The 12U Division of Basketball Spotlight was competitive wire to wire. Some usual suspects showed and some fresh faces emerged. We would like to honor some of the top coaches and players for their successful seasons.
2011 Basketball Spotlight 12U Award Winners
Team Of The Year: Team IZOD The Big Red Machine wrapped things up by winning the Grand Championship at Summer Slam. You can also add the AC Showcase, NJ State title and MDC Gold Ball to their list of accomplishments. They finished #12 in the country at the 12U Nationals.
Player Of The Year: Nate “The Great” Pierre-Louis (Team IZOD) Pierre-Louis ended the Spotlight season by nailing the game winner at Summer Slam. He faced all sorts of defenses during the year and still managed to put up enormous numbers. During the AAU Nationals he showed the country what he was made of. Next season we will try to 3peat as POY.
Coach Of The Year: Frantz Pierre-Louis (Team IZOD) He towers over his squad like John Thompson Sr. and earns the same respect as the legendary coach. Pierre-Louis guided his crew through deep waters and took home several crowns. He also will be chasing as 3peat as he tries to win his third Team of the Year crown.
Most Outstanding Player: Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin (CBC) No one on this level captivated crowds like “Mayweather”. His sharp handle and crisp moves broke down defenders from all over the country. At times he seemed to toy with the competition with grace and flair. During the Super Showcase it was no doubt who was the top performer of his class.
Best Playmaker: Ty’shon Alexander (CB Spiders) Alexander got the nod because of his ability to create for himself or teammates. He makes the difficult plays seem very easy while scoring, rebounding and dishing the pill. He led the Spiders to a NC State Crown, Converse Elite title, Spotlight CB Spiders crown and a #10 finish in the country.
Most Dominant Force: Jordan Riley (NC Rising Prospects) Riley was a force to be reckoned with all season but showed his full arsenal at the Super Showcase. The up north crowd was amazed with his size, agility, touch and ability to make plays. His name rings bells all around the country and his stock should only go higher in the coming years.
Best Prospect: Kody Riley (Cali Styles): The 6’7 Riley landed in NJ and took the Clash For The Cup by storm. He dominated his age group (12U) and was a factor on the 14U level. His soft touch from the outside, handle and quickness along the baseline reminds me of a young Rodney Rogers during his Wake Forest days. (Youtube Him)
Best Shooter: Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD): Even though Clarke opened up more of his game he still nailed the open jumper when needed. He would launch shots during the contest or when it got crunch time. The lefty is a very confident marksman.
Most Improved: Chaylyn Martin (CBC): At times Martin was CBC’s best offensive weapon. That still didn’t stop him from excelling at the other end of the floor. He’s a glue player and made some big plays during their successful season. Don’t be surprised if he turns into quite a prospect.
Newcomer Of The Year: Jatirious Smith (CB Spiders) Smith was a shot in the arm for the Spiders. He dominated several tournaments while coming off the bench. He scored a double-double many times out and even controlled the paint on occasion at the AAU Nationals.
Best Defender: Ismail Charles (CBC) Charles intimidated opponents in the paint by blocking shots and crashing the boards. He’s mobile enough to defend the wing and strong enough to hold down the post. As he develops don’t be surprised if he becomes a wing stopper.
Best Rebounder: Rooner Joseph (Team IZOD) Rooner lived under the backboard and snatched everything in sight. His motor never stops and he doesn’t try to what he can’t do. He did work while being matchup against opponents that were much bigger.
Best Passer: Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover) "Scissorhands" knows how to find teammates after carving up defenders. He sets the tempo well and distributes the rock at the right time. He guided his squad to a top 10 finish nationally.
Best Kept Secret: Shyheim Hicks (CT Elite) This kid should be ready to explode very soon. He packs all the necessary attributes including size and explosiveness. He plays with a lot of energy but once the game slows down to him he will be a good prospect.
The 11U Division of Basketball Spotlight had some gruesome battles and developed some serious rivalries. We would like to honor some of the top coaches and players for their successful seasons.
