This weekend Basketball Spotlight will be headed to the Game Over Classic. We will be bringing you coverage of the 11U, 12U and 13U finals. I saw the schedule and there should be some heavy competition. We also might get a chance to watch the much talked about Juice All Stars 13 and Under squad. Stay tuned Sunday night for complete recaps of those championships.
Name: Shaquan Worthy
AAU Team: Team NJ ABC
Position: Point Guard
Class: 2014
Breakdown: This season Worthy has performed like one of the top floor generals in the region. The Allen Iverson type has uplifted his squads play by becoming their fierce leader on the floor. Worthy’s knack for taking the big shot or creating his teams offense has helped Team NJ ABC win the NJ state crown and make deep runs in other tourneys. Now he’s headed to the AAU Nationals so we will see if he can keep the good work going.
Name: Malik Johnson
AAU Team: U Turn Warriors
Position: Point Guard
Class: 2015
Breakdown: I watched Johnson rock twice this year; once at the MIT and then at the MDC. The pint size floor general dazzled the crowd with slick ball handling and uncanny court vision. Malik broke down defenders on a regular basis using lightning quick moves. He was a vital part of his teams success at the MDC.
Tyreke Evans received his stamp as an 8th Grader and went beyond many expectations. He’s currently on his way to the NBA Draft and possibly a lottery pick. I’m very proud of him and his family because of the hard work they put in to get to this point. Now take a look at his pre draft workout for the Sacramento Kings. Youngsters pay attention to the type of workout they put Evans through because you will see that even the pros care about fundamentals. Keep working hard you can be next!Evans Predraft Workout
Can Youth Interlock Make A Deep Run In Memphis?The 13U AAU Nationals are set to begin next weekend in Memphis, Tennessee. Basketball Spotlight has been tracking the top teams in this age group the entire season. Now it’s your chance to speak out. We have listed teams that have confirmed that they will be attending the AAU Nationals and you vote on who you think will perform the best in Memphis.
1. Youth Interlock
2. Gauchos
3. Team NJ ABC
4. Juice All Stars
5. Team Kobe
6. Team Nelson
7. Philly Select
8. Future Players
13U National Confirmation List
The Playtime Panthers 9U (2009 NJ State Champs) team won the Maryland Invitational Tournament "Silver Bracket" against Bowie Hawks in a close game with the final score 39-36 in a come from behind thriller.
Players
Adrian Baucum
Justin Kea
Cory Gordon
Chazz Clark
Jalen Lecque
Zegary Scott III
Jelani Bowden Jr.
Aaron Carter
Akrum Ahemed
De’Andre Grange
Coaches
Kev Kea
Jelani Bowden Sr.
Antoine Clark
Name: Tarvaris Headen
AAU Team: Team Final
Position: Combo Guard
Class: 2014
Breakdown: Headen has been on a hot streak. He had an excellent showing at the MDC and helped his team win the Never Nervous Invitational crown. The lefty is a bull in transition and squashes any small guard that’s between him and the cup. His jump shot is still developing but he will drop a few when you least expect it. I’m also impressed with the fire he brings to the court.
Name: John Severe
AAU Team: Long Island Lightning
Position: Combo Guard
Class: 2013
Breakdown: Severe started the season off with a huge name after I watched him at Funsport. He kept the momentum going at the Grand Finale helping the NY Panthers reach the finals and at the MDC by leading his squad (LI Lightning) to the Gold Ball. Severe has to be regarded as one of the top guards in the class. He combines a power game with a relentless attitude of getting to the rim. He has a bright future and we will be watching.
Dear Lance Stephenson,
I’ve written letters like this to other athletes, so don’t take it personal or as a stab. I would like to talk to you as an older brother but I used this forum so other youngsters could also learn a lesson.
As a young phenom you were rushed into the limelight because of your basketball talent and presumed potential. People from all circles bowed down but also turned their heads when you did things unfavorable. You were featured on DVD’s, magazine covers, internet sites and cable television. Most felt you were ready for the NBA now so they gave you the moniker “Born Ready”. Now all of those media giants that built you up are trying to tear you down. It’s seems every editor or blogger has something bad to say about you and your future. Did you show a lack of judgment a few times? Yes, but you are just like any other modern spoiled teenager.
