13U Nationals Update: Youth Interlock Puts The Lid On Juice All Stars

Youth Interlock flexed their muscles and ran away from the Juice All Stars 66-58. This win moves Youth Interlock into the quarterfinals tonight against Untied Stars of North Carolina. The winner will advance to the Final Four. This win also will secure Youth Interlock spot as the top 13U team in the region.

The Gauchos had a tough time with Houston Select losing to the powerful squad 60-41. The Choz along with Juice All Stars are still in the tournament and are capable of placing but cannot win the National title.

After winning two pool games Team NJ ABC’s lack of size caught up with them as they dropped 3 straight games to Elite competition. First they ran into the buzz saw called Youth Interlock losing 65-29. Then in the first round of the championship bracket play they fell to Kentucky Elite 67-39 before ending their tournament with a 41-40 loss to Emerald City Pioneers.

King Street Kings and Team Nelson are playing in the Classic Bracket and have a chance to meet in the quarterfinals. KSK must defeat Ohio Basketball Club and Team Nelson must get past Florida Storm for them to get it on.

We will try our best to keep you updated as Youth Interlock will try to bring home the crown.

Boswell All Star Classic Bound

Jason Boswell is projected as one of the top prospects in the country. The 6’5 wing forward has all the physical attributes to make any college coach salivate. He’s currently ranked 25th in the country by Generation Next Scouting Service and has a great chance of moving up. Many scouts are impressed with many aspects of his game and his coach Shadue McNeil of the Long Island Lightning agrees. “I love his versatility, high basketball IQ and tremendous work ethic” said Shadue. This type of praise and his play has earned Boswell a trip to the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse.

Next season Jason will be taking his game to perennial powerhouse St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth and McNeil feels that’s a good fit for this budding prospect. “St. Patrick’s will help his consistency, approach and his level of intensity during the game. Right now his talent level allows him to get bored at times” McNeil stated.

Be sure to check out Boswell as he represents the North team when they do battle with the South squad at the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse on August 15th at Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will profile the remaining 20 players selected for this event.

Youth Interlock and Juice All Stars Set To Collide In Memphis

Things are definitely heating up in Memphis. Today Youth Interlock and Juice All Stars will get it on to claim #1 supremacy. Both teams cruised through pool play and their previous championship round games. This should be an interesting match up as both teams are high powered and are hungry for a national crown. This game will answer a lot of questions in our region.

The NYC Gauchos also have their hands full tomorrow at 10:55 as they square off with national power Houston Select. The Gauchos are guard heavy while Houston Select boast a serious frontline including big time forward Tony Upchurch. It’s now or never for The Choz. Basketball Spotlight will keep you updated on the progress of all the teams involved.

Stewart Gears Up For All Star Classic

The Playaz Basketball Club 14U team is making another run as team of the summer. The point guard of this crew Kavon Stewart has been guiding the way with superb ball handling and scoring ability. The southpaw play has earned a trip to the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse. He competed in the Elite 80 Expo and helped his squad win about six tournaments this season most recently The Blow Up, Rumble In The Bronx and Game Over Classic. Kavon has been a mainstay with the Playaz on the AAU scene for the longest and his willingness to shine in any environment stands out. His AAU coach Jamal Slappy agrees "Kavon's doesn't care what type of game or event he's playing in if it's basketball he's there. He's definitely old school".

Next season he will be headed to Paterson Catholic and likely will see some varsity action. But on August 15th he will be running the show for the North squad as they take on the South in the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic. Make sure you head down to Life Center Academy to see this ultimate showdown.

Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight will profile the remaining 21 players selected for this event.

Austin Dazzled The Crowd At Jr. Elite Camp

During his 12U season Brandon Austin showed tremendous promise playing for Team Kobe. The lanky forward showed the ability to handle the pill and score the rock. But Austin saved his best showing for the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp last August. Running the point in the highest division in the camp, the then rising 7th Grader dazzled the crowd while breaking down defenders and dishing the rock to teammates. Onlookers marveled at his skills and crowded the court each time he performed. No one could forget his head to head matchup with Jaylen Beckham, despite being younger Austin did more than hold his own. He left the camp as the number 1 prospect in the Class of 2014.

Brandon Austin was ready for the comp. Are You?