2011 Basketball Spotlight 11U Award Winners
Team Of The Year: Riverside Hawks They won the Baby Baller Bonanza and finished #4 in America after making a final four run. They capped off their season by winning the Grand Championship at the Basketball Spotlight Summer Slam. Few could argue with this choice.
Player Of The Year: Jalen Brooks (We Run) Brooks won MVP of several tournaments including the MIT. The lefty knew how to get buckets very quickly and very often. His team faced some of the toughest talent in the country and Jalen was always ready for battle.
Coach Of The Year: Lawrence Fauntleroy (Riverside Hawks) His record and success speaks for itself as he collected a couple of banners and took a trip to the final four. His "we instead of me" concept had his squad rolling past some top competition.
Most Outstanding Player: Markquis Nowell (Gauchos) Nowell was one of the most exciting players in the region. His performance at Summer Slam followed by him destroying defenders at the Baby Baller Super Showcase got him the nod. I’m happy I have a few more seasons to watch his work.
Best Playmaker: Denelle “Hollywood” Holly (Philly Freedom Stars) It’s only fitting that Holly was able to snatch this award. The southpaw has one of the meanest handles in the region and loves performing for the crowd. He took home Mr. Memorial Day Honors and chopped up defenders at the Baby Baller Super Showcase.
Most Dominant Force: Brandon Madison (Maryland Scholars) Madison was a man amongst boys for most of the season. He led his team to a MDC crown among other tournament titles. He also was a major problem at the Baby Baller Super Showcase. He was a true monster on both ends of the floor.
Best Prospect: Nazreon Reid (NJ Shore Shots) Something tells me this kid will be at least 6’9 and what’s scary is that he already can handle and shoot the ball from deep. Of course he’s still in development mode but when everything comes together he could be the talk of this age group.
Best Shooter: Daniel Klosk (New Heights) Klosk can stroke it with the best of them. He’s natural zone buster that shoots with accuracy even under pressure. He had one of his best shooting days at the Baby Baller Super Showcase.
Best Passer: Judan McIntyre (New Heights) Few point guards set the table like McIntyre. He seems to always make the correct pass at the correct time. He quarterbacked his team to a #2 ranking at the 11U D2 AAU Nationals and followed that up with a great performance at the Baby Baller Super Showcase.
The 10U Division was a joy to watch this year and we had some very competitive games. We would like to honor some of the top coaches and players for their successful seasons.
2011 Basketball Spotlight 10U Award Winners
Team Of The Year: Team Nelson The Delaware/Chester based squad won the Baby Baller Bonanza, MDC and finished #9 in the country. They have some of the top talent in the region and have a good chance of starting a dynasty. We look forward to seeing them next season.
Player Of The Year: AJ Hoggard (Team Nelson) “McBuckets” put the team on his back when things got serious. He steam rolled the crew to several championships and loves playing under pressure. Now he must be ready for teams to send junk defenses his way next season.
Coach Of The Year: Howard Hudson (Team Nelson) Yes, Team Nelson swept the award category. Hudson guided his boys to a lot of hardware over this season. He really showed some grit during the AAU Nationals in which they finished in the Top 10. Howard’s experience on the circuit helped out a lot.
Most Outstanding Player: Jaheim Tanksley (Natural Ballers) Tanksley put on a show in just about every Basketball Spotlight event. He has deep range for a player his size and is equipped with a sick handle. During the Baby Baller Super Showcase he proved to be one of the top guards in attendance.
Best Playmaker: Justice Ellison (Fairfax Stars) The southpaw has some serious flair in his game. He can dribble his way out of trouble and breakdown defenders in the process. Ellison also has the strength and accuracy to shoot the ball from the cheap seats.
Best Shooter: DJ Jackson (CBC) Jackson has a mean stroke and showed it during the Baby Baller Bonanza. He drained several deep treys and a few mid range shots. He can fill it up in a hurry and from anywhere.
Best Prospect: Wendell Moore (Carolina Gaters) Moore could be a scary player in a few years. He already wears a size 13 shoe and can palm a basketball. He has some skills and once his game and size meet at the top he might be a monster.
Best Passer: Justin Money (Team Rebels) Money loves setting up teammates. He slices through the lane and usually catches teammates cutting. He surveys the floor like a surgeon while running the show for this Chester squad.
