Two of the Northeast’s top 11U squads went head-to-head on Sunday at the Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, New Jersey as a handful of players stood out in the weekend’s championship game for the class of 2019. As the season moves forward, it should be expected that both the Playtime Panthers and NJ ABC will be competitive against the nation’s best at their age level. Here are just a few of the players to keep an eye on who participated in the inaugural Tip Off Classic.
Jaheim Tanksley – Guard – Playtime Panthers For what he lacks in size, Tanksley gives back tenfold in heart and leadership. He’s the vocal cog for his young team and his teammates and coaches look for him to make plays in crunch time. A capable outside shooter, his midrange game must continue to progress in order for him to be an efficient playmaker in the lane.
Raejan Figures – Guard – Playtime Panthers Some of his teammates have received more ink in previous Spotlight events, but Figures had his moment in the championship contest. The ball-hawking guard anticipates well on defense and came up with important buckets for his team. As a backcourt prospect, he has above average size for his age level right now and seemed the least fazed of anyone on his squad by the pressure and pace of the game largely dictated by the opponent.
Jalen Gaffney – Guard – NJ ABC The consummate point guard is extremely polished at a young age. He recognizes the talent around him and makes an effort to get others involved. During the championship run, Gaffney did a nice job of finishing around the rim and showed the ability to knock down open looks for the perimeter. Any team is at a benefit when they have a guard at the 11U level that can already be classified as a ‘floor general’.
Anthony ‘AJ’ Hoggard – Guard – NJ ABC For such a young player, much praise has been given to Hoggard, and he is deserving of the recognition. He’s well-built for a young guard and after helping lead Team Nelson to a top 10 finish nationally last season, he hasn’t missed a step since coming over to join NJ ABC. Right now he’s one of the top players we’ve seen in his class nationally, but to remain there his burst will have to improve, as well as his ability to show he can score consistently on all three levels.
Jordan McCoy – Forward – Playtime Panthers The versatile and wiry forward may have been the best long-term prospect on the court during the 11U Tip Off Classic Championship. His handle and quickness on the perimeter are legitimate and he showed developing range while doing most of his damage getting to the cup. Showing the ability to dominate on the defensive end as a stopper and rebounder would also be a huge step forward for McCoy.
And One (To Keep An Eye On) – There’s another Pierre-Louis on the horizon and this time it’s Frantz youngest son, and Nate’s brother, Joshua. The younger Pierre-Louis is a blend of his dad and older sibling right now, fitting the mold perimeter-oriented forward who just becoming comfortable with his frame. If his confidence matches his developing skills, keep this name in a safe place and check back sooner than later, Josh Pierre-Louis.
Temple Gibbs pumped in a game high 28 points including 3 treys and Devonte Green added 16 markers as Team Scan defeated DC Assault 63-57 to win the Basketball Spotlight 14U Orange Division Championship. Sam Green finished with 20 points for DC Assault in the loss. Coach Jamaal Womack praised a united effort for the championship victory. "It's the parents, coaching staff and student-athletes being on the same page that allowed Team Scan to win this championship."
Tip Off MVP: Temple Gibbs Guard (Team Scan): Gibbs has been playing on a serious level thus far and in the finals he turned it up even more. He was hot from behind the arc while nailing some crucial jumpers but he really hurt DCA when finishing at the rim. His strength helped him absorb contact and still score buckets. His swagger is on another level right now and he’s punishing opponents.
Philly Triple Threat used a balanced attack to knock off Milbank and win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 14U Blue Division Championship. Congratulations to PTT for winning another Spotlight crown.
Tip Off MVP: Tony Carr Guard (PTT)- I personally watched Carr from the scores table and the point guard has one of the softest jumpers I’ve seen. He doesn’t wow you with fancy moves but instead kills you with substance. His smooth game and calm demeanor will carry him a long way in this game.
Jaecee Martin scored 15 points and Ismail Charles added 14 makers as CBC defeated Milbank 63-57 to win the Basketball Spotlight 13U Orange Division Championship. Paul Person finished with 20 points for Milbank in the loss. Coach Hatchett is was happy with their victory. "It was a big win because the compeition is so tough. It's easier to win a pool at the AAU Nationals than at Basketball Spotlight tournaments" he finished.
Tip Off MVP: Jaecee Martin Guard (CBC)- “Mayweather” came out swinging the entire tournament. If he wasn’t scoring he was making sure their wealth of talent was satisfied. His impact on the game is obvious and cannot be ignored. This weekend he either ripped ball handlers or broke down defenders.
New Renaissance defeated Jersey City Boys Club 41-38 to win the Basketball Spotlight 13U Blue Division Championship. Congratulations to New Renaissance coaches and players on their victory.