If so register for the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp August 2nd thru 5th at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Click Here For More Information

Sina Gets All Star Classic Nod

Jaren Sina of Hoop Heaven has been selected to participate in the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse. He’s currently ranked as the 23rd best player in the country by Generation Next Scouting Service. Sina had a good showing at the Grand Finale and Elite 80 Expo. This season he played a lot of 15 and Under Division basketball but that didn’t stop him from shining. Most recently he had a great showing at the Playaz Tune Up Classic before heading off to Kentucky for the Jr. All American Fab Frosh Camp. Sources indicate the Sina will enter his freshman year as NJ’s #1 player in the Class of 2013. Make sure you check out Jaren and the other All Stars at the Classic August 15th at Life Center Academy.

Stay Tune as Basketball Spotlight profiles the other 22 attendees for the All Star Classic.

Diary Of A Baller: Jordan Forehand Entry #18

Hello Basketball World!

It's your boy, Jordan. Busy, busy week of basketball. I just got back from San Diego, California late last night. I was out there participating in the Adidas Phenom 150 camp. There were a lot of good players there from all across the country. We were told at the beginning of the camp by Dave Taylor, Camp Administrator(Phenom), that the players would be evaluated and ranked based on the six games we played and other criteria. He told that we would be challenged mentally and physically.

All of the players were split up into teams. Each team played a total of six games. (Two on Friday, two on Saturday and two on Sunday) I was only able to play in three games because in the first minutes of the fourth game, I got kneed in the thigh when I was going to the hole and ended up falling to the floor. This left me with a bruised thigh and a strain of my glut muscle and I was unable to play for the rest of the game. On Sunday, we had two more games. I worked out with the trainer, sat in the Jacuzzi, applied hot and cold therapy, but nothing worked. I was unable to play in those games. I will be getting an MRI tomorrow to make sure that there was not any severe damage.

I still was selected to the all-star team, but because I was injured, I was listed as an alternate. I really wanted to play, but my body would not let me. I was also ranked in the Top 25 and received an automatic invite to next years event. I also had to play the wing forward position instead of my regular guard position. Considering that I only played in three of the six games and I played the wing forward position instead of my normal guard spot, I am thankful that they liked what they saw. Wait and see what I bring to them next year!

The camp was not just about basketball. There were several seminars which were led by Dave Taylor. Coach Taylor was a former assistant coach at the United States Air Force Academy. He spoke to the players about discipline, academics, being a team player, playing defense, time management and being mentally tough. If you were one minute late to his seminars or workouts, you were locked out until he was finished. We also had to write two papers. One was on what we had learned at the camp and the other was our view of an article titled "American Kids Flunk Basketball 101" that we had to read. The article was in the June 25th edition of the New York Times. If you did not turn in these papers, you could not play in the games. He is definitely a no nonsense coach. I like that because you know that he will make you the best player you can be.

Tim Sullivan, Player Development (Phenom), gave a seminar on shooting. During one stretch, he hit 95 out of 100 3 pointers! Just think, you're considered a great 3 point shooter if you hit 40% of your 3 pointers.

Several of my friends were also invited to the camp. They were Kody J, Sal V, John H, Tyler W, Alex P, Rob L, Darius O, Dwayne F and Niko V. It was fun because we got to watch each others games, play against each other and hang out. Everyone played great and did a good job in representing the East coast.

I would like to take the time to thank Joe Keller, President/CEO (Phenom) and Joe Harper, Camp Operations (Phenom) and all of the staff at Phenom, for their hospitality and professionalism.

I would also like to thank Coach Robert Griggs, who was my coach during the camp. It was all a lot of fun. Hope you're my coach next year too!

All in all, it was a great trip. I loved California!

J4-Out
11-17-94

13U Nationals Update!

Juice All Stars Cruising In Memphis

The 13U Nationals is in full throttle down in Memphis. Some of the top teams in the region are rumbling as we speak. Here are some early scores from Tennessee including the current records of the Tri-State area teams.

