The Class of 2017 was so loaded with combo guards that we decided to break down the top performers into two sections. Now we will look at the 2017 combo guards that have graced our website several times.
Class 2017 Top Combo Guards (Usual Suspects)
Nate Pierre Louis (Plainfield, NJ)- Pierre Louis was a scoring machine in his first two outings. The prolific southpaw zipped through the defense and finished with either hand. He also had the jump shot falling from the mid range and 3 point area. He’s a determined player and hard worker which mean he’s only going to get better.
John Paul Sanders (Camden, NJ)- Sanders plays the 1 thru 3 positions on the floor and is beginning to come into his own. Right now he does show some point intangibles but he’s more of a natural scorer. He just seems like a player that is nowhere near reaching his peak so the opposition should be worried.
Chaylyn Martin (Hartford, CT)- One of the most improved players of the year, Martin got a chance to show his offensive work. He demonstrated an improved ability to drive and score in traffic. He also got out in transition and made good decisions with the ball in his hands.
Aaron Clarke (Parsippany, NJ)- Clarke got a chance to operate as one of the primary ball handlers and I must say he had his moments. He has more wiggle in his game than I thought and now is fluid creating his own shot. His hard work is definitely starting to pay off.
Matthew Kachleries (Macungie, PA)-Kachleries confidence is still brewing from Summer Slam. His offensive production continues to rise and he isn’t afraid to take the big shot from behind the arc. Hopefully he can stay on this good roll that he’s enjoying.
Ahrod Carter (Chester, PA)- Carter high arching jumpers tickled the twine from deep. He also has nice mid range game and looks real good when he’s being aggressive. The former Mr. Memorial Day game has matured right in front of our eyes. We only expect him to get better.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase was definitely a joy to watch. Here’s the first highlight video we received featuring some of the top performers from the Class of 2017. Basketball Spotlight would like to thank everyone for their support and we will continue to bring you guys the best coverage and events. The Ballin 365 highlight reels will be coming soon but anyone with video coverage please email the youtube link to basketballspotlight@hotmail.com.
The Class of 2017 was so loaded with combo guards that we decided to break down the top performers into two sections. First we will talk about the players that made their spotlight debuts, were under the radar or been away from the scene for a while.
Class 2017 Top Combo Guards (Fresh Faces)
Eric Ayala (Wilmington, DE)- Ayala put together a spectacular showing yesterday. He had all facets of his game flowing in rhythm. His jump shot was wet from behind the arc and when defenders tried to close out on him he breezed right past them. Eric seems to be playing in slow motion but his hesitation dribble and crossover still appears to be very effective. Many felt he played like the top guard in the class yesterday. He also earned a nickname introducing Eric “Easy” Ayala. He makes the game look so easy.
Quade Green (Philadelphia, PA)- The explosive guard made his showcase debut and didn’t disappoint. He has a flair for the game that doesn’t take away from his effectiveness. He was difficult to contain off the dribble and also in traffic. Once he gets going he’s capable of reeling off buckets very quickly. His names will ring bells for a while.
Ezra Swell (Rumson, NJ)- I initially pegged Swell as a spot up shooter until I saw him demonstrate a mean crossover move on the baseline that excited the crowd. He has a sneaky type of game that he let loose once he became more confident in this event. We will watch how he develops over the years.
Chase Lewis (Ewing, NJ)- While few players attempted to go hard on the defensive end, Lewis made it his business to lockdown opponents. He moved his feet well and concentrated on their waistline. On offense he did his usual damage by slashing and finishing in transition. This kid continues to work hard to get better.
Malik Velmar (Dover, DE)- It took Malik a little while to get accustomed to the showcase style of play but in his final game he finally got comfortable and let the ball fly. He connected on five treys and had the gym roaring. He’s a player you don’t want to catch fire from the perimeter if you are the opponent.
Qadir Burgess (Philadelphia, PA)- Burgess is another one of those strong Philly guards that are always in attack mode. His skill set is still a little raw but his strength and mid range shot still makes him have an impact on this level. He definitely has the Philadelphia blue collar type style of play.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place Saturday and the talent was in the building. We have loads of recaps to give you guys and we will start off with the top floor generals from the rising 7th Graders.