What’s up basketball world, my name is Tyus Battle and I am a 6’4 8th grader from Edison, New Jersey. I attend Holy Savior Academy in South Plainfield. I enjoy many things. Of course basketball is at the top of my list, however I also like reading, playing video games, and hanging out with family and friends.
Being close to my family has always been important to me. Whether it is talking to my step-mom, playing with my baby sister GiGi, watching television and movies with my little brother, Khalif and mom Daniella or just going to the gym with my dad.
In my basketball life, this past season I played in two different AAU programs, I played 13U, 14U, 16U for Team Final and 17U for the New Jersey Demons. I played my first 3 years under my dad for Team Battle but my dad decided it was best for the growth of the kids in the program going into high school to join, Nike sponsored team, Team Final, coach by dad and headed up by Rob Brown.
Our Team Battle teams were very good! We were ranked 3rd in the country at 11U and a disappointing 5th when we were 12U. I say disappointing about the 5th place finish because I feel that was our most talented team during our 3 year run but we lost to a great Houston Defenders team by 1 point after being ahead most of the game.
The crazy thing about Team Battle is that we came out of nowhere. We worked ourselves to the top of our region and to the final 3 teams in the country. I had a lot of ups and downs playing with Team Battle but it was always fun and my coaches and teammates help to make it a great experience.
Playing with Team Final is cool, too. I especially like being sponsored by Nike. I didn’t really play a lot of basketball last year at the 7th grade level because we had a lot of team challenges and I got injured at the beginning of the year. When I came back we played tournaments with who was left on the team and all we did was beat who ever we played. I was really proud of how guys like Darius Gillion, Darius Roundtree, Sa’eed Nelson and all the guy’s on the team who hung in there and finished the year by winning another state championship.
As for the New Jersey Demons it’s a little different, it is not my primary team but it helps make me a better by playing against bigger and stronger kids. I’m not going to lie we are not the most talented team but we are determined to get better and compete with better teams in the region. I’m the starting point guard for the Demons. I have a great coach named Rich Leary of Hoops America, who I also workout with during the week, when I am not in the gym with my dad. Coach Leary has helped me a lot with my game and he is a different voice than my dad who definitely yells a little more. Playing with 17U kids is a bigger challenge than playing at the other age groups but it helps me with my defense, quickness, and strength, which is really important for me as I prepare to play in high school next season.
It’s getting late so I'm going to wrap things up. Before I go I would like to thank Mr. Melton for giving me the opportunity to write the weekly diary this year. Also I will be playing a tournament with the Demons on September 24, 25th at Rebounds in Neptune, NJ. This is Tyus Battle signing off. Peace!
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase was the real deal with the young stars getting busy. Ballin365 was in the building and has put together a mixtape from the action. This event featured the top rising 7th and 8th Graders. Stay tune as we bring you more highlights from this event. We are just getting started. Basketball Spotlight the #1 coverage site in America.
Karl Towns Stood Tall At The J.E.M. All Star Classic
Nassir Barrino scored 20 points and Karl Towns added 17 markers to lead the North All Stars to a 96-90 victory over the South All Stars at the 2nd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Sam Foreman finished with 19 points for the South squad in the loss.
MVP: Nassir Barrino Guard (Newark, NJ)- Barrino got things going early and often. Instead of launching deep shots he chose to attempt higher percentage buckets with drives in the half court set or in transition. He understands how to use body control and double clutch finishes while avoiding shot blockers. Hudson Catholic has a bona-fide scorer in Barrino.
North All Stars Top Performers
Karl Towns Forward (Piscataway, NJ)- Standing 6’9 Towns was worth the price of admissions. He gave the crowd a taste of all his weapons. He drilled a few NBA ranged treys, played unselfishly and dominated inside when crunch time arrived. In the final minutes Karl dominated the glass and used his length to convert at the basket. Defensively, he was a human eraser inside while tossing back or altering shots all game. He’s capable of dominating the game from so many different areas. He’s headed to St. Joseph’s in Metuchen.
