Basketball Spotlight Headed Back To America's Playground!

The Atlantic City Showcase is coming and scheduled for April 19th and 20th. Some of the top teams in the country have already inquired about this event. We expect a sell out so make sure you register quickly. Hotel information is also listed below. Book your rooms quickly because once they are gone the weekend price is tremendous. 

Event: Atlantic City Showcase 
Date: April 19th and 20th 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Price: $375 Per Team (Muli-Team Discount Available) 

Single Team Registration 

Multi-team Registration 

Hotel Registration

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Tah-Jai Walters (CIA Bounce)

The 7th Grade Division produced a new champion and had some fresh names that played great. Here’s our second look into the top performers from the Class of 2019. 

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Tah-Jai Walters Guard (CIA Bounce)- CIA made it to the quarterfinals and Walters once again led the way. This dynamic guard poured in 28 points in their semi-final loss to the Rens. I know he has to be the best 7th Grade scorer in Canada because he’s one of the best in the USA. This kid flat out gets buckets. 

Joel Brown Guard (CIA Bounce)- Brown is the backcourt mate for Walters and he also had a good showing. His play alone lets everyone know that he runs the show. This kid has some serious court vision and ball handling skills. He also can help out in the scoring if needed. 

Dejournal Cook Forward (Metro Flyers)- Cook donned a new uniform in his second Spotlight event. This time in Neptune he rocked with the Metro Flyers and helped them advance to the semifinals. His best performance came in their quarterfinal win over Grand Finale champion Team Nelson in which he tallied 16 markers and grabbed a host of boards. 

Danny Rodriquez Forward (Metro Flyers)- Rodriquez is another piece of the Flyers huge front line. Once again he was a presence on defense and also gave Team Nelson problems with 16 points. You can’t teach size and once again broad shoulders help take them to the final four. 

Elijah Hicks Forward (6th Man Warriors)- The athletic forward was everywhere for the Virginia team this weekend. He’s quick off his feet and can convert once he snatches the offensive rebound. His quickness when running the floor makes me believe he probably also good on the gridiron. He banged Brooklyn Rens for a game high 19 points. 

Terrence Williams Forward (Team Takeover)- Williams had to leave early for school team obligations but he graced us with his presence on Saturday. His best game of the day came in their narrow defeat of CIA Bounce in pool play. The talented forward tallied 15 markers to help his boys squeeze out the win. 

Mark Bradshaw Guard (Team Nelson)- Team Nelson got bounced out in the quarterfinals but Bradshaw went down swinging. The talented southpaw went for 20 points in the loss to the Metro Flyers. He still has the ability to score in bunches. 

Fahmir Ali Guard (Team Final)- There’s definitely not many that can score like Ali. The Delaware product slowly rocks defenders to sleep before scorching them with a pull up or floater. He seems to have settled nicely into his new home with Team Final. 

Khyree Temple Forward (Team Final)- The forward came up big for Team Final before fouling out against Team Takeover. He finished the game with 15 points and was difficult to contain at times.

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Germir Robinson (Rens)

The 7th Grade Division produced a new champion and had some fresh names that played great. Here’s our look into the top performers from the Class of 2019. 

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Germir Robinson Guard (Rens)- This was Robinson's Spotlight debut with the Rens and his play reminded us of how he looked during the Super Skillcase in Atlantic City. The combo guard dominated with power and his scoring ability. I really like how he uses his left hand to finish at times and stays in attack mode. All weekend he played with passion which helped them capture the banner. 

Philip Joseph Forward (Rens)- Some might regard Joseph has a physical enforcer but I did see some skills in the young forward. He was light on his feet and had decent touch on his turnaround in the lane. On defense he rebounds with a purpose and attempts to alter or block shots in his area. His play gives his team a attitude and burst of energy. 

Judah McIntyre Guard (Rens)- It’s a joy to watch the pint size floor general bark orders to his larger teammates but he seems to get his point across. McIntyre once again set the tempo and got everyone involved. He’s definitely an important clog to this squad while serving as an extension of the coach on the floor. 

Jose Figueroa Forward (Rens)- The new pickup is a wide space eater inside that understands that his role is to score close to the cup. His mass helped him get deep position and box out opposing rebounders. He has had good enough touch to get things done scoring wise in the paint. 

Brian Hall Guard (Rens)- One of the best potential prospects in this group Hall seems to get longer each time he enters a Spotlight event. Right now his main weapon is his 3 point bombs. He knocked down 5 of them in their victory over Maryland Playmakers. 