Class 2017 Top Point Guards
Jaecee Martin (Hartford, CT)- Mayweather knocked out the competition in Burlington, NJ. He dazzled the spectators with his sizzling handle, court vision and scoring prowess. Defensively, he picked several pockets while causing several ball handlers to second guess their dribbling skills. He left victorious after his highly anticipated showdown with Nate Pierre Louis. His performance yesterday definitely brought him back into the POY talk. He was that dominant.
Zach Cooks (Lawrenceville, GA)- The Georgia product barked instruction to his teammates all afternoon. When he wasn’t controlling the flow he was zipping through the defense and dropping fancy dimes. It’s rare that a player this young understands how to balance the floor and pick his spots to attack. He represented the south very well at this event.
Jaiyer Jinwright (Paterson, NJ)- Jinwright played with Martin but showed his own point guard talents with the pill. He’s a lanky ball handler that uses his length to split traps and make difficult plays. He’s was an under the radar prospect but the fluidness of his game has brought him to the surface quickly.
Tyler Hawkins (Tinton Falls, NJ)- Hawkins used his savvy to hang in this talent thick atmosphere. He flourished in transition by keeping the ball in the middle of the floor and feeding the wings. He has a capable handle and sees the floor well. He definitely stepped up on the big stage.
David Kachleries (Macungie, PA)- David enjoyed himself in this up and down flow. Dribble drives are a main part of his game but he also dropped the open jumper when the ball swung back his way. This kid just adapts his game to any situation. He plays the game with a high level of confidence.
Lucas Hudson (Central Valley, PA)- Lucas recently returned from an injury and seemed to back to normal. He made good decisions during the secondary break even pulling up for his own shot on occasions. He’s a very smart player and will continue to shine as is career goes into high school.
Elijah Dockery (Newark, DE)- Dockery was a fresh face and held it down for the "First State". He has some swiftness in his game while surveying the floor but also has the capability of scoring the rock. Delaware is starting to produce some talent and you can throw Dockery's name in this bunch.
Keith Deloatch (New Castle, DE)- Keith is a strong guard with some size which helps him look over defenders. He leaves the fancy play to his counterparts and prefers to take apart defenders with skill and instincts. He will be another shining player from Delaware.
Azar Swain (Stoughton, MA)- Swain is still making the transition to point guard, at times he looks comfortable then other times his natural scoring mentality takes over. I like his feel for the game and the way he protects the rock against stronger more athletic defenders.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Class of 2016 is ready to rock. Below is the schedule and roster for the players in this event. We encourage each player to report at 9:00 AM so we can begin on time.
Team: Hornets
Tyus Battle
Thomas Jackson
Kyle Elliot
Nwancho Nwana
Saeed Nelson
Byron Nelson
Grant Robinson
Kharory Smith
Kaleb Martin
Team: Heat
Jamir Harris
Tremont Waters Idris Joyner
Mike Janowski
Tyler Jones
Mikey Dixon
Deondre Bournes
Dylan Yerkes
Taylor Huyghue
Team: Knicks
Alani Moore
Unique Mclean
Mustafa Herron
Keith Washington
Kobe Gantz
Kristian Hedgepeth
Chris Lykes
Amir Jones
Travis Fields
Team: Lakers
NyRhique Smith
Reggie Gardner
Lamar Stevens
Devante Carter
Daniel Harris
Ray Montilus
Jake Flores
Omar Mostafa
Josh Brownridge
Gianni Streets
Team: Bulls
Anthony Cowan
Brad Hawkins
Christian Ford
Leondre Washington
Terquin Mott
Wayne White
Marcus McClary
Zach Howarth
Kyle Depollar
Damani Jules
Team: Wizards
Vaughn Covington
Azzur Taylor
Jamar Watson
Sayon Charles
Keandre Fair
Issac Harris
Devon Goodman
Oliver Levy
Mike Caruso
Jahmi Bailey
Schedule
11:00 AM Heat vs. Bulls (CT 1)
11:00 AM Hornets vs. Knicks (CT 2)
11:00 AM Lakers vs. Wizards (CT 3)
1:00 PM Hornets vs. Heat (CT 1)
1:00 PM Lakers vs. Knicks (CT 2)
1:00 PM Bulls vs. Wizards (CT 3)
3:00 PM Wizards vs. Heat (CT 1)
3:00 PM Lakers vs. Hornets (CT 2)
3:00 PM Knicks vs. Bulls (CT 3)
Teams Subject To Change At The Directors Discretion.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Class of 2017 is loaded with talent. Below is the schedule and roster for the players in this event. We encourage each player to report at 9:00 AM so we can begin on time.
