Mid Atlantic AAU Final Four Preview: 14U Division

Can Youth Interlock Relive The Magic From Last Year?

This weekend Basketball Spotlight will be traveling over to Tri-State Sports Complex for the Mid Atlantic AAU Final Four. We are very excited about seeing this top talent on the floor. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that will be in action.

Mid Atlantic AAU Final Four Preview 14U Division:

Youth Interlock: YI appears to be a little less dominant than last season but still are heavy favorites. A semifinal run at the King James Classic may have given them the test run they needed to repeat as champs.

Team Nelson: This season TN sought out a tougher schedule and it may have paid dividends. They seem tougher on the defensive end and won the Silver Division title at the King James Tourney. They are hungry for a shot at YI in the finals but they can’t look past a dangerous AGame Elite team.

AGame Elite: After losing Brandon Austin, AGame Elite hit a stumbling block. At the AGame Super Shootout they seem to have brought things back together with a semifinal run. Right now they are a dangerous squad with nothing to lose.

Philly Aztecs: The Aztecs showed promise early on and are ready to shake up the Final Four. They have a few strong scoring guards and some physical post players. This is definitely a team that YI can’t afford to sleep on.

Isaiah Powell Heads To The Hun School

Isaiah Powell one of the top shooting guards in the Garden State has decided to take his talent to the Hun School of Princeton, NJ. Powell currently plays with Team NJ ABC and recently had good showings at the AC Showcase, NJ State Tourney and AGame Super Shootout. Powell’s father and former coach Nelson was comfortable with his son’s decision. “It came down to Princeton Day School, Solebury Prep and Hun. We went with Hun because he was wanted to go there. He has been attending their basketball camp since second grade. After talking it over with my wife it was the best fit” said Nelson.

Speaking of fit the elder Powell feels his son will be getting the best of both worlds. “Most importantly he will be getting a top notch education because of their curriculum and small class sizes. On the basketball court they run a structured offense which will benefit my son’s game and future” Powell finished. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Isaiah and his family on attending this great institution. We will keep you updated on his progress and other Class of 2014 players concerning the high schools they select.

Diary Of A Baller: Anthony "Champ" Mosely (Delaware) Entry #19

What’s up bballspotlight it’s your boy Champ coming at you with the highlights of my week. My week started off with practice Tuesday and Friday to get ready to play in the Baltimore Elite tournament in Chantilly VA Mother’s Day weekend. This weekend the whole family made the trip, which is unusual considering my brother plays ball and my sister sings, dances, and plays ball. But this weekend my brother’s team was in the same tournament and my sister didn’t have anything to do. It was a great weekend.

Saturday we opened the tournament against the Fairfax Stars out of VA. We led that game from start to finish and cruised to victory. Our second game Saturday we played the Metro Hawks from NY. The NY kids came out playing tough and at the half we were up by a few points. But in the second half we got it going and pulled away from them for the victory. Those two victories gave us first place in our pool and into the playoff rounds. Our quarterfinal game was scheduled for 10:30pm Saturday night. This was a first for me to play that late and it was against our nemesis DC Team Takeover. We beat them a few weeks ago in Pittsburgh in the semifinals with a buzzer beater and they came out looking for revenge. They took an early 20-5 lead and were cruising until about 10 minutes left in the game when we started our assault. We scratched and clawed our way back into the game. With 1.6 seconds on the clock we fouled their guard down by 1 to put him on the line. He hit the first and missed the second. I grabbed the rebound and hit ahead to Corey at half court and he drained the 3 at the buzzer for the victory 54-53. What a victory to advance to Semifinals on Sunday.

Sunday we played another top-notch program The Playaz from NJ in the semifinal game. The last time we saw them we beat them in there own Blow Up tournament 2009 and knew they wanted some get back. We were just too much for them this time around as we came out with guns blazing and cruised to victory to play in the championship game. In the championship game we played a team named Expressions we heard they where from Boston. In the championship we played really well, I think we are starting to gel as a unit and on our way to more championships as we handily defeated this good team to win our first championship of the season. It was a good feeling for me considering we had lost the championship game in our last two tournaments. Check back next week for results of this weekend’s tournament the DC Assault hosted Take Your Best Shot.

