Hey basketball world. First and foremost I will like to acknowledge the late and great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because without him many things that I enjoy in life wouldn't be possible. I thank you so much! Now I hope you guys enjoyed your week as much as I did. This week was a long week. Let's start with Monday.
LJ Stansberry and Jamar Sudan scored 20 points apiece as Team Nelson defeated MCB Elite 61-55 to win the Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 8th Grade Championship. Congrats to Team Nelson for winning the crown. Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps from the MLK Classic. Our coverage is just getting started.
Mikey Watkins dropped a floater in the lane as time expired to give Playtime Panthers a 48-46 victory over NWK to win the Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 7th Grade Championship. Tavon Jones led the winners with 18 points. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage of the 7th Grade division including top performers.
Mark Bradshaw scored 18 points but it wasn’t enough as Team Nelson lost to Philly Pride 49-44 at the Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 6th Grade Championship game. Majay Butler scored 19 points for Philly Pride in the victory. Stay tuned as we bring you some top performers and complete breakdown of the 6th Grade division.
The electrifying Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is one the way. In the past this has been one of the hottest tournaments in the country. It will take place February 2nd and 3rd. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the best tournament in the country. Neptune, NJ will be rocking!
Click Here To Register
The MLK Classic 8th Grade Division is completely balanced and should be a bunch of good games. Here’s a look at the teams that will be headed to Pennsylvania.
MLK Classic 8th Grade Preview
Black Mamba’s: The Mamba’s stormed through the Blue Division of the Tip Off Classic. Now they will be looking to add to their collection with a MLK Classic title. They have enough ammo to get it done.
PYO: This squad hectic style causes havoc for opponents. They will be looking to use their pressure defense to force turnovers. Don’t be surprised if they win it all.
Team Flight: Flight lost in the finals of the Tip Off Classic Blue Division. Now they will be looking for revenge and their first Spotlight crown. Looks like Team Flight is ready to take off.
ESYC: The Allentown bunch is ready to show that they should have won the Tip Off Classic. The field is thick but they might enough in the tank to get it done.
Team Nelson: We haven’t seen this bunch in a while. They will have the benefit of playing in their home area. Now it’s up to them to bring the thunder back to this squad.
Playtime Panthers: This is Playtime debut this season and we are looking for them to bring some fireworks. I know they will have their hard hat on for the battle.
MCB Elite: MCB felt like they didn’t get a fair shake at the Tip Off Classic so now they are trying to show they are ready to join the elite by winning the title.
Quincy Douby All Stars: I will finally get a personal look at this bunch. I really want to see what the Monmouth County bunch has to offer.
The MLK Classic 7th Grade Division has a bunch of hungry teams chasing that Spotlight banner. Here’s a look at the teams that will be entering the race for the MLK title.
MLK Classic 7th Grade Preview
Wall 2 Wall: The Allentown crew said they want to take home the first Spotlight Pennsylvania crown. I know they will have the gym packed with loud supporters. It should be an intense atmosphere.
Playtime Panthers: Coach Scott’s crew will be looking to take their first picture behind a banner. They have the balance to get it done. A rematch with W2W would be great to see especially on W2W turf.
NWK: NWK is coming off a Tip Off Classic Blue Division crown. This tough bunch has enough fire power to leave with this championship also.
Chester Biddy: The All Star team from the famed Chester Biddy league will be making their Spotlight debut. Now it’s their chance to show they can bang with the big boys.
NJ Shore Shots: NJSS will be making their Spotlight debut this season. I’m interested in seeing what they are bringing to the table.
Team Rebels: TR will also have the comfort of playing in their area. They have always been known to have a tough bunch and they surely will be tested.
Play Hard: These boys seem like they have a lot to prove. Now they have the stage to get it done.
Quincy Douby All Stars: This will be my first time actually watching this crew ball. I hope the are ready for the fire.
Team Nelson Ready For Another Run At The Grand Finale
The MLK Classic 6th Grade Division features only six teams but has the defending Grand Finale Champions. Here’s a brief breakdown of the teams that will be headed to Chichester, PA.
