The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase wrapped up yesterday and it was a dandy. We will be continuing our Class of 2016 coverage with a look at the top combo guards.
Super Showcase Top Combo Guards (Class 2016)
Usual Suspects
Jamir Harris (Piscataway, NJ)- I’ve found Jamir’s true position which is a combo guard. He showed some explosive play yesterday by attacking off the bounce and going coast to coast. He blasted North Carolina for 22 markers. I think his ball handling will improve with on the job training. He should round out as a serious scoring guard down the road.
Raykem Felder (Brooklyn, NY)- The Bully muscled his way to some easy buckets and knocked down a few deep shots. He did get into a little trouble while penetrating too deep into the lane. I think he will eventually move to the point and he showed some floor general instincts when passing the rock.
Keith Washington (Sicklerville, NJ)- Washington glided to the bucket for points and hit his pull up off the dribble. Keith has improved his ball handling and seems to always be in attack mode. Before going to the high school level he might have to transition to more of a pass first type.
Brad Hawkins (Camden, NJ)- Camden is known for putting out tough guards and Hawkins might be the next in line. This kid defends the rock well and has a strong body that absorbs contact when finishing. Brad is a bona fide scorer. He averaged close to 15 points a contest.
Sa’eed Nelson (Pleasantville, NJ)- Nelson showed good promise chipping in 19 points in his final outing. It’s just amazing how he gets through the teeth of the defense before scoring a difficult shot. His leaping ability and athleticism is rare for his size.
Chris Lykes (Mitchellville, MD)- Lykes is a hard nose defender and even tries to snatch a rebound or two. On offense he hits the lane like a battle rocket and knows how to finish among the giants. Pound for pound he’s one of the toughest guards around.
Tyler Jones (Lawrenceville, NJ)- Jones has good size which allows him to see over the defense. I like his strong frame and his ability to score from different areas. He should be one of the top guards in the Mercer County area for years to come. I like his potential and smooth demeanor.
Fresh Faces
Alex Leder (Bethesda, MD)- We all know Leder can shoot but he showed me some improved ball handling and a lot of toughness in the fire. He plays the game with a lot of passion and has a good basketball IQ. I look forward on seeing a lot more of him soon.
Coby Davis (Upper Marlboro, MD)- Davis impressed me with his ability to score from the outside and on drives. He got into a little trouble trying to dribble through traps but he made up for by finishing off plays. He had a good showing.
Randolph Hunter (Lancaster, PA)- This is another tough guard from the Quaker State. He plays either guard spot and goes very hard on the defensive end. He’s extremely quick with the pill and a capable play maker.
Robinson Normil (Egg Harbor, NJ)- Robinson looked comfortable in this environment. I like how he uses the floater when driving the lane and the speed he shows in the open floor. He will definitely become a point guard soon.
Stay Tune As More Combo Guards From This Event Will Receive Individual Profiles.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place today and it was a huge hit. We have loads of material to cover and we look forward to profiling the participants. Secondly, we look at the top wing guards entering 7th Grade.
Super Showcase Top Wing Guards (Class 2016)
Usual Suspects
Tyus Battle (Edison, NJ)- Battle turned it up late against North Carolina. He started attacking the basket and finishing off plays. Right now strength is the only thing keeping him taking his game to new heights. When that arrives it’s going to really be a problem for opponents.
Jamar Watson (Brandywine, MD)- “Boogie” was very aggressive and it paid dividends. The lefty got to the rim at will and knocked down the outside shot when the defense sagged. When Watson got hot he turned it on in a big way. Good Job Boogie!
Jamir Moultrie (Washington, DC)- Moutrie used this showcase to introduce himself to the Northeast. He went head to head against “Showtime” Moore for a classic duel. He had the 3 ball falling and an equipped driving game. He put in serious work.
Jamal Allen (Boston, MA)- His coach Dennis Mayes is tough on guards but called Allen outstanding. He’s relentless when attacking from the wings but also has a mean ratchet. The prolific scorer knows how to get buckets.
Jabri McCall (Philadelphia, PA)- Things are coming together for Jabri. He’s another player that should improve once he gets stronger. He made some good moves towards the basket and used his length to finish. He’s oozing with potential.
Fresh Faces
Wayne White (Huntington, NY)- This was my first look at White and I was impressed. He has good body control and knows how to finish with either hand. I like his size and thinks he could become a go to man for a club in the future. Wayne has a good basketball demeanor; he seems to never get rattled.
