Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight circuit has come to an end and our Grand Finale Champions have been crowned. Here’s our breakdown of the Top 10 teams. Please remember these rankings are only our opinion and should be taken as such.

Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

1. King Street Kings: KSK ran through the MDC and Grand Finale in impressive fashion. They have the size and talent to make a deep run in Hampton. Basketball Spotlight will be in the building for that one.

2. DC Assault: DCA finished off their year in good fashion and might crash the party at the AAU Nationals. They are definitely stacked.

3. Team IZOD: The Fly Guys have been stumbling lately after starting the season on fire. Hopefully they can get their swag back before reaching Hampton, VA.

4. Wall 2 Wall: Wall 2 Wall talked the talk as they made it to the finals of the MDC. It would have been interesting to see them in the Grand Finale but we will get a chance to watch them in the AAU Nationals.

5. Maryland Scholars: MS made it to the final four of the MDC. They will take their tough Potomac Valley style down to Hampton to make noise.

6. ECE: They made it to the Grand Finale after cruising past the “Fly Guys” in the semifinals. They put together a decent season and we look forward to seeing them next year.

7. Playtime Panthers: PP showed the grit by making to the Grand Finale Final Four. The Green and Black will be taking their hustling style to the Nationals in Hampton.

8. Mass Shooting Stars: I like what this group brought to the table this year. Hopefully they can build off of this before facing national competition in Hampton.

9. New Rens: NR got things together while making it to the Final Four of the MDC. We will be definitely watching them down at Hampton.

10. Riverside Hawks: RH will be headed to the AAU Nationals trying to return to the Final Four. They have some quality pieces and a great coach.

Basketball Spotlight 11U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight circuit has come to an end and our Grand Finale Champions have been crowned. Here’s our breakdown of the Top 10 teams. Please remember these rankings are only our opinion and should be taken as such.

Basketball Spotlight 11U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

1. Team Nelson: TN defeated rival ECE-NJABC to win the Grand Finale crown. Now they are at the 5th Grade Nationals and will be looking to improve on their #9 ranking from last year.

2. ECE-NJABC: NJABC went most of the season at the #1 spot and still have a chance to return if they have a deep run in Cocoa Beach. They had a very successful 2011-12 campaign.

3. Playtime Panthers: PP fell short during the Grand Finale but still has the pieces to make something happen at the Nationals. We will be watching them closely.

4. PV Select: The Potomac Valley combination of DC Assault and Team Takeover has created shock waves through the East Coast.

5. New Heights: NH finished off a good season and we wish them well at the AAU Nationals. I think this team will be a problem for opponents in years to come.

6. CJ Hawks: The Hawks have the capability to perform against any competition. The AAU Nationals will be a true test.

7. New Rens: They made the most of their Spotlight appearances. Hopefully if they are attending the AAU Nationals they will perform on a high level.

8. KSK: KSK won the MDC Blue Division crown so they will have something to build upon. Can’t wait to see them next season.

9. Team Rebels: The Rebels are tough crew and hopefully next season they will have everything clicking and show their real potential.

10. Mid Jersey Mavericks: MJM is a team that surprised us at the AC Showcase. Next season they will definitely be thrown into the fire.

Luther Muhammad Season Highlights

Luther Muhammad (KSK)

Luther Muhammad moved to King Street Kings this season and went straight to work. He grew very comfortable on the perimeter and proved to be a valuable playmaker. His play helped KSK win the Clash For The Cup, MDC and the Grand Finale Crown. He’s currently one of the front runners for 12U Player Of The Year. Check out his highlights from the season.

In The Spotlight: BJ Mack (Charlotte, NC)

Name: BJ Mack

AAU Team: CBC (NC)

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Analysis: BJ Mack had a ways to go when we saw him last year. He is significantly closer to getting there now! The big fella has improved post footwork and much better stamina than before. He is showing more maturity in how he moves around in the post and he has touch out to the elbow as well. He has yet to have a growth spurt and sports size 15 shoes- no doubt at 8th grade he will be among top post guys in SE.

"Big Talented" Reid Season Highlights

Nazereon "Big Talented" Reid (KSK)

Nazereon “Big Talented” Reid is perhaps the best prospect in his class throughout this region. Reid started the season with the NJ Shore Shots but ended up helping King Street Kings win the Grand Finale championship. He will be headed to the 6th Grade AAU Nationals in Hampton, VA and Basketball Spotlight will be definitely checking him out.

Kyrie Irving Challenges Kobe Bryant For $50,000

New Jersey native and NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving challenges Kobe Bryant to a 1 on 1 for $50,000. Listen as both NBA Players talk trash and state their case. Definitely a classic!

In The Spotlight: Drew Tuazama (NC Runnin Rebels)

Name: Drew Tuazama 

AAU Team: NC Runnin Rebels 

 Position: Forwards 

Class: 2018 

Analysis: 6'3 Drew Tuazama is an absolute man in the post. He defends with tenacity and shows enough meanness that guards think 3 times before attacking the lane. Drew has a soft touch out to 12ft and he scores in the post with power. Defensively, Tuazama will not let anyone walk through the lane without contact, including the refs. We watched him block multiple shots every game this weekend. His size 14+ shoes tell me he has 6'7+ in his future and we should keep our eyes on the Raleigh area prospect. We look forward to seeing him at the AAU Nationals in Hampton.

City League Hoops Presents: John Lucas Middle School Combine Mixtape

The John Lucas Middle School Combine took place this past May and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. We provided numerous profiles and recaps of this event. Now City League Hoops has sent us the video recap featuring some of the top ballers that made the trip to Houston.