One On One Feat. Dale "DJ" Tyree (All Ohio Red)

Dale “DJ” Tyree is a flashy point guard that enjoys giving the crowd a show. In Ohio at the Best Of The Best Showcase he ran the show for the All Ohio Red. After watching his cross a few defenders and drop a few dimes we sat down with him for a conversation. Here’s our One On One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
DT: Galloway Ridge Middle School (Columbus, OH).

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
DT: Kobe Bryant, he’s a leader and knows how to win.

BS: What are the strong points of your game?
DT: My heart and toughness.

BS: What part of your game needs the most work?
DT: My outside shot.

BS: What is your dream college?
DT: Kansas, I love how the coach motivates the players.

BS: Who’s your favorite rapper?
DT: LiL Wayne by far.

BS: If you have dinner with one famous person, who would you select?
DT: Tiger Woods because I would like to learn about his passion for winning.

Under The Radar: Joshua Carter (Linden Ballers)

Name: Joshua Carter

AAU Team: Linden Ballers

Position: Forward

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Carter was a fresh face for Tha Ballers and gave them some immediate help. The lanky forward is a slasher that converts around the basket and helps out on the boards. His play has helped Linden gain a few major victories and make a finals run in the NJ 13U State tourney. Carter will join his teammates at the MDC in a few weeks.

In The Spotlight: Quadair Bradley (Philly Triple Threat)

Name: Quadair Bradley

AAU Team: Philadelphia Triple Threat

Position: Forward

Class: 2016

Breakdown: Bradley sprung on the scene at the AC Showcase leading PTT to a second place pool finish and a victory over Sam Cassell All Stars. Then he put in work at the AGame Super Shootout in which he led his team to the finals. The southpaw packs a lot of power in his game while roaming the baseline and running the floor like a freight train.

Baby Baller Feat. Lydell Geffraud (Playtime Panthers)

Name: Lydell Geffraud

AAU Team: Playtime Panthers

Position: Forward

Class: 2017


Breakdown: Lydell showed power during the NJ State 11U consolation game. He operated inside in terms of hitting the glass, scoring and blocking shots. Geffraud benefits from the Panthers good guard play on this level. We will keep an eye on him as he develops.

In The Spotlight: Joseph Caldwell (Rytes Warriors)

Name: Joseph Caldwell

AAU Team: Rytes Warriors

Position: Guard

Class: 2016


Breakdown: Caldwell was one of the top defensive guards I’ve seen all year. During the Ohio Best Of The Best Showcase he virtually locked down every opposing guard he faced. On the offensive end his dribble moves and scoring ability reminds me of a young Tim Hardaway. We might have another UTEP two- step on the horizon. I can’t wait to see him at the AAU Nationals.

Under The Radar: Rhys Dring (Team NJ ABC)

Name: Rhys Dring

AAU Team: Team NJ ABC

Position: Forward

Class: 2014


Breakdown: Dring plays on a team with a few big names but does a good job playing his role. Rhys plays the small forward position but can get down on the block and bang a little. He looks comfortable shooting the mid range jumper and playing aggressive defense. Many players that play this style usually go unnoticed. Any high school coach would love a team player like Dring.

Baby Baller Feat. Isaiah Holmes (VBC)

Name: Isaiah Holmes

AAU Team: VBC

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2018


Breakdown: VBC won the 10U Championship at the AGame Super Shootout and Holmes led the way. The scoring guard did whatever he wanted to do on the floor while helping his team take home the crown. He was the leading scorer throughout the tournament.

Baby Ballerz Feat: Chris Jones (CT Elite)

Name: Chris Jones

AAU Team: Connecticut Elite

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2017


Breakdown: After Jones caught my eye in Atlantic City we ran into him again at the Providence Jam Fest. Jones looked good running the show while penetrating through the zone defense. He does a dribble move where he appears to pass the rock to the wing but instead turns it into an in and out dribble move. He plays with a Chris Paul type of flair. Jones and his teammates will be coming to the MDC.