Stanley Davis (Chester, PA)- This was Davis first time playing with this age group but the youngster did more than hold his own. He attacked in transition and showed some cleaver ball handling. Now everyone can see why he’s a Player Of The Year Finalist for 11U.
Stay tune as more wing guards from this class will receive individual profiles.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place today and it was a huge hit. We have loads of material to cover and we look forward to profiling the participants. First, let’s take a look at the loaded 2016 Class and begin with the forwards.
Super Showcase Top Forwards (Class 2016)
Usual Suspects
Ceasar Adim (Boston, MA)- “Hail” Ceasar was totally dominant during this event. He exploded through the lane and finished easy at the tin. Adim is very comfortable pushing the rock now and switching directions on a dime. His final two games he posted 22 points and 24 markers respectfully.
Terrell Turner (New York, NY)- Turner might be the most improved player in the region. Today he displayed his ability to run the floor and finish. He averaged 18 points an outing and near 10 rebounds. He had a great showing at this primetime event.
Nwanacho Nwana (White Plains, NY)- Nwana charged the basket very strong and under control. He's so quick off his feet and it allows him to sky over taller post players. His motor is very high and that’s something that coaches on every level love. This kid is all heart.
Khalir Johnson (Wilmington, DE)- Johnson was the tallest player in this age group and he used it to his advantage. His scored near the basket and blocked a few shots. His offensive game is still developing but in a few years his name should ring bells in Delaware.
Christian Ford (Hamilton, NJ)- Ford got the chance to handle the rock a lot and he looked fine. He was able to attack from the baseline and score in transition. Once he gets his outside shot a little better he will be a legit wing player. I like his potential.
Jakeem Sturgis (Beacon, NY)- Sturgis was one the best athletes in the building. He’s very active on the floor but can get into a little trouble over dribbling. He’s good at getting out on the break and playing recover defense. He’s an energy player.
Fresh Faces
Jordan Haywood (Spring Valley, NY)- Haywood played good defense on Adim in game one and also chipped in on the other end. He’s a matchup problem for some of the taller forwards because of his quickness. I think his forward days are numbered.
Kwame Camon (Alexandria, VA)- Camon muscled his way to points and rebounds. The southpaw is a hungry rebounder and pounded the glass all day. His turnaround has good touch but he should work on extending his range for the future. Developing more ball handling skills also could help out his stock.
Stay tune as other forwards from this class will receive individual profiles.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase teams have been completed for the Class of 2015. We took our time to compile these squads. We wanted the players to experience playing with players from other teams. Let’s all remember that tomorrow is about the players having fun and competing.
Super Showcase Teams
Team: New Orleans Hornets Coach: Gary Battle Malik Ellison Juwan Dolbrice Jahide Burns James Wright Kyaire Bynum Kyshier Watts Eli Cain Roy Cane Muharrim Hague Chedozie Akawaka
Team: Chicago Bulls Coach Larry Merritt Bryce Aiken Lamar Kimble Lorenzo Jackson Ashon Avent Montreal Tillman Joshua Malone Stevie Jordan Jayson Clark Dennis Tunstall Tewodos Pickney
Team: Boston Celtics Coach: Reggie Hatchett Marcus Floyd Myles Powell John Rodriquez DeAnte Bruton Shaun Alston Isiah Jennings Kai Hastings Darren James Jaylen Price Taheem Harmon
Team: Orlando Magic Coach: Darryl Pullen Justin Roberts Blair Howard Horace Spencer Ahmad Harris Josh Carter Zach Reeves Anthony Wright Kishan Patel Eric Slade Marcus Atkinson
Team Phoenix Suns Coach: Doc Chew Kevin Alexis Trey Lowe Trevaughn Wilkerson Devin Leggions Akeem King Jason Remy Darrick Boyd Brandon Simon Jordan Sanchez Tyvez Monroe
Team: NJ Nets Coach: Orlando Hildago Temple Gibbs Shaun Belby Tim Delaney Rashad Shabazz Cory Ampey Herb Ellis Zachery Torres Damien Jones Makil Watkins Kobe Acrum
11:30 Games Hornets vs. Bulls CT 1 NJ Nets vs. Suns CT 2 Magic vs. Celtics CT 3
1:30 Games Magic vs. Bulls CT 1 Hornets vs. Suns CT 2 NJ Nets vs. Celtics CT 3
3:30 Games NJ Nets vs. Bulls CT 1 Magic vs. Suns CT 2 Hornets vs. Celtics CT 3
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase teams have been completed for the Class of 2016. We took our time to compile these squads. We wanted the players to experience playing with players from other teams. Let’s all remember that tomorrow is about the players having fun and competing.
