Tip Off Classic Recap: 13U Top Performers Part 1

Nate "The Great" Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)

The 13U Division was loaded top to bottom. There was no where run or hide. Here are the top performers that impressed us in this division.

Tip Off Classic 13U Top Performers Part 1

Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Team IZOD)- Can any 7th Grader in America score the ball better than Pierre Louis? If so let him appear please. Nate “The Great” averaged close to 30 points a game yes 30. He dropped 28 on Juice All Stars during their pool play win, 30 on Team Final in their loss and 32 on CBC in the final four. What’s incredible is that defenses are designed to slow him down and he still manages to get numbers. Some say he should pass more but in his effort to win, he does what comes natural which is put the ball in the basket.

Azar Swain Guard (CBC)- With Martin running the point Swain was left to roam the perimeter and it paid dividends. In the final four he banged home 3 second half treys to help his team finally get that Team IZOD monkey off their back. His last trey ball came at a crucial time and put the “Money Team” up for good.

Shyheim Hicks Guard (CBC)- Hicks is still getting comfortable in his new home. But he still managed to bring his wing game to the Tip Off Classic. He finished off plays and used his length to rebound and play defense. I can’t wait to see him after he settles in.

Quade Green Guard (Team Final)- Green was a showman this weekend. Not only did he produce effectively as Team Final did damage but he entertained the crowd with his slick ball handling. He’s one of the main clogs in this offense. We are just seeing the beginning of his rise to stardom.

Paul Person Guard (Milbank)- Milbank reached the finals and Paul orchestrated their quest. He’s added some inches to his frame so scoring has come so much easier for this lad. He posted 18 points in their championship loss to CBC. “P Double” is one of the finest guards in the region. He’s so silky smooth.

Ismail Charles Forward (CBC)- Charles battled hard the entire tournament. He’s a warrior inside and doesn’t get enough for his dirty work. He faced double teams and sagging defenses all weekend and still managed to post numbers. This kid fights to the end.

John Paul Sanders Guard (Team Final)- Sanders now has some help and he seems to appreciate his new teammates. He brought his scoring touch without being selfish by picking his spots and dishing the rock when the defense over played. He has an understanding of the game. Expect big things from JP Sanders in 2012.

Trevon Duval Guard (Team Rebels)- TR didn’t fair to well but Duval still managed to get off playing in two age groups. He can play either guard spot effectively while possessing take over the game potential.

Tip Off Classic Recap: 12U Top Performers Part 2

Rob Higgins (Natural Ballers)

The Basketball Spotlight 12U Division was loaded with talent. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top performers from this age group.

Tip Off Classic 12U Top Performers Part 2

Rob Higgins Guard (Natural Ballers)- Higgins went bananas in their game against CBC. The slick guard pumped in a game high 30 points and gave the crowd a treat. When he’s in his groove defenders need to tighten their laces or watch how he burns the net. He was definitely feeling it this weekend. His game is progressing in the right direction.

Kobe Price Forward (Natural Ballers)- Price also made his mark against CBC. The long forward scored inside and from the perimeter (3 treys) while dropping 20 points. He can get things done now but I think his best days of basketball are still ahead.

Trevor Forbes Guard (CBC)- Forbes scored 20 points in their loss to Natural Ballers but his biggest moment of the weekend came when he nailed a trey to send the game into overtime against NWK. He’s an energetic offensive player that comes through when his team needs him most.




Cole Anthony Guard (New Rens)- The son of former UNLV star and NBA player Greg Anthony has his father beat in one area which is his outside shot. He drained 4 treys as they cruised by Team Final in pool play. He has a knack to score the pill which any coach on any level would love.

Tyrek Chambers Forward (New Rens)- Baby Elton Brand showed up big for New Rens. He rumbled his way to buckets inside. He uses his stocky frame well when boxing out and scoring in the lane. He knows how to find the bottom of the hole. He scored 15 points against Riverside in their final four win.

Nayshon Kane-Hamlet (New Rens)- New Rens wouldn’t have made a finals appearance if Nayshon didn’t rip KSK for 17 points in their quarterfinal matchup. He’s one of those long forwards that basketball purest tend to love. We will be watching him closely.

Jamir Lattimore Guard (PWC)- Lattimore has a good combination of speed and athleticism. After one quick move his shoulders are past the defender and he doesn’t stop until he reaches the rim where he’s a good finisher.