Rens 13/u Roster Coach Carl Benn Assistant Coach Deshawn Carnagie Pierce Boczar Chazz Clark Joe Collins Bryce Council Davis Franks Damon Gilmore Kobe James Boubacar Kamissoko Zak Mitnick Joel Santana David Smith Aaron Thompson
Markquis Nowell scored 37 points and Jalen Brooks added 15 markers as Team IZOD defeated New Renaissance 68-52 to win the Basketball Spotlight 12U Orange Division Championship. Daniel Klosk finished with 16 points for New Rens in the loss. Coach Reggie Carter was delighted about his team's effort. "As a first-year program with a lot of new parts, I'm surprised we played as well as we did. At the end of the day it felt good to quiet any doubters and hold that Spotlight banner."
Roster Shelton Applewhite Jalen Brooks Jailen Jamison Kenny Jones Tavon Jones Markquis Nowell Yasin Pretlow Jordan Ragland Mikey Watkins Justin Winston Mark Natiello
PWC defeated NWK 66-54 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 12U Blue Division Championship. Congratulations to PWC players and coaches. Stay tune as we bring your more coverage of the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic including top performers and All Tournament Team.
Roster Twan Grier Nazir Lee Rajah “Duke” Cameron Chris Banks Jamir Lattimore Andrew Curcura Jason Oppler Justin Kea Jaden McMillan Jaden Brown Kevin Griffin Ronald Harper
Team NJ ABC defeated Playtime Panthers 36-33 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 11U Championship. Congratulations to Team NJABC players and coaches. Coach Gaffney enjoyed the experience, "It was a great win for the kids who played hard and pulled out some games. Spotlight always brings out the best compeition and the best in our players. Our next stop will be the Baby Baller MLK Classic." Stay tune as we bring you more coverage from the Tip Off Classic icluding top performers and All Tournament Teams.
Rosters Jalen Gaffney Anthony Hoggard Davis Coit Niels Lane Jagger Zrada Joshua Pierre-Louis Amare Boyd Max Ferrante Konrad Kiska Marcus Gaffney Deuce Turner Quentin Taylor Troy McGregor Blake Morrisey Jaden Rege
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic was a huge success and we have loads of footage to bring you. We decided to begin our coverage with a thundering dunk from Team Scan guard Devonte Green. This dunk took place during the semifinal game against Playaz Basketball Club. Stay tune for recaps from the Tip Off Classic including stories, highlights, mixtapes and interviews.
What’s up basketball world, this week went by very fast but I still got a lot done.
I got my science test back on Monday. I received an 85 which is better than my last test which was an 83. I am still aiming to get an A on one of my science test, so I will need to study harder and really think about my answers. When I got home after school I had a lot of homework so I didn’t go to the gym.
Wednesday I had school practice. We did not scrimmage against each other; instead we worked on some skill work and reviewed our defense and plays. We did this because we were preparing for our first school league game on Saturday at 2 o clock. I don’t think we should lose a game or have a team come within 20 points of us.
Thursday I went over to the Club of Woodbridge to workout with Brice from ImPossible training. I was ready to get back in the gym because I haven’t worked out in the past 2 days. I was at the gym about 30 minutes before the workout with Brice to get my own workout in. When Brice got there we didn’t do a lot of drills with the medicine balls. Instead, we worked on getting my shot quicker and my handle sharper. Then we worked on dribble moves into a pull up. I think their workouts are really helping me with my pull up and handle.
On Friday I had a half a day and my dad left town to go to Puerto Rico for a business trip. I was able to wear my school basketball uniform to school because I had a pep rally. This was my first pep rally and it was a lot of fun. My teammates were begging me all day to dunk the ball during the lay up lines, so I did it. I still miss my dunks sometimes because my timing I still a little off, so it was good that I put it down on my first try. After school I had a lot of free time, so I played some Modern Warfare 3 before I went to the gym, while my brother went to school practice.
Saturday…finally our game against St. Helenas of Edison, NJ. Our game was at home so there was a big crowd. We won the game by over 60 points, so it’s good for our first game. I was just angry that I missed both of my dunk attempts. So I’m going to keep on trying until I get it. ‘Till next time, this is Tyus Battle signing off.
Refunds: There will be no refunds for any team pulling out of this event.
Forfeits: Forfeits will be enforced to keep the games on time. Any teams that purposely forfeits because of non pool advancement will not be allowed to enter any other Basketball Spotlight Events.
Game Time and Grace Period: Each Team is responsible of being at the gym at least 15 minutes before their scheduled game. There will be no grace period allowed for any games. There will only be a 5 minute warm up time before the game and 2 minutes at halftime.
Overtime: 3 minutes.
Time Outs: There will two full timeouts a half (4 per game) for each team. No carry over and no 30 seconds time outs.
Uniforms: Each Team must have two sets of uniforms (light and dark).
Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 20 points or more with 2 minutes remaining in the contest the game will be called at that point. The team ahead by 20 will be awarded the victory.