Basketball Spotlight MDC Deadline Approaching!

The Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic will be held May 28th Thru 30th. In order to make sure we produce a quality event the May 15th deadline will be strictly enforced (No Exceptions). Any team not fully registered by this date will be left of out this event. Please make sure your squad is fully registered. The mailing info is below.

Basketball Spotlight
P.O. Box 308
Eatontown, NJ 07724

Happy Mother's Day From Basketball Spotlight!

Basketball Spotlight would like to wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Coaches and players today is the day to put the balls and whistles down. Let’s spend quality time with the beautiful mothers in our lives. We hope every mother out there really enjoy their Mother’s Day because you definitely earned it. We decided to dedicate the song on the site for all of you.

Additional Hotel List For The MDC!

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

The City Hits Reality TV!

The City AAU Squad has been one of the top teams in the region for the last two AAU seasons. They have serious hardware including the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase crown. Now they have hit the TV scene. This Tuesday May, 11th at 10 PM the 13 and Under AAU team "The City" will be featured on Bravo's 9 By Design. It's a very positive look at AAU hoops and we think that all of the ballers and their families will really enjoy it.

You can view a clip from the episode here:

Upcoming Episode

One On One Feat. Reggie Gardner (DC Assault)

DC Assault has been a big time program for years. They produced top players such as Keith Bogans, Demarr Johnson, Nolan Smith and Miami Heat player Mike Beasley to name a few. Now on the horizon they have a sharp shooter name Reggie Gardner. Gardner plays for the 12U bunch and is known around the country for burning the nets. We got a chance to holler at Gardner and here’s our One on One.

One On One

BS: What school do you attend?
RG: Mater Dei.

BS: Who’s your favorite player?
RG: Kevin Durant because he is tall, versatile and he can really shoot the rock.

BS: What’s your best memory thus far?
RG: At AAU Nationals we were losing against the Rytes Warriors. I got hot and brought us back. We eventually won the game.

BS: What’s your dream college?
RG: I like Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgetown. I like Kentucky and North Carolina up tempo style and I like Georgetown’s offense.

BS: What’s the strongest part of your game?
RG: My outside shot.

BS: What part of your game needs improvement?
RG: My ball handling.

BS: Who’s the best player you have faced?
RG: I would say #4 from New Heights (Rakym Felder).

BS: How does it feel to be coached by your father?
RG: It’s normal because he’s one of the coaches but he really doesn’t say much.

BS: Who’s you favorite rapper?
RG: Drake, LIL Wayne and Gucci Man.

In The Spotlight: Anthony Carr

Name: Anthony Carr

AAU Team: Philly Triple Threat

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2016


Breakdown: Carr is the appropriate last name for this point guard because he drives anywhere he wants on the floor. During the AGame Super Shootout he showed tremendous poise and decision making while playing up in the 13U Division. Philly is known for producing good PG’s and it looks like they have another one in Carr.

Under The Radar: Logan Santiago

Name: Logan Santiago

AAU Team: NJ Triple Threat

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: 2015


Breakdown: Santiago has a European type game and loves draining the outside shot. During the NJ 13U State tourney he made teams pay by knocking down the trey ball. I like his size and the way he moves without the rock. Logan will need his stroke at the MDC because the 13U bracket is thick.

Baby Ballerz Feat. Mark Bethea

Name: Mark Bethea

AAU Team: Team NJ ABC

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2017


Breakdown: Team NJ ABC made it to the Final Four and Bethea had to be one of the reasons. The strong guard didn’t have an enormous game against Playtime but you could see his skill set. The powerful guard can get to the tin while uses slick dribble moves to get around defenders. I also like his overall feel for the game. His talent will be on full display at the MDC.

The Street Stops Here: "A Must See DVD"

I watched the movie “The Street Stops Here” and I must say it was one of the most influential films I ever watched. This is a must see movie for coaches, parents and players. It’s the best $19.99 I spent in a long time. Proceeds from this movie go to helping St. Anthony Education fund.