Tip Off Classic Recap: 12U Top Performers Part 1

Atiba "B.G." Taylor (KSK)

The Basketball Spotlight 12U Division was loaded with talent. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top performers from this age group.

Tip Off Classic 12U Top Performers Part 1

Atiba Taylor Guard (KSK)- Atiba went to work as King Street Kings made a rare Spotlight appearance. This kid gets a lot of hype nationally and now I see what the fuss is about. Taylor is rare court vision for someone his age and really enjoys passing the pill. His size allows him to see over the defense, rebound and score in traffic. While most coaches would love to stick him in the post his perimeter skills demands that he handles the pill. Introducing Atiba “Big Guard” Taylor or “BG” for short.

Mike Watkins Guard (Team IZOD)- While his teammates Brooks and Nowell score the buckets Watkins sets the table. He brought a wealth of experience to this backcourt and calmed the youngsters down when they got out of control. He’s one of only a few 6th Graders that really don’t mind not scoring the rock. A real floor general.



Judah McIntyre Guard (New Rens)- This kid sees the floor and runs a team better than some high school guards. He’s always alert and pushes the rock with his head up. The sign of a great point guard is being a winner and this kid just guided his team to the finals of one of the toughest tournaments around.




Luther Muhammad Guard (KSK)- Luther returned to the Spotlight wearing a new uniform and playing a new position. He now rocks with KSK and plays the shooting guard role. Luther ran the floor well and finished but needs to play a little more under control. I think this will come as he develops on the perimeter.



Will Yarborough Guard (KSK)- Every team has a sniper and Will plays this role for KSK. He’s good at knocking down the deep ball but surprised me with his toughness to finish in traffic. The game versus Sports U was pretty physical and Yarborough stood his ground.





Preston Bacon Guard (DC Assault)- Preston will pull jumpers from the cheap seats. He shoots off the dribble as well as spotting up. He had his guns blazing in their loss to Team IZOD. He’s definitely a two guard trapped inside a point guards body.





Twan Grier Forward (PWC)- The nimble big fella led PWC to the Blue Division crown. He possesses soft hands and good touch inside. He’s built like a linebacker but has the grace of a wide out. The Blue Division has not answer for this kid.





Zegary Scott Guard (Playtime)- Scott’s game was flourishing as he led Playtime to the final four. He’s conventionally a point guard but shouldered most of the scoring responsibility for the weekend. I can’t wait to see how his game progresses during the season.




Makhi Mitchell Forward (DC Assault)- Mitchell battled foul trouble against Team IZOD but still managed to show how his game has developed. He’s turning into a fluid driving forward with a mean ratchet from the perimeter. If his skill set continues we might have a dangerous prospect here.




Makhel Mitchell Forward (DC Assault)- Like his twin brother; Mitchell perimeter skill set is also developing. His handle is not as crisp as Makhi but he does have good form on his shot. He plays aggressive inside but also needs to learn to avoid foul trouble.





Justin Nwosu Guard (DC Assault)- Justin plays the scoring guard for this bunch. He shoots the pill with a lot of confidence and shines bright in transition. He has the chance to be another good guard coming from the DC Metro area. They definitely have a history of producing them.

Tip Off Classic Recap: 14U Top Forwards

Mustapa Herron (NYC Gauchos)

Now that we have the guards out the way we can look at some of the top forwards that put in work at the Tip Off Classic.

Tip Off Classic 14U Top Forwards

Mustapha Herron (Gauchos)- Herron proved to be worth all his praise. He’s grown a few inches since last year and might top out around 6’8 which is scary. He now has made the full transition to the wing as a legit 3 and possible two-guard. But don’t get me wrong his wing success hasn’t turned him into a prima donna; Herron still hits the boards hard and plays defense. He had a dunk and 24 points in their quarterfinal loss to F.A.C.E.S..

Sam Green (DC Assault)- Green had a monster weekend on the blocks including a 20 point performance in their finals loss to Team Scan. This kid is definitely polished as a face up power forward but will eventually convert to the wing. Green is as skilled as they come on the post.

Joe Hampton (DC Assault)- Green’s twin tower partner can be very effective when he’s getting his touches. He performed the high/low game well with Green and showed good touch. I think their guards should have been pumping him the pill a little more. We haven't seen the last of Joe and we waiting for a showout performance like last year at the AC Showcase.