Jay Heath Guard (Team Takeover)- Heath has good size for a two guard and the game to match. Heat was able to slash to the lane for buckets or hurt you from deep with the trey ball. Just ask Team Final as he killed them with 20 points in their quarterfinal victory. 

Josh Watts Guard (Team Takeover)- Speaking of slashers you could add Watts to this category. He also has good size for the position and is a capable finisher. He gets out on the break quickly and understands that his job is to get the ball in the bucket. 

Carsten Kogelnik Forward (Team Takeover)- Kogelnik let things go early in the finals by knocking down two deep treys. He has good form on his stroke and had a big smile on his face when the coach gave him the green light. 

Anthony Harris Guard (Team Takeover)- Harris played double duty while also performing on the 8th Grade level. His best game came in their semifinal showdown versus 6th Man Warriors. The athletic combo guard stormed his way to 16 markers and pushed Takeover into the finals.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Maurice Works (Team DEMI)

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division brought together the best talent on the East Coast. Here’s our final look into the 8th Grade Division. 

 Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Maurice Works Guard (Team DEMI)- DEMI knocked off Team Scan and much of the production came from Works. This kid is hard to guard off the dribble and will pull up at the drop of a hat. His array of moves baffled the Scan defenders as he skated by. His tenacious style fueled his teammates which helped them get the win. 

Cameron Reddish Guard (Team Final)- Team Final had a rough weekend at the Clash but reddish managed to do his numbers. His used his fluid jumper to move the defense and appears to have more strength when finishing through contact. “The Prince” tried to carry them through the tough battles but just ran out of bullets. 

Chris Cropper Forward (We R 1)- Cropper had another good showing at the Spotlight. He showed some athleticism and ability to score. He came up big in the 8th Grade Blue Division championship against Team RIO. 

Daquan Campbell Forward (Rens)- Campbell is an athletic wing with a muscular build which allows him to defend up to four positions on the floor. He brings the power and toughness that this Brooklyn group is known for. 

Sahdique Watkins Guard (Rens)- While other guards play in a panic Watkins sets his own pace. Defenses try but can’t seem to speed the Brooklynite up. He gets wherever he wants on the floor while scoring or getting teammates involved. 

Scottie Lewis Forward (Team RIO)- Lewis play was still explosive in the 8th Grade Blue Division. Each time RIP seemed to be in trouble Lewis would take his game to another level and push them through. One of the biggest obstacles were the Brooklyn Rens in which the youngster went on a scoring and shot blocking tear to pull out the win. 

Bryant Antoine Guard (Team RIO)- I think the lion has awoke in this kid. Antoine played with an attitude which helped his game explode. He got to the cup whenever he wanted and displayed some decision making skills. This kid will be something to watch in a few years. 

Jordan McKoy Guard (Team RIO)- McKoy was a big finisher once again. He fills the lane with the best of them and finishes with either hand. He’s one of the quickest players with the pill and possesses a quick first step. He does need to have more confidence in his outside shot. 

Alex Klatsky Guard (Team RIO)- Klatsky shot the ball well from the perimeter this weekend especially in their semifinal win versus CMEK. He fit well in the pace of the game and found the gaps in the defense. His stroke was definitely working. 

Jalen Brooks Guard (Team RIO)- Brooks hit a couple of big shots when RIO’s really needed them. In the Brooklyn Rens game he nailed a clutch three that buried the NY boys. Brooks rarely shows overwhelming emotions, I guess because he’s been in many big games before. 

Jordan Hicks Guard (6th Man Warriors)- The southpaw has a slick handle and is hard to guard once he starts penetration. He uses an array of crossover moves and spins to dash past defenders. He’s not a great shooter but is a shot maker. 

Jonathan Preston Guard (6th Man Warriors)- Preston on the other hand is a great shooter while also possessing the wiggle and size to get a clean look. He was a true match up problem especially when his jimmy was dropping. He’s a talent that will make you take quick notice. 

Curtis Ballard Guard (Team 12)- Ballard is built in the mode of a NYC classic guard. He has the unique ability to get in and out of spaces in a flash. He loves to handle and get into the seams of the defense.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Brandon Slater (Team Takeover)

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division brought together the best talent on the East Coast. Here’s part 2 of our top performers from Neptune, NJ. 

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Brandon Slater Forward (Team Takeover)- Last season’s Most Outstanding Player has grown a few inches and it has definitely impacted his game. This weekend he ran the floor like a gazelle and flew like an eagle. Brandon has a few dunks but also showed the range on his jumper that he is known for. The scary part is he’s still nowhere near a finished product. I know I will be reading about him for years to come.