My message to you is to use all this negative attention as fuel young brother. You see Lance everything in the universe is a test and has balance. Since you received so much attention and accolades early on it was written that you would have to go through these tough times before you reach your pinnacle. It’s time for you to silence all those critics by keeping your nose clean and disciplining yourself for the long haul. After you make your decision to go to college or Europe I want you to take a copy of many of those negative articles with you. This will keep you focused on your goal at hand and remind you what you are facing if you quit or blow this opportunity.
Remember it’s always darkest before the light. Now it’s time for you to step through the light and prove you were really “Born Ready”. Good Luck with everything I know you will succeed.
Yours truly,
Mike Melton
Hello basketball world. It's your boy Jordan. School is out and I am ready for a busy basketball summer.
My 15U team, Sports University/Team Izod played this weekend in the "Rumble in the Bronx" tournament. We made it to the final four before losing by two points to Garner Road. Winning this game would have put us in the championship. We beat some good teams along the way which included the Gauchos, Team Philly, Alexandria Kings and the Metro Hawks.
My 14U team, the NJ Shoreshots also played in the tournament. In the three games we played, I was able to play in two. In those two we lost to PPY Elite and the Playaz. In the first game we lost to Mass Rivals. The game against the Playaz was my fourth game of the day. It was fun because I got a chance to play against my boy's Kevon and Reggie.
This week I am going to the Tony Bennett Elite camp which is being held on the campus of the University of Virginia. I will be down there Monday and Tuesday.
Next weekend, I will be going to the Boo Williams tournament in Hampton, Virginia with my other 15U team the Greenbugh Kings.
Next week I am heading out to San Diego, California for the Adidas Phenom camp. That should be a lot of fun.
Over the summer I am doing an online SAT prep course and I have a goal of learning 20-25 new vocabulary words a week. I can't let the brain cells die over the summer!
Well that's it for now.
J4-out!
Basketball Spotlight presents Summer Slam. This is event is for 11U and 14U and will take place in Lakewood, NJ. The event has a special prize never done before by Basketball Spotlight. The winner of each age bracket will have their AAU Nationals registration fee covered by us ($650), while the runner up will be allowed to enter the Grand Finale for free in December. This event will surely fill up quickly so act fast. To register contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122.
Special Notice: Teams must present official AAU rosters for this event.
Event: Basketball Spotlight Summer Slam
Ages: 11U and 14U
Date: July 11th and 12th
Place: Lakewood, NJ
Price: $300
14U Teams
1. Team Nelson
2. NY Panthers
3. NJ Crusaders
4. NJ Pirates
5. Boston Saintz
6. Higher Ground Warriors
7. Brooklyn Ballers
8. Hockessin PAL Cougars
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16. 11 and Under Teams
1. Team Battle
2. Scan Wolves
3. New Heights NYC
4. Queens Elite
5. SJ Juice All Stars
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7. Riverside Hawks
8. Connecticut Rough Riders
9.
10.
11.
12. 13.14.15.16.
The highly anticipated battle of the 11U heavyweights started out as a classic match up. Team Battle controlled the paint while DC Assault responded with guard and wing play. In the second half the Jersey boys pulled away and finished off their Potomac Valley counterparts with a double digit victory. Check the highlights below.
Team Battle vs. DC Assault
Name: Jarron Cumberland
AAU Team: Cincinnati Knights
Position: Forward
Class: Class 2016
Breakdown: Few youngsters at this age are fundamentally sound as Cumberland. The forward isn’t super athletic but he kills the competition with knowing how to establish position and converting once he gets the rock on the blocks. At this age making layups can be do or die for team and Cumberland is pretty efficient in this category.
Name: Rakym Felder
Nickname: Left Handed Bandit
AAU Team: New Heights
Position: Shooting Guard
Class: 2016
Breakdown: Felder has the bloodline of a baller. His brother Davontay Grace destroyed the circuit as a youngster with Team Next. Unlike his brother Rakym has an effective outside shot already but they are similar in terms of going hard and putting numbers up. The Brownville boys are born to get busy and Felder takes this mentality on the floor every game.