Patrick Andre (Playaz)- Andre was very impressive in his Spotlight debut. The 6’6 wing stroked the trey ball like Detlef Schrempf. During the semifinals against Team Scan Patrick played big and nailed a big three to keep the Playaz within striking distance. He should be another good one in NJ’s loaded Class of 2016.

Terrell Turner (New Rens)- Turner has trimmed down and spurted up since his New Heights days. This new physique has improved his quickness and confidence. He maneuvered well along the baseline and even pats the rock on the wood a little better. He seems to have a good upside if he continues to work hard.

Patrick Strazala (St. Michaels)- Patrick was the lone bright spot for St. Michaels. He led the team in scoring including 20 points against DC Assault. He has a versatile game similar to Christian Laettner. He didn’t back down from the heavy competition. The MVP of the grammar school tourney showed he could perform on the AAU Circuit.

Rodney Miller (St. Rens)- In a few years Miller stock will start paying in. He stands 6’9 and has some scoring and rebounding ability. Right now he’s still a prospect but his size alone impacts the game on both ends. In the meantime he should work on his skills and confidence but the tools are there with this kid.

Kyle Elliot (Team Scan)- Elliot gave TS big energy minutes off the pine. He can guard multiple positions and help out on the glass. Kyle’s wingspan allows him to play the passing lanes on the press and finish off plays in transition. He’s a glue player that could help this team in the long run.

Daveyon Barnes (ETU)- Despite playing against longer defenders Barnes still finds a way to establish his position on the post and score buckets. His strong lower body allows him to box opponents under the basket. He’s a tough competitor and will contribute to the game on any level.

Tip Off Classic Recap: 14U Top Guards

NyRhique "La Smoove" Smith (Playaz)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 14U Division was loaded with talent. Here’s a look at some of the top performers from this weekend. First let take a look at the guards.

Tip Off Classic 14U Top Guards

NyRhique Smith Guard (Playaz)- Many would have to agree that Smith used the Tip Off Classic as his personal playground. He averaged 27 points a contest including an eye popping 37 point game during the quarterfinals against King Street Kings. The stage was at its brightest and “La Smoove “ had his swagger jacket on. It seemed the bigger the moment the more he would deliver. He led this newly formed Playaz group to a final four and was within two points of knocking off eventual champ Team Scan. He had one of the best overall tournament outings in Spotlight history.

Devonte Green Guard (Team Scan)- Green only played on Sunday but it was good enough to help them win the crown. He has a very mature game and isn’t afraid to face the top notch competition. He looks his best when he keeps his moves simple and plays under control. He also surprised me with his sneaky athleticism. He averaged close to 18 points a contest.

Bryce Aiken Guard (Team Scan)- Aiken should be the captain of this bunch. His big game experience and defensive prowess helped them overcome a big deficit to knock off the Playaz in the semifinals. While some hit the panic button Aiken stays under control and delivers wisely. He lit the Gauchos up for 18 big points during their pool play game.

Unique McLean Guard (Team Scan)- Everyone knows he can leap but McLean has shown vast improvements in his game. He practices more patience when attacking by picking his spots. He’s added arc to his outside shot and knocks it down on a more consistent basis. He really is rounding out his game.

Anthony Cowan Guard (DC Assault)- Playing off the ball some has Cowan more comfortable with his outside shot. He’s a constant matchup problem for many two-guards trying to check him. He came up big with 15 second half points to put a stubborn KSK for good.

Alani Moore Guard (DC Assault)- Moore also stepped up big against KSK in the closing moments. He locked down on defense and grabbed several steals while converting big baskets. In the finals he seemed to run out of steam against Team Scan. But The field was grueling.

Tremont Waters Guard (CT Elite)- His squad had a tough weekend but Waters didn’t disappoint in front of the capacity crowd. He wiggled in and out of the defense while scoring and creating plays. Former NBA player and NY Legend Lloyd Daniels called him a miniature Chris Paul. He hit Team Scan for 20 markers in their loss.

Gilberto Cue Guard (New Renaissance)- Cue’s build and game is similar to former UConn great Khalid El Amin. Like El Amin Cue plays bigger than his height and loves taking the big shot. In the quarterfinal loss to Team Scan he kept things close by making some clutch buckets including treys from NBA range.

Dyaire Holt Guard (Gauchos)- Holt moon-lighted with the Gauchos and didn’t hesitate to get involved. His build and attacking style reminds me of a young Dion Waiters. When Holt’s outside shot is falling it makes very difficult to defend. His big game was a 20 point outing in their quarterfinal loss to F.A.C.E.S. .

RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Cole exploded against the Gauchos stretching the defense while draining 4 treys and finishing with 20 points. The lefty found his range from behind the arc and capitalized on the defense not rotating. Shorty got busy!

Jagan Mosley (F.A.C.E.S.)- The defensive specialist got busy on the other end of the court against DC Assault during the final four. He nailed 3 treys and helped the Killer Bees keep things close.




Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (KSK)- Wolfie has added some height to his frame which is a good for his future and I love his aggressiveness when attacking. He seems to be channeling his game to become a true point guard if so he needs to work on shot selection especially in crucial times of the game. Down the stretch running the show, protecting the rock and making great decisions should be the main priority. He had a game high of 15 points against DC Assault.

Adam Perry (KSK)- Perry got hot in their blowout win over St. Michaels. He banged home 5 treys on his way to dropping 20 points. He shows craftiness at times and loves shooting the pill.

Stay Tune Because We Have More Coverage To Come. We Are Just Getting Started.

Baby Baller MLK Classic Is On The Way

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.

Event: Baby Baller MLK Classic
Date: Jan. 14th and 15th
Place: Atlantic City, NJ
Ages: 10U, 11U and 12U
Deadline: January 2nd 2012

Click Here To Register

Tip Off Classic 12U Championship Top Performers By Spencer Pulliam

Markquis Nowell (Team IZOD)

It’s not unusual for New York-New Jersey clashes to occur at Basketball Spotlight events, and the 12U division at the first-ever Tip Off Classic was certainly no exception. A memorable championship between newcomer and potential rising, regional power New Renaissance versus a retooled Team IZOD/Sports U wasn’t as close as many expected, but players from both teams took turns showing off the improvements they have made since last year. Overall, the sixth grade’s orange division was easily one of the event’s most exciting groups.

Markquis Nowell – Guard – Team IZOD
As much as I despise player comparisons, it’s difficult not to have Erving Walker flashbacks when watching the confident young guard. Sure he has a long way to go, but Nowell is compact, fiery, has quicks and a handle, and isn’t shy about letting it fly from anywhere on the court. His lack of conscience as a shooter allows him to go on big scoring runs, which was evident as he finished with 37 points against Rens in the championship contest.

Shelton Applewhite – Forward – Team IZOD
Bringing a player as talented as Applewhite off the bench speaks to how loaded this Team IZOD/Sports U sixth grade group truly is. He effects the game with instant energy with some scoring ability from the wing, and is also an impressive and needed rebounder from his position. It’s difficult to come off the bench, but his expanding perimeter skills make him a more versatile player capable of immediate impact. An impressive prospect, Applewhite’s progression with this squad will be monitored closely.

Jalen Brooks – Guard – Team IZOD
An impressive young guard, Brooks has a patient approach, and has already has a few gears to his game. He’s the most seasoned of the Team IZOD prospects and his presence on the floor is vital to their success when the competition-level is equally matched. As he finds consistency with his outside jumper, people will begin to appreciate his playmaking ability more. Don’t be surprised if he becomes the steadfast leader for this team.

Daniel Klosk – Guard – Rens
The marksman had a lot of help as his newly formed squad made an impressive championship run, but Klosk’s touch from deep left a lasting impression in the event’s final 12U game. Normally fatigue gets the best of shooters at the end of a tough weekend, but Klosk showed excellent resilience by picking his spots and knocking in numerous perimeter jumpers. It’s hard to imagine a more pure outside shooter in the region than this young man.

And One (To Keep An Eye On) – The main question people were asking about the 12U IZOD group was, “who is the big kid?” His name Justin Winston, and while still more prospect than player, he manages to make a significant impact for this young squad on the interior. While guard play is key to victories at the middle school level, big men often mean the difference in championship runs, and Winston gives this 12U Team IZOD/Sports U group the exact ingredients necessary to compete amongst the nation’s best.

Tavon Jones – Guard – Team IZOD
Jones is the third piece to a devastating IZOD backcourt that wears opponents down with their relentless pressure. While Brooks and Nowell are the more recognized names, Jones is an athlete with raw but developing skills, who has an excellent feel for making plays in an up-tempo setting. His overall play and confidence level may be the ‘X-factor’ for this group to make a run on the national level as the season moves forward.