Team: North Carolina
Jordan Riley
Zach Cook
Chaylyn Martin
David Kachleries
D’Andre Velmar
Zach Bruno
Isaiah Russell
Chase Lewis
Team: Duke
Nate Pierre Louis
Donovan Steward
Raheem Solomon
Shyheim Hicks
Tyler Hawkins
Sam Iorio
Isaiah White Najohn Dickerson
Team: Providence
Losini Kamara
Aaron Clarke
Keith Deloatch
Azar Swain
Boubacar Kamissiko
Maguire Sweeney
Isaiah Brockington Malik Velmar
Team: St. Johns
Jaecee Martin
Iyair Purnell
Ahrod Carter
Louis King
Lucas Hudson
Quadir Burgess
Myles Mitchell White
Jaiyer Jinwright
Team: UConn
Rooner Joseph
Quade Green
John Paul Sanders
Tyler Douglas
Jared Simmons
Eligah Dockery
Jared Bynum
Team: Kansas State
Eric Ayala
Kyson Rawls
Ismail Charles
Matt Kachleries
Ian Dubose
Ezra Swell
Jahmier Pugh
Schedule
10:00 AM North Carolina vs. Duke (CT 1)
10:00 AM UConn vs. Kansas State (CT 2)
10:00 AM St. Johns vs. Providence (CT 3)
12:00 PM North Carolina vs. Kansas State (CT 1)
12:00 PM Providence vs. Duke (CT 2)
12:00 PM St. Johns vs. UConn (CT 3)
2:00 PM Kansas State vs. UConn (CT 1)
2:00 PM Duke vs. St. Johns (CT 2) 2:00 PM Providence vs. North Carolina
Teams Are Subject To Change At The Directors Discretion.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase will take place tomorrow and it should be a dandy. The top players on the East Coast have come together to clash for 3 games. The rosters and game schedules will be posted today. Let’s remember that tomorrow is about the players having fun and competing.
Date: August 13, 2011
Place: Life Center Academy (Burlington, NJ)
2045 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016-9731
Class: 2016 and 2017 (Rising 7th and 8th Graders)
Showcase Report: When it’s all said and done Wilson might be one of the best prospects coming from this event. This forward is still a baby and doesn’t have control of his body which is a good thing. He used a spin move in the lane before stretching out for lay ups. I can’t wait to see how develops in a few years. I expect a very long forward.
Showcase Report: Downing came to the camp highly recommended and backed up the hype. He’s a true floor general but can turn into a scorer when needed. His showcase coach raved about his court vision and presence on the floor. I hope we get a chance to check out him during the upcoming AAU season. This kid can really go.
Showcase Report: Spears is programmed to score the ball. Most of his points came from floaters in the lane and finishing at the tin. He was very aggressive from the start of this event but he does need to involve his teammates a little more. This is a very talented guard from the New England region.
Announcing a “first of a kind” basketball workout designed to help any player elevate their game to the next level. FRIDAY NIGHT RUNS, presented by NetWork Basketball, will consist of
●Athletic Preparation
● Skill/Drill Stations
●On-Court Strength & Conditioning
●Speed Agility Quickness
(SAQ) training and Organized Scrimmages.
There is absolutely no cost to attend!
These workouts are completely FREE!
Our workouts are open to boys and girls ages 10 and up and will expose the youth to levels of training utilized at the professional level.
NetWork staff consists of former players who have reached the highest level of play such as Pervis Ellison, NCAA champion and NBA #1 Draft Pick and certified trainers like Chip Mitchell, founder of Next Blue Chip and pre-season conditioning coach for Rider Men’s Basketball. Our client/player list includes:
Jason Thompson (Sacramento Kings)
Ryan Thompson (NBA-D, Basket Brescia)
Michael Gilchrist (Kentucky)
LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State)
John Johnson (Pittsburgh)
Come out and get trained by the best and play against the best… so you can BECOME THE BEST!
