The Mid Atlantic 13U Division has brought a breath of fresh air to this region. Some serious young ballers are ready to get it in. Here’s a breakdown of the top teams and players who will be getting it in this season.
Mid Atlantic 13U Preview
Team To Beat: Team Final TF steadily improved during last year even having a good showing at the 12U Nationals. Now they have loaded up with some serious talent. No longer are they the underdog now they play the role as the hunted. They will get things started early at Tip Off Classic.
Dark Horse: Team Rebels This newly formed crew has brought in some of the top talent in the region. They already possess one of the top guards in Trevon Duval but now he has some help. They are known as a blue collar organization and will need to keep this attitude to win it all.
MA Preseason Player Of The Year: Eric “Easy” Ayala (Team Nelson): If Ayala’s dominance at the Super Showcase was any indication then the opposition will have some to worry about. Eric did whatever he wanted against the top competition in the region. We look for him to lead TN back near the top.
MA Preseason 1st Team Eric Ayala (Team Nelson) Trevon Duval (Team Rebels) JP Sanders (Team Final) Iyair Purnell (Team Rebels) Quade Green (Team Final)
MA 2nd Team Ahrod Carter (Team Final) Keith Deloatch (Team Final) Kyson Rawls (Team Nelson) Quadir Burgess (Team Final) D’Andre Velmar (Team Rebels)
MA 3rd Team Elijah Dockery (Team Rebels) Lucas Hudson (Team Final) Malik Velmar (Team Rebels) Sam Iorio (LVBS) Isaiah Brockington (Philly Aztecs) Dondre Pittman (RIP City)
You think you have what it takes to make it in big time basketball? Put your skills to the test at the Nike Pre Draft Camp. The premise of the camp is that it presents an opportunity for kids to experience workouts and skills training that before now, were only eligible to athletes at the higher levels of basketball. The Nike Pre Draft Camp will be returning to New Jersey on Saturday January 21st, 2012. Basketball Spotlight will be in the building for this event. Last year’s camp brought out some of the top players in the region.
Event: Nike Pre Draft Camp Date: January 21st, 2012 (9:00 AM -5:00 PM) Place: Life Center Academy 2045 Columbus Rd, Burlington, NJ Click Here To Register
Special Guest Include: John Stovall (Nike Talent Field Rep, ESPNU Recruiting Coordinator) Mike Morrison (Former NBA Player and Nike Skills Academy Trainer) Mike Melton (Basketball Spotlight)
Since both states are very thin for this age group we decided to group NY/NJ together for our 13U Preview. Here are some of the top teams and players to look for in the NY/NJ area this season. Note (Some Players Might Switch Teams After This Preview).
NY/NJ 13U Preview
Team To Beat: Team IZOD The Big Red Machine left with the Basketball Spotlight Grand Championship last season and will be looking for another one. This poised group has been together for a few years now and this experience helps them defeat many of the top teams they face. Can the BRM reign for 3 years in a row?
Dark horse: Juice All Stars Juice All Stars finished #7 in the country but fell short of taking on the Basketball Spotlight crown. Now they are back hungry and in the hunt for that elusive banner. The road will be thick and bumpy but the Brooklyn boys should be ready.
NY/NJ Preseason Player Of The Year: Nate “The Great” Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)- Nate is capable of being the first player to win the Basketball Spotlight POY 3 years in a row. The scoring machine is known for adding features to his game during the off season so we will see what he has in store for us this year.
NY/NJ Preseason 1st Team Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD) Chris Coleman (Juice All Stars) Joseph Rooner (Team IZOD) Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD) Tyler Bourne (Juice All Stars)
NY/NJ 2nd Team David Kachleries (Team IZOD) Paul Persons (Milbank) Mike Coleman (Juice All Stars) Lydell Geffard (Playtime) Jaiyer Jinwright (Playaz) Boubacar Kamissokko (Playtime)
NY/NJ 3rd Team Keyshawn Ellis (Milbank) Tyrese Whitaker (Milbank) Chase Lewis (Team IZOD) Matt Kachleries (Team IZOD) Mike Bowry (Juice All Stars) Jahki Clarke (Playtime)
The New England area has produced some top notch players over the last few years. Now we will take a look at the 13U division of top players and teams that are expected to take the floor this season. Note (Some players may switch teams after this preview.)