Myles Dread Forward (Team Takeover)- Some might be bigger or faster but there’s no many smarter on the floor. Dread knows how to use his basketball IQ and positioning to get the job done. I like his midrange pull up and ability to score over shot blockers. He also brings an unselfish style including a willingness to make the extra pass.

Justin Moore Guard (Team Takeover)- The 7th Grader plays a shooter's role for this squad. He looked his best when he drifts to the corner and knocks down the trey ball. He shoots it with confidence and has the size to get it off over closing defenders. The players in his class will have their hands full when he decides to play against them.

Jalen Carey Guard (Rens)- Rens made a final four run and Carey carried much of the scoring load. He has a soft touch and scoring mentality to match. He’s very crafty with the rock and understands that a change of pace is crucial when creating space. Saturday he had a field as he scorched Team Final and Team Twelve. He was in a zone for a moment.

Zedrek Ferrell Guard (Rens)- I like the way this kid controls the tempo of the game. He’s been in a lot of big games as a lad so the atmosphere didn’t effect in at all. When the game was on the line against Team Final, Ferrell came up with one of the biggest shots of the tournament. It sent TF home for good.

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team Scan)- Clarke made his debut running the point and held his own against some of the best competition around. He logged long minutes while handling the point and had to also pick up the scoring load. His transition to the point will be a work in progress but I think his basketball IQ will get him to the finish line faster than most people think. 

Walter Talley Forward (Team Scan)- Talley saved Scan from an early exit by carrying them over the Playaz in pool play. Talley received the rock near the free throw area and took advantage of the Playaz depleted front line. Once he got on a roll it seemed like everything he shot up went in. He finished through contact and showed good touch when converting.

Max Lorca Forward (Team Scan)- Lorca is very long and has a shot blocking presence even though he doesn’t enjoy the physical nature just of yet. He can finish put backs and shot the face up jumper. Down the road he should be a good catch for Scan. 

Isiah Mucius Guard (Team Scan)- Another potential good catch should be Mucius. He has the frame for the game but hasn’t put all the skills together as of yet. He’s a wiry wing about 6’3 and should stretch out to be about 6’7. Once the finished product is done things could be scary with this kid.

Charles Pride Guard (Gym Rats)- Pride led the way for the pesky Syracuse squad. The slashing wing guard scores in bunches especially when he has the 3 ball working. He filled up the scorebook especially in their quarterfinal loss to the Rens. He did well in his Spotlight tournament debut.

Alex Gray Forward (Gym Rats)- Gray does all the dirty work for the Syracuse squad. He hit the glass, clogged the lane and keeps all the loose balls alive. He also has good touch in the paint and will drop in a floater over top of a shot blocker.

Mika Adams-Woods Guard (Gym Rats)- Adams-Woods also translated his Skillcase success to the Clash. In the open floor he’s difficult to slow down because his quickness combined with his change of direction puzzles defenders. When it’s time for him to finish off the play he uses his body to shield shot blockers which results a bucket or trip to the charity stripe. 

Will Engelhart Forward (Gym Rats)- Engelhart was one of the purest shooters in the gym. When the defense concentrated on Mika and Charles, Will made them pay when they were slow on rotation. Each shot he let go seem to have a chance of going in. So you know he was almost automatic from the charity stripe. A big surprise was his toughness and ability to rebound inside. He didn’t back down from some of the top players in the country. 

Stay Tuned As We Bring You More Coverage From The Clash!

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Nazi Reid (Team IZOD)

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division brought together the best talent on the East Coast. Here’s part 1 of our top performers from Neptune, NJ. 

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Nazi Reid Forward (Team IZOD)- When Reid performs on the level he played this past weekend there’s not many better in the country. This youngster was a monster on both ends of the floor and had at dunk fest at the Clash. The 6’7 forward even showed some perimeter skills in terms of passing and knocking down the outside shot. On defense he’s a definite road block in the lane and causes the opposing team to change their offensive scheme at times. It was good to see the young fella return to playing with focus and passion.

Luther Muhammad Guard (Team IZOD)- The heart and soul of this squad didn’t disappoint. Once again he enters most games as the best defender on the floor and relishes in his role. He had opposing point guards terrified to bring the rock up the floor. But he also brought his offensive game in the tight semifinal against Team Takeover in which he displayed his improved jump shot especially from the corner. There are a few high school teams in the state that could use this kid at the top of their press right now.

Atiba Taylor Guard (Team IZOD)- The Takeover game was also Taylor’s best outing. He played with more patience at the point while picking his spots. He also knocked down a couple of jumpers while also scoring and helping on the glass inside. He used his size and savvy handle to keep the pesky Maryland guards at bay. He seems to show his best when the stage is it's brightest.