Player Ejections: Any player ejected from a game will be suspended the next game. Any player involved in or ejected for fighting will be suspended the remainder of the tournament.
Birth Certificates: All teams must have birth certificates and report cards for each player on their roster in case of a challenge. Each team will be allowed unlimited grade exceptions. Grade Exceptions must have paperwork. AAU Rules are enforced in terms of age.
Challenges: Must be made before the game and will cost the challenging team $60. If the challenging team is correct their money will be refunded.
Daily Admissions: $8
Tie Breaker Criteria (In Order): 1. Won-Loss Record 2. Head to Head Competition 3. Point System (Margin Of Victory)- Any team winning by more than 15 points will only be rewarded 15 points for the victory. So if you win by 20 points you still will be rewarded only 15 points. 4. Least Amount of Points allowed in Pool Play 5. Coin Flip
Attention: Any teams that don't complete the tournament including 3rd Place games will be subject to be omitted from future Basketball Spotlight Events.
Any rules not mentioned above will be worked out fairly at the discretion of the tournament director.
Connecticut Basketball Club 13U came within points of taking home the Grand Championship last season. Now they are back with some added pieces and call themselves the “Money Team”. Coach Reggie Hatchett tried to remain humble about their appearance at the upcoming Tip Off Classic. “Basketball Spotlight tournament will let us know exactly where we stand, and how far we need to travel to reach our final destination.”
The “Money Team” will be trying to gain their first banner and keep Connecticut basketball on the map for good. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight bring you more top teams that will be headed to the Tip Off Classic. It’s really shaping up to be a dandy.
Team IZOD has become accustomed to winning during the Spotlight events. Last season they won 3 championships including the Grand Title at Summer Slam. Since then other teams in their field have beefed up some think Sports U might be in a little trouble. But Coach Franz Pierre Louis sees this as motivation. “I believe Sports U has a great chance of winning this event as long as we play together. We enjoy being the underdogs. Don’t forget what David did to Goliath.”
The Big Red Machine will be trying to be the first 13U squad to hold the spanking new Tip Off Classic banner on Sunday night. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight bring you more top squads that will be competing hard in Neptune, NJ.
The 14U field is loaded but the Gauchos feel like they been in the heat before. Last season, they were runner up for the Grand Championship, so they feel they have unfinished business. In terms of the Tip Off Classic Coach Paul Suber took out his crystal ball to help us with the prediction. “I think the Final 4 will be Team Rebels vs. Gauchos and F.A.C.E.S. vs. DC Assault. I also believe when it’s all said and done we can win it all” Suber finished.
While the Gauchos are in their EPMD “Unfinished Business” mode the rest of the field will also be hunting for that banner. Basketball Spotlight will continue to bring you the top teams that will be entering the Tip Off Classic. Stay tune because we are just getting started.
Before he was launched into national prominence Isaiah Briscoe put in work during the Tip Off Classic (Formerly The Grand Finale).He finished with All Tournament Team Honors after displaying his silky smooth moves. Several top 8th Graders will take the stage this weekend. Do any of them have the potential to take off like Isaiah? We will see Saturday!
Can Riverside Add The Tip Off Classic To Their Collection Of Banners?
Riverside Hawks finished #4 in America and won the Basketball Spotlight Grand Championship. Now this season they will be the hunted. Several teams are lined to knock the champs out the box during the Tip Off Classic. Coach Lawrence Fauntleroy thinks his team is equipped with the right tools. “I like our chances this weekend especially if all the hard work in practice can translate into game time. Experience and team chemistry carry you far when the field is stacked with really good teams. Hopefully we will have the advantage in both of those categories” said Coach Fauntleroy.
Riverside Hawks enter the Tip Off Classic as one of the favorites but we know once that ball is thrown up anything can happen. Stay tune as we bring you more previews of the top teams headed to the Tip Off Classic.
Milbank 13U is new on the scene but these youngsters caused a lot of havoc already. Last weekend they ran through the Hoop Group Turkey Tip Off easily. They took home the championship jumping through all the competition. Now they say they are ready for the big show meaning the Tip Off Classic.
This new NY power will have a chance to make their mark this season. The Tip Off Classic is coming and Milbank will be in the building. Their coach Rodney Clinkscales has the squad ready for combat. “We are modest. We are strong. Finally we are ready to overcome all obstacles to win the championship” said Clinkscales.
Basketball Spotlight will be looking at the spectacular 13U division and will report on all the top performers. Stay tune as we bring you more top teams coming to the Tip Off Classic.
Gaining that first Spotlight banner has been tough for several programs including Team Rebels from the Mid Atlantic Region. This bunch known for their toughness has made noise during the Spotlight events but always came up short. This season founder and director Jamal Hunt thinks they are ready to take the leap. “I feel we have a good bunch and we added some new pieces to this group. We should definitely be ready to roll” he said.