I first met Terrance “Munch” Williams in 2005 at the Metro Hoops MDI. He was coaching a new squad called Team ROC and was promoting this young baller named Omari Lawrence. Williams stated that Lawrence was among the top 8th Graders in the region and I needed to watch him rock. His eagerness convinced me to check out the young phenom and I must say the kid had game. Lawrence went on to stardom in high school while Williams coached about two more seasons and then left the circuit. This fall I got a call from some guy saying he wanted to enter Team Scan into my tournament and I was happy to learn that it was Munch. I always felt he was one of the good guys and needed to return. I talked to Munch and picked his brain about a few topics and here’s what he had to say;
Welcome to the Coaches Corner:
BS: When and why did you return to coaching on the circuit?
TW: Well I came back about a year ago. I started out by working with the players in my after school program (Scan). After I started developing their skills and took them out on the circuit in September. I came back because I felt players needed to get developed on and off the court.
BS: Why did you choose to work with a start up squad like Team Scan instead of coming back with an established program?
TW: I wanted to work with these guys because I believe in my program and developing young men into productive members of society. I knew while working with Team Scan I would be running the show my way and I wouldn’t have to give in to the politics of the game. I also wanted to work with younger guys because I feel they still have love for the game and it’s not about sneaker contracts or sneaker camps.
BS: How do you deal about player movement especially in NYC where it seems to be frequent?
TW: Well I try to get a core group of parents to buy into our program. I let them know that we care about their son’s well being on and off the floor. Once they see how sincere we are about 70 to 85 percent will elect to stay around while others might choose to go. As long as we are doing for the right reasons that’s all that matters.
BS: Name some of the places you have been and your tourney results?
TW: We have been to Philly, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Boston among other places. We have entered 23 tournaments since September and won 18. We haven’t finished less than the Final Four all year.
BS: What is the goal for Team Scan?
TW: Tell you the truth Mike, it’s not about basketball. I just choose to use basketball as a vehicle to help my players become successful. We do so many other things as a team such as going to church, movies, college tours and looking at different prep or private schools. I hope all my players can get a great education and go on to college. That’s my goal because the NBA is a pipe dream in many cases.
BS: How do you feel about the state of AAU basketball?
TW: I think AAU can swallow you up if you are not careful. That goes for a player, parent or coach. It seems like a lot of parents are pushing the kids to be ranked or to get noticed early but the kids are not having fun. If you look at a game most of the players on the floor don’t seem to be enjoying playing the game. Throughout the game you can see players, parents and coaches getting angry about things that are apart of the game. I believe too much emphasis is put on being on a winning team so if a team doesn’t win all the time players want to leave and other problems arrive. I think we should let the kids have fun again and focused on them going to college.
BS: I think that should sum it up.
TW: Thanks, Mike but I would also like to let you know that Team Scan also has other successful programs including our 11U team coached by Coach Dave.
Our award winners from the weekend:
8th and 9th grade MVP- Sterlin Johnson, extremely athletic wing with a high ceiling. Sterlin displayed great 1 on 1 moves all weekend and showed off his athleticism by throwing a few down on the fast break. He is a solid defender and rebounder and if he continues to work hard he will end up being one of the top players in Delaware in years to come.
8th and 9th grade Most Improved Player- Bernard Mokum, works very hard and showed the coaches he wanted to get better. Bernard was always going full speed, always asking questions and had the attitude it takes to get better. He will become an elite player if he continues this great work ethic.
7th grade and lower MVP- Jaquan Hickman, a big athletic wing from New York who also plays on the dominant Abyssinian Church team. He has the ability to score from all different spots on the court. He is able to blow past bigger defenders and use his strength against smaller defenders. He was a dominant force all weekend.
7th grade and lower Most Improved Player- Wayne White Jr, a tenacious working kid who really had a knack to get better all weekend. Wayne worked tirelessly in drill sets and games and caught the coaches’ eye. Wayne is definitely a kid to watch out for in the future.
Mikey Dixon was very impressive this weekend.Hoop Group Skills Camp kicked off their 47th summer the weekend of June 6th-7th with a Junior Elite Weekend up in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. The weekend consisted of the best rising 5th-9th graders from all over the northeast. This two-day camp consisted of intense skill development, competitive games, and an interesting lecture from Steve Keller from the National Recruiting Service. The National Recruiting Service was also on hand to evaluate the talent from the weekend. At a camp with over 110 kids, it is impossible to recognize everyone who played well, but here are a few of the top performers from both leagues.