Super Showcase Teams
Team: North Carolina Tarheels Coach: Deon Chew Nyrhique Smith Tony Carr Brad Hawkins Christian Ford Sa’eed Nelson Darius Chester Coby Davis Barry Gaines Jamari Stephenson
Team: Syracuse Orange Coach: James Black Vaughn Covington Tyler Jones Ceasar Adim Chris Lykes AJ Perez Adam Perry Dylan Yerkes Jalen Elliot John Salcedo Jakeem Sturgis
Team: Kentucky Wildcats Coach: Charles Pittman Anthony Cowan Rakym Felder Terrence Davis Keith Washington Josh Sharkey Kawon Spencer Amir Jones Randy Miller Kyle Lawrence Randolph Hunter
Team: Louisville Cardinals Coach: Pervis Ellison Tyus Battle Jamar Watson Jordan Haywood Chauncy Pittman Wayne White Raine McKeython Deante Hickman Terrell Turner Robinson Norwill
Team: Michigan State Coach: Dennis Mayes Alani Moore Jabri McCall Jamal Allen Idris Joyner Jacee Martin Ross Allen Malcolm Manning Jabreel Hutchinson Jamir Moultrie KeAndre Augustine
Team: Villanova Wildcats Coach: Eddie Torres Keandre Fair Jamir Harris Nwanacho Nwana Rahiem Burnett Kobe Gantz Alex Leder Kwame Camon Blake Francis Khalir Johnson
10:30 Games North Carolina vs. Syracuse CT 1 Kentucky vs. Louisville CT 2 Michigan State vs. Villanova CT 3
12:30 Games Michigan State vs. Syracuse CT 1 North Carolina vs. Louisville CT 2 Kentucky vs. Villanova Ct 3
2:30 Games Kentucky vs. Syracuse CT 1 Michigan State vs. Louisville CT 2 North Carolina vs. Villanova CT 3
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase is here. Below is a list of important facts about this event. In our effort to keep this event on schedule please make sure you arrive at the designated time required. Make sure to travel early because the NJ Turnpike tends to carry heavy traffic.
Registration: 9:00 Sharp (Please have all registration forms completed prior to arrival.) Payment: Only Cash Or Money Orders will be accepted on site. (No Checks). Admission: $5.00 (Participating Players and Coaches are Free) Address: 2045 Columbus Road (Burlington, NJ 08016)
Event Rules: 4 Quarters (7 Minutes Stop Clock). Each player will play be at least two quarters. Man to Man Defense (No Zones) Shooting Fouls will only be one free throw.
Breakdown: Perez made the move from Team Takeover but kept his game intact. He starred for the CP Ballers and had an impressive showing at the Mid Atlantic AAU Regional Final Four. He’s a stocky forward but has light feet and good court vision. Saturday he will be bringing his game to the Super Showcase for all to see.
Deuby Saint Hillare is one of the most physical guards in the region. While playing for New Heights his made his presence felt by making the All Tournament Team at the Grand Finale and Clash For The Cup. Saint Hillare also led them to several championships throughout the region including the MIT. His play earned him an invite to the J.E.M. All Star Classic on August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep in Newark, NJ.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
Breakdown: Blackmon is a silky-smooth combo guard with a sweet stroke that is good to 20 feet. His father, former Kentucky All-American James Blackmon Sr., will coach him in high school, so you know he has a solid basketball IQ. The incoming freshman has a solid handle and is a good, willing passer. He is also a good scorer and knows how to set up his opponent for his dribble-drives to the basket. Blackmon is an excellent prospect with great upside.
Breakdown: We first took notice of McCall at the AC Showcase. The athletic shooting guard appeared to be a tough matchup for the opposition. He mixes good ball handling with the ability to finish. He also had good showings in the Basketball Spotlight MDC and AGame events. He will be looking to really launch his status this weekend at the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase is nearing capacity. This event will only accept 60 players for each class. Participants wishing to register need to act quickly. Committed players are listed below.