Team Rebels will get their first shot at the banner during the Tip Off Classic slated for this weekend. The 14U field is loaded with serious competition but the Chester, PA product Hunt is boasting with confidence. “This is our chance early to put a few of these teams into our rear view mirror. We plan to take full advantage of our opportunity” he finished.
Basketball Spotlight will be watching Team Rebels and the rest of the field at the Tip Off Classic. Stay tune as we bring you more top teams that will be entering the Tip Off Classic.
Team Scan Comes Into The Tip Off Classic As One Of The Favorites
Team Scan continued it's winning ways by taking home the championship of the Hudson Catholic tournament. Now they have their sights set on the Tip Off Classic and their Director Terrence “Munch” Williams has full confidence in his bunch. “We are coming through there like the 72 Dolphins, so if you don’t know what that is please do your research” he finished. Wow! This field is tough but the former Coach Of The Year thinks his squad has the swagger to get it done. Check back as we preview other top squads coming to the Tip Off Classic.
Roster Devonte Green, Bryce Aiken, Unique Mclean, Sterlin Hewitt, Temple Gibbs, Brandon Randolph, Dana King Jr., Kyle Elliot, Emmanuel Chukwu, Anthony Johnson
Sunday December 4th 10:10 AM 3RD Q-3rd R (ASNJ 1) 10:10 AM 3RD S-3RD T (ASNJ 2) 12:30 PM 1ST Q-2ND R (HGH 1) POOL Q 12:30 PM 1ST R-2ND Q (HGH 2) POOL R 12:30 PM 1ST S-2ND T (HGH 3) POOL S 12:30 PM 1ST T-2ND S (HGH 4) POOL T 4:00 PM POOL Q-POOL T SEMIFINALS (HGH 1) 4:00 PM POOL R-OOL S SEMIFINALS (HGH 4) 6:20 PM 14U BLUE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 2)
Sunday December 4th 11:20 AM 1ST O-2ND P (HGH 1) POOL O 11:20 AM 1ST P-2ND O (HGH 2) POOL P 11:20 AM 1ST M-2ND N (HGH 3) POOL M 11:20 AM 1ST N-2ND M (HGH 4) POOL N 1:40 PM 3RD M-3RD N (HGH 1) 1:40 PM 3RD O-3RD P (HGH 4) 4:00 PM POOL M-POOL P (HGH 2) SEMIFINAL 4:00 PM POOL N-POOL O (HGH 3) SEMIFINAL 6:20 PM 14U ORANGE CHAMPIONSIP (HGH 3)
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Classic 12U Orange Division Pools and Schedules are listed below. Please arrive early for game time.
Basketball Spotlight 12U Orange Division Tip Off Classic Schedule
Pool C 1. Team IZOD 2. KSK 3. Force One
Pool D 1. New Renaissance Basketball 2. Team Final 3. DC Assault
Pool E 1. Riverside Hawks 2. JCBC 3. NC Running Rebels
Pool F 1. Playtime 2. East Coast Elite 3. Wee All Stars
Saturday (December 3, 2011) 9:00 AM C1-C2 (HGH 1) 9:00 AM D1-D2 (HGH 2) 9:00 AM E1-E2 (HGH 3) 9:00 AM F1-F2 (HGH 4) 11:20 AM C1-C3 (HGH 1) 11:20 AM D1-D3 (HGH 2) 11:20 AM E1-E3 (HGH 3) 11:20 AM F1-F3 (HGH 4) 1:40 PM C2-C3 (HGH 1) 1:40 PM D2-D3 (HGH 2) 1:40 PM E2-E3 (HGH 3) 1:40 PM F2-F3 (HGH 4)
Sunday (December 4, 2011) 9:00 AM 3RD C-3RD D (ASNJ 1) 9:00 AM 3RD E-3RD F (ASNJ 2) 9:00 AM 1ST C-2ND D (HGH 1) POOL C 9:00 AM 1ST D-2ND C (HGH 2) POOL D 9:00 AM 1ST E-2ND F (HGH 3) POOL E 9:00 AM 1ST F-2ND E (HGH 4) POOL F 1:40 PM POOL C-POOL F SEMIFINAL (HGH 2) 1:40 PM POOL D-POOL E SEMIFINAL (HGH 3) 5:10 PM 12U ORANGE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 2)
Marque Maultsby is one of the top 6th Graders in North Carolina. Last summer he brought his talent to the Baby Baller Super Showcase and stood out. He finished as one the top performers for his grade level. His Running Rebels Coach Aaron Clyburn is very fond of Marque’s game. “He’s a slasher and most effective getting to the basket but his greatest asset might be his tenacity and heart. He plays the game with no fear” said Clyburn.
Clyburn was also quick to point out that his young star still is a work in progress. “Marque still needs to work on some things such as ball handling and using his off- hand since he’s aspiring to be a point guard. I believe if he continues to work he has unlimited potential” Clyburn finished.