Jahvon Quinerly Guard (Team IZOD)- Quinerly showed some signs of getting readjusted to his old teammates but he Day 1 he still had spurts when he scored like we breath. The kid makes things look so easy when he’s on his game while rarely appearing rattled. His ability to get a clean look on all three levels continues to be his trade mark

Luis King Forward (Team IZOD)- King has stepped up his game and even stuck his head inside for some boards. He did most of his damage on the weak side of Reid and flashing to the post when Nazi was in the free throw area. He’s very effective on the baseline and provides Sports U with excellent length on the defensive end.

Kyle Thompson Guard (Team IZOD)- Thompson was a good pickup for IZOD because he helps them stretch the defense. He entered the game and gave them a spark with his outside shooting. He’s a good guard to have when the ball is being reversed around the perimeter.

Ja’Quaye James Guard (Playaz)- James is a throwback point guard because he actually controls the game without having to score a large amount of points. He’s nearly impossible to rip or keep out the lane. He finds holes in the defense like no other guard in the region and continues to be pass first. His penetrating ability and court vision reminds me of Brooklyn great Eugene Harvey.

Justin Winston Forward (Playaz)- When Winston is involved he continues to be one of the most versatile forwards in the region. He’s a matchup problem for most because of his quickness on the baseline. He’s a tireless worker on the glass on both ends of the floor and really had to carry the load after the loss of Armani Sexton.

Rob Miller Guard (Playaz)- The departure of Quinerly opened the door for another guard to step up and Miller answered the bell in the finals. He played with passion and gave IZOD a taste of his mid-range game and finishing ability. They will need more of this from him to be successful in the future.

Tavon Jones Guard (Playaz)- Jones game is catch and go and he enjoys his role. He’s wired to score and he doesn’t care who’s defending him. He looks his best in transition or beating a defender with his quick first step. If he attempts a few more jumpers it would open things up more for his drives.

Mikey Watkins Guard (Playaz)- Watkins showed some prowess as Playaz opened up an early lead before losing to Team Scan. Watkins was a hawk on defense and finished well in transition. He played with a lot of confidence and didn’t shy away from the contact. 

Stay tuned because we are just getting started with Clash For The Cup coverage.

Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Championship: IZOD Are The New Kids On the Block!

IZOD Gets It Done!

Niels Lane scored 19 points as he led Team IZOD to a 48-27 victory over Team Takeover to win the Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Championship. Congratulations to Team IZOD for winning the 6th Grade Championship. They seem to have a nice young squad. Stay tuned for more coverage from this division.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: We R 1 Prevails!

WE R 1 Wins The Crown

Chris Cropper scored 13 points while Trevon Alderman added 10 markers as WE R 1 defeated Team RIO National 53-48 to win the Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Blue Division Championship. Scottie Lewis scored 11 points for Team RIO in the loss. Congrats to We R 1 for winning the championship. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from this division.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Supreme Team Returns!

Team IZOD Rolls To Title

Jahvon Quinerly scored 9 points while Luther Muhammad and Atiba Taylor tallied 8 markers apiece as Team IZOD defeated Playaz Basketball Club 50-38 to win the Clash For The 8th Grade Orange Division Championship. Rob Miller led the Playaz attack with 14 points in the loss. Congrats to Team IZOD for getting the job done and stay tuned for more coverage from the 8th Grade Orange Division.

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Championship Recap: Rens Grab The Cup!

Rens Are Champions 

Germir Robinson scored 14 points and Judah McIntyre added 10 markers as Rens defeated Team Takeover 52-41 to win the Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Championship. Jay Heath scored 13 points for Team Takeover in the loss. Congrats to Rens for winning the crown and standing behind the banner. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the 7th Grade division.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #11

Atiba Taylor At The Clash

What’s up this is Atiba Taylor Jr. reporting back with another basketball diary entry. 

Monday was a great day because since it snowed the night before we didn’t have school. It snowed pretty bad so I just chilled for the day. Usually I’m always running around but I got a chance to catch up on some sleep, watched T.V., and played some video games. Before the night was out I did my usually push-ups and resistant band workout before heading to bed. 

DMV Takeover Picking Up Steam!

The Basketball Spotlight DMV Takeover will be our first trip to Maryland March 8th and 9th and as expected it’s gaining a lot of interest. Make sure you get online and register quickly because a sellout is expected. Here’s is a list of teams that have shown early interest.