MLK Classic 6th Grade Preview
Team Nelson: Yes the defending Grand Finale champs will be making their debut. They are loaded with talent and will be playing the games in their back yard. We’re excited to see them on their home turf.
MJ Mavericks: The Mavs are back for some Spotlight action. They had a tough pool draw at the Tip Off Classic so we know they will be looking to get things going early. This might be the team that TN meets in the finals.
NWK: The Brick City bunch will bring their scrappy style to the Quaker State. I know they will be bringing their go hard style so the other teams better beware.
Philly Pride: Speaking of go hard style, I know these boys from Philadelphia must go hard. This will be our first time watching them in action.
Wall 2 Wall: W2W is still bringing this group together. This is their chance to show the Spotlight what they have. Everything is on the line this weekend.
RJS: The South Jersey crew will be returning to the Spotlight. We haven’t seen them since the MDC. They will be looking to spoil the party.
Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. CBC: The “Money Team” won Funsport and should be an early favorite for the Springfield tournament this weekend. But I know their eyes are glaring on the Clash For The Cup.
2. Team Takeover: TT won the Baltimore Elite Youth League Championship. They defeated a tough Team Final squad.
3. Playaz: PBC lost to Team IZOD in the finals of the St. Anthony tournament. They have added some inside help for the Clash For The Cup.
4. Team IZOD: IZOD got a strong bump after winning the St. Anthony tournament. I think they are a very dangerous team.
5. DC Assault: We haven’t seen DCA since the Tip Off Classic and were are very anxious to watch them at the Clash.
6. Team Final: TF lost in the finals of the Baltimore Elite Youth League. They will be idle on MLK weekend but are fully registered for the Clash.
7. New Heights: NH fell a few spots after losing to an upstart Lloyd Daniels Rebels in the quarterfinals of Funsport.
8. CIA Bounce: The Bounce is eager to return for the Clash. I think they will be a force to reckon with this time around.
9. Expressions: The X will be entering the Clash to make some noise. The stage will be bright in February, hopefully they are ready.
10. PYO: This stubborn bunch is a squad that many teams don’t want to see. They should be an early favorite at the MLK Classic this weekend.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 7th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Team IZOD: The Supreme Team is headed to Massachusetts for the Jr. Hoop Hall Classic. It should be a good tune up for them before heading to the Clash.
2. DC Assault: DCA hasn't got underway yet because of school ball. Hopefully we will get a look them at a tournament in the near future.
3. Wall 2 Wall: W2W will be searching for their first Spotlight banner this weekend at the MLK Classic. They are an early favorite to meet #4 Playtime in the finals.
4. Playtime: PP has a legitimate shot of winning the MLK Classic. They will be looking for a rematch versus W2W in the finals.
5. CIA Bounce: Bounce will be making the trip back down from Canada for the Clash. I know they will be hungry to win Spotlight crown.
6. Metro Sixers: Metro Sixers made a good run at the P.A.T. tournament. Now they have are scheduled to return to the Clash For The Cup to collect some more points.
7. New Rens: NR just participated in their own tournament this past weekend. Hopefully we will see this group sometime soon.
8. Mass Shooting Stars: MSS will be playing host during the tournament in Springfield. It will be interesting to see how they pan out.
9. ECE: East Coast Elite will be also heading to Springfield. They should be able to have some success and it might carry over to the clash.
10. 6th Man Warriors: We won’t see the Warriors until the Clash. Hopefully they will be ready to go. The field is thick.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 6th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Team IZOD: Sports U kept their winning ways going after winning the Gauchos Tournament. They are gearing up for a serious Clash For The Cup field.
2. Metro Flyers: Metro Flyers move up two slots after making it to the finals of the Gauchos tournament and winning the New Rens tournament. They are a hungry first year program.
3. Team Nelson: Nelson will see the first Spotlight action at the MLK Classic. This will be a great tune up for them before entering the Clash For The Cup.
4. ETU Select: The Potomac Valley crew lost in the finals of the Team Takeover tournament. Now they have a chance to redeem themselves in the Clash in a few weeks.