The Street Stops Here demonstrates the impact the legendary coach has on his players’ lives. Unfortunately for many of his student-atheltes basketball is the only thing keeping them away from falling victims to the streets and their life-destroying habits. Hurley (right) takes it upon himself to do everything in his power to get his players out of their rough neighborhoods and into college. He admits of probably being the toughest person his players know but it is through tough-love and discipline the only way coach knows how get his message across. “My job is to get them into college and not into the NBA,” says Hurley. It is very evident that Hurley’s motive doesn’t have anything to do with money. The retired probation officer has a salary of $6,500 as head coach and has made it very clear of having no intentions whatsoever of taking any sort of position at the collegiate level as he has turned down many offers throughout the years. “This is where the kids need me at,” says the coach.

The motion picture doesn’t just display Hurley’s side of the court. This film chronicles the lives of some of the St. Anthony players as they attempt to cope with poverty, violence, drugs and the many other distractions surrounding them. In particular, it hubs Rutgers’ Mike Rosario, Pittsburgh’s Travon Woodall, Southern California’s Jio Fontan, Kansas‘ Tyshawn Taylor and Villanova’s Dominic Cheek.

Click Here To Purchase DVD

Video Profile: Maleek Gorham (Greenville, NC)

Name: Maleek Gorham

Position: Point Guard

Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina

Class: 2014

Breakdown: Gorham is a strong point guard that pushes the pill, plays defense and explodes in the open court. He’s an 8th Grader that currently rocks for JH Rose High School. If you are in the Greenville area make sure you check him out.

Diary Of A Baller: Jalen "Young One" Henriquez (New Jersey) Entry # 20

Hello Basketball World,

This weekend we played in the King of NY tournament. Our 1st game was on Friday. Thursday after Patrice I felt sick and did not go to school on Friday, I stood home resting and trying to get better. When it was time to go to the game, I figured I would try to go and at least support my teammates. The Traffic to get to the city was terrible; I got there with 2 minutes in the 1st half. I did not feel my best but I decided to try to help out against New Heights. They were skilled and very athletic team, and got to a 15-point lead over us throughout the game. Later in the second, we cut the lead down to about 4pts but came up short and lost by 8. The next day we played a team from Philly and we beat them by more than 30pts. I did not score a lot maybe 11pts or 12pts but we had fun. The next game was at 8, so we had time to eat in between games, which is always good.

Next we played BABC from Albany, in our last tourney in RI just last week they were stripped of their wins for cheating. This week was no different; if you have to have 3 grade expectations then it’s all good. One of my goals for next year is to play varsity, so in a way this helps playing against 17 and 18 year olds. Needless to say they beat us by 20, When there 15s were in it was a good game. As soon as the ringers checked in the game we didn’t have the bigs to compete. I want to send a shout out to my teammate Derek Wilson for holding his own in the frontcourt with their bigs. It was a frustrating game; I got a Tec and a flagrant, my 1st in many years of playing. We need to win more, still 3 tourneys and no chip. This is definitely the longest we’ve gone without getting one. This just makes us hungrier and hungrier to win one. My play is also not consistent; I need to have good games every game rather than most games.

Anyway, next week is Mothers Day weekend so we are off. I will continue to practice and train this week. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, step mom and all the moms out there who do all that they do for their kids. Also to all those team moms that do so much for the teams, enjoy your special day but every day is mother’s day when you’re blessed.

“I would prefer even to fail with honor than to win by cheating”
-Sophocles…Young One Out

Basketball Spotlight MDC Almost Full!

Basketball Spotlight the new leading exposure company for grammar school basketball will be hosting the Memorial Day Classic. This event is our premiere tournament and will attract teams from the entire USA. Please register early because this event will be sold out.
Cost $400 (3 Games Guarantee)
Date: May 28th Thru 30th 2010
Place: Neptune, NJ
Ages: 9U Thru 15U
Deadline: May 15th (Strictly Enforced)
Click Here To Register

Please fill out the application below and return it with check or money order to:
Basketball Spotlight
c/o Mike Melton
P.O. Box 308
Eatontown, NJ 07724

Questions: Contact Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or at Basketballspotlight@hotmail.com