WHERE: Life Center Sports Complex
2035 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
Showcase Report: Offensively, Baucum can score in close and his post moves are still developing but in short time things should come all together. On the other side of the ball he’s an intimidating force in the lane. He alters shots regularly and controls the boards. Don’t be surprised if he transforms to the wing once he matures. His length will be something to deal with down the road.
Showcase Report: Forbes outside shot wasn’t as accurate as it was in Massachusetts but the quick guard still made his presence felt. The athletic wing converted after filling the lane in transition. He also was very active on defense by putting pressure on the pill and playing the passing lanes. Trevor also is capable of charging into the lane to snatch a couple of rebounds.
Showcase Report: Wow, is the one word that can describe Nowell’s performance at the showcase. Markquis is an explosive scoring guard trapped in a point guard frame. He can score the ball from anywhere in the gym and has unique hang time for a player his size. He can either pull up off the dribble or drive in the chest of a shot blocker before maneuvering the ball into the basket. Finally, he change of direction and ball handling makes him a threat every time he steps on the floor.
Showcase Report: Conde has a linebacker type body and used it to push around defenders inside. He concentrated on getting rebounds and put backs but did try to handle the pill a little. He should continue to work on his ball handling because he will end up on the perimeter.
The Basketball Spotlight Baby Baller Super Showcase was a success and the players had a ball. Here’s a video showing some of the fun times of the baby ballers in Burlington, NJ. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will bring you more highlights and recaps from this event.
Showcase Report: Wesley gave the tri-state a taste of flamboyant handle. He enjoys using the dribble drive but likes to add some mustard to the end of his moves. On one play he tossed the ball in front of the defender and then snatched it back quickly. Besides some flair Fatayn made some good plays and decisions.
Showcase Report: During the AAU season Amos loved speeding up the tempo of the game so in this event he was in heaven. He tried to turn each position into a transition opportunity. He applied pressure to the defense by pushing the rock down their throat. He got into the lane and either converted or dropped the rock off to teammates. His coach was raving about Anas’s basketball IQ.
Showcase Report: Wilcher became a crowd favored because of his slick moves and work ethic. He has a mean streak and he displayed it inside the paint when rebounding or getting put backs. He really delighted the audience when he drove the lane and hit the defender with the popular Euro-Step before scoring. I really enjoyed watching him play.
Showcase Report: This post player has nimble feet and a soft touch. He beat defenders down the floor and posted up at the front of the rim. I like how he keeps the ball high when turning and kissing it off the glass. Williams works hard on the glass on both ends of the floor. He also commanded a lot of attention by wearing the DC Assault issued bright yellow Adidas.
Showcase Report: “McBuckets” was known for scoring points during his AAU season but in this event he seemed to have more joy dishing the rock. His mature skill set allowed him to dictate the tempo and I also enjoyed the flair on his passes. He delivered the rock to teammates in transition and cutting in the half court set. He also robbed a few ball handlers on the defensive end by picking their pockets.Before the event was over he did score some buckets but his unselfishness stood out Saturday.
Showcase Report: Ahemed is likely to grow into a prototype wing guard in the future. On Saturday he displayed some skills that should translate well. He has great range especially behind the 3 point arc. He has smoothness to his game and the confidence to put the ball in the cup. Finally, he looks like he will be good size for his position.
Showcase Report: Brooks got some action in at point guard which is good for his development. Later in the afternoon he returned to his natural scoring spot and found the bottom of the rim. I was also pleased with the way he got after it defensively; he moved his feet well and played the passing lanes.His quickness is one of his best attributes.
Showcase Report: When Hildago was aggressive he showed some scoring prowess from the perimeter and when attacking. He knows his way around the floor and can play either guard position. Once he develops that killer instinct he game and stock will rise even higher. We will keep our eye on him.
Showcase Report: Watkins was a pleasant surprise. He has a lot of wiggle in his game and has some deceptive quickness when penetrating. He uses his shoulders to keep defenders at bay and he’s a difficult shot maker. His smoothness should make him a quality scorer on the Big Apple scene.
Showcase Report: Eric showed up two hours before his first game to get some shots up in the gym and the preparation paid off for this kid. The lefty launched deep shots and finished off plays in transition. Now as he moves forward he needs to work creating his own shot off the dribble and lateral movement on defense.This shouldn't be hard because he already demostrated that he's a hard worker.
