Team Nelson Finishes 9th In America

Regions #1 Team Nelson Represented At 10U Nationals

The 4th grade Team Nelson boys basketball team went 5-1and finished in 9th place in the AAU National Championships held in Charlotte, NC. The team defeated some of the top teams in the country including the former champions Detroit Elite. Team Nelson defeated DC Assault in the 9th and 11th place championships. The team earned 9th place and is one of the top 10 teams in the nation.

The team consists of three local Delco players Mark Bradshaw, John Dinkins and Jalen Hudson. The other players on the team include Anthony Hoggard, Donta Scott. Mikeal Jones, Jalen Gaffney, Kieves Turner, Chris Allen, Amin Dandridge.

Team Nelson is sponsored by Chester High and Orlando Magic star Jameer Nelson

The coaches include:
Howard Hudson, Head
John Dinkins, Assistant
Anthony Hoggard, Assistant

Riverside Hawks Made Final Four March

#1 Riverside Hawks Finished #4 Nationally In Cocoa Beach

Making the AAU Final Four is a coach’s dream and Lawrence Fauntleroy of Riverside Hawks dream became a reality at the 11U Division 1 National Championship. The #1 team in the Basketball Spotlight Top 10 made it to the final four in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Riverside finished #4 in the country. Congrats to Riverside coaches and players for this great accomplishment. Stay tune as we bring you more national results from area teams.

Head Coach Lawrence Fauntleroy
Asst. Coach Al Gowan
Zedrek Farrell
Jarett Haines
Jared Maharaj
Matthew Mitrakos
Jahbril Price-Noel
Jake Runyon
Alston Tarry
Lucas Warhaftig
Camren Wynter

New Heights Finish #2 At 11U D2 Nationals

New Heights Made A Championship Run

New Heights formerly Fastbreak Basketball represented NY to the fullest with a runner up finish at AAU 11U Division 2 National Championships. Congrats to New Heights coaches and players for this great accomplishment.

Roster
Head Coach Billy Council
Asst. Coach Everton McIntyre
Asst. Coach Michael Robinson
13 Cole Anthony
32 Tyrek Chambers
2 Jack Frankel
1 Kevin Greene
10 Antoine Hernton
42 Edmund Kelly III
5 Sam Klores
3 Daniel Klosk
4 Judah Mcintyre
12 Jayson Robinson
21 Sahdique Watkins
14 Makhel Wilson
11 Garieth Manessah Harvey

12U Nationals Day 5 Recap: Top Performers

Christian Nelson (Atlanta Knicks)

Basketball Spotlight spent our final day at the 12U Nationals checking out the Sweet 16 battles. Here are some of the players that caught our eye before we left Hampton.

Day 5 Top Performers

Christian Nelson Forward (Atlanta Knicks)- Nelson played big in their overtime loss to Cali Styles. He attacked the huge squad with Charles Barkley type of style. He had the face up jumper working and showed some versatility before severely injuring his ankle at the end of regulation. I love how this kid attacks slow but smoothly off the dribble.

Zach Cooks Guard (Atlanta Knicks)- One of the top floor generals in the land proved his worth in front of the capacity crowd. He zipped through the defense while finishing or distributing the pill to teammates. As mentioned before Cooks is an extension of the coach on the floor. This kid is a gamer.

Al Durham Guard (Atlanta Knicks)- The slick lefty broke down defenders with his quickness and ability to change direction. He gets to the rim at will and I love the fact that he wants the ball in crucial situations. He has big time scoring ability.

Nogel Eastern Guard (AI9)-Eastern came up big down the stretch to knock out CBC. The strong scoring guard attacked along the baseline and either scored or traveled to the charity stripe. He stepped his game up when it mattered.

Reggie Crawford Forward (AI9)- Crawford is too quick for most post defenders. He plays with is back to the basket and demonstrates a strong spin move. He has long limbs which indicate he should have more inches to grow in the future. Either way he will be good for him to work on his wing game.

Jared Simmons Guard (CBC)- Simmons is a confident shooter that will launch it as soon as the ball touches his hands. He stretched the defense with his range but also showed some heart by attempting some floaters in the lane. He can get a little too trigger happy at times.

Baby Baller Super Showcase Is Almost Here

The Basketball Spotlight Baby Baller Super Showcase registration is ready to go. We have an online registration for those that want to use credit or debit cards and mail-in registration for cashier checks or money orders. Players interested in registering who name doesn’t appear on the invite list need to contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122 before completing registration. Registration deadline for this event is July 25, 2011.

Date: August 6, 2011

Place: Life Center Academy (Burlington, NJ)

Class: 2018 and 2019 (Rising 5th and 6th Graders)

Online Registration

Mail-in Registration

12U Nationals Day 4 Recap: Top Performers Part 2

Jeffrey Prophete (Lauderill Lions)

Championship Bracket play kicked off today and so some fresh faces and top notch talent. Here’s part 2 of our day 4 report.