Event: Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Date: August 14th 2010 Place: Life Center Academy Deadline: August 5th 2010 Address: 2045 Columbus Road (Burlington, NJ 08016) Registration: 9:00 AM Sharp
Tyler Kohl aka “Baby Barkley” made an immediate impact once he stepped on the floor with Team NJ ABC. He helped them win the NJ State crown and the AGame Super Shootout among other events. Tyler also took home All Tournament Honors at the Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase. His effort and performance on the floor earned him an invite to the J.E.M. All Star Classic. This event will take place August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
Breakdown: Moore took his game to the national stage in Hampton and helped his team finish #9 in the country. He impacts the game on so many different levels. He can run the team, score the rock and will even rebound with the best of them. He finished as the fourth best point guard from the 12U AAU Nationals. “Showtime” was injured before the MDC so the Super Showcase will be his official Basketball Spotlight debut.
Terrell Sturdivant is slowly becoming a promising prospect. The 6’6 forward is beginning to handle the rock and make decisions as a perimeter player. This season Terrell game spoke for itself as he took home All Tournament Honors at the Grand Finale, Clash For The Cup and Memorial Day Classic. Sturdivant anchored the TN defense all year and helped them take home some hardware. Terrell will be representing the South team at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. This event will take place August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
Breakdown: Covington made his 12U debut at the AAU Nationals in Hampton, Virginia. The point guard with a serious wingspan didn’t waste any time dominating the competition. Vaughn played lockdown defense and ran the show like a seasoned veteran. At the duration of the tournament Covington received rave reviews from other coaches and finished ranked as the #3 floor general from this event. Vaughn will be trying to raise his rep at the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase August 14th.
Jason Boswell ended his 8th grade season as the #11 ranked player in the region. Boswell has taken his game to another level and has already received offers from several big time schools. According to my boys from Gotham Hoops Boswell has received scholarship offers from Rutgers, Seton Hall, Pittsburgh and Houston. Things should only look brighter for the wiry wing player as he enters his sophomore year.
Basketball Spotlight will like to send congrats to our former Diary Of A Baller and let him know that the journey has just begun. Who’s the Jason Boswell of this class? You will see when we unleash our rankings at the end of this month.
Ronshad Allen-Shabazz of the Showtime All Stars from Raleigh, North Carolina has decided to attend Princeton Day Academy in Bowie, Maryland. Allen-Shabazz has been a standout player for the NC team all year. The high scoring southpaw’s game took notice at the Grand Finale and AC Showcase. He also won MVP for the Showtime All Stars at a few other tournaments.
As a rising 8th Grader Allen-Shabazz will be making an early high school selection but his coach James Black feels he is ready. “Ronshad will be playing varsity as an 8th Grader and that’s a great opportunity for him and his family. This school is also a great educational institution which is the most important factor” Black finished. Allen-Shabazz will be taking his game to the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase August 14th to prove he’s ready for the big jump.
Coming into this season Mike Silverthorn was rated as the #1 prospect in the Garden State. The Blair Academy bound forward took his game across the bridge to play with the Juice All Stars. Mike showed he could handle the spotlight by making the All Tournament team for the Grand Finale and Clash For The Cup. Silverthorn’s play earned him an invite to the Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic on August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
On August 28th Basketball Spotlight and AGame Apparel will be hosting the J.E.M. All Star Classic. At halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting awards for the age groups 11U Thru 14U. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate the 11U Award Finalist from this past season. Winners of each category will be announced at the J.E.M. All Star Classic.
11U Team Of The Year Finalist 1. Maryland Panthers 2. Team Battle 3. Connecticut Basketball Club 4. Connecticut Elite 5. FA.C.E.S. 6. Team Nelson
11U Player Of The Year Finalist 1. Andre Boykins (Maryland Panthers) 2. Jaecee Martin (CBC) 3. Nate Pierre-Louis (Team Battle) 4. Jamari Venter (MABC) 5. Stanley Davis (Team Nelson) 6. Sa’eed Nelson (F.A.C.E.S.) 7. Chris Jones (CT Elite)
11U Coach Of The Year Finalist 1. Frantz Pierre-Louis (Team Battle) 2. Smokey Douglas (Maryland Panthers) 3. Rob Cole (F.A.C.E.S.) 4. Reggie Hatchett (CBC)
There will also be a Sportsmanship Award given to one 11U player. Come out on August 28th to support the J.E.M. All Star Classic and the Awards Ceremony. This will be an excellent closing to another great AAU season.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase is nearing capacity. This event will only accept 60 players for each class. Participants wishing to register need to act quickly. Committed players are listed below.