Class 2015, 2016 and 2017
Mikey Dixon, a tough point guard from Delaware, has the offensive mindset to get his players involved first. Mikey is a true point guard in that he is able to get into the lane and kick to his open man. He has a good shooting touch and was able to knock down the open jump shot consistently all weekend.
Rayle Cortoron, a strong guard who causes match up problems for opponents because of his size and strength. His talent and ability shows why Abyssinian Church is one of the top teams in New York. Rayle is able to control the game and has great passing and court vision to find his teammates.
Trevon Duval, A rising 5th grader from Delaware showed off his skill by playing with mostly older talent all weekend. Trevon did not back down to anyone and always competed and worked hard. Trevon is a true point guard who did a great job running and leading his team.
Rakym Felder, a tough strong New York guard who has the ability to take his man off the dribble. Rakym was unselfish as he was not afraid to pass the ball when he got into the lane. He was also a very tough defender.
Mahamood Davis, another Abyssinian Church standout was truly one of the hardest working guards in the camp. He is a true competitor who does everything for his team to win. He brought energy and intensity to the offensive and defensive end of the court. Once Mahamood develops a consistent jump shot he is going to be one tough player to stop.
Christopher Middleton, a strong guard from New York who has great ball handling ability for his size. He is able to lead the break and find the open man. Chris also works hard on the defensive end and is able to cause havoc.
The nations top Jr. Elite Camp returns August 2nd thru 5th at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp will bring together to top ballers from around the country for some serious competition. Last summer the camp was outstanding and Basketball Spotlight will be in the building again. Don’t miss the chance to compete against the best. For More Information Click Below
Hoop Group Website
For Last Summer Recaps Click Below
Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp 08 Recaps
Basketball Spotlight now has a message board. This board will be used to have the fans discuss matters that are pertaining to basketball. Please refrain from using profanity or any other insulting comments. This will be used as a trial basis if we feel that it’s becoming a problem we will delete it. Enjoy the message board and have fun. Click Here To Enter and Register
Name: Shaquan Worthy
Name: Malik Johnson
Can Youth Interlock Make A Deep Run In Memphis?
The Playtime Panthers 9U (2009 NJ State Champs) team won the Maryland Invitational Tournament "Silver Bracket" against Bowie Hawks in a close game with the final score 39-36 in a come from behind thriller.
Name: Tarvaris Headen
Name: John Severe
Name: Jarron Cumberland
Name: Rakym Felder
Mikey Dixon was very impressive this weekend.
Youth Interlock Holds On To #1
2. Team Nelson: The “Triple Crown” winners continue to stack trophies. The have the coaching and experience to beat anyone that steps on the floor. That proved this at the MDC by winning several games by 3 points or less.
3. BABC: I saw this squad at the Hall Of Fame Classic and I’m telling they are loaded with talent. The have a couple of forwards that play above the rim and couple of guard with some serious swagger. This squad is dangerous.
4. Gauchos: The Choz lost to Juice All Stars in their regional finals and have been under the radar this year. Things will get a little interesting at the MIT as they will be in the same pool as Team Nelson. That should be a good match-up.
5. Team Scan: Scan made it to the final four of the MDC and recently won a tournament in Virginia. I like this team’s toughness and willingness to play anybody anywhere. They also have one of the best coaches in the region.
6. Team Final: The MDC runner-up uses a physical style to frustrate opponents. The loss a close to #2 Team Nelson in the finals of the MDC but went on to knock off #10 NJABC for the title at the Never Nervous Invitational. 
7. Philly Select: I love some of the pieces on this squad. Their guard play is tremendous and they have the rugged big men that can cause problems on the blocks. They are a team many don't want to see at the Nationals.
8. Team Underrated: The boys from Long Island lost to Team Nelson in the semifinals of the MDC. They have been close but have not crossed over the championship rope since their title at the Boston Massacre.
9. Westchester Hawks: I saw the Hawks up in Massachusetts and they have the talent to make some noise. Their guard play is good and they seem to understand how to share the rock. I just need to bring out the killer instinct to put teams away while also raising their level of play.
10. Team NJ ABC: The smallest squad in the region made it the finals of the Never Nervous Invitational. The have one of the best guard attacks in the Northeast but they will need to add some size before they go to Memphis at the end of the month.