Sunday, August 7, 2011

Baby Baller Super Showcase Profile: Nazreon Reid

Name: Nazreon Reid

Hometown: Asbury Park, NJ

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Showcase Report: Perhaps the best long term prospect in the building Reid was one man shot blocking machine inside. He also was big on the glass on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s still a work in progress on the post but he has range extending past the three point line. What’s scary is that Nazreon projects to be between 6’10 and 7’0.

Baby Baller Super Showcase Profile: Marque Maultsby

Name: Marque Maultsby

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2018

Showcase Report: The big guard wasted no time getting involved. He used his size to see over defenders and made it his business to get teammates involved. He’s strong enough to pass the rock with either hand or score the pill in traffic. Marque will be a name to know in the North Carolina area for years to come. I’m sure his parent’s felt his play was worth the 8 hour drive.

Baby Baller Super Showcase Profile: Judah McIntyre

Name: Judah McIntyre

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2018

Showcase Report: The boy with the blue shoes got busy yesterday. No defender in the building could stop him from getting in the hole. Judah displayed his high basketball IQ by calling for the pick and roll by using signals. He battled some of the top guards in the region and did more than hold his own. He was a joy to watch and was the topic of conversation while I wandered the gym.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Baby Baller Super Showcase Preview (Class 2018)

Jalen Brooks (Plainfield, NJ)

The Basketball Spotlight Baby Baller Super Showcase is slated for Saturday and Basketball Spotlight has recruited some of the top talent in the region. Here’s a look at the Class of 2018 top guards that will be in attendance.

Baby Baller Super Showcase (Class of 2018 Guards)

Jalen Brooks (Plainfield, NJ)- Brooks has several MVP trophies on his shelf and now he’s focused on showing his skills to the against the top competition. He doesn’t have a problem scoring the ball so we look for him to post big numbers. The southpaw is simply a scoring machine.


Markquis Nowell (Harlem, NY)- Nowell has showed his scoring prowess all season but most recently at the Summer Slam Final Four. The combo guard can fill it up from all three levels and does it in a hurry. Never count this kid out because he never quits.

Kenny Tyree (Landover, MD)- Tyree showed us his work at the Clash For The Cup and we know he will bring his game. He can stroke it from the cheap seats so it wouldn’t be hard for him to put up big numbers.


Rob Higgins (Middletown, NJ)- There’s not many that have the swagger or confidence as Higgins but his game backs it up. He doesn’t back down to the competition and enjoys putting on a show.


Judah McIntyre (Brooklyn, NY)- The pesky point guard quarterbacked his team to the 11U Division 2 National Championship Game. Now he has the opportunity to free lance a little on his own. I know he will bring his A game.

Antony Saccenti (Colora, MD)- The lefty can run the show for any team so we will be looking for those leadership skills this Saturday. It should be an up and down environment and he should fit right in.


Marque Maultsby (Raleigh, NC)- The big guard should be right at home in Burlington. He can handle the ball and score when he wants so this type of event is right up his alley.




Denelle Holly (Philadelphia, PA)- “Hollywood” Holly will have the City of Brotherly Love on his back and he should be okay. He knows how to dance around defenders so they need to lace them up tight.


Alexander Bajohr (Freehold, NJ)- Bajohr is one of the top showmen around. He definitely will excel in an all star camp typesetting and this is it. We look for him to score the rock but also show off his slick handle and throw some look away passes.

Kiyon Johnson (Wilmington, DE)- Johnson has the chance to be a special player. He combines size with skill and scoring ability. When he gets going he’s very difficult to contain.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Baby Baller Super Showcase Preview (Class 2019)

AJ Hoggard (Coatesville, PA)

The Basketball Spotlight Baby Baller Super Showcase will take place Saturday and we have assembled some top talent. Here’s a look at some of the Class of 2019 participants (Rising 5th Graders).

Baby Baller Super Showcase Preview (Class 2019)

AJ Hoggard (Coatesville, PA)- After leading Team Nelson to a #9 finish “McBuckets” is out to prove that he’s the top talent in the region. His game is advanced for this age level and he possesses a killer instinct that’s rare for a 10 year old. We will be looking for him to dazzled the crowd and give us a day to remember.


Jaheim Tanksley (Edison, NJ)- Tanksley is worth the price of admissions. Now he can show the world that he’s one of the best point guards around. Jaheim has unbelievable range and accuracy from the perimeter. He will turn up the heat in a hurry and we will be watching Saturday.