Showcase Report: Ellison has to be included in any debates about who was the top point guard in this age group. His low, crisp crossover had the lane opening like the Red Sea. Once he shook defenders out their boots he displayed his draw and dish game. His passes were quick and on point all afternoon. He’s a southpaw showman with a lot of swagger and game to back it up.
Showcase Report: After reading so much about his older brother Tyus, Khalif felt it was his time to get some shine and the youngster stepped up. Battle was very fluid handling the ball and showed some point guard instincts in his decision making. In terms of scoring he has an equipped floater and outside shot. Get ready tri-state region another Battle seems to be on the way.
Showcase Report: Quinn Cook is at Duke University while both Anthony Cowan and Alani Moore will be entering high school in a year but the DC Assault point guard legacy seems to be in good hands with this kid. Brelsford’s feel for the game and overall court presence stood out early. He sizes up defenders well and uses crafty moves to break loose. He lived in the lane and also showed an accurate ratchet from the perimeter. I see good things down the road for this floor general.
Showcase Report: Gaffney arrived after the first game but quickly jumped into the action. He was very aggressive when attacking the defense and you can see his scoring confidence still high from the AAU Nationals. In one contest he went bananas even scoring 6 buckets in a row. I was very impressed with how he scored the ball in traffic.
Showcase Report: There’s always a player that uses the showcase to introduce himself to the world and Tre’von was that player on Saturday. The Delaware product has size, quickness and a decent skill set. He loves using the Euro-Step in the lane after bursting past the first level of defenders. Alderman seems to be another tough guard coming from a new horizon of Delaware players.
Showcase Report: The little guy already as a huge name and he stood up to all challengers. He got to the hole with ease by handling the ball like a yo-yo, finished inside among trees and nailed a few treys from NBA 3 point range. His penetration ability combined with his range really has a defender at his mercy. I’m happy I have 4 more seasons to watch him play.
Showcase Report: Rodriquez had the crowd calling him Francisco Garcia and it wasn’t only because his Spanish heritage. The Brick City product has good size, handled the rock well and can shoot from all three levels. This event gave me a chance to see more aspects of his game besides just shooting from the perimeter. He had supreme confidence in this showcase setting.
Showcase Report: “Hollywood” Holly gave the crowd a treat with some spectacular play. The southpaw is strong enough to hit the defender with a crossover and then step for a jumper. In the open floor he made things look easy and in the half court set he’s impossible to keep out of the lane. The City Of Brotherly Love has another good one on the horizon.
Showcase Report: Madison came into this event as one of the most dominant force on the 11U level. The strong showed good versatility by pushing the rock up the floor like a freight train. He was a true match-up problem because the guards were too small to check him and the forwards weren’t quick enough to keep him in front. I can see him transforming into a big guard by high school.
Showcase Report: The pressure was high in the building but Klosk still managed to shoot the lights out. Daniel can catch and shoot with the best of them and he also has got better putting the pill on the floor. As his play making skills develop we look for him to be a name that ring bells in the New Heights organization. He made the best of his time in this unique event.
Nate Pierre Louis (Plainfield, NJ)
John Paul Sanders (Camden, NJ)- Sanders plays the 1 thru 3 positions on the floor and is beginning to come into his own. Right now he does show some point intangibles but he’s more of a natural scorer. He just seems like a player that is nowhere near reaching his peak so the opposition should be worried.
Chaylyn Martin (Hartford, CT)- One of the most improved players of the year, Martin got a chance to show his offensive work. He demonstrated an improved ability to drive and score in traffic. He also got out in transition and made good decisions with the ball in his hands.
Aaron Clarke (Parsippany, NJ)- Clarke got a chance to operate as one of the primary ball handlers and I must say he had his moments. He has more wiggle in his game than I thought and now is fluid creating his own shot. His hard work is definitely starting to pay off.
Matthew Kachleries (Macungie, PA)-Kachleries confidence is still brewing from Summer Slam. His offensive production continues to rise and he isn’t afraid to take the big shot from behind the arc. Hopefully he can stay on this good roll that he’s enjoying.
Ahrod Carter (Chester, PA)- Carter high arching jumpers tickled the twine from deep. He also has nice mid range game and looks real good when he’s being aggressive. The former Mr. Memorial Day game has matured right in front of our eyes. We only expect him to get better.
