblue (Sam Cassell All Stars)
Daveyon Barnes (Sam Cassell All Stars)
Joshua Sharkey (Philly Triple Threat)
Kashan Morgan (KBR)
Tom OReilly (KBR)
Marquise Ellington (KBR)

Trevaughn Wilkerson Dunks At Clash For The Cup!

Trevaughn Wilkerson showed his athleticism by making a block, handling the rock and finishing the play off with a big time dunk.

Clash For The Cup 14U Recap: Starrett City Has The Juice!

Starrett City Continues Winning Ways!

Isaiah Whitehead scored a game high 20 including 2 treys and Mike Silverthorn added 12 markers as Starrett City defeated Youth Interlock 63-53 to win the Clash For The Cup 14U Title. Shepard Garner finished with 14 points in defeat.

Championship Game Top Performers

Isaiah Whitehead Guard (Starrett City)- In the finals Whitehead stepped up. He started the game off with a long trey and went to work from there. This was his second match up with Shep Garner and this time he played like he had something to prove. This was the big stage and he delivered the championship to Brooklyn.

Mike Silverthorn Forward (Starrett City)- Silverthorn made some serious contributions in the finals. He knocked down a couple of treys and scored in traffic. He’s a good fit for this squad because he’s great at playing his role.

Anthony Williams Guard (Starrett City)- Williams ran the point the entire weekend against some brutal competition. His game isn’t flashy but he’s very effective directing traffic and passing the rock. I was very impressed with his play.

Shep Garner Guard (Youth Interlock)- Garner didn’t back down from the match up with Whitehead. The athletic wing guard pushed the rock and attacked the rim on several occasions. His intensity and willingness to play both ends of the floor will take him a long way.

Malachai Richardson Guard (Youth Interlock)- Richardson also finished with 14 while knocking down 4 treys. This is the best I’ve seen him play for YI. He seemed very comfortable and was in the flow. When his shot is falling he’s a headache for the opposition.

Rashann London Guard (Youth Interlock)- London continues to add pieces to his game. He showed some improved ball handling and excelled in the open floor finishing off plays. I think his upside is tremendous.

Stay Tuned For Inside The Clash For The Cup Including All Tournament Team And Top Performers

Clash For The Cup 13U Recap: KYDA Gets It Done!

KYDA Wins The Cup!

Justin Salem scored 15 points as KYDA defeated Team Final 43-34 to won the Clash For The Cup 13U Championship. Malik Ellison finished with 11 points in the loss.

Championship Game Top Performers

Justin Salem Guard (KYDA)- Wow, Salem was determined to help his team get the win. He hit a big trey and ran the floor while scoring in transition. I was impressed with the toughness he showed during this grueling contest. There might not be a better pure shooter in the region.

Emmanuel Taylor Forward (KYDA)- Taylor seemed to be the X Factor in this contest. His ability to slow down TF guards’ penetration and make Trevaughn Wilkerson work for shots slowed down TF offense at times. His presence was felt.

Temple Gibbs Guard (KYDA)- He didn’t score much but Gibbs made a few plays that were vital in KYDA pulling out the win. He stepped up for the challenge when it counted.



Malik Ellison Guard (Team Final)- Ellison was a true floor general this weekend. He didn’t force the action and looked for open teammates. In transition he used his fundamental skills to finish off plays.

Trevaughn Wilkerson Forward (Team Final)- Wilkerson held his own in his matchup with Taylor. He was able to alter a few shots and hit the glass for boards. He seems to add something new to his game every time out. He’s a big time prospect.

Lamar Kimble Guard (Team Final)- Kimble had a quiet first half but woke in the second stanza to pull his team close. Once he got into attack mode he penetrated along the baseline and converted a few buckets.

Clash For The Cup 12U Recap: New Heights Win Cup!

New Heights Are Crowned As Champs!

Rakym Felder poured in 32 points as New Heights defeated NJ Got Game 52-45 to win the Clash For The Cup 12U Championship. Nyrique Smith finished with 18 points for NJ Got Game in the loss.

Championship Game Top Performers

Rakym Felder Guard (New Heights)- Felder was always a natural scorer but he seems to have added some pieces to his game. His handle has improved and now he understands when he should post a smaller defender. I also love the way he put his moves together to get around the defense. He’s a real force at this level.

Jakeem Sturgis Forward (New Heights)- Sturgis play was very vital to NH success. He’s a live body on both ends of the floor and even showed some ball handling ability. This effort must continue for NH to keep winning.

Terrell Turner Forward (New Heights)- Turner did all the dirty work by banging the boards on both ends and clogging up the middle. He took advantage of the attention drawn to Felder while cashing in on scoring opportunities.

Nyrique Smith Guard (NJ Got Game)- Smith made his Spotlight debut at this age group and was very impressive. His court vision stood out and when his team needed a spark in the finals he scored the rock. The stage was set and he stepped up.

Khalif Crawford Guard (NJ Got Game)- This weekend Crawford showed he could really shoot the pill. Against Team Scan he blacked out for 7 treys. His offensive game has really improved and we will be charting his progress.

Stay Tuned For Inside The Clash For The Cup featuring The All Tournament Team and Top Performers.

Clash For The Cup 11U Recap: Team Battle Adds Hardware

Team Battle Wins Another Crown!

Aaron Clarke scored 17 points including 3 treys and Nate Pierre Louis added 13 markers added 13 markers as Team Battle defeated Philly Triple Threat 46-38 to win the Clash For The Cup 11 and Under Championship. Khalil Parker finished with 13 points in the loss.

Championship Game Top Performers

Nate Pierre-Louis Guard (Team Battle)- Pierre-Louis took home MVP honors because he’s a true force in this age group. The combo guard dribbles and finishes with either hand comfortably. He also played 2 ages up with the older Team Battle squad and was a factor. Keep an eye on this youngster!

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team Battle)- The southpaw connected from deep on several occasions. His stroke was sweet and on time. I love his demeanor and the way he hustles on the floor.


David Kachelries Guard (Team Battle)- This crafty point guard caught my eye with his ball handling and ability to set up teammates. He sees the floor well and knows how to penetrate the gaps.


Matthew Kachelries Guard (Team Battle)- Battle made it to the finals after Matt’s buzzer beater in the semifinals. His game is similar to his twin brothers in terms of handling the rock and creating for teammates.

Lucas Hudson Guard (Team Battle)- Hudson also brought his game to this event. The floor general knows how to run the show and he’s good at giving verbal instructions to teammates. He’s a pesky kid.


Khalil Parker Guard (Philly Triple Threat)- I love the way Parker penetrates and drop dimes. He has the flair and the game to keep the crowd buzzing. His handling is something to watch.


Trevon Duval Guard (Philly Triple Threat)- Talking about buzzer beaters Duval knocked down the game winner against We Run in the semifinals. He has a sick handle and can create his own shot. This kid has some talent.

Stay Tuned For Inside The Clash For The Cup featuring The All Tournament Team and Top Performers.