8th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Team Final (Blue) 
4. Team Final (Black) 
5. Team IZOD (National Runner-up)
6. Maryland Sports Scholars
7. 6th Man Warriors
8. DC Premiere (Formerly DC Assault)
9. Gym Rats (Syracuse)
10. Team Twelve 
11. Baltimore Showtime 
12. Banneker Kings
13. Mass Shooting Stars
14. Annadale Bulldogs 
15. NY Lightning 
16. 

7th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. 6th Man Warriors (VA) 
3. MD Playmakers (Black) 
4. Baltimore Elite 
5. CIA Bounce
6. MADE Elite
7. DC Premiere
8. Team Final
9. Team Nelson 
10. Team Takeover (Orange)
11.
12. 
13.
14.
15.
16.

6th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. DC Thunder 
3. Chesterfield Jayhawks 
4. Team Takeover (Orange)
5. 6th Man Warriors
6. DC Premiere 
7. Team Glory
8. Maryland Playmakers 
9. RIP City 
10. National Select 
11. River City Reign 
12. 

5th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) National Champions 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Tidewater Wildcats (Black) 
4. Tidewater Wildcats (Gold) 
5. MD Playmakers 
6. Baltimore Finest
7. MADE Elite
8. Fairfax Stars 
9. Virginia Panthers 
10. Team Glory
11.
12. 

4th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Team Takeover (Orange)
3. MADE (Elite)
4. Team Glory
5. WDBA
6.
7.
8. 

3rd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Baltimore Finest
3. MADE Elite
4. Team Glory
5.
6.
7.
8. 

 2nd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Baltimore's Finest
3. 6th Man Warriors
4. MADE (Attack)
5. Team Glory
6.
7.
8.

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale Point Total Update

The Basketball Spotlight Road To The Grand Finale made it third stop at the Clash For The Cup in Neptune, NJ. The next stop on the tour will be the DMV Takeover in Maryland. Many top teams picked up points and things should only intensify as we head down near the nation’s capital. The Grand Finale Final Four will take place June 21st and 22nd. Here’s a look at the new point total. 

8th Grade Teams
Team IZOD (11 Points) 
Playaz (11 Points) 
Team Twelve (9 Points) 
Team Takeover (8 Points) 
Maryland Scholars (5 Points) 
Team Final (5 Points) 
SHA Elite (5 Points) 

7th Grade Points 
Team RIO National (14 Points) 
Rens (10 Points) 
Team Takeover (10 Points) 
CIA Bounce (8 Points) 
Team Nelson (6 Points) 
MJ Mavericks ( 6 Points) 

6th Grade Teams 
Team IZOD (9 Points) 
Team Takeover (4 Points) 
New Heights (3 Points) 
Hilltoppers Heat (3 Points) 
On Point Rens (3 Points) 

5th Grade Teams 
S Elite (5 Points) 
Team Glory (3 Points) 
Hilltoppers Heat (3 Points) 
Playtime Panthers ( 2 Points)

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup Was Fire!

The Clash For The Cup was a huge success. The talent in the building was tremendous and I like to thank everyone for supporting another great event. We are truly blessed to be able to bring together this type of talent in one venue and help give the youngsters some memorable moments. We would like to congratulate all the winners and other participants that performed this weekend. I have been to events throughout the country and must say that the atmosphere in Neptune, NJ has to be one of the best in America. 

Clash For The Cup Winners 

8th Grade Orange Division 
Champions: Team IZOD 
Runner Up: Playaz Basketball Club 

8th Grade Blue Division 
Champions: We R 1 
Runner Up: Team RIO National 7th Grade 

7th Grade Division 
Champions: Rens 
Runner Up: Team Takeover 

6th Grade Division 
Champions: Team IZOD 
Runner Up: Team Takeover 

Stay Tuned For More Coverage From The Clash For The Cup.

Clash For The Cup Rules and Regulations

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. Forfeit is worth 15 points to winning team.

Playing Times: All Games Use Stop Clocks
12U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
13U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)
14U Division- 2 (14 Minute Halves)

Fouls:Foul Out- 5 Fouls
1-1 Bonus- 10 Fouls
Double Bonus- 13 Fouls

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.

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 proof of grade for each player on their roster in case of a challenge. Failure to produce documents when asked by tournament director will result in disqualification.

Challenges: Must be made before the game and will cost the challenging team $60.

Daily Admissions: $10


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 team that doesn't complete the tournament including 3rd Place games will be subject to be omitted from future Basketball Spotlight Events.

Anything that's not covered in the above rules will be handled fairly by the tournament director.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division: Put Up Or Shut Up!

Luther Muhammad (Team IZOD)

The 8th Grade Division of the Clash For The Cup is totally loaded. This will really give us a chance to see who really has the juice. Let’s take a look on who will be down in Neptune for the Clash. 

 Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Preview

Playaz: Quinerly has gone but the Playaz still remain dangerous. Justin Winston and Ja’quaye James give them a suitable tandem. They will be trying to collect their second banner of the season. The pressure will be on for the Paterson crew. 

 Team IZOD: The “Supreme Team” is back and fully loaded. They will be looked at as the team to beat and everyone will be biting at their heels. Luther Muhammad, Atiba Taylor, Nazi Reid, Jahvon Quinerly and Tyrek Chambers headline this bunch.

Team Final: “The Prince” Cameron Reddish showed true flashes at the Tip Off Classic. Now he should be ready to lead Team Final back to the final four at least. They have a strong squad and capable of running the table. 

Team Takeover: TT has been consistent this year but hasn’t won that Spotlight banner for a couple of years. Point guard Donovan Toatley, Myles Dread and Brandon Slater leads this bunch into battle. Something tells me they might win it all this time around.

Team Scan: Scan will need to show they belong among the elite at the Clash. They didn’t have a great showing at the Tip Off Classic but I believe Coach Munch and Aaron Clarke will have the red/black ready. The microscope will definitely be on this bunch. 

Rens: Nayshon Hamlet always brings his hard hat and Jalen Carey is smooth on the wing. Therefore Rens has a fighting chance of bringing home the title. They are one of the toughest teams in the region and will be ready for war.

Gym Rats (Syracuse): The tandem of Mika Adams-Woods and Charles pride proved themselves worthy at the Super Skillcase. Now they must show they are ready for the heat of the Spotlight. They open up against the #2 team in the country. The time is now! 

6th Man Warriors: This Maryland crew always brings a respectable squad. I heard they made a little noise in a few tournaments in their area. Now it’s time for the big stage. Coach Mouton has championship pedigree hopefully it can rub off on his squad.

Mass Shooting Stars: Devandre Edmonds, Paul Durkee and newcomer Chris Doherty gives this Massachusetts bunch a formidable trio. They haven’t held a banner in a while maybe this could be their weekend. 

 Team DEMI: The other team from Massachusetts missed out on the Tip Off Classic so the Clash will be their season debut. Dynamic backcourt of Shandon Brown and Maurice Works will be called on to do damage.

Team Rio National: It will be interesting to see how Team RIO National responds to the 8th Grade Blue Division. In the Tip Off Classic they were only challenged in one game and sport an undefeated record going into the Clash For The Cup. We will see if Scottie “The Show” Lewis can help them keep the streak alive. 

 Team Twelve: Welcome to the big boys Team Twelve. Theodore Senior, Shaquest Chavis and Le’Vaun Miller lead the way for the Brooklyn boys. They have the speed and talent to surprise a few teams in this division.

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Preview: Who Really Wants It?

Cole "The Natural" Anthony 

Since #1 Team RIO National has opted to play in the 8th Grade division the 7th Grade Bracket seems to be wide open. There are at least 8 teams that have a legitimate shot of winning the Clash. Here’s a breakdown of the teams in the building. 

 Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Preview

Team Takeover: TT moves into the favorite and it will be unique if they won the title because this talented group is still chasing their first picture behind the banner. Top ranked players include point guard Tyler Brelsford and forward Terrence “Big Smoove” Williams. 

Rens: The Rens will have a lot to say about who wins the title. This gritty bunch is led by POY candidate Cole” The Natural” Anthony and his backcourt mate Judah McIntrye. They will be looking for that picture on Sunday.

Team Nelson: Look out because this is when the Mid Atlantic giants usually get rolling. Coach Hudson will be back at the helm while Donte Scott, Mark Bradshaw and newcomer Trevon Alderman will be leading the way. 

CIA Bounce: The defending Clash For The Cup champs return hungry for some more gold. Taj-Jai Waiters has become a household name on the Spotlight circuit. We look for him to continue his dominance.

Metro Flyers: Metro Flyers will be looking for some redemption after not making out of the pool at the Tip Off Classic. They are coming off of a championship at the PAT tourney in NY. Let’s see how Dajuan Piper and Danny Rodriquez help them answer the bell. 

6th Man Warriors: Tay “OMG” Allen is known to carry his team and the Warriors will be looking to capture their first Spotlight title. The pressure is on for the Virginia crew but I think they are up for the task.

MJ Mavericks: The duo of Travis Cumber and Shamar Florence will give the Mavs a fighting chance of beating anyone. Don’t sleep on this bunch they love to come out firing. 

Team Final: TF has moved over to the big boys and if Famir Ali can catch fire they could be the surprise of the tournament. They look good at the MLK now they must survive the Clash. 