Event: Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Date: August 14th 2010 Place: Life Center Academy Deadline: August 5th 2010 Address: 2045 Columbus Road (Burlington, NJ 08016)
Breakdown: Pittman is a pass first point guard with serious court vision. He impressed us at the DC Assault Classic with his court awareness and ability to make plays. Chauncey is an old school type point guard which helps his game stand out. Chauncey will be brining his game to the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase August 14th at Life Center Academy.
All coaches love tough guards that enjoy playing defense. Therefore Joseph Caldwell should be on the top of every coach’s wish list. Caldwell is a well spoken young man from the Defenders Select that helped them reach the Final Four. We got a chance to talk to Joseph at the 12U Nationals and here’s our One On One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? JC: Arnold Middle School.
BS: Who’s your favorite player? JC: Lebron James because he gets to the basketball very quickly and he plays hard the entire game.
BS: Who’s the toughest player you ever faced? JC: Jacob Valero (Next Level).
BS: What’s the strongest part of your game? JC: Handling the ball and passing the rock.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? JC: Moving without the ball.
BS: What’s your dream college? JC: Texas, I love their colors and university.
BS: What’s your fondest basketball memory? JC: When we won the Division 2 Nationals in 3rd Grade.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? JC: Lil Wayne of course.
BS: Who would you love to have dinner with? JC: Barack Obama because I love the way he runs our country.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Kaison Randolph made a huge impact on the NJ AAU scene this season. He led Team NJABC to a NJ State crown and several other titles including the AGame Super Shootout. Next season Kaison will be taking his game to Pennington Prep to play with the Red Raiders. But his next stop will be suiting up for the South squad in the J.E.M. All Star Classic August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
Malik Maitland is too young to play high school basketball.
But he's already establishing himself as a player to watch in Palm Coast.
Maitland, 14, just moved to Palm Coast with his family from Hempstead, N.Y., and is a 5-foot-9 point guard. His reputation preceded him, as he has been playing for the past two years with the New York Gauchos, a top AAU program in that state.
He'll be entering eighth grade this year, but he and some of his future FPC teammates recently competed in a Blue Chip Basketball Camp in Kentucky. Maitland played against kids from around the country, and Maitland was named MVP of one of his team's wins.
"He's definitely one of the better kids for his age level," said Rick Bolus, director of the tournament. "He played in the high school division, and he held his own."
Gauchos coach Scientific Mapp said he thought Maitland had a bright future.
"He would've been one of the best players in the five boroughs of New York," Mapp said. "He's a real good talent."
Maitland said he was a little surprised when his father, Eddie, told him they were moving to Florida two months ago, but he's starting to adjust.
"I'm excited now; things are a lot different but I like it so far," he said. "There was a lot of good tournament at that (Blue Chip) tournament."
Maitland, who'll be going to Buddy Taylor Middle School in 2010-11, was praised by his former coach, Mapp, as being an excellent athlete who plays hard all the time.
"He used to be a pass-first, shoot-second kid, and now he's sort of turned that around a little," Mapp said. "I try to get all the point guards to be pass-first. But he's got the ability to get his own shot when he wants it."
Maitland was recently selected to play in the Junior All-American Camp, for the top middle school players in the country.
What's up basketball world it's your boy Champ coming to you with a couple of weeks of my life of basketball. The last two weeks have been a lot of fun. We went to Las Vegas to play in the Adidas Super64 and then this past weekend we played in the DC Assault Summer Classic.
Las Vegas was the it. I had a lot of fun playing ball and going somewhere I had never been before. Everything was fun from the time we touched down at the airport. When we got to the airport believe it or not they had slot machines right there and a big sign that said welcome to Vegas. Then we caught a cab to the Hooters Hotel. It wasn't exactly what I expected but I did bring back a mug that my mom(Love You) can't stand. We got there Tuesday and didn't have a game to Thursday. So Tuesday and Wednesday we went out on the town me and my teammates we saw lions and tigers in hotels, we went to the mall and had a lot of fun. Yes sir Vegas is nice!!! Ok back to basketball.
Thursday we opened the tournament against Indiana Elite and lost a close one. In that game there were at least 12 lead changes and the game came down to the last few possessions. They did better than we did in those possessions and came away with the victory.
Friday we played a team from Los Angeles called Triple Threat. They were an upstart team that was a bit out of their league as we crushed them pretty bad.