5. Team Takeover: Yes Mr. Brown’s squad is still together are won their own tournament a few weeks ago. Now they will be gearing up for the Clash which should be a dandy.
6. CJ Hawks: The Hawks had a tough weekend at the Gauchos tournament. Next they are headed to Springfield for the Hall of Fame Classic.
7. Diamonds In A Rough: DEMI will not be available for the Clash For The Cup hopefully we will get a look at them during the Atlantic City Showcase.
8. New Heights: NH will be returning for the Clash For The Cup. I like the energy this team brings on the floor.
9. CIA Bounce: The Boys from Canada got their first taste of the Spotlight and made it to the quarterfinals. They vow to have a better showing at the Clash.
10. MJ Mavericks: The Mavs will be rocking this weekend at the MLK Classic. This will be a great opportunity for them to win a banner.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 5th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Gauchos: The Choz recently won the New Rens tournament in Long Island to remain the top team in the region.
2. Team Glory: TG is eager to get back to the Spotlight and chase that banner at the Clash For The Cup. It should be interesting.
3. Team Phenom: TP continues to win and will be a team to watch at the Clash For The Cup. I’m looking forward to watching them scrap.
4. CJ Hawks: CJH made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic and they will be looking to crash the party at the Clash For The Cup.
5. RIP City: We still have heard from RIP City yet. Right now their living off their reputation but in a few that can change.
6. DC Assault: Hopefully we can see these boys on the court soon. I had fun watching them get it in last season.
7. Team Takeover (Gorham): I’m sure former Coach of The Year Ryan Gorham will have his boys ready to bounce back during the Clash For The Cup.
8. On Point Cyclones: The stubborn crew from NY will be returning for the Clash For The Cup. They always play with enormous energy.
9. Team Takeover: The other Takeover squad had a tough time in their Spotlight debut. Hopefully they can rebound next time around.
10. NYC Rise Panthers: Kats bunch also had a tough time in the shark tank. But he is known to develop some top young talent so don’t close the book on them yet.
The Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week is Andre Boykin. Boykin played big inside as Team Takeover defeated Team Final 63-57 to win the Baltimore Elite Youth League Championship. Boykin has been a workhorse all season for Team Takeover. Congrats on winning Player Of The Week and keep up the good work.
The AGame Super Shootout is back to showcase the top teams within 11 states. Some of the top teams in the region have already committed and you don’t want to miss the chance of your team winning a set of AGame Custom Uniforms. We are expecting over 100 teams in participation, register early....
WHEN: March 2nd & 3rd WHERE: THE HILL SCHOOL (Pottstown, PA) / COMPETITIVE EDGE (King of Prussia, PA)
(20 min. outside of Philadelphia) AGES: 9U to 15U COST: $375 per team (Multiple Team Discounts)
FEATURES: -Top Notch teams will be in attendance -FREE set of fully customized AGame Game Uniforms will be awarded to the winning teams of each division (over $900 in value...fully tackle twill numbers & letters) -3 Game Guarantee -Two Top Notch 5 Court Facilities -Certified Referees -Basketball Spotlight &; other recruiting services will be in attendance -Certified Athletic Trainer will be on site -FREE AGame apparel & Powerade giveaways throughout the tournament -Discounted Hotels (walking distance from KOP Mall & Casino) -Log onto to: www.agamesupershootout.com to see the List of Committed Teams
REGISTER NOW: 1. Log onto: www.agamesupershootout.com
-or 2. Submit your payment to: AGame 439 South Broad St. Trenton, NJ 08611
For any questions or concerns contact:
Carl Hines (Tournament Director)
267-257-4360 direct
1-877-898-4082 ext 100
carlhines@agamesupershootout.com
DON'T WAIT, REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY, SPOTS ARE LIMITED...WE WILL SELL OUT!!!!!!