14U
1. Team Nelson
2. MABC
3. CJ Jammers
4. Long Island Lightning
5. NJ Got Game
6. NJ Panthers
7. Team Takeover
8. Team NJ ABC (White)
9. NJ Pirates
10. NY Knights
11. Team Final
12. Kings Of The Court (Ohio)
13. New Heights
14. ABA Cobras
15. City Sports
16. B Rock Basketball
Closed

13U (Orange Division)
1.KYDA
2.Team Takeover
3. NJ Got Game
4. Showtime All Stars
5. Linden Ballers
6. Richmond Phenom
7. Albany Dream Team
8. NJ Triple Threat
Closed

13U Division (Blue Division)
1. NJ Shore Shots
2. Kingdome Elite
3. Jersey Shore Devils
4. ABA Cobras
5. Brooklyn Ballers
6. Playaz
7. Long Island Lightning
8. Penn Valley Heat
Closed

12U (Orange Division)
1.Team Battle
2. MABC
3. DC Assault (Cowan)
4. CT ELITE
5. Gauchos
6. South County Elite
7. DC Assault (Gorham)
8. Annadale Bulldogs
Closed


12U (Blue Division)
1. KBR Raptors
2. Flash Basketball
3. NJ Shore Shots
4. Long Island Lightning
5. Kingdom Elite
6. Team NJ ABC
7. Garden State Knights
8. JC Boys Club
Closed

11U
1.Team Battle
2. MABC
3. Team Final
4. Gauchos
5. CT Elite
6. ABA Cobras
7. Maryland Panthers
8. Long Island Lightning
9. NJ Shore Shots
10. Team Nelson

10U
1. MABC
2. Natural Ballers
3. Annadale Bulldogs
4. NJ Shore Shots
5. Maryland Spartans
6. Metro Sixers
7. Gauchos
8. Fastbreak Basketball
9. Team NJ ABC
10. CJ Hawks


9U
1. Natural Ballers
2. NJ Shore Shots
3. CJ Hawks
4. Gauchos
5. Team Nelson
6. DC Assault
7. Delaware Finest Stars
8. Playtime Panthers

Diary Of A Baller: Sonny Lorenzo (Westchester County) Entry #3

Hey Basketball Spotlight its Sonny Lorenzo again. We will not be at a tournament this weekend but we will definitely be in Baltimore and then Ohio the following week. I have grown a lot over the summer mentally and physical last year I was 5’6” and now I am currently 5’10” and mentally now I am still learning the game but have most of it down packed. That is where my trainer Jerry Powell comes in because he helps me with all of the mental, physical and skill game of basketball. He helps me improve on my skills and he is now working with me on the physical part of the game. Also in this week I had a whole lot of homework and projects to do. It was a tuff week in terms of academic work.

Finally, I went to this little charity tournament with my friend and teammate Juwan Chapmen. Basically that was my weekend I know it wasn’t really much but I will have you guys post on next week’s tournament. Before I leave I want to give my teammates Juwan Chapman, Ramon Searight, Yhanni Bartley, Jerron Love, Tristan Gaines, Derrick Dorn, Killian Connely, Brandon Martin, Justin Tapper and my coaches Rasheem and Rasuan Young. Peace

Diary Of A Baller: Chance "The Gifted One" Ellis (NY) Entry #3

Hello to all the Bballspotlight bloggers. This is Chance Ellis with more current events about the 14U AAU Div. 1 basketball circuit. Juice All Stars will meet the NY Gauchos Harris Championship Monday on Memorial Day at the Island Garden in West Hempstead, NY. There will be championship games all day for 9U Div 1 & Div 2 all the way up to 17U Div 1 & Div 2. We traveled 8 hours to participate in the King James Shooting Stars Tournament in Akron, Ohio. There were over 93 teams participating in the 14u division. Many of the top players and teams in the country were there and the talent/size of the teams was unbelievable. Scheduling was brutal! We had to play seven games in less than 42 hours in order to win this tournament. Just about every game came down to the wire so we really got a chance to find out who will take and make pressure shots for the Juice All Stars. First game out of pool play Friends of Ohio looked like a varsity team. We trailed the whole game but the usual suspects pulled it out for us. In the quarter-final we played Mid-America Elite (Springfield, Ill) in a tough defensive struggle but the usual suspects pulled it out for us for an 8pt win. We caught a small break in the semi-finals when we played Youth Interlock (Philly, Pa.) because at least we were familiar with each other but the game was a all out war but the usual suspects pulled it out for a 4pt win. In the finals we ran into the 3rd ranked team in the country, Ray Allen Select Huskies (Madison, WI), who are not over powering but they have been together for 4yrs. and they run a lot of screens/picks that make you play defense for 40 to 60 seconds then when you relax they stroke a 3pter or they get a backdoor layup. We had another team situation that left us shorthanded in the 2nd half so we continued to battle and we had a chance to win but we came up short 53 to 49.