Youth Interlock (1-0)

Defeated Soysa Orlando Suns 83-69

King Street Kings (0-2)

Lost To Team Bama 55-45
Lost To Kentucky Elite 58-28

Team NJ ABC (2-0)

Defeated Memphis Bulls 62-52
Defeated Soysa Orlando Suns 58-57

NYC Gauchos (1-0)

Defeated Team 3on7 69-63

Juice All Stars (1-0)

Defeated Hoopmatics 68-26

Team Kobe (0-1)

Lost To Wilson Blue Devils 54-52

Philly Select (0-1)

Lost To So Cal Tigers 43-39

Team Nelson (0-2)

Lost To Team Rim Rockers 60-58

Lost To United Stars 66-53

Ramone Gibbons Headed To All Star Classic

Ramone Gibbons AKA “Boston Strangler” of the Boston Saintz has accepted an invite to the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse. The powerful two- guard had a strong showing at the Grand Finale, AAU State tournament and Hall Of Fame Classic. Right now he’s rated as the top 8th Grader in Massachusetts and has already caught the eye of several colleges. Gibbons appeared excited about the opportunity, “I can’t wait to play against the other top players in the region. I’m out to prove there are some capable ballers coming out of the New England area” Gibbons said. His coach Tywon Boswell also thinks it’s an honor and good opportunity for Ramone. Tywon stated “Ramone playing in this type of event helps to get our program get on the map and will open up doors for other players in the New England area to get noticed”.

Stay Tune as Basketball Spotlight will profile the 23 remaining players selected for this event. The Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic will take place August 15th at Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ.

In The Spotlight: Shavar Newkirk

Name: Shavar Newkirk

AAU Team: Team Scan

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2014


Breakdown: Newkirk has found a home with Team Scan and is turning himself into a capable floor general. He has learned how to get his teammates involved doesn’t turn the rock over and knows how to play the passing lanes on defense. His squad just won the Jr. Nationals up in Massachusetts and Shavar ran the controls. Improvement on his jump shot will take a long way as especially on the high school level. Basketball Spotlight will be keeping an eye on him.

Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic Is Set

The Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic powered by Converse is set for August 15th at Life Center Academy. Basketball Spotlight will be selecting 24 8th Graders to participate in this event. We will commit ourselves to selecting the top players for this event. Stay tune as the rosters will be coming out shortly. Basketball Spotlight also will be presenting the Player Of The Year and Scholar Athlete Award courtesy of All Star Trophies.

Event: Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic Powered By Converse

Date: August 15th 2009

Place: Life Center Academy, (Burlington, NJ)

Confirmation List
1. Ramone Gibbons - Boston Saintz (Boston, Mass.)
2. Jaren Sina - Hoop Heaven AAU (Lake Hopatcong, NJ)
3. Kavon Stewart - Playaz Basketball Club (Paterson, NJ)
4. Jason Boswell - Long Island Lightning (Bronx, NY)
5. Shafeek Taylor - Peacemakers (Philadelphia, PA)
6. Jordan Washington - NY Panthers (Queens, NY)
7. Dwayne Foreman - Westchester Hawks (Spring Valley)
8. Britton Lee - Peacemakers (Philadelphia, PA)
9. Jordan Forehand - NJ Shore Shots (Bridgewater, NJ)
10. Reggie Cameron - Playaz Basketball Club (Hackensack, NJ)
11. Conrad Chambers - Team Nelson (Chester, PA)
12. Amar Stukes - Higher Ground Warriors (Germantown, PA)

Beckham Used Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp As Platform

Last summer Jalen Beckham traveled to the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp to show that the Bluegrass State had ballers. The ultra talented guard stole the show and finished the camp as one of the top guards in attendance. Beckham used this fuel for a great freshman season at powerhouse Lexington Catholic and earned a invite to the prestigious Nike Hoop Jamboree.

Are you the next Jalen Beckham? If so enter the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp and show you skills!

Date: August 2nd Thru 5th

Place: Albright College (Reading, Pennsylvania)

Click Here For More Information

Summit Sports Training Center: Come Train With The Pros

Summits Sports Training Center is the elite performance enhancement center in the Philadelphia area. At Summit, we provide first-class sports specific training for numerous collegiate and professional athletes. What makes Summit unique is its heavy investment into sports science and technology to maximize results. Partner this with our experienced and talented professional trainers and you have a recipe for success.

Since 2001 we have been exclusive providers of Strength and Conditioning Services for the Philadelphia 76ers and Saint Josephs University, as well as other professional athletes from the NBA, NHL and European leagues. Summit uses the latest technology in the field of strength and conditioning to enhance athletic performance. High speed treadmills, plyometrics , Olympic platforms and various modes of resistances training incorporate our multi-faceted approach to training.