Basketball Spotlight will be checking for Maultsby and his NC Running Rebels teammates as they try to tackle the heavy field of the Tip Off Classic. Can they handle the heat? We will see Saturday!
Monday my dad dropped me off at the gym after school to workout. I didn’t really feel like working out at first because I was tired and needed to get some rest, but after taking a few shots I started to wake up. It was a good workout overall. I got a lot done in only an hour. In that time I was able to lift, work on my pull up, make moves to the basket, and work on my ball handling.
After school I had a lot of homework so I wasn’t able to go to the gym. When it was around 10 and I was getting ready to go to bed my dad surprised me by telling me to put some sweat pants on because we are going jogging. The part that surprised me was that he wanted to go jogging, which he hasn’t done in a year so I thought he wasn’t going to keep up. We only ran about 3 or 4 miles but I was surprised that my dad kept up throughout the jog.
Wednesday I went to workout at Gill Saint Bernard, which is a Prep school in North Jersey. Their basketball team is one of the best in the country. The school is one of the biggest and nicest high schools I have ever seen. At the practice we did a little skill work in the beginning and then played games for the rest of the practice. I was surprised that the Coach practically let his teammates run the workout, which teaches them to work hard all the time - even when no one is watching. While we were playing the games these kids would not miss a jump shot even with a hand in their face. After that workout I realized how much harder I have to work on my jump shot.
Thursday was Thanksgiving and I didn’t have any school so instead of going to the gym, my mom picked me up to go eat at my grandmother’s AKA Nana Battle’s house around 3. I had a good time especially because I haven’t seen my aunt, cousin, and uncle in a while. After the meal at my grandmother’s house I went to go eat at my mom’s house. I mostly ate smoked turkey and backed macaroni, which has always been my favorite. I was disappointed that my mom didn’t make collard greens, because it is my favorite vegetable. For the rest of the night I played Modern Warfare 3 while my mom and brother were watching a movie.
Over the weekend I had a tournament in Pottstown, PA. Our first 2 games the teams were not even in the game with us. We beat the first team by about 40 points and we beat the second team by about 28, but unfortunately Buddah (our 14 year old 6’ 5” Forward) got a concussion during the game and couldn’t finish the tournament. Even though we won the 2 games by a lot, our coaches told us that we need to cut down on turnovers and pick up our defense. I know the coaches are right but I also know that this will come with practice and our team has not had much practice. My dad and coach Vaughn put us in the tournament to see how well we would do against our own age group and to uncover what we have to work on.
The next day the semi final game was much closer. We only won by 5. The team we played was very poised, played good defense, and executed plays well. We played a team named the YAACES (from Toronto, Canada) in the championship. Even though we lost by 7, we still played hard and kept it close the whole game. No excuses, but I feel that if we had Buddah and had more practices we would have definitely put ourselves in a better position to win the game. We also missed about 15 foul shots, which could have changed the outcome of the game. I didn’t think I played very well in the final game of the tournament although I had 23 points. I missed a few shots I would usually make on the perimeter. I could have worked harder on the boards, and run the floor harder. I am so mad I missed foul shots. My dad got on me a lot about my body language. He said it stunk and he also said a few things I cannot put in print. LOL! He also said I got caught up in missing shots instead of doing all the other things to help the team. He was right so I apologized a few hours later.
Next week I should have a better ending, although I did learn a lot about myself and my team, but I hate to lose. Tomorrow is back to school for a few tests. Also a lot of time will be spent on the foul line this week. This is Tyus Battle signing off.
The Hoop Group Turkey Tip Off was held in Pottstown, PA and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. We took an interest in the 14U division and here are our top performers
Hoop Group Turkey Tip Off Top Performers
Tyus Battle Guard (Team Final)- “Kid Mamba” is just a different breed. The lanky guard gave the crowd some holiday dinner dessert while unleashing his total arsenal. His ball handling, scoring and rebounding were known weapons but his court vision is beginning to stand out more. He pumped assist from all around the floor even putting some mustard on a couple of passes. In terms of scoring he gave the defense the business from all three levels (3 point land, midrange area and at the rim). His game is so fluid and just on another level from many of his peers. Not only is he the best guard in America period but right now he might be the most skilled 8th Grader I’ve even seen and I’ve seen a lot.
Vaughn Covington Guard (Team Final)- Every team needs a coach on the floor and Covington might be the man for the job. An improved jump shot has opened his game up. You can see the confidence once he catches the rock and goes into his shooting motion. But I really need to talk about how he runs the team and gets others involved. Vaughn has no problem throwing the extra pass especially in transition. He seems to see the game a few plays ahead. Introducing Vaughn “The Brain” Covington.
Terquin Mott Forward (Team Final)- Before leaving the second game with an injury Mott was a dominant force in the paint. A strong lower body allows him to jump out the gym whenever he wants. He displays some ball handling skills but it’s still a work in progress.