Saturday we played a team from Las Vegas called the Vegas Prospects and it was a heck of a game. The game was played for the #2 seed from our pool and we pulled out the victory by knocking down free throws at the end like good teams are supposed to.
Sunday the playoffs began and we played another team from Nevada called the Reno Irish and we handed them a lost to move into the quarter finals against the Vegas Prospects who were out for revenge but it wasn't happening as we handily defeated them the second time around. Which moved us into the final 4.
Monday we had a chance for revenge as we earned our way to a rematch with Indiana Elite. We came out on fire dominating things and were up by 14 at the half. But we had a complete meltdown in the second half to get defeated again by the same team in one tournament. It was bad but we did represent by getting to the final four of a great event. Looking forward to going back next year.
Tuesday I flew back home to the Philly airport and touched down at 5pm only to go to Wilmington to play in a High School summer league game at 7pm. That was absolutely the toughest game I have ever played in my life. I didn't play bad but still it was tough. We lost a close one to Milford High School.
Saturday my aau team had two games in Alexandria Va. One against the Md Sure Shots at 11 and the other against Virginia Assault at 3 both were 15U teams. We beat the Sure Shots and we lost to the Virginia Assault. Right after the game I had to jump in a car and get back to DE by 6pm to play in the North vs South High School summer game that was a rematch of the State Championship for 2010. It was my school Sanford against Dover. It was cool because it was the first time I got to play with our All-American Trevor Cooney this summer. What a difference one player can make in a game as we defeated Dover. I finished that game with 9pts hitting two 3's a layup and a free throw. I only shot 4 times the whole game. I am now officially a 4th or 5th option. But I like the open looks and look forward to knocking down a lot of those this season.
Well that's all folks!! Check back next week as my summer winds down with Hoop Group camp this weekend and the YIA playoffs. Stay tuned. Champ Out!!!
Dedric Lawson has been a big name on the AAU circuit since leading the Memphis War Eagles to the AAU Championship at 10U. Last season Lawson played with the Georgia Rim Rockers while leading them to the Final Four and a #4 finish in the country. This season Lawson returned to the Memphis War Eagles and we watched him get busy at the 12U Nationals. We sat down with Dedric at the Boo Williams Center and here’s our One On One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? DL: Craigmont Middle School (Memphis, Tennessee).
BS: Who’s your favorite player? DL: Tracy McGrady because he can play every position including the one or the two.
BS: Who’s the best player you ever faced? DL: It has to be my brother Keelan Lawson.
BS: What’s the strongest part of your game? DL: Rebounding and getting putbacks.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? DL: My footwork and speed.
BS: What is your dream college? DL: Louisville, I like the way Coach Pitino motivates his players.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? DL: Lil Wayne.
BS: What’s your fondest AAU memory? DL: When we won the AAU Nationals at 10U.
BS: Who would you love to have dinner with? DL: Tracy McGrady because he’s my favorite player.
Shavar Newkirk has panned out to be the top floor general in the Big Apple. The last two seasons he has quarterbacked Team Scan to several tournament titles up and down the East Coast. He took home All Tournament team honors at the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale and will be a finalist for 14U Player of the Year. Shavar's progress and point guard play this season has earned him an invite to play in the J.E.M. All Star Classic. This event will take place August 28th at St. Benedicts Preparatory School.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
Breakdown: Lowe moved over to NJ Got Game and still continued his scoring prowess. He’s a streaky shooter from 3 point range and excels when getting out into transition. He took home All Tournament team honors at the Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup and the MDC. Trey will be brining his game to the Super Showcase on August 14th at Life Center Academy.
Chancellor Ellis is one of the top shooters in the region. His sweet stroke helped the Juice All Stars win several tournaments including the Grand Finale and Clash For The Cup (All Tournament honors in both). Juice finished #5 in America at the 14U Nationals and Ellis played a huge role in their success. His play earned him a trip to the J.E.M. All Star Classic on August 28th at St. Benedicts Prep.
The J.E.M. All Star Classic will bring together the top rising 9th Graders in the region for a day of competition and celebration. The players in this event were selected by our committee and have been notified. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will be presenting several awards for teams and players that have performed well this past season. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will release other top players that have been selected for this event.