Day 4 Top Performers Part 2

Jeffrey Prophete Guard (Lauderhill Lions)- I have been in search of that prospect that separates himself from the pack and this might be the kid. This kid stands about 6’3 and has the total package. He has scoring ability, athleticism, court vision, basketball instincts and can shoot a jumper. When he’s not dazzling the crowd on the perimeter he hammers the boards on the blocks. Right now he’s the most dominant player I’ve seen in Hampton bar none.

Abule Abadi Forward (Lauderhill Lions)- Abadi controls the paint very seriously. There’s nothing pretty about his game but when you are standing 6’5 with a solid frame there’s nothing to talk about. He intimidated the CB Spiders players when they drove the lane. He was just too big and strong inside.

Brendon Oliver Guard (Lauderhill Lions)- Oliver was the 3 point threat for the Florida squad. While the Spiders had to double down he stayed behind the 3 point and launched away. He finished with double figures in points.

JJ Watson Guard (CB Spiders)- Foul trouble crippled this guard early but he did comeback with some aggressive play against the Lions. He attempting and converted some strong finishes in transition. Once he got going to game was already decided.

DJ Mitchell Forward (Team Takeover)- His length gave Team Final major problems. He collected several steals in the passing lanes and was a major matchup problem on the perimeter. He’s a natural scorer on this level.

Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)- I know you are tired of reading about this kid but his play today carried the squad to the Sweet 16. Foul trouble caused him to play only 3 quarters but he still posted 28 points and even ran the point for a spell. Tomorrow they will face Lauderhill Lions which should be a dandy.

Ismail Charles Forward (CBC)- Charles was definitely in charge against Southeast Elite of Alabama. He was a beast on the blocks with strong spin moves and a soft touch. His A Game brought them a Sweet 16 birth.

Sweet 16 Matchups
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Kentucky Elite 9:00 AM
Juice All Stars vs. Cabarrus Stars 9:00 AM
Lauderhill Lions vs. Team IZOD 10:20 AM
LA Primetime Select vs. NC Gaters 10:20 AM
West Coast Elite vs. Memphis War Eagles 11:40 AM
AI9 Elite vs. CBC 11:40 AM
Cali Styles vs. Atlanta Knicks 1:00 PM
Seven Cities Elite vs. Team Takeover 1:00 PM

12U Nationals Day 4 Recap: Top Performers Part1

Chance Melton (Kentucky Elite)

Championship Bracket play kicked off today and so some fresh faces and top notch talent. Here’s part 1 of our day 4 report.

Day 4 Top Performers

Chance Melton Forward (Kentucky Elite)- Melton’s versatile game was too much for Delaware PAL. He showed off his footwork as he danced inside for some easy buckets. But what really impressed me was the way he pushed the rock up the floor like a wing guard.

Tyler Bourne Guard (Juice All Stars)- The feisty little floor general woke up in the second half to carry his team to the win. He controlled the tempo while making timely passes to teammates after penetration. He also didn’t hesitate to take a big trey or use his deadly floater.

Michael Johnson Guard (Juice All Stars)- Johnson makes a living driving the lane and attempting shots over the interior post defenders. His strength is one of his best weapons that he uses in transition.

Michal Bowry Forward (Juice All Stars)- Bowry was very active around the basket on both ends. He runs the floor well for a player his size and has decent hands. He stepped up his game on the boards and that helped them get over the top.

Kel Stotts Guard (Kentucky Elite)- Kel caught fire from behind the arc while draining 4 treys. The defense tried to pack in on Melton which gave Stotts several wide open opportunities.


Malik Velmar Guard (Team Final)- Velmar stroked the rock with confidence which helped TF get back into the game. He can either shoot it from the spot up position or off the bounce. Team Final needed to sparkplug guard to step up.


JP Sanders Guard (Team Final)- Sanders showed flashes of good play. He ran the point for the most and used his size to get where he wanted on the floor. He needs to show this type of aggression for TF to be successful.

Ahrod Carter Guard (Team Final)- Carter is also playing with high confidence. He’s big enough to shoot over most defenders and has a smoothness too his game that you have to respect.

12U Nationals Day 3 Recap: Top Performers Part 2

Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD)

Pool play wrapped up yesterday at the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight was on hand for the action. Here’s our second report of the top performers of the day.

Top Performers Part 2

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team IZOD)- It was Clarke’s time to shine and he took full advantage. He scored from different areas on the floor and showed a high IQ especially when he throws his body into the shot blocker before finishing. He led the team in scoring during their come from behind victory.

Rooner Joseph Forward (Team IZOD)- There might be bigger and better long term prospects but there isn’t a better rebounding forward in this event. Joseph kept his team in the game early by cleaning the glass on both ends and converting an improved turn around shot.

Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Team IZOD)- Nate fought through a intense defensive scheme designed to stop him. It wasn’t his best scoring game but he still managed to put some crucial points on the board. He showed a lot of heart and determination in this contest.

David Kachleries Guard (Team IZOD)- David was a defensive hawk yesterday. He plucked the opposing point guard at least times at half court. On offense he dribbled through their press and made the right decisions down the stretch.


Marvin Wilson Forward (Houston Elite)- Wilson started the game off killing IZOD inside. The wide body forward has good footwork and low post moves for a youngster. He would have been more effective if he didn’t get into foul trouble.