DeAndre Hunter Forward (Philly Aztecs)- Hunter is an intriguing prospect for the Aztecs. When active the young lanky wing uses his length to impact the game. His handle is developing and his outside shot is decent. His best days of basketball will be down the road and he has a scary upside.
Stevie Jordan Guard (Philly Aztecs)- Jordan has a more confident game. Known as a spot up shooter he now has added a handle and floater to his arsenal. He excelled in transition. Watch out for him this year because we definitely will be looking.
Mikey Dixon Guard (Philly Aztecs)- Dixon is a true veteran on this level. Now he seems to be more of a pass first type of guard which will be good for his high school. He exploded through the lane while slicing defenders with his handle.
Dante Rockmore Guard (ESYC)- The little lefty had inspired play against Team Final. He applied some defensive pressure and grabbed a few steals. He’s a peaky guard with a lot of heart.
Deondre Tillett Guard (ESYC)- Tillet played in the backcourt with Rockmore and also knows how to pressure the rock. He teams with Rockmore with form a very strong backcourt.
Mustafa Lawrence Guard (Showtime)- Though his team lost both games Lawrence showed well on the floor. He drove into the chest of the post players before converting tough baskets. He’s a very tough point guard.
Tremaine Lawrence Forward (Showtime)- Lawrence is a tremendous athlete which helps him get rebounds and put backs. He needs work on his ball handling and outside shooting because he will be a guard size in the future.
Breakdown: Barry was a ball handling wizard during the consolation game of the St. Anthony Tournament. He controlled the tempo of the game and made his teammates better while also dropping some buckets. His play even brought smiles to the face of legendary coach Bob Hurley Sr.
The Baby Baller Super Showcase was designed to give young ballers a stage to shine. Markquis Nowell took full advantage and used it as his personal playground. We got a chance to talk to this youngster from uptown and here’s his One On One.
One On One
BS: How did it feel winning the Basketball Spotlight Most Outstanding Player? MN: To win the title of Most Outstanding Player of the year I was really happy. I was very proud of myself because this was my first year of playing on the AAU circuit, and to win a title like that you have no other choice but to be proud.
BS: How was the Baby Baller Showcase experience? MN: The Baby Baller Showcase experience was fun. I got the chance to go against some of the top people in my class and I performed very well. I got the exposure I need, learned a few things, and also had fun. I hope there’s more in my future.
BS: What was your greatest Basketball Spotlight moment thus far? MN: The greatest spotlight moment thus far was the rematch of Riverside Hawks vs NY Gauchos. The Gauchos won the first match towards the beginning of things and Riverside came back strong to beat us at the end of it all, even though I lead all scorers both games the second game I couldn't win it for us.
BS: How and why did you end up playing for Team IZOD? MN: I got the chance to play with Team Izod by just wanting to be on a winning team. I felt like the team I was on wasn't winning enough so I had to join a team where winning was the goal. The coach and Jalen Brooks was another big part to my decision. I like their styles and I just wanted to be a part of that. I feel like the coach could make me a better player and prepare me for high school ball and playing alongside Jalen should be fun because in practice we push each other to make each other better therefore on the court we should be unstoppable.
BS: What basketball player do you pattern your game after the most? MN: The basketball player I get my style from the most is probably Deron Williams that's my favorite point guard that's why I wear the number 8. But I don't only stop there and try to copy him I look for pieces in everyone's game to help mine. I watch a lot of Kemba Walker videos, a lot of Kyrie Irving videos because those are the people I look up to the most when it comes to the game of basketball.
BS: How do you feel playing in the backcourt with Jalen Brooks the reigning Player Of The Year? MN: I feel real good about me and Jalen Brooks playing in the back court this year. I feel like if you got the player of the year, and the most outstanding player of the year in the back court you can't be stopped. That's how I feel about us; we are going to be very hard to stop. You trap him you got me, you trap me there goes Jalen. It's kind of like a Dwayne Wade, Lebron situation you can say.
BS: What are your goals for the season? MN: My goals for this season are to win big in the National Tournament. I fell short of my goal last year at the Gauchos and I don't want to fall short this year. With this team I feel like we could go real far if we work hard for it. I also want high schools to start looking at me to come to their schools when it's time. A personal goal is I want to get better as a player and build my game up. Try to add something to my game every year so it could be harder to guard me.
BS: Give me one word to describe Basketball Spotlight. MN: One word to describe basketball spotlight is Unique.