The tournament was a success because we found out that we were able to beat some great teams with outstanding coaching on the fly from Jermaine Brown (Lincoln HS) even though we don't practice. We realized now that we have to change the way we do things if we want national success. I find it fascinating that we have 6 nationally ranked players on our Juice Team yet everywhere you read it seems as though we have only 1. Everyone on our team enables each other to perform on this national stage. No one can do it or has done it by themselves. We have the best player in New Jersey on our team yet no one is writing about that...not even New Jersey. That's just the way this AAU circuit flows. There's nothing the players can do about it. We just have to continue to work and play as hard as we can because that's the only thing we can control. Shout out to all the over looked ballers who have worked hard to develop their game yet they have received little to no acknowledgements for their efforts. This has been Chance "The Gifted One" Ellis keep balling everyone.

Isaiah Whitehead Seems Ready For The Spotlight!

Isaiah Whitehead has been long regarded as the top Class 2014 prospect in the New York City. For the past two seasons he ran the circuit with the Juice All Stars AKA Starrett City. Whitehead wasted no time this year by leading his team to the Grand Finale, Clash For The Cup and Funsport Jr. Pro League crowns among others.

Isaiah’s strong game and athleticism causes many people to make unfair comparison’s to former NYC Phenom Lance Stephenson. I believe Whitehead has enough game and potential to edge his own name in stone. One opposing AAU coach agrees “When you look at the NYC’s Class of 2014 there’s Isaiah Whitehead at the top then there’s everyone else. If he continues to work hard and keep a good attitude he could be a high major player” the coach finished.

Basketball Spotlight will keep an eye on Whitehead and his journey to stay level headed while the NYC hype machine rolls. Instead of labeling him the next Lance Stephenson let him be the first Isaiah Whitehead. Check out Isaiah and few other top players on the video Funsport Championship Preview below.

Baby Ballerz Feat. Mike Watkins

Name: Mike Watkins

AAU Team: Playtime Panthers

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2017


Breakdown: Watkins had a great floor game against Team NJ ABC during the consolation game of the 11U state tourney. He stuffed the score sheet with points, assist and steals. I love the way he makes sure to get his teammates involved. His poise and unselfish should take him a long way in this game.

Weekend Review: The City Are Kings Of NY; Team NJ ABC Sees Double!

The City Wins Title!

The City defeated the Gauchos 56-40 to win the Gauchos King Of New York Championship. Mike Williams took home MVP honors after scoring 30 points while Devonte Green finished with 11 points for the Gauchos in the loss. Congratulations to The City for winning another championship.

Team NJ ABC Doubles Up!

Team NJ ABC program had a huge weekend as one of their teams won the Division 2 title and the other squad won the Division 1 crown. In Division 1 action they defeated the Playaz Basketball Club 58-53.

In the Division 2 contest they defeated the NJ Pirates 42-37. Congratulations to the entire Team NJ ABC Program. This is an enormous feat to accomplish by any program. Good luck in the AAU Nationals.

Fresh Faces Shine At Hoop Group Headquarters

Marvin Prochet (NY Knights)

The Hoop Group May Showdown gave us a chance to watch some new players perform. Here’s a quick look at some of the fresh faces we saw during our trip to Neptune, NJ.