Isaiah Briscoe Guard (Union, NJ)- Briscoe received his POY Award and then took it to the floor. He showed a lot of explosiveness when attacking the basket and athleticism when flushing the rock. His ability to drive with either hand makes him very difficult to contain. I also like the competitiveness he showed when it was time to win the game. Now Briscoe will take his talents to St. Benedicts Prep.
Chris Baldwin Forward (Springfield, MA)- Baldwin added more size to the North Size. He was a major factor inside and from the mid range area. At times he was a total matchup problem and should only blossom on the high school level. He was a joy to watch this year and walked away with the Basketball Spotlight Most Outstanding Player Award.
Donovan Mitchell Guard (Elmford, NY)- I’ve seen Mitchell have better scoring days but what makes him special was that he did other things to contribute. He was a monster on the glass while gliding over these giants to snatch the caroms. He kept the ball alive for his squad down the stretch of this tight contest.
Chris Atkinson Guard (Hempstead, NY)- Atkinson's quickness was definitely on displayed. He broke down defenders with a crisp handle and tight spin moves. His outside shot looked good especially when he was left open. He ran the show for this loaded North squad.
South All Stars Top Performers
Sam Foreman Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- The explosive guard has garnered Kemba Walker comparisons and I can see why. He was relentless in attacking the defense, knockdown down 3 treys and played above the rim. This kid has really taken his game and confidence to another level and this package should take him a long way.
Lamar Kimble Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Kimble had things popping early by using his patented pull up jumper in the lane. He has the unique ability to get rid of defenders and hit the jumper while they are back pedaling. He also was very confident from behind the arc. He had a very good grammar school career and we will miss him.
Manny Taylor Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Taylor was a strong force inside on the defensive end by clogging the lane and hitting the boards. Offensively he showed improved footwork and scored using a baby hook. He fought hard against big Karl Towns in the paint.
Trevaughn Wilkerson Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Wilkerson played very loose and had an impact on the game. He ran the floor well and has a good nose for the ball. He was one most dominant inside players in Basketball Spotlight history. Wilkerson gave us some great moments.
Tyvez Monroe Forward (Alexandria, VA)- Monroe had his moments. He bullied his way to the bucket and showed some finesse with his outside shot. He should be a name on the radar on the Virginia HS basketball scene.
James Wright scored 23 points as the South Jersey All Stars defeated the North Jersey All Stars 68-67 at the J.E.M. All Star Classic NJ North/South Challenge. Ahmad Harrison was the high scorer for the North All Stars.
MVP: James Wright Forward (Trenton, NJ)- Wright went hard from the outset and was a scoring machine in transition. He has improved his strength and ball handling while also being comfortable shooting deep bombs off the dribble. His relentless style helped his team get over the top.
South All Stars Top Performers
John Middleton Guard (Pleasantville, NJ)- Middleton was a pleasant surprise. He has a lot of wiggle off the bounce and can score the ball from all three levels. I like how he pulls up quickly after creating space off the bounce. His body control allows him to absorb contact and still get his shot off. He might be a big name on the South Jersey High School scene.
Quayson Williams Guard (Trenton, NJ)- Williams made it his business to get the rock to his teammates. He was impossible to keep out of the lane as he drove passed defenders with a smooth dribble. He does have the ability to score but gave the crowd a treat with his court vision.
Jack Laffy Forward (Middletown, NJ)- Laffy played tough on the defensive end while hitting the boards and blocking a few shots. He range is extending and he’s looking more fluid on the wing. He should have a solid career at CBA. He has been a joy to watch these last four years.
Shaun Belbey Guard (Lincroft, NJ)- The lefty could stroke and I love the poise he played with in this contest. He has gotten better at creating his own shot and showed some strength with the pill. It looks like CBA has a great recruiting class including Shaun.
Ja’ren Hampton Forward (Trenton, NJ)- Hampton can get a little out of control but you have to love his effort. He battles hard for rebounds and is an active shot blocker. On one play he charged down the lane and caught a clean flush.
North All Stars Top Performers
Ahmad Harrison Guard (Newark, NJ)- Harrison had a MVP type performance. He was truly in attack mode all afternoon. The Brick City product drove the ball down the teeth of the defense and converted in traffic. He also showed range from the perimeter when knocking down a couple of treys.