DC Assault defeated Team Takeover (Brown) in the championship 51-48. DC Assault shot lights out by hitting 8 three pointers as a team. Justin Lykes led the way with 14 points. Ishmael Leggett added 10 points. Tyler Brelsford added 8 points and 5 assists. Jay Heath had 7 points and 7 rebounds and Terrance Williams had 6 points and 5 boards. Roster Tyler Brelsford Dave Dalton Jabari Davis Jay Heath Tyrese Jenkins Ishmael Leggett Mekhi Long Justin Lykes Mike Sumner Terrance Williams
Bruce Shingler: Head Coach Norman Morrow: Assistant Coach James Lewis: Assistant Coach Andrew Brelsford: Team Manager
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic is totally sold out. Basketball Spotlight would like to thank everyone that showed interest in this event. Below is the list of teams that will be participating in this event. The schedule will be coming soon.
Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Teams
14U 1. DC Assault (Gold) 2. Team Rebels 3. Gauchos 4. Team Scan 5. New Renaissance Basketball Club 6. CT Elite 7. Playaz 8. ETU Warriors 9. St. Michaels 10. New Heights NYC 11. F.A.C.E.S. 12. KSK 13. Mass Shooting Stars 14. Philly Triple Threat 15. DC Assault (Blue) 16. VBC 17. Milbank 18. MJ Heat 19. JC Boys Club 20. Showtime All Stars 21. Boston Titans 22. Team Elite/Owens 23. Play Hard/Team MVP 24. Connecticut Select
13U Teams 1. Team IZOD 2. CBC 3. Team Final 4. Team Rebels 5. MABC 6. Swish City Magic 7. Milbank 8. Juice All Stars 9. Albany Dream Team 10. Jersey City Boys Club 11. St. Michaels 12. East Coast Elite 13. New Renaissance 14. KSK 15. JSL Hoops 16. New Heights
12U Teams 1. Riverside Hawks 2. East Coast Elite 3. New Renaissance Basketball Club 4. Team Final 5. NC Running Rebels 6. Playtime 7. Team IZOD 8. DC Assault (Perry) 9. KSK 10. Force One 11. Team Rebels 12. CBC 13. Swish City Magic 14. NJ Shore Shots 15. PWC 16. NJABC 17. Natural Ballers 18. JCBC 19. NWK 20. Wee All Stars
11U Division 1. CJ Hawks 2. Playtime Panthers 3. Severn Elite 4. T One Ballers 5. NJ ABC 6. St. Michaels 7. New Renaissance Basketball Club 8. New Heights
CBC's 6th grade team enjoyed great success last AAU season. But when the team took that long trip to Hampton, VA for the Division 1 National Championships, it was evident to Coach Reggie Hatchett that there were holes in his team. He went about plugging up those holes...Introducing..."The MONEY TEAM"
BS:When did you realize that your team needed to add pieces? RH:Well, as a coach, you always see your team's deficiencies better than their strengths. So I always knew that we didn't have much depth on a National level. And what I mean by that is: we were strong enough to dominate our area (CT, Mass, RI, etc) for years to come, but we were lacking the kind of depth it takes to be a contender for a National Championship. I've always been the type of person who wanted to do everything on the largest scale possible. So I would have never been content with dominating our region, but losing to the national powerhouse organizations.
BS: Was there a moment when it "clicked"? RH:We were playing at the AAU 6th Grade Division 1 National Championships in Hampton, VA. We had just won our pool in convincing fashion. Then we had to play against AI9 Elite from Chicago and West Coast Select from California. Obviously these teams are from much larger areas than Hartford, CT, but our starters were obviously better than both of these teams. We held early double digit leads against both of these teams. But once we had to go to our bench, the leads evaporated, the momentum shifted to the other team and we eventually lost to both teams by small amounts. I felt that we could have easily won both of those games if we just strengthened our team by beefing up our bench.
BS: How did you go about making it happen? RH: Well through our travels, I have accumulated several enemies. But I've also gained the respect and admiration of a lot of opposing players and coaches. We (CBC) had been dominating the CT basketball scene since I first started coaching three years ago. But what I noticed was that Connecticut had too many AAU teams! There was too much division of talent for us to make any significant noise on a National level. Every program had one or two "recruitable athletes" and no one wanted to let their stud play with another program. So from day one, my goal has always been to create an environment where all of the top talent would feel welcomed, and feel like they had something to gain by becoming a part of something bigger than them. So as I started to think about the things our team lacked, I also would think of names of players I knew that could fill that void. I realized that the key positions we needed help at, our rival program (CT Elite) had just what we needed. It made sense to the players, parents and coaches that we put our differences aside in order to make this "dream team" a reality.
BS:In what areas have you improved the most? RH:Last year our team would suffer when Jaecee (Martin) or Ismail (Charles) got in foul trouble. Because we did not have a formidable back up PG or Center. So the acquisition of Azar Swain (PG) and DeAndre Leslie (C) gives us the opportunity to keep Jaecee and Ismail out of foul trouble, and it gives them fresher legs at the end of games. Also, Chaylyn (Martin) had to responsibility of being our slasher and wing scorer, but if he was off, there was no formidable substitute. Now Shyhiem Hicks and Keonte Lucas give us additional scoring from the wing. Kareem Harvin also gives us more toughness inside. So now we have a few options to offset what other teams like to do against us.