Fresh Faces

Marvin Prochet Forward (NY Knights)- Prochet is an interesting prospect. He’s wiry, stands 6’3 and has good form on his outside shot. Marvin passes the look test on the floor and should round out to be a decent player. Right now he’s active and his stock should explode once he develops his ball handling.

Marzuq Jimoh Guard (NY Knights)- Jimoh was explosive at the guard spot. He has a decent stop and pop while also getting into the lane at will. His strength allows him to lock down defensively and force turnovers.

Brandon Carcano Guard (On Point Cyclones)- Brandon was the talk of the gym this weekend. He played both 13 and 14U while putting up serious numbers. Carcano is hard to defend when pushing the pill and has natural scoring ability. On this level he was just too strong for the opposition.

Austin Hutcherson Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Hutcherson does a good job running the team while also using his floater to chart a few buckets. I like how he moves the rock at the head of the offense and selects the correct time to attack. He has good poise.

Brad Neal Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Neal has good size which helped him shoot the rock well in the mid range area. Most perimeter players on this level can’t block his shot so he got a few clean looks. He seems to have a pure stroke.

Hoop Group May Showdown 11U Recap: NJ Shore Shots Take Title!

NJ Shore Shots Win Crown

Devin Jensen scored 15 points and Tyler Hawkins added 11 markers as the NJ Shore Shots defeated Asbury Park Rec. 40-23 to win the Hoop Group May Showdown 11U Championship. Dante Abrams scored 10 points for AP in the loss.

Top Performers

Tyler Hawkins Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Hawkins is a point guard that sees the floor well and dribbles his way out of trouble. His high basketball IQ and court awareness is very noticeable. He showed the ability to take over the game which pushed NJSS ahead to stay.

Devin Jensen Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Jensen is a hard nose guard that can shoot the outside shot. His form and touch from the perimeter is something to watch as he led the team in scoring. Keep an eye out for him.

Dymar Holland Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Holland is a strong guard that did a good job on defense and got out in transition on the offensive end. He has basketball genes and should progress into a pretty good player.

Azeon Huntley Guard (AP Rec.)- Huntley is a flashy guard that beat defenders off the dribble. He protects the ball well and knows his way around the floor. His driving ability is something to watch at times.


Barry Brown Guard (AP Rec.)- Brown didn’t score the ball well but I like is point guard skills. He dribbles with his head up and knows how to pick his spots. Asbury Park might have another nice guard on the horizon soon.

Dante Abrams Forward (AP Rec.)- Abrams is an athletic forward that plays with a lot of energy. He scored most of his points on drives and in transition. This kid runs the floor well but must remember to keep his emotions intact.

NJ 11U AAU States Recap: Team Battle Wins Title!

Team Battle 11U Wins State Crown!

Nate Pierre Louis scored 15 points as Team Battle defeated F.A.C.E.S. 57-45 to win the NJ AAU 11U State Championship. RJ Cole finished with 14 points in the loss for F.A.C.E.S..

Top Performers

Nate Pierre-Louis Guard (Team Battle)- Nate did his usual damage while scoring in traffic and initiating contact. He spent most of the afternoon at the charity stripe. Pierre-Louis really impressed me with his decision making while playing the middle of the press break. He made a few nifty passes to teammates in transition for some easy buckets.

Rob Bailey Forward (Team Battle)- Bailey gave his team a boost down low. He clogged up the lane on defense while blocking shots and rebounding. His confidence got going on the offensive end also as he scored on a couple soft shots.

Lucas Hudson Guard (Team Battle)- Hudson sparked the team with good point guard play. He enjoys passing the rock and adds a little flair to it at times. I love his dribble moves and his change of direction. He played like a true floor general.

RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Cole went down shooting as he shook off a tough first half to nail 3 treys in the second stanza. He seemed to be shooting his shot before getting set and not involving enough of his legs in his release.

Sa’eed Nelson Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Nelson also had a tough day from the perimeter but he did make things happen in transition and on the defensive end. He got a few steals and even stuck his head inside for a few rebounds.

Kyle Lofton Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lofton started out knocking down his first two treys then ran into a cold streak like his teammates. I still like the energy he brings to the floor and his aggression for a 10 year old player.