Ricky Nelson Guard (Houston Elite)- The scoring guard isn’t afraid to take the big shot or to take straight to a shot blocker. I like his confidence and his quickness when attacking the gaps.


Chris Giles Forward (Houston Elite)- Giles did a good job denying Pierre Louis the rock. The plan seemed to work until Giles got into foul trouble in the 3rd quarter. I also think he could have used some of that energy on offense. He showed some offensive promise on a few moves late in the game.

Jarred Vanderbilt Forward (Houston Elite)- This kid has a chance to be a special prospect. The long lefty took over the point guard controls when IZOD applied their full court press. He has a deceptive handle and prototype wing body. He runs the floor like a gazelle.

12U Nationals Day 3 Recap: Top Performers Part 1

Tyler Harris (Memphis War Eagles)

Pool play wrapped up today at the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight was on hand for the action. Here’s a breakdown of a top performers.

Top Performers Part 1

Tyler Harris Guard (Memphis War Eagles)- Harris burned the CB Spiders from the perimeter. He nailed about 6 treys and gave them a steady diet of pull up jumpers. He’s small in size but plays with the heart of a lion like a young Allen Iverson.

Chase Hayden Guard (Memphis War Eagles)- Hayden is a poised point guard that also has a mean pull up jumper. He runs the offense well and usually takes care of the rock. His penetration skills hurt the Spiders late in the game.

Cameron Taylor Forward (Memphis War Eagles)- Down the stretch Taylor was automatic in the paint. He used a feathery touch to convert in the lane and was a menace on the glass. His size was a major factor in them pulling out the win.

Jatirious Smith Forward (CB Spiders)- Smith tried to put the team on his back but came up a little short. He was unstoppable when charging the basket while demonstrating great body control. Smith is also a very efficient free throw shooter. Today he showed big time play making ability.

Ty-Shon Alexander Guard (CB Spiders)- Alexander showed some scoring prowess early on. He was able to stroke the outside shot and finish well on the break. At times he did get a little careless with the pill which caused a few turnovers but you can’t deny this kid’s talent.

Dondre Pittman Forward (RIP City)- The southpaw is a big time athlete with a basketball body. His long limbs help him stretch out for buckets and play the passing lanes on defense. Keep an eye on this young player.

12U Nationals Day 2 Recap: Top Scoring Guards

Eric Ayala (Delaware PAL)

We are in Day 2 of the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight once again caught the action at the Boo Williams Center. Finally, here are the two guards that lit up the score boards.

Day 2 Top Scoring Guards

Eric Ayala (Delaware PAL)- Ayala returned to the game after injuring his head and had a good showing. He grew some inches since I watched him last year and it definitely impacts his game. The big guard can pull up over most defenders and has great touch on his shot.

Kurtlen Brown (West Virginia Explosion)- Brown gave Playtime the business. He bullied his way through the defense and knocked down deep ball in transition. He’s a physical guard that attacks the defense like a running back.

Michael Feinberg (Cali Styles)- Feinberg stroke was on full display yesterday. He set up in the corner or ran around picks to get open. He is a pure shooter that can tickle the twine from anywhere on the floor.

Boubacar Kamissoko (Playtime)- Kamissoko had it going from deep and in transition. He’s on the thin side but plays a lot stronger than he looks. Once he gets it going he’s very difficult to stop.


Donovan Steward (6th Man Warriors)- Steward started out shaky against Cali Styles but good things together and began scoring. He range is unbelievable for a rising 7th Grader. He shoots the ball consistently from NBA 3 point range.

12U Nationals Day 2 Recap: Top Point Guards

Jaecee Martin (CBC)

We are in Day 2 of the 12U Nationals and Basketball Spotlight once again caught the action at the Boo Williams Center. Next, here’s a look at the top point guards that ran the show.

Day 2 Top Point Guards

Jaecee Martin (CBC)- The rest of the country got a taste of Mayweather’s flurry. He was relentless in attacking the defense with wicked crossovers and spin moves. His threw zip passes through the defense while spoon feeding teammates. I have surveyed many of the teams down here and I’m comfortable in saying he’s the #1 point guard in the building.

Imani Starling (Nashville Celtics)- The pint size lefty shows a lot of grit and desire. He isn’t afraid to shoot the big shot or dribble into the teeth of the defense. He doesn’t go for the spectacular play but instead runs the show very steady.

Colin Miller (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)- Miller on the other hand loves hitting the home run. When he gets into the lane he prefers the look away pass and I also love his spin move. He’s a very confident ball handler who can also help his team by scoring the ball.

Jordan Poole (Wisconsin Playground)- Poole’s play made things interesting against Delaware PAL. He handled the rock like he had it on the string. He curved up the defense and scored with scooping lay ups.


Silas Nazario (West Virginia Explosion)- Not many guards attack the defense Like Nazario. His quickness is one of his best attributes while also possessing good change of direction and court vision. I like his style.


Keith Deloatch (Delaware PAL)- The strong point guard loves using the crossover snatch back to get past defenders. His strong frame helps him protect the pill and carry defenders. He made his presence felt on both ends of the floor.