BS:What are your goals for this season? RH:Well last year we had a great season. We won 9 of the 13 tournaments we participated in (including winning 4 of 5 tournaments in which we played up an age group). We also won our pool and won two playoff round games at Nationals. And I have my top 6 players returning from that team. So with the additions we have in place, I expect each one of those stats to improve this season. And hopefully we will finally get one of those elusive Basketball Spotlight crowns! But seriously, I just want to represent CT on a National level. Last year while we were at Nationals in Hampton, there were a handful of teams that everyone knew would be around all week...I want to be in that same conversation.
BS: Why the name "Money Team"? RH: Jaecee's nickname "Mayweather" spreaded like wildfire and he was so instrumental in bringing in the other pieces we decided to go with the "Money Team".
BS:Any last words you want to say before we end? RH:I think that we have set an example for other AAU programs around the region. We (coaches) have an obligation to the young men we serve to set a positive example. We shape their image of what manhood and leadership is suppose to be. So we have to put our egos aside and make decision that benefit our kids above our own agenda. And lastly...WATCH OUT FOR THE MONEY TEAM!!!
DC Assault one of the most powerful teams in the country added another trophy to their shelf by winning the Joe Wooten Fall Classic. DCA has won several championships this fall and will be gearing up for their big challenge at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic. Congrats to their coaches and players for their success.
Pool Play DCA 73 Classics 28 DCA 65 ETU 37 DCA 66 Lee District 17
Championship DCA 68 ETU 44
Roster Jamar Watson Jamir Moultrie Mickey Bell Anthony Cowan Blake Francis Sam Green Ako Adams Sean Strittmatter Reggie Gardner Alani Moore Joe Hampton
NyRhique "La Smoove" Smith continued his great play by erupting for 39 points at Funsport to lead the LD Rebels to a 64-52 victory Long Island Lightning. This was a career high for Smith and his 2nd time winning Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week. Smith felt he was in rhythm the entire game, "It was like I was in my own zone. I felt good and like I was the best player on the floor" finished Smith.
What’s up basketball world, it has been a great week, but a very tiring week.
On Monday I had my semi-finals game at the Union Catholic tournament with my school team. In my opinion we played well. We executed plays, played good defense, and we also communicated on both ends of the floor. After the game a few of my teammates became very nervous when they heard that we were going to play Good Sheppard in the championship. I knew a few of the kids on the team such as Nathaniel from Team Izod, Temple from Team Scan and also Bryce from Team Scan. So I knew that we had a very tough game in front of us.
Tuesday was the championship game against Good Sheppard. They started the game knocking down 3 consecutive threes and my teammates were turning the ball over a lot. We looked intimidated by their speed and skill level. My team and I had a horrible first half only scoring 9 points to their 29. I had a lot of trouble scoring in the first half as well because of their double and triple teams which resulted in me only having 2 points. I was frustrated on how we were all playing and we had to wake up for the second half. In the locker room during half time coach pulled Idris and I over and told us that we had to score the ball. We played much better in the second half scoring over 36 points. I had 25+ points in the second half myself. My teammates also began to look more confident. Unfortunately we still lost the game by about 25. Even though we lost, I think it was a large step in the right direction on how we will play later in the season.
Thursday I woke up at 5am to workout before school. I had lot of trouble getting up because I was up all night the night before finishing an essay. At the gym we lifted and worked on moves to the basket. After school I had to study for my science test that was on Friday. My dad picked me up from our house at around 8 to go workout with Bryce Stanahope from ImPossible AKA Micah Lancaster training. We did some great ball handling drills with a heavy ball to get my handle faster and a lot of other drills that were challenging.
Friday I had school practice. My coach talked to us about our tournament and how we played in the championship game. This practice coach really tried to get some of my teammates in better shape by running a lot of sprints and suicides. We also worked on taking charges, which we do not do as well s we should.
Saturday we ran a four-hour clinic at Iselin Middle School. We worked with kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. I was surprised how well the younger kids listened and did some of the drills. After the clinic my former teammate and friend Jeremy Gaskins came over my house to hang out after my dad took us all out to eat.
Next week, I will make sure to tell you how my week went. This is Tyus Battle signing out.
Showcase Report: Few young players can shoot the rock like this marksman. Morton was able to score from the perimeter and in transition. He’s a very confident wing guard and we look forward to watching him this season with the NJ Shore Shots. I got a feeling his name will be on this site alot this year.
Jaheim Tanksley (Playtime Panthers)
Raejan Figures – Guard – Playtime Panthers
Jalen Gaffney – Guard – NJ ABC
Anthony ‘AJ’ Hoggard – Guard – NJ ABC
Jordan McCoy – Forward – Playtime Panthers