 Stay Tuned As We Bring You More Previews For The Clash.

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Blue Division Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Blue Schedule is below. Please make sure that you arrive early for your games. 

Pool L 
1. Team Final (Black) 
2. CMEK 
3. OSYC 
4. We R 1 

Pool M 
1. KSK 
2. Connecticut Select 
3. Team RIO National 
4. Brooklyn Rens 

Saturday Feb 8th 
10:10 AM L1-L2 (HGH 2) 
10:10 AM L3-L4 (HGH 3) 
12:30 PM L1-L3 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM L2-L4 (HGH 3) 
4:00 PM M3-M4 (HGH 2) 
4:00 PM M1-M2 (HGH 3) 
6:20 PM M2-M4 (HGH 2) 
6:20 PM M1-M3 (HGH 3) 

Sunday Feb. 9th 
11:20 AM L1-L4 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM M1-M4 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM L2-L3 (HGH 3) 
11:20 AM M2-M3 (HGH 4) 
2:50 PM 1ST L-2ND M (HGH 1) 
2:50 PM 1ST M-2ND L (HGH 4) 
5:10 PM 8TH Grade Blue Championship (HGH 2)

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT HOOP GROUP HEADQUARTERS
1930 Heck Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753 

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Orange Division Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Orange Schedule is below. Please make sure that you arrive early for your games. 

Pool H 
1. Team IZOD 
2. Gym Rats (Syracuse) 
3. 6th Man Warriors 

Pool I 
1. Team Final 
2. Team Twelve
3. Rens 

Pool J 
1. Team DEMI 
2. Team Scan 
3. Playaz 

Pool K 
1. Team Takeover 
2. NY Lightning 
3. Mass Shooting Stars 

Saturday Feb. 8th 
9:00 AM H1-H2 (HGH 3) 
9:00 AM I1-I2 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM H1-H3 (HGH 3) 
11:20 AM I1-I3 (HGH 2) 
1:40 PM H2-H3 (HGH 3) 
1:40 PM I2-I3 (HGH 2) 
2:50 PM J1-J2 (HGH 3) 
2:50 PM K1-K2 (HGH 2) 
5:10 PM J1-J3 (HGH 3) 
5:10 PM K1-K3 (HGH 2) 
7:30 PM J2-J3 (HGH 3) 
7:30 PM K2-K3 (HGH 2) 

Sunday Feb. 9th 
8:00 AM 3RD H-3RD I (HGH 2) 
8:00 AM 3RD J-3RD K (HGH 3) 
10:10 AM 1ST J-2ND K (HGH 1) POOL J 
10:10 AM 1ST K-2ND J (HGH 2) POOL K 
10:10 AM 1ST H-2ND I (HGH 3) POOL H 
10:10 AM 1ST I- 2ND H (HGH 4) POOL I 
1:40 PM POOL H-POOL K (HGH 3) SEMIFINAL 
1:40 PM POOL I-POOL J (HGH 2) SEMIFINAL 
4:00 PM 8TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 3)

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT HOOP GROUP HEADQUARTERS
1930 Heck Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753 

Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Schedule is below. Please make sure that you arrive early for your games. 

Pool C 
1. Metro Flyers 
2. MJ Mavericks 
3. NY Lightning 

 Pool D 
1. Team Nelson
2. Brooklyn Rens 
3. 6th Man Warriors 

Pool E 
1. CIA Bounce 
2. CT Select 
3. Team Takeover 

 Pool F 
1. Rens 
2. Team Final 
3. MD Playmakers 

Saturday Feb. 8th 
9:00 AM C1-C2 (HGH 1) 
9:00 AM D1-D2 (HGH 4) 
11:20 AM C1-C3 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM D1-D3 (HGH 4) 
1:40 PM C2-C3 (HGH 1) 
1:40 PM D2-D3 (HGH 4) 
2:50 PM E1-E2 (HGH 1) 
2:50 PM F1-F2 (HGH 4) 
5:10 PM E1-E3 (HGH 1) 
5:10 PM F1-F3 (HGH 4) 
7:30 PM E2-E3 (HGH 1) 
7:30 PM F2-F3 (HGH 4) 

Sunday Feb. 9th 
8:00 AM 3RD C-3RD D (HGH 1) 
8:00 AM 3RD E-3RD F (HGH 4) 
12:30 PM 1ST C-2ND D (HGH 1) POOL C 
12:30 PM 1ST D-2ND C (HGH 2) POOL D 
12:30 PM 1ST E-2ND F (HGH 3) POOL E 
12:30 PM 1ST F-2ND E (HGH 4) POOL F 
2:50 PM POOL C-POOL F (HGH 2) SEMIFINALS  
2:50 PM POOL D-POOL E (HGH 3) SEMIFINALS 
5:10 PM 7TH Grade Championship (HGH 3)

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT HOOP GROUP HEADQUARTERS
1930 Heck Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753 

Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Schedule

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Schedule is below. Please make sure that you arrive early for your games. 