Karl Charles Guard (Roselle, NJ)- Charles is an intriguing prospect. The lanky squad was very aggressive when pushing the ball and even played the point guard spot. He has a Kevin Durant type build and will be able to finish a little better once he gets stronger. Right now he’s a sleeper but he should arrive on the big stage soon.
Richard Chapman Forward (Newark, NJ)- Chapman showed some promise with his ability to score inside. He still has to develop some post moves but uses his strength to compensate right now. Keep an eye on this kid. He will be suiting up for Hudson Catholic this winter.
JaDon Robinson Guard (Woodbridge, NJ)- Robinson showed me he could shoot the rock. He has deep range but also showed he could make point guard type decisions with the pill. I like the poise that this kid showed on the stage. He’s headed to Roselle Catholic.
Juwan Dolbrice Guard (Linden, NJ)- The strong guard showed some flashes with tough finishes and getting after it hard on the defensive end. He goes hard to get to the tin whenever he can. It seems like Linden HS has another tough guard on the way.
Karl Towns and Isaiah Briscoe did damage at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. Check out their interview with Alex Kline of the Recruit Scoop. Stay tune as we bring you more coverage from the J.E.M. All Star Classic.
The Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic was a huge success and we would like thank everyone for their support. In the NJ North vs. South Challenge, the South All Stars pulled out a 68-67 victory. In the Regional All Star Showdown the North Team prevailed with 96-90 win. Stay tune as we bring you coverage of this event. We would like to thank AGame, Basketbull and Ballin365 for helping us pull off this event.
Isaiah Briscoe has been the hottest name on the grammar school this season even picking up numerous college scholarships offers. He dominated the circuit while also putting up heavy numbers at a few Basketball Spotlight events. Check out his interview with Hoop Group after he won MVP at their camp. Isaiah is one of the headliners at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. Check out Briscoe and the rest of the Class of 2015 Stars at Life Center Academy tomorrow.
The stage is set and the players are ready for battle. The 2nd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic is ready to go. Come check out the top Class of 2015 players as they get it on in honor of Jonelle Elaine Melton. The tentative schedule is listed below. Participants traveling please leave a hour earlier because of the holiday weekend traffic.
3:00 PM NJ North vs. South Challenge (Participants Report at 2:00 PM)
4:30 PM Basketball Spotlight Awards Ceremony (Player Of The Year, Coach of the Year and Other Special Awards)
5:00 PM Regional All Star Showdown (Participants Report at 4:00 PM)
Admissions: $8
Location: Life Center Academy
2045 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
Special Guest Include: Jay Gomes From Rivals (NJ Hoops), Steve Keller (National Recruiting Report.
Special Thanks To Sponsors: Agame Team Apparel and Basketbull for their support.
Alani “Showtime” Moore returned to the Super Showcase and shined once again. The Potomac Valley floor general thrilled the crowd with his passing accuracy and ability to create. Defenders had a hard time keeping him out the lane and converting at the tin. Check out his highlights from the Super Showcase. Stay tune as more Super Showcase highlights are headed your way.
"Big Red Machine" Takes Home The Prize
Player Of The Year: Nate “The Great” Pierre-Louis (Team IZOD)
Coach Of The Year: Frantz Pierre-Louis (Team IZOD)
Most Outstanding Player: Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin (CBC)
Best Playmaker: Ty’shon Alexander (CB Spiders)
Most Dominant Force: Jordan Riley (NC Rising Prospects)
Best Prospect: Kody Riley (Cali Styles): 
Best Shooter: Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD): Even though Clarke opened up more of his game he still nailed the open jumper when needed. He would launch shots during the contest or when it got crunch time. The lefty is a very confident marksman.
Most Improved: Chaylyn Martin (CBC):
Newcomer Of The Year: Jatirious Smith (CB Spiders)
Best Defender: Ismail Charles (CBC)
Best Rebounder: Rooner Joseph (Team IZOD)
Best Passer: Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover)
Best Kept Secret: Shyheim Hicks (CT Elite)