New England 13U Preview
Team To Beat: CBC The Bad Boys came within a basket of winning the Basketball Spotlight overall championship in July. Now they should be in the hunt for several crowns. They have assembled one of the best teams ever to come from the area.
Dark horse: MABC The Bengals have rebounded with some serious talent. A few players have reclassified into the Class of 2017 so they should be ready to go. Over taking CBC will be a tough task but the Bengals are ready to bite.
NE Preseason Player Of The Year: Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin (CBC)- Many people felt Martin had a case for the overall POY last season so the competition needs to beware of his fiery. He possesses one of the meanest handles I’ve seen and when he’s on his game he’s the best point guard in America.
NE Preseason 1st Team Jaecee Martin (CBC) Ismail Charles (CBC) Chaylyn Martin (CBC) Syheim Hicks (CBC) DeAndre Leslie (CBC)
NE 2nd Team Azar Swain (CBC) CJ Seaforth (East Coast Elite) Raheem Solomon (CBC) Geo Baker (MABC) Jared Simmons (CBC)
NE 3rd Team Keonte Lucas (CBC) TJ Roundtree (East Coast Elite) Jalen Stafford (East Coast Elite) Tyler Douglass (East Coast Elite) Caden Bumas (MABC)
Basketball Spotlight is proud to present the Baby Baller MLK Classic in Atlantic City, NJ. This event will bring together the top baby baller squads in the region for a showdown in America’s Playground. We created this event to give these young ballers a chance to shine under the bright lights. Register Online below.
All games will be played at Atlantic City High School 1400 N. Albany Ave. (Atlantic City, NJ) Event: Baby Baller MLK Classic Date: Jan. 14th and 15th Place: Atlantic City, NJ Ages: 10U, 11U and 12U Deadline: January 2nd 2012
Marcus McClary scored 28 points and Patrick Stryala added 22 points as St. Michaels defeated Good Sheppard Grammar School 70-60 to win the St. Anthony White Rose Tournament Championship. Temple Gibbs scored 22 and Nate Pierre Louis finished with 21 points for Good Sheppard in the loss.
MVP Marcus McClary Forward (St. Michaels)- McClary did his damage when attacking the rim from the foul line area and the baseline. He over powered the smaller GS defenders with high percentage shots. When he wasn’t scoring he was hitting the glass on both ends of the floor. Marcus was just too powerful to contain last night.
Other Standout Performers
Patrick Stryala Forward (St. Michaels)- Patrick was McClary’s partner in crime on the boards and scoring. The lumbering forward used a smooth touch and clever post smooth to score very easily. He played the high/low game well with McClary and should be a decent prospect down the line.
Temple Gibbs Guard (Good Sheppard)- Gibbs confidence is through the roof right now. His enhanced size and improved explosiveness was on full display last night. St. Michaels has no answer to him charging the lane and finishing at the cup. He also played the center spot on defense and even with being outsized he still managed to snatch several rebounds off the boards. We expect a high huge year from this kid.
Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Good Sheppard)- After getting only one touch the first quarter Pierre Louis caught fire and ended with 21 points. He was able to knockdown a couple of long treys but was determined to attack the basket. He does need to utilize his floater a little more especially when playing against older defenders.
What’s up basketball world, I am back to tell you all how my week went.
Monday was a really crazy day for me with schoolwork and things I am required to do around the house. My step-mom and dad have my brother and I working a lot around the house since my step-mom started her new job in NY. Both she and my dad are working hard at their jobs, a little bit of help from us will hopefully make life a little easier for everyone.
Tuesday was another crazy day with lots of homework. I missed another day working on my basketball skills but my dad and I did 300 push-ups and 100 pull-ups to make ourselves feel a little better about missing 2 days in a row.
On Wednesday school was really cool and I must say it went really fast. There are only a few days until the marking period is over at the new Holy Savior Academy. The school is really doing a good job of preparing all of us 8th graders for high school next year. Practice was at 7pm but I did not attend because I had a commitment with Nana and my dad wanted us to also go to the workouts at Hoops America. We did skill-work the entire 1 hour 30 minutes and it felt good to work on my ball handling and shooting with no interruptions.