Summit Website

Inside The Game Over Classic

The Game Over Classic had some interesting stories and developments. Basketball Spotlight was in the building and here is what we came away with.

Playaz Make Statement!

We had Playaz Basketball Club rated #4 in the region in our last rankings. Since then they won the Rumble In The Bronx and the Game Over Classic including wins over #1 Long Island Lightning and #2 Peacemakers by 20 points. The Playaz have two more hurdles to jump before repeating as the Team Of The Summer. Since they don’t usually go to the 14U Nationals a good run at the Team Nelson tourney and a good showing in Vegas should give them the nod.

Juice All Stars Are For Real!

I finally got a chance to see Juice All Stars and I came away impressed. They have the star power to crush many squads as the demonstrated this weekend. But what really caught my attention was the way they shared the rock and looked happy playing with each other. For them to win the National title I think they need to add one big and a back up true point guard. Hopefully, they can keep the chemistry when they face some adversity in Memphis.

The City vs. KSK Rematch A No Go!

I was a little disappointed because a missed The City vs. KSK pool game on Saturday. I figured both teams would make it to the finals and I would be treated to another thriller. My hopes were dashed as KSK dropped out of the semifinals because they felt the gym size was unsafe for their players. I’m also a fan and I really wanted to watch this match up hopefully they might meet in Hampton at the Nationals.

Summer Slam Cancelled For All Star Classic Preparation

Basketball Spotlight prides ourselves on producing good events therefore we have decided to cancel the Summer Slam tourney to prepare for the Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic. We encourage teams that were interested in the Summer Slam to participate in the Team Nelson 14U Pre National Round Up July 18th and 19th for more information on the event contact Howard Hudson at 610-496-9963 or Hassan at 484-614-8443. The Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic press release will be coming next week.

Game Over Classic 14U Recap: Playaz Continue To Roll!

Playaz Get it Done

By: Orlando Cameron (Special To Basketballspotlight.com)

The Playaz 14's came away with their 5th straight chip, beating a talented Peacemakers team 75-55. The Playaz took advantage with the monster play of their 2 big men, Reggie Cameron and Amir Maddred. The Peacemakers had no answer for the duo as they combined for 39 points, 26 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. They also got strong play from Kavon Stewart, who contributed 9 points and 6 assists and made a key three pointer as the Playaz took complete control of the game in the second half. Trailing 35-34, the Playaz outscored the Peacemakers 41 to 20 in the second half as Cameron (23pts, 15rebs, 2blks),the tournament M.V.P. was strong inside and out while Maddred (16pts, 11rebs, 5blks) was a beast in the middle. The Peacemakers were led by talented guard Britton Lee who along with his teammates continued to battle and never gave up. Lee finished with 20 points. The Playaz impressed this weekend getting by D.C. Assault, the Long Island Lightning and the Peacemakers. Very impressive, considering they just won the always tough Rumble In The Bronx tournament at Fordham last week.

Game Over Classic 12U Recap: The City Romp

The City Prevail Easily

Eric Pachall scored 14 points as The City stormed past Team Underrated for a lopsided victory in the 12U Championship for the Game Over Classic.

Spotlight Players

Josh Wallace Forward (The City)- Wallace took home the MVP honors scoring in the lane while absorbing contact. His strength and craftiness with the rock makes his difficult for defenders to slow him down inside.

Eric Pachall Forward (The City)- Eric showed once again he can hit the outside shot and score inside. It was an easy day Paschall and company but he did begin the game with a spark. This kid has a lot of good tools.

Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (The City)- Wolfie played some inspired ball before the game got out of reach. He created a few opportunities for his teammates while controlling the rock . He also dropped a couple of buckets himself.

Billy Clark Guard (Team Underrated)- There wasn’t much scoring from his squad but I did see a couple of things in Clark’s game that caught my attention. I like how he handles the pill and a few of the crisp moves he made going towards the cup.

Diary Of A Baller: Jordan Forehand Entry #17

Hello Basketball World!

It's your boy Jordan. Another busy basketball week.