The Black Mamba’s out of Long Island, NY has made a name in a short time. Last season the squad coached by legendary trainer Jerry Powell won the AAU Division 2 Nationals in Las Vegas and also this year took home the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Blue Division 8th Grade Championship. This team has an enormous amount of talent and here are some of the players that impress us in their program;
Travis Cox (Wing Guard)- Cox was featured on our site before. The wing guard has a serious motor while living to attack the rim. His perimeter skills are still a work in progress but he does all the other things that make a coach smile. He’s a proven scorer and contributor at all times.
Jordan Salzman (Combo Guard)- The sharp shooter lit up the Tip Off Classic by nailing several long treys. He has the green light from the perimeter and isn’t afraid to turn it on. He also has some play making ability from the point guard spot.
Jordan Armstrong (Wing Forward)- This kid has a lot to like. First he passes the look test with his size and seems to play or guard multiple positions. I would like to see him get tested a little more to see how he responds. Right now it seems that the game comes very easy to him.
Deondre Bourne (Shooting Guard)- Borne is only a baby in terms of his body development which his big because his skills are coming together. He can stroke or finish off plays but more importantly guard different positions. His best days of basketball are clearly down the road. He reminds me of a young Doron Lamb.
Marques Watson (Point Guard)- Watson seems to have found a home with the Black Mamba’s. He looked comfortable pushing the rock and feeding breaking away teammates. We look forward in watching him in the fire at the MLK Classic next weekend.
Brandon Sobatker (Point Guard)- When you need a floor general to do all the little things call on Brandon. The point guard sees the floor while not forcing the action. He made sure the rock was distributed to the scorers and bullied his way to hole when he needed to score.
The Black Mamba’s are an early favorite for the MLK Classic and will be participating in the thick Clash For The Cup.
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 8TH Grade Schedule is listed below. Please arrive early for your games. Keep in mind that traffic can get crowded in this area.
Pool E 1. Team Nelson 2. MCB Elite 3. Quincy Douby All Stars 4. Team Flight
Pool F 1. Black Mambas 2. EYSC 3. PYO 4. Playtime
Saturday January 19th 9:00 AM E1-E2 (CCR 1) 9:00 AM E3-E4 (CCR 2) 11:20 AM E1-E3 (CCR 1) 11:20 AM E2-E4 (CCR 2) 4:00 PM F1-F2 (CCR 1) 4:00 PM F3-F4 (CCR 2) 8:40 PM F1-F3 (CCR 1) 8:40 PM F2-F4 (CCR 2)
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 7TH Grade Schedule is listed below. Please arrive early for your games. Keep in mind that traffic can get crowded in this area.
Pool C 1. Team Rebels 2. Play Hard 3. Quincy Douby All Stars 4. Wall 2 Wall
Pool D 1. Playtime 2. Chester Biddy 3. NJ Shore Shots 4. NWK
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 6TH Grade Schedule schedule is listed below. Please arrive early for your games. Keep in mind that traffic can get crowded in this area.
Monday was a nice day. But we had to go back to school. I was not looking forward to that. I hate Monday’s like any other teenage in America. I still went about my day in school before going to work out afterwards. The workout was very physical and skillful.
Wall 2 Wall has emerged as one of the top 7th Grade teams in the region and no player exemplifies this success like Mikey Esquillin. Esquillin plays like the heart and soul of this squad and leaves everything on the floor. His play helped W2W reach the finals of the Tip Off Classic.
Mikey plays with a motor that few young players possess and his coach Chuck Rockmore couldn’t agree more. “Mikey doesn’t back down from any challenge. He’s willing to attack the rim and gives his all on the defensive end. In terms of improvement I think he needs to work on his midrange game to prepare him for the next level” said Rockmore.
In terms of Mikey’s future on the high school level Rockmore is confident in his young point guard. “I see Mikey playing varsity as a freshman and getting meaningful minutes. He currently plays for the freshman team as a 7th Grader” he finished.
Mikey and his W2W will be at the MLK Classic in Pennsylvania. Basketball Spotlight will keep you posted on his progress.