Thursday was a long day because school was really tough, as we had a few quizzes and tests. I did pretty well for sure but preparation the night before made it tough to get up in the morning. You see my dad has been on me a bit the last few days because he feels my workouts need to be more focused. He also feels I have not been in the gym working on skills enough. No doubt he wants me to get my homework done and study for quizzes and test but we both understand how important it is to be in the gym to improve your game. So like he said he would, he walked in my bedroom at 4:45 am and woke me to train. Needless to say, I was not surprised because my dad is little crazy and what he says he does. We got to the gym at 5:00 am. The doors were still locked to 5:30 so dad decided we would both go for a mile run around Woodbridge Mall. When we got back to the gym we worked really hard on my pull up and dribble moves to the rim. I was happy once the workout started that I was at the gym. It was not the first time my dad and I worked so early in the morning before school. We will be doing the early bird workout 2 days a week going forward. Later that day I worked out with Cobi Silverstein at 7 or 8 pm. We did a lot of the Micah Lancaster drills. I like the Micah drills. Cobi did very well for his first time.
Friday we had another practice at school, this time I was able to go and it was great. I believe we are ready for our first tournament at Holy Savior Academy.
Saturday-game time and I am bouncing off the walls with excitement. We played ok and won by about 20 points. It was a close game at first but we were ahead by 30+ at some point. Idris played good and played pretty well myself. My little brother hurt his knee during the game but he is all right.
Sunday we had another game and it was a blowout, too. Idris did not come because he had another commitment. I did work the boards but could have done some other things better. I was proud of my team, especially of the kids who do not have much experience in games. Until next time basketball world, this is Tyus Battle signing off.
Jatirious Smith was probably the best 6th Man in America last season. Many 12U teams felt his wrath last season as he helped the CB Spiders win several tournaments. We got a chance to talk to Smith and here’s our one on one.
One On One
BS: How was your season playing with the CB Spiders? JS: It was great because we have good coaches and team work and no attitude towards coach or players ….had a great season hopefully next year!
BS: What was your best moment of the season? JS: My moment was when I went 2 work on DC ASSUALT with 24 pts 15 reb & 6 assist.
BS: What is your dream college? JS: N.C STATE.
BS: What do you enjoy the most about AAU Basketball? JS: PLAYING THE TOP TEAMS….
BS: What’s the strongest aspect of your game? JS: SCORING AND REBOUNDING.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? JS: HOW 2 READ THE COURT.
BS: What player do you pattern your game after? JS: KOBE BRYANT.
BS: What are your career goals? JS: NBA BASKETBALL.
The Basketball Spotlight Circuit is almost complete. We are currently working on a Baby Ballers Circuit to give those youngsters their own spotlight. Below is the list of tournaments that we have put together thus far.
Basketball Spotlight Circuit
Tip Off Classic
Date: December 3rd and 4th (Neptune, NJ) Ages: 11U Thru 14U
This is our official start to the AAU season. This event will bring together some of the top teams on the East Coast. This one should be a dandy as many teams will be ready to kick off their season by holding a banner.
Clash For The Cup
Date: January 28th and 29th (Neptune, NJ) Ages: 12U Thru 14U
The Clash has actually turned into a national event and should only get better this year. Teams from all over the United States have already contacted us to express interest in this event. You don’t want to miss out on this one. The electricity will be in the building.
Atlantic City Showcase
Date: April 7th and 8th (Atlantic City, NJ) Ages: 10U Thru 14U
Basketball Spotlight invades America’s Playground for a weekend of big time hoops. Some of the top teams in the country will be in attendance and always expect the unexpected at this event. Its AC baby anything can happen.
Memorial Day Classic
Date: May 26th and 27th (Neptune, NJ) Ages: 10U Thru 14U
This is our premiere event. The MDC has been around for years and attracted some of the top talent in the nation. This year should be no different as top teams already have this event marked on their calendars.
Grand Finale
Date: TBA
The top four teams from (11U, 12U, 13U, 14U) will come together for a free tournament to determine the “Team Of The Year”. This will be the final Basketball Spotlight team event of the season. The true champions will be crowned that day.
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic formerly the Grand Finale will take place December 3rd and 4th. This event will be Basketball Spotlight’s first leg to the Grand Finale formerly Summer Slam. This event has already garnered attention from some of the top teams in the country. Don’t miss your chance to start your season against the top competition while gaining the best exposure. Space is limited for this event and teams not fully registered risk being left out of this event. Check out action from last year's event.