It has been a long year in which you have given me a chance to let you get a first hand look into my world, my ups, and some of my downs, both on and off the court. I want to 1st start out with thanking God, as with him every thing is possible. Then I want to thank Mike Melton for choosing me as the Diary Of A Baller representing New Jersey. Also all his hard work that he puts into giving us a platform to be seen and recognized. Maybe he’s not the 1st, but truly a friend to all "future phenoms", so again I thank you!
Next my parents for all their hard work. First my dad for supporting me 24/7 and giving me advice on becoming a future division one athlete. I look to him for a lot because he was a D1 athlete himself and even though I don’t always agree he knows what he talking about. Secondly, my step mom for taking me to practice and being there when my dad and I don’t always see eye to eye. Finally, my mom for love and support and my brother and sister for traveling state to state with me, and in and out of gyms all the time.
Now for my coaches; Coach Ozzie for being like a second father and has always believed in me and played me up since I was 7 years old. He has been my coach for 7 years, and not just honing my skills as a player but raising a humble level headed athlete, also for believing in me. Sometimes I doubted myself for being to small or always being the youngest, thank you. Coach Barry for the work he puts in with us and always being there for our team. Coach Munch Team Scan for the time he put in with me developing my skills and showing me the NYC love. Coach Mack for making me feel at home since day one. Coach Barnes for picking up where Coach Ozzie left off, and believing in me even though I’m an incoming freshman and giving me the opportunity to show him that I want to earn a varsity spot as a freshman throughout the summer. Also to all the great HS coaches that showed some interest in me since 7th grade and a lot more in the 8th. I thank you all for taking the time to show me your schools and your programs.
A special thanks to Mrs. Forehand for personally writing my parents and I a hand written letter about St. Anthony’s. It’s been a long 8th grade year but the school that best suits me as a student and a player will be Paramus Catholic. So as you can see in the picture I am a Paladin. I think I can develop as a player there under coach Barnes and do great things in the future. I feel very comfortable there with coaching staff, Mack and Roc, and the players Justin, Manny, Tommy, Von and the rest of the team. So thank you, for reading and following these parts of my life! Hopefully I will see you guys soon at the Spotlight All Star Game August 28th.
The most splendid future will always depend upon the necessary to release the past. Young One Out…
Jamir Harris Performed Well On The Big Stage
Raykem Felder (Brooklyn, NY)- The Bully muscled his way to some easy buckets and knocked down a few deep shots. He did get into a little trouble while penetrating too deep into the lane. I think he will eventually move to the point and he showed some floor general instincts when passing the rock.
Keith Washington (Sicklerville, NJ)- Washington glided to the bucket for points and hit his pull up off the dribble. Keith has improved his ball handling and seems to always be in attack mode. Before going to the high school level he might have to transition to more of a pass first type. 
Brad Hawkins (Camden, NJ)- Camden is known for putting out tough guards and Hawkins might be the next in line. This kid defends the rock well and has a strong body that absorbs contact when finishing. Brad is a bona fide scorer. He averaged close to 15 points a contest.
Sa’eed Nelson (Pleasantville, NJ)- Nelson showed good promise chipping in 19 points in his final outing. It’s just amazing how he gets through the teeth of the defense before scoring a difficult shot. His leaping ability and athleticism is rare for his size. 
Chris Lykes (Mitchellville, MD)- Lykes is a hard nose defender and even tries to snatch a rebound or two. On offense he hits the lane like a battle rocket and knows how to finish among the giants. Pound for pound he’s one of the toughest guards around.
Tyler Jones (Lawrenceville, NJ)- Jones has good size which allows him to see over the defense. I like his strong frame and his ability to score from different areas. He should be one of the top guards in the Mercer County area for years to come. I like his potential and smooth demeanor.
Alex Leder (Bethesda, MD)- We all know Leder can shoot but he showed me some improved ball handling and a lot of toughness in the fire. He plays the game with a lot of passion and has a good basketball IQ. I look forward on seeing a lot more of him soon.
Coby Davis (Upper Marlboro, MD)- Davis impressed me with his ability to score from the outside and on drives. He got into a little trouble trying to dribble through traps but he made up for by finishing off plays. He had a good showing. 
Randolph Hunter (Lancaster, PA)- This is another tough guard from the Quaker State. He plays either guard spot and goes very hard on the defensive end. He’s extremely quick with the pill and a capable play maker. 
Robinson Normil (Egg Harbor, NJ)- Robinson looked comfortable in this environment. I like how he uses the floater when driving the lane and the speed he shows in the open floor. He will definitely become a point guard soon.
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