The Playtime Panthers made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic and a lot of their success had to do with the play of guard Mikey Watkins. Last season Mikey quarterbacked Team IZOD 6th Grade to a very successful season now he has moved over to Playtime and added some dimensions to his game. His scoring prowess has picked and his coach Zegary Scott has also taken notice; “I just told Mikey to settle down and look to score the ball. I believe he can score on this level. He reminds me of a young Joe Jackson. He can play so many positions and is a great player to coach.” said Scott.
Coach Scott also believes that the future looks very bright for the Union County youngster. “If Mikey continues to do the right thing in terms of development the sky is the limit for this kid. I believe he will be able to a high level player at any high school hi wishes to attend. Any high school coach will be happy to coach a player like Mikey” Scott finished.
You can see Mikey and his Playtime teammates in action at the Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic next weekend in Chichester, PA.
The Garden State has had their share of big time guards through the years. Some have gone on to college and even NBA fame. Now the Garden State has a diamond in the rough, his name is Khalief Crawford from Linden, NJ. Crawford is a point guard for Team IZOD and we believe has potential to be a special guard down the road.
Crawford’s coach Luis Delgado also feels he has a serious guard in Khalief. “Khalief is very aggressive on offense and setting up teammates. He uses his dribble to get into the lane and he’s a good finisher. He’s one of a few players in his class that can create for himself” said Delgado.
Crawford’s coach did praise his guard but also knows he needs to work on a few things to make his game complete. “He needs to work his jump shot and getting it off quicker. He’s a good on the ball defender but needs to concentrate playing good defense off the ball” he finished.
Basketball Spotlight will get a firsthand look at the Garden State best kept secret at the Clash For The Cup.
The fans have spoken and Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin has one of the Clash Of The Titans battle with Tremont “The Natural” Waters. Martin edged Waters by 12 votes (131-119). Remember this is all in fun and we can’t wait to see these youngsters battle it out on the hardwood. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you another Clash Of The Titans Battle coming soon.
Jarrod Stukes of St Athanasius School in Philadelphia, PA lit of the scoreboard with 43 points in a recent middle school game. Stukes is fresh on the scene and seems to be taking the same path as his older brother Amar. Amar was under the radar until 8th Grade and then burst on the scene through high school before landing at LaSalle University next fall. Jarrod currently rocks with Team Philly and we will be keeping an eye out for this high scoring guard.
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic is scheduled January 19th and 20th in Pennsylvania. The event has been officially closed and the schedule will be posted on Monday. Thank you once again for supporting Basketball Spotlight.
8th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Quincy Douby All Stars 3. Team Flight 4. ESYC 5. Playtime Panthers 6. Black Mambas 7. MCB Elite 8. PYO
7th Grade 1. Team Rebels 2. Qunicy Douby All Stars 3. NJ Shore Shots 4. Play hard 5. Wall 2 Wall 6. NWK 7. Alexandria Titans 8. Playtime Panthers
6th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Wall 2 Wall 3. NWK 4. Mid Jersey Mavericks 5. Philly Pride 6. RJS
There’s nothing better than watching two top guards go at it. Here’s a video of two Spotlight Alums banging out. Perry Dozier versus Rysheed Jordan. Doesn’t get any better than this. There needs to be one high school website that keeps all this heat in one place. Someone out there please create this fire.
Basketball Spotlight Class 2016 Alum Tyus Battle traveled to the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament in West Virginia with Gil St. Bernards and received rave reviews for several national media outlets. Battle received “The Stamp” before his 8th Grade year and now is considered one of the best frosh in America.
Here’s what they are saying:
Dave Telep (ESPN):
There’s a big difference between scoring and knowing how to score. Freshman wing Tyus Battle (Edison, N.J./Gill St. Bernard’s) is skilled in the discipline of shooting.
Rarely do you see a senior, much less a freshman, effortlessly knock down skilled jump shots. I’m talking about one-dribble pull-ups where he uses the glass, deep catch-and-shoots and sly midrange shots. For lack of a more appropriate term, he was beautiful to watch.
Battle was the best player and prospect on the floor in a game with a teammate going to Northwestern and a talented DeMatha (Md.) opponent. He finished with a crisp 17 points (7-of-12 FG, 3-of-3 on 3s). SMU and Xavier were here to see him. Good luck, fellas. This guy smells every bit like an elite high-major prospect.