While some players take the day off against lesser compeition Hicks decided to prove he was one of the top 7th Graders in the region. The athletic wing dominated his division at the CT Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp. He finished as the top scorer in his age bracket and literally destroyed the camp. I can't wait to check him out at the next Basketball Spotlight Event.
NBA #1 Draft Pick Kyrie Irving and A Young Tyus Battle
What’s up basketball world, this week was real light basketball wise. I only went to the gym three days this week, which I don’t do a often.
Monday, a few kids from my school came over for Halloween. This year I didn’t really feel like looking for or making a costume, so I just wore a silver mask with a black hoody. When the kids from my school came over we played a little bit of quick scoping on mw2 (modern warfare 2), went out for a few minutes to get some candy, and then watched paranormal activity 3.
Tuesday, my dad was out of town so I stayed over my mom’s house. After school I had to go with my mom to her job until my uncle picked me up. That night I had a lot of work and projects I had to do to finish up the marking period, which ends Friday. So I stayed up all night and tried to finish as much as I could.
Wednesday night I got bit by a spider and my nose was swollen and I was getting bad headaches so I went to the doctor instead of school. The doctor said the headaches and the swelling should go away in about two days, but if it doesn’t I should come back.
Friday was the end of the marking period, I don’t know if I got straight A’s or not, but I always have next making period to improve. After school I had practice for my school team. The whole practice was about executing plays and working on our defense for our first tournament of the year. I believe that we are going to play really well and shouldn’t lose any games or even let a team come close to beating us. We are ready to bring back our first championship trophy in school history.
Saturday, we had practice in Burlington, NJ from 12-2. I must say the team is coming along very well. My dad says this year’s team may be his most talented yet. Hopefully we can live up to his expectations.
Sunday, we started up our JCC clinics again and this time we have a lot more kids. This new group of kids listened much better compared to the Tuesday clinics. Once again we went over the basics like lay ups and how to dribble a basketball. I am definitely looking forward to next week.
Next week I will make sure to tell you all how my school team and how I do in this tournament. Till next time. This is Tyus Battle signing off.
Day 2 of the CT Adidas Jr. Phenom camp took place and once again we were here for coverage. Here’s breakdown of some of the players that impressed us today.
Top Performers Day 2
Tremont Waters Guard (New Haven, CT)- Waters was by far the most polished 7th Grade guard in the building. At times he seemed bored with the competition but when he is rolling he made things look very easy. He’s going to be difficult to contain in the Class of 2017.
Milan Lester Guard (East Hartford, CT)- We got a chance to check Lester out again and he impressed us even more. He’s a Sam Cassell type point guard meaning once he drives around the pick he’s capable of draining the jumper. He’s good at changing speeds and using hesitation moves.
Chris Jones Guard (Hartford, CT)- I haven’t seen Chris in a while but he says he was in the lab and his plays shows it. He entered the game and went straight to work by nailing 3 triples in a row. On defense he made things tough for one of the top ball handlers in the building in Chris Towles.
Tyrique Lee Guard (Boston, MA)- Lee plays a lot bigger than his size. He hasn’t carved out a true guard position as of yet but he’s capable of contributing at both. He was terror on defense, on the boards and getting put backs.
Lyndell Wigginton Guard (Nova Scotia, Can)- He was another pleasant surprise. He’s extremely smart and understands positioning on the floor. He rarely drives too deep instead using a mean pull up jumper. He has a deep jumper, body control and sneaky athleticism.
Kevin Pacheco Guard (Somerset, NJ)- Pacheco represented Central Jersey very well. He controlled the tempo and seemed to get a kick out of passing the ball which is rare at these types of events. His on point passes made his teammates happy.
Shyheim Hicks Guard (Boston, MA)- Hicks just destroyed the competition in his age group. He gave a taste of all parts of his game including his range from the perimeter. He was top performer for his class at this event.
David Roelke Forward (Sharon, PA)-Roelke has a decent shot from the mid range area and will bang hard on the boards. He helps out well on defense but does need to improve his foot speed before reaching high school.
The CT Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp kicked off today and Basketball Spotlight traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to give you the recap. Now we will look at the rest of the youngsters that did damage.
Class 2017 Top Performers
Shyheim Hicks Guard (Boston, MA)- When Hicks played with his grade level things where too easy for this lad. So after moving up he impressed me even more because he displayed some intriguing point guard skills. He balanced the floor well and delivered some timely passes to teammates. He’s one of the best 2017 prospects in New England.