Jalen Gaffney (Burlington, NJ)- Gaffney is another guard fighting for top floor general honors. He is very skilled and has good poise for a youngster in this age group. He also is capable of lighting up the scoreboard at anytime.

DJ Jackson (Hartford, CT)- Jackson is one of the most aggressive guards on this grade level. He’s a skilled ball handler with an accurate ratchet. He will be representing CBC hard in Burlington, NJ.


Mark Bradshaw (Chester, PA)- This lefty scores the rock like we breathe. He can launch the trey ball or score while driving. Now he will be out to carve is own name among the elite players in the region.


Tyler Brelsford (Ellicott City, MD)- The PV County prospect will be traveling up for some Northeast bump. The former Mr. Memorial Day now can really flaunt his skills for the tri-state fans. Defenders need to make sure they are ready for a slick handle.

Charles Noonan (Bronx, NY)- Noonan has good length and gets up the floor quickly. He should be able to make some good plays in this type of environment. We look forward to watching him on Saturday.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Baby Baller Super Showcase Coming Saturday


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.

Date: August 6, 2011

Place: Life Center Academy (Burlington, NJ)
2045 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016-9731

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

Online Registration

Mail-in Registration

Event Schedule
9:00 AM Registration
10:00 AM Class 2019 Games
11:00 AM Class 2018 Games
12:00 PM Class 2019 Games
1:00 PM Class 2018 Games
2:00 PM Class 2019 Games
3:00 PM Class 2018 Games

Monday, August 1, 2011

Summer Slam 14U Recap: Expressions Gets The Last Laugh

Expressions Captures Grand Championship

Chris Atkinson scored 15 points but it wasn’t enough as Expressions escaped to defeat Team Scan 52-51 to win the Summer Slam 14U Grand Championship. Chris Baldwin led the Expression’s balance scoring attack.

Top Performers


Chris Baldwin Forward (Expressions)- Baldwin took things to the blocks yesterday. He’s a natural scorer with a feathery touch. He’s not overly athletic but has the width and length to be a major factor in any contest. I love his extended range and overall feel for the game.

Aaron McClain Forward (Expressions)- McClain altered shots and was a menace on the boards. He’s very quick off his feet and doesn’t need to score to be effective on both ends of the floor. His long arms are one of his best assets.

Juwan Gooding Guard (Expressions)- Gooding hurt TS by scoring 5 points in 10 seconds to give his team the lead for good. First hit nailed a trey then stole the inbounds pass and scored again. The southpaw didn’t have a great game but came up big when it counted.

Chris Atkinson Guard (Team Scan)- Atkinson ended his season on a good note. The speedster showed good range from the perimeter and beat defenders off the dribble all afternoon. He’s one of the quickest and most effective guards in the region. He will make some high school coach very proud.

Devonte Green Guard (Team Scan)- Green is the prototype two guard. He has good height and range on his jumper. He has does a good job creating space and getting his shot off in traffic. He will be tough to handle next year when he reclassifies into the Class of 2016.

Summer Slam 13U Recap: Killer Bees Run The Table

F.A.C.E.S. Return To The Top

Idris Joyner scored 16 points and Ray Montilus added 11 markers as F.A.C.E.S. nipped Gauchos 53-51 to win the Summer Slam 13U Grand Championship. NyRhique Smith finished with 19 points for the Gauchos in the loss.

Top Performers


Idris Joyner Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Joyner continued his great play that play that earned him Mr. Memorial Day. His inside presence was evident from the beginning. He killed the Gauchos with his soft touch, rebounding ability and ability to run the floor. Defensively, he was an aggressive shot blocker and clogged the lane well during help defense. Recently, I asked for a 13U POY candidate to step up and I believe Joyner has answered the bell.

Ray Montilus Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Once again Ray made some big offensive plays down the stretch against the Gauchos. He works the baseline like a tightrope and uses his spin move like a top. He manages to get buckets when situations look very bleak.

Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- The addition of Joyner allowed Ford to play more on the wing. He seems to be enjoying his new job while running the floor and finishing off plays. He has added a good floater to his game with either hand.

Jagan Mosely Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Mosely played big at the guard spot. He’s an important piece because he’s strong enough to fend off the attacking Gaucho guards. When driving through the lane he is able to absorb contact and still finish at the rim. When he adds an outside shot to his arsenal he should become even better.