Given all the talent in the gym over two days, Battle’s game was the prettiest to watch and laced with more pure perimeter skill than any other player in the gym. And the kid is a freshman!
Corey Albertson (Rivals.com): The 2016 guard from southern New Jersey proved that he is one of the most gifted and polished perimeter players in the nation with a breakout performance on Saturday. With Antigua having watched in the stands, look for Battle to be one of the first guys that Kentucky targets when it begins to more heavily recruit the class of 2016.
Eric Snow (Scout.com): This is a bad, bad man. He is about 6-foot-5 now and clearly still growing. Battle has an incredible first step, a dynamic floater, and a nice looking stroke on the perimeter jumper. Add in that he can handle the ball well and he has an excellent feel, and it is easy to see why people were so impressed. Battle finished with 17 points and was just unstoppable when he got the ball. As time goes on he will be one of the incredibly elite players in this class.
The Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase will return March 29th and 30th in Atlantic City, NJ. This event has turned into one of the best times of the season on and off the floor. Some of the top teams in the country will head to America’s Playground for a joyful time. Please make sure your reserve your spot early because space is limited. Once again the Atlantic City Sheraton is the host hotel and we have room blocks already set up for your convenience.
Event: AC Showcase Date: March 29th and 31th Place: Atlantic City, NJ Cost: $375 (Per Team) $325 (Multi-Team)
The Basketball Spotlight Player Of The Week goes to 6th Grader Jordan "The Real" McKoy of the Team IZOD. McKoy scored 17 points in the championship to help Team IZOD defeat the Metro Flyers 61-55 and win the Gauchos Tournament. McKoy averaged 15 points for the entire tournament. Congrats to Jordan and keep up the hard work.
#1 Team IZOD defeated Metro Flyers 61-55 to win the Gauchos Tournament this past weekend in the Bronx. Tournament MVP Jordan “The Real” McKoy finished with 17 points for the winners. Joshua Pierre Louis took home the MOP award for the Metro Flyer squad.
Team IZOD Roster Marc Bruce Jordan McKoy AJ Hoggard Jalen Gaffney Jagger Zrada Darrian Dalcourt Xavier Wilson Dashan Critenden Tracy Bowers Barry Evans
Hey basketball world. I hope y'all enjoyed your New Years. This week was a good week. I am going to start with Monday.
Monday was New Year's Eve. I went to New York to see my family. It was fun seeing all of my family members. We were playing Call of Duty Black Ops 2 the entire time and a bunch of other video games. Then as soon as 20 minutes before midnight came we had to shut it off. I was so angry. I was winning! We counted down. Then it was 2013! We were so happy. It was a really joyful night.
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is February 2nd and 3rd. The deadline to fully register for this tournament is January 15th. This will be a premiere event with limited space. Any team not fully registered at that time will have a great chance of losing their spot in this event. We currently have a waiting list which will be opened up after the deadline. Thank you in advance.
Basketball Spotlight Class of 2016 Alum Unique Mclean recently won MVP BBN Holiday Tournament. The guard starred with Team Scan on the Spotlight circuit while helping them win the Grand Finale crown. He also took home MVP honors at the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Mclean has to be regarded as the best dunker to ever come through Basketball Spotlight.
Damon Harge Jr. has been a national name for several years. His You Tube videos and success are national camps have many websites ranking him as a Top 10 player in the country. Recently, a few people have compared him to former New York legend and current NBA player Sebastian Telfair. Bassy as he was known was a phenomenal grammar and high school player before becoming a NBA lottery pick.
James “Shangy” Black, Director of Showtime All Stars who has had the pleasure of coaching both players agrees with the comparison. “I coached and was around Bassy at the same age. Damon reminds me of Bassy because of his work ethic, basketball IQ, court vision, skill level and change of direction” said Black.
Harge also decided to follow in Telfair footsteps in terms of videoing his path to greatness. Bassy had a documentary entitled “Through The Fire” while Harge has begun his own reality webtube called #ToBeContinued. Hopefully, Harge can reach the heights of the Coney Island great and with hard work it is possible.