DeAndre Leslie Forward (Boston, MA)- Leslie is another interesting prospect. Standing about 6’2 the young colt will probably peak out at about 6’7 or 6’8. Right now he knows his way around the floor and will get even better once his skill set develops and he packs on some pounds.
TJ Roundtree Guard (New Haven, CT)- TJ has some point guard instincts and a soft jumper from the perimeter. When penetrating in traffic he’s strong enough to absorb contact before finishing off the play. He has bright future.
Jordan Hardwick Forward (East Hartford, CT)- Hardwick runs the floor like a deer can finish in close. He has a wing player type frame and should develop into a good small forward.
Class of 2018
Trevor Forbes Guard (West Springfield, MA)- Forbes brought his A game but nailing shots and beating defenders off the dribble with ease. When he’s playing with this type of confidence he’s very difficult to stop.
The CT Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp kicked off today and Basketball Spotlight traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to give you the recap. First we will take a look at the top 8th Graders at this event.
Day 1 Class 2016 Top Performers
Christopher Towle Guard (Nova Scotia, CAN)- The guard from North of the Border was one of the top showmen in this event. He plays with a White Chocolate type flair while remaining effective during the flow of the game. Defenders had a hard time timing his dribbles and staying in front of this craft guard. He also finishes well with either hand.
Amorri Walters Guard (Queens, NY)- The lefty shoots high arching jumpers but really enjoys crossing defenders to get to the tin. He looked like a freight train when pushing the rock in transition. Walter's plays the game with a high level of confidence.
Milan Lester Guard (East Hartford, CT)- Lester was another fresh face than impressed me. He danced around the defense while scoring or dishing the rock very easily. He makes it look so easy that some might think he’s not playing hard.
Juquan Mills Guard (Boston, MA)- Mills was very exciting to watch. His double crossovers backed up defenders and he has a good floater in his arsenal. He has a small frame but plays a big game full of moves and passion.
Mark Carbone Guard (Wetherfield, CT)- This kid can play either guard spot well. He surveys the floor like a surgeon and as the size to score in traffic. We look forward to seeing him play during the AAU season.
Emmanuel Chukwu Forward (New York, NY)- Standing 6’9 Emmanuel is long way from a finished products. On this level he rebounds and alters shots without leaving the floor. But he will have to develop strength, post moves, footwork and touch. He has a long road but his size alone as him off to a good start.
Victor Owens Guard (Boston, MA)- The pint size point guard didn’t back down from the competition. Instead he charged the lane and used a pull up to convert buckets. He’s smart enough to stay away from trap spots on the floor and reverse the ball during double teams.
Malik Jackson Guard (Boston, MA)- The lefty ran the show for his team while mixing up passing and scoring himself. He made a living of getting into the lane all afternoon and making things happen.
A lot of things are going on around the AAU world right now. So we decided to hit a couple of our sources and bring you another “Word On The Street”. Remember most of this information is from reliable sources including those directly involved.
Giles and Company Leave Team Felton For The Swoosh
Harry Giles one of the top prospects in the country has decided to leave Team Felton and run with CP3. Apparently the Nike organization snatched up Giles, Mike Buckland, Madison Cone and Coach Wade to play up on their 15U squad. But we might not have seen the last of Giles and company because they might do a few 14U events.
McBuckets On The Loose
After helping Team Nelson finish #9 in the country Anthony “McBuckets” Hoggard has decided to take his talents elsewhere. The rumor mill initially had him joining up with Jalen Gaffney and forming a Rip Hamilton 11U Squad but this hasn’t developed. Basketball Spotlight is wondering where will this reigning Player Of The Year end up.
Milbank Claiming King Of NY
My sources tell me that Paul Price has reclassified and has allege led Milbank 13U to several victories over Juice All Stars. Now the Milbank faithful are screaming they are the real 13U top dogs in NY. But at the Spotlight you earn your crown on the floor so at the Tip Off Classic a lot of questions will be answered.
Team Final Is Not Longer A Secret!
Dark Horse: Team Rebels
MA Preseason Player Of The Year: Eric “Easy” Ayala (Team Nelson): If Ayala’s dominance at the Super Showcase was any indication then the opposition will have some to worry about. Eric did whatever he wanted against the top competition in the region. We look for him to lead TN back near the top.