It began at the University of Virginia where I attended the Tony Bennett Basketball School Elite Camp. It was a two day camp and it had a lot of good players from different parts of the country. The ball playing was intense as everybody was trying to showcase their talents...including yours truly! Many of the players that I played against were 15-17 years old. Several of the coaches were surprised that I was still 14 and would not turn 15 until November. I took that as a complement. I enjoy playing up in age because you can really test your abilities that way. I later took an unofficial tour of the campus. I loved everything about it!

I also got the opportunity to stop by the University of Maryland and I took an unofficial tour of the campus. It was also very nice. During this summer, I have also visited the campuses of Providence College and Villanova. Visiting these schools has increased my determination to do well in school and to keep working on my game. God willing, I would love the opportunity to play at this level.

I read an article in the USA Today about two highly recruited players, Brandon Knight and Harrison Barnes. Not only are they highly ranked, Brandon has a 4.0 GPA and Harrison has a 3.4 GPA. My parents say that an athlete with brains can write his ticket to any college they choose. I think a lot of players think that it is not cool to be smart too. Everybody will not make the NBA. Those who do not will need to have a good education to be successful in life. If basketball can get you into college make sure you use it to your advantage...athletically and academically.

My other 15U team, the Greenburgh Kings, participated in the Boo Williams tournament down in Hampton, Virginia. We advanced out of our bracket, but lost to a team from Hampton by 5 in the semi-finals. Thecompetition was pretty good. The guards down there all play like a fellow Hamptonian, Mr. Allen Iverson. I also got the chance to visit the campus of Hampton University. It is also a very beautiful campus that sits right by the water and is filled with a lot of history. Booker T. Washington actually attended Hampton as well as my father.

On Tuesday, I am leaving to go to San Diego, California for the Adidas Phenom camp. I am really looking forward to this camp. It should be alot of fun and should be very competitive. Some of my friends John Hodge, Alex Perlman, Tyler Weeks and Cody Jenkins are also going to this camp. Should be a lot of fun!

More upcoming events for me will be:

14U Nationals in Orlando, Florida, July 31 - Aug 8
15U Nationals in Clarksville, Tennessee, July 11 - 16
Las Vegas events running from July 21 - 31

A lot of basketball left!!

J4-Out!!
11-17-94

Game Over Classic 13U Recap: Juice All Stars Pour It On!

Juice All Stars Cruise To Crown

Isiah Whitehead scored a game high 22 points as the Juice All Stars ran past Playaz Basketball Club 65-28 to win the Game Over Classic 13U Championship. Juwuan Carter finished with 8 points for the Playaz in the loss.

Spotlight Players

Isiah Whitehead Forward (Juice All Stars)- I haven’t seen Whitehead since Funsport and I was very impressed. The athletic wing is very smooth and excels in transition. He has an unconventional release on his outside but it was definitely dropping. I heard the Lance Stephenson comparisons and can understand them to a point. One difference I do see is that Isiah can be a huge factor in the game without dominating the rock. I also like the way he seems to enjoy dishing the rock to teammates. Hopefully I will get to catch him in a more competitive contest.

Thomas Holley Forward (Juice All Stars)- The inside force seems to have trimmed up a little which is important because the opposition will become more athletic this year at the Nationals. I love his willingness to attack the glass for boards and put backs. He will be a vital part of their run in Memphis.

Chance Ellis Forward (Juice All Stars)- This kid has a beautiful stroke from the perimeter which allows him to stretch the defense. He shoots the rock with great confidence especially from behind the arc. He seemed to be hobbling while running the floor hopefully it’s something minor and he will be ready to go when the plane takes off for Memphis.

Anthony Williams Guard (Juice All Stars)- This was my first look at Williams and I like his size running the point. Once you hit the 13U age group having a big guard is a must if you want to make a serious run at the title. Williams has good court vision and the athleticism to make big plays.

Juwuan Carter Guard (Playaz)- Carter made some good moves towards the basket and hit a couple of high arching outside shots. I like the fact that he played buzzer to buzzer even though the game was out of reach.

Coming Soon: Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic

Basketball Spotlight will be bringing together the top 24 8th Graders in the region for the Inaugural Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic. This event was created to commemorate the success of the selected players before they go off to high school. Player selection will be totally the job of the committee and they will be dedicated to being very fair in the process. Stay tune for more details.