NyRhique Smith Guard (Gauchos)- Smith tried to steal the game from F.A.C.E.S. with a late scoring flurry. He went on a 9 point run that made things very interesting. I do believe he could have been a little more selfish in the first half which probably would have made the game closer in the beginning.

Brandon Randolph Guard (Gauchos)- Randolph sparked the Choz off the bench by not only scoring a couple of buckets but also applying pressure on the ball. His quickness allowed him to move his feet and slow down the F.A.C.E.S. small but quick guards.

Lu Lu Chisolm Guard (Gauchos)- The defensive specialist helped his team get back in the game by causing turnovers. He excels in transition and tries to push the ball up the floor as much as possible.

Summer Slam 12U Recap: Big Red Machine Rolls On

Team IZOD Wins Summer Slam

Nate Pierre Louis hit a pull up jumper with 6 seconds left and then made the game closing steal as Team IZOD defeated CBC 56-55 to win the Summer Slam 12U Grand Championship. Pierre Louis finished with 17 points and Chase Lewis chipped in 10 markers for the winners. Jaecee Martin finished with a game high 30 points in the loss.

Top Performers


Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Team IZOD)- It was fitting that Nate “The Great” hit the winning pull up in the lane. It was a testament of his improved outside shot and his confidence in taking the game winner. But what really impressed me was his concentration to make the big steal while playing the passing lanes. It looks like a repeat POY honor is certain.

Chase Lewis Guard (Team IZOD)- Lewis played big o both ends of the floor. He gives Sports U a strong perimeter defender and a viable scorer in transition. His energized play and defense helped them get over the hump.

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team IZOD)- Clarke made some clutch buckets down the stretch. He demonstrated good body control near the basket while avoiding shot blockers. He seems to be off balance at times but still finds a way to flip the ball in the basket.

Matthew Kachleries Guard (Team IZOD)- Matthew made two key baskets very late in the game. He connected on a runner but his big shot was definitely a trey from the corner that gave his team the lead.

Jaecee Martin Guard (CBC)- My hat goes off to Mayweather. This youngster left everything on the floor while dazzling the crowd and keeping the IZOD defenders on their heels. At times he was virtually unstoppable by getting to the tin and draining 3 treys. He had an outstanding season.

Chaylyn Martin Guard (CBC)- The other Martin also didn’t disappoint. He has improved his offensive game including a deadly jumper from the perimeter. He scored 25 points in their semifinal win against Juice to help them reach the championship.

Summer Slam 11U Recap: Riverside Hawks Survive Late Gauchos Rally

Riverside Hawks Are The Grand Champions

Jarrett Haines scored 14 points and Jahbril Price-Noel added 8 markers as Riverside Hawks defeated the Gauchos 44-40 to win the Basketball Spotlight Summer Slam Grand Championship. Markquis Nowell led all scorers with 26 points in the loss.

Top Performers


Jarrett Haines Guard (Riverside Hawks)- The compact guard scores well in transition and loves to stop and pop in the lane. He has some good touch from the mid range area and uses the backboard very well.


Jahbril Price-Noel Forward (Riverside Hawks)- The lanky forward was a problem in both games. He usually operates from the high post and his ability to put that the ball on the floor allows him to dribble past post defenders. On this level he’s definitely a match up problem.

Jared Maharaj Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Jared can pull up from anywhere and tickle the twine. He catches and shoots the rock from the wing area and runs the lane well in the open floor. He looks very good in the Riverside Hawks offense.

Cameron Wynter Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Wynter handled most of the point guard duties. He drove deep into the defense and dropped the pill off or used the floater. He’s a confident ball handler and will only get better as time goes on.

Markquis Nowell Guard (Gauchos)- Nowell came out in the second off with a roar. He scored 20 of his 26 points in the second stanza while hitting shots from everywhere. Nowell showed quickness in the open floor, deep range, consistency at the charity stripe and played some lockdown defense. He had one of the top performances of the day.

Khalid Moore Forward (Gauchos)- Moore helped out on the glass during the Choz comeback. He likes handling the rock but looks his best when he’s attacking the glass for rebounds. This kid will be a main clog in the Gauchos system for years.

Tyrese Williams Guard (Gauchos)- Williams was a big guard with a scoring mentality. He can hit the three ball and carry the defenders to the basket with his strength.