Breakdown: Burgess has been a powerful scorer for the last few years on the Spotlight circuit. During the Tip Off Classic he put his squad on his back and carried them to the Blue Division Championship Game. I like his pull up in the lane and his ability to get past opponents. We will get an up close and personal look at him during the MLK Classic.
Skillcase Analysis: Wright is a tenacious defender that doesn’t mind sacrificing his body for the team. The crafty guard with a good low dribble will get better at finishing around the tin as his body develops. He’s a loyal Lancaster student so he did very well during the drill sessions.
Some basketball purest say you can’t much from a player’s highlight video, but sometimes you can look at a player’s footage and instantly know that he has something special about him. Introducing Alfred Hollins an 8th Grader from California! This youngster passes the look test standing 6’3 but his fluid game caught my attention. His smoothness and body control reminds me of a young Kevin Durant. He seems to glide through the defense before stretching out to the basket. I’ve read that he has dreams of playing at NC if so Roy Williams might be getting a good one down the road.
This battle has been discussed on chat boards and through mail questions. Since we have not seen them on the floor we decided to let the fans chime in. In this edition of the Clash Of The Titans we take our focus to Connecticut. Who’s really the best 8th Grade point guard in Connecticut right now? Is it Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin and Tremont Waters?
Tale Of The Tape
Jaecee Martin (CBC)- Mayweather is a proven winner and has been known to save his best outings for when the stage is the biggest. He’s led the “Money Team” to several Spotlight banners and has shown to be a warrior when in battle. He loves dishing the rock but can also fill up the scoring column if needed. Right now he has the keys to the best engine in the region with his CBC.
Tremont Waters (Team Scan)- Waters plays up in age group a lot which is part of the reason we never saw these tangle. He made waves last spring putting in work on the high school circuit with Team Scan. He has superb court vision and some of the deepest range in America. His smoothness has drawn comparison to a young Chris Paul.
PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE IN THE RIGHT COLUMN AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.
Skillcase Analysis: Covey has always been known as a versatile forward. He used this weekend to display those skills. He was able to show promise on the post and in the midrange area. He was a good student during drill instruction and worked hard. I think as he matures he will have to become a little more physical.
Skillcase Analysis: Hargis is a scoring guard by nature but did show the ability to get teammates involved. His ball handling lets me know that he has been playing on a competitive level for a while. He was very comfortable doing the drill portion which means he’s a hard worker. I look forward to seeing him on the AAU circuit.
Basketball Spotlight Alum Rondae Jefferson gave his hometown fans a treat at the Jameer Nelson Classic. Jefferson started a one man fast break and ended it with an alley opp lop to himself off the glass. Jefferson is a heavy McDonald All American Candidate; he starred on the Spotlight circuit with Educated Athletes which later became Team Nelson. He also played in the Elite 80 Expo and the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic. He finished ranked in our Top Class 2012 Regional Top 10. Right now the University of Arizona commit is one the top prospects in America.
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 some of this information is from reliable sources including those directly involved.
Bagley Heads To Tennessee?
Word from the south is that Class of 2018 stud Marvin Bagley Jr. has moved from Arizona to Tennessee. According to my source he now attends prep school in Tennessee and will be suiting up with the We All Can Go All Stars. This acquisition might put WACG right back in the mix for a National Title. We will keep you posted as this story develops.
Nowell To New Rens?
News out of New York is that high scoring combo guard Markquis Nowell will be returning from Kentucky to play for New Rens. Nowell will definitely bolster NR’s lineup with his scoring prowess. Distance shouldn’t be a problem as New Rens are known to fly players in when necessary. It will be interesting to see him matchup with his former squad.
Montgomery To Georgia United?
Georgia United finished runner up at the 6th Grade Nationals but might get over the top in Memphis as word is EJ Montgomery has joined the squad. If this is true Montgomery will give the defensive minded GU the offensive punch they need to get the job done. Stay tuned as we bring you more info from this situation.