Pool A 
1. Hilltoppers Heat 
2. Team Final 
3. JS Phoenix 
4. Team IZOD 

Pool B 
1. EYSC 
2. Connecticut Select 
3. New Heights 
4. Team Takeover (Wright) 

Saturday Feb. 8th 
10:10 AM A1-A2 (HGH 1) 
10:10 AM A3-A4 (HGH 4) 
12:30 PM A1-A3 (HGH 1) 
12:30 PM A2-A4 (HGH 4) 
4:00 PM B1-B2 (HGH 1) 
4:00 PM B3-B4 (HGH 4) 
6:20 PM B1-B3 (HGH 1) 
6:20 PM B2-B4 (HGH 4) 

Sunday Feb 9th 
9:00 AM A1-A4 (HGH 1) 
9:00 AM A2-A3 (HGH 4) 
9:00 AM B1-B4 (HGH 2) 
9:00 AM B2-B3 (HGH 3) 
1:40 PM 1ST A-2ND B (HGH 1) 
1:40 PM 1ST B-2ND A (HGH 4) 
4:00 PM 6TH Grade Championship (HGH 2)

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT HOOP GROUP HEADQUARTERS
1930 Heck Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753 

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor Jr. (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #10

What’s up this is Atiba Taylor Jr. reporting back with another basketball diary entry. 

Monday was a regular day at school just work and more work Lol. At the end of the week the marking period will be over so I had to make sure I was up to date with all my assignments. After school my Dad took me to workout at the gym no basketball just strengthening and conditioning stuff. I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes, which was hard because I didn’t have any music, so my run seemed way longer. After my run I did my pull-ups, dips, resistant band workouts, and sit-ups. I really try to focus on doing all my workouts slow and steady to get the best results. 

Tuesday I was back in the gym but it wasn’t fun. My Dad made me take my first Yoga class and it was very frustrating. The gym doesn’t offer beginner classes so they jumped right into the tough stuff. It was hard trying to get my body to do things that I’ve never tried before. Yoga is definitely something you must do consistently to get good at it. After Yoga I did my normal four sets of pull-ups and dips. The funny thing that happened, the rapper Jim Jones was in the gym playing basketball and it was funny to watch. He seemed to be real cool he wasn’t trying to be all Hollywood he was just ballin. 

Wednesday night my Dad and I went to the St. Anthony’s vs. Roselle game at St. Peters College in Jersey City. The gym was packed and there were a few noticeable college coaches in the building too. The game started off good for Roselle but then St. Anthony’s turned the game around pretty quick. Even though Roselle lost the game it was still exciting to watch. So as we’re walking to the car in the freezing cold my Dad’s car got booted and he was tight Lol. I wanted to laugh a little bit but I know how he gets, he would have spazzed on me Lol. He had to pay $110 to get the boot off plus a $42 ticket too. I guess you need a permit to part in Jersey City because that’s what the ticket was for. Twenty minutes later they came to take off the boot then we went home. 

Thursday night my team had practice so we went hard getting prepared for this Clash Of The Cup Tournament. After practice Luther and I just sat around with the coaches talking about trips and all the great Sports-U players that received basketball scholarships like Karl Townes, Josh Brown, Hallice Cook, Eli Carter, and much more and how they paved the way for us now. The stories Coach B. and Coach Seth were telling us was funny, we didn’t leave the gym until 11:30pm.  
Friday night was my chill day so I did nothing after school pretty much just slept the night away. Saturday we had practice did a lot of skill work, strategy stuff, and then we had a controlled scrimmaged. The difference with last years team and this years team is that we have 10 plus players in the gym at all times so it makes it easier to run our stuff and with the talent in the gym it’s always competitive and it wasn’t like that last year. I know this will have us more than ready for tournaments. 

Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday and we’re at practice getting it in. After practice I went home and got ready for the football game, the Seahawk’s did the Bronco’s dirty Lol. Even though the game was a blowout it was still exciting to watch because there were so many great plays in the game. The Seahawk’s proved that defense wins games and if my team plays defense like Seattle we’ll win The Clash. 

 Until next week… 
Atiba Taylor Jr. #SupremeTeam #TeamIzod