Matthew Bullock J.E.M. All Star Classic Bound

Matthew Bullock (Elizabeth, NJ)  

Matthew Bullock of Elizabeth, NJ has been selected to attend the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Bullock starred with KSK this season on the Spotlight circuit while helping his team win the MDC Gold Ball. Bullock made All Tournament Team several times and has become one of the top recruits in the state of New Jersey. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place Saturday, August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tuned as we bring you more of the top players that have been selected to play in this exclusive event.

 

Atiba Taylor Season Highlights

Atiba Taylor (KSK)  

Atiba Taylor has turned in another great season while leading King Street Kings to the Grand Finale Championship. Now he has his sights set on the AAU Nationals in Hampton, Virginia. Taylor has to be considered one of the top guards in the country. Check out his season highlights including Basketball Spotlight events.

 

Introducing 4th Grade Baby Baller Prodigy (Mike Miles)

There always seems to be a new point guard prodigy coming along. I can still remember when the Justin Jenifer story first broke about this amazing 10 year old from Baltimore, Maryland. Now word out of Texas is that this youngster Mike Miles will be the next great one. Check out some of his work and I must say this baby baller does have some flair.

Video Profile: Khalief Crawford (Linden, NJ)

Name: Khalief Crawford 

Hometown: Linden, NJ 

Position: Combo Guard 

Class: 2017 

Analysis: Crawford came into the season with something to prove and he delivered. Khalief shined for Linden Middle School and for St. Michaels AAU squad. He’s a combo guard with good size and crazy shooting range. His smoothness will be something that scouts like down the road. Check out his highlights from his middle school season.

 

Vaughn Covington Selected For J.E.M. All Star Classic

Vaughn Covington (Sicklerville, NJ)  

Vaughn Covington of Sicklerville, NJ has been chosen to participant in the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Covington has starred for Team Final this at several Spotlight events including the Clash For The Cup and Memorial Day Classic. Vaughn was very pleased with his selection, “I am grateful for the opportunity to play in the J.E.M. Classic and compete against the best players from the Spotlight tournaments. It’s cool to be a part of the history and paying tribute to the memory of Mrs. Melton” he finished. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place Saturday August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tuned as we bring you more top players that have been selected to this exclusive event. 

 

"Kid Mamba" Battle Romps At Hoop Scoop All American

Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ)

The Inaugural Hoop Scoop All American Camp took place in Louisville, KY and featured some of the top players in the country. When it was all said and done Tyus “Kid Mamba” Battle finished as the #1 player in the Class of 2016. Hoop Scoop editor Clark Francis also labeled Battle as the Most Promising Prospect of the Class of 2016. Congratulations to Tyus for this accomplishment and remember to keep working hard. The top 5 players from each class are listed below.

Class Of 2016
1. Tyus Battle (Edison, NJ)
2. Mario Kegler (Jackson, MS)
3. Derryck Thornton (Los Ángeles, CA)
4. Braxton Blackwell (Nashville, TN)
5. Yilden Mendoza (Jackson, MS)

Class Of 2017
1. Cody Riley (Los Ángeles, CA)
2. Remy Martin (Los Ángeles, CA)
3. Devearl Ramsey (Los Angeles, CA)
4. DeAndre Ayton (San Diego, CA)
5. Devin Clyburn (New York, NY)

(Rankings were compiled by Brick Oettinger Of Prep Stars)

Joe Hampton Headed To J.E.M. All Star Classic

Joe Hampton (Hyattsville, MD)  

Joe Hampton of Hyattsville, Maryland has been chosen to participate in the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Hampton has been a dominant force on the Basketball Spotlight circuit for years. He spent this past season helping DC Assault win numerous titles including the Clash For The Cup. He collected All Tournament Team Honors at the Clash For The Cup and Tip Off Classic. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tuned as we bring you more top players selected to this exclusive event. 

 

Rodney Miller Selected For J.E.M. All Star Classic

Rodney Miller (Queens, NY)  

Rodney Miller of Queens, NY has been selected to play in the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Miller played in the Grand Finale Tip Off Classic with New Rens. He also starred with the NJ Playaz and Riverside Hawks on the AAU Circuit. Most recently he dominated play at the John Lucas Camp in Houston, TX. He finished as one of the top prospects in the camp. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place Saturday August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tuned as we bring you more players selected to this exclusive event.

 

Temple Gibbs AKA Blue Print 3

 
Since his brothers Ashton and Sterling made it to big time Division 1, Temple has to be called the Blueprint 3. BP3 went to work this season and finished his Spotlight campaign off leading Team Scan to the Grand Finale Championship. Check out his work at the Grand Finale.

Class of 2016 Studs Shine At Fab Frosh Camp

 
The Fab Frosh Camp took place at the end of June in Atlanta, Georgia and was loaded with talent. Check out the highlights from this event that featured some of the top Class of 2016 players in America. The video appears courtesy of Court Cred.

Introducing Gavin Schoenwald (Nashville, TN)

Gavin Schoenwald (Nashville, TN)  

Gavin Schoenwald has been a dominant force in his age group for the last few years. He starred for We All Can Go All Stars last season as they won the AAU 5th Grade National Title. This year he finished as the #1 player at John Lucas Camp in Las Vegas. Some say he’s #1 in the 2018 but we will see when we see him at the 6th Grade AAU Nationals. 

 

Diary Of A Baller: Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ) Entry #44

What's up basketball world? 

It has been a great week full of basketball, fun and family. I must say my dad and I have been working really hard to improve my game. Lately my brother has been working hard as well. He has so much talent and he is starting to grow a lot also. My dad has implemented mandatory 2 a days for the remainder of the summer and that has been very challenging. 

Monday we went to the gym early and shot 500 jump shots and I could not miss. We do a drill from 10 feet out to 20 feet where my dad requires that my brother and I make at least 7 out of 10 or we have to do a sprints until we make at least 70 shots from each key spot on the court. My brother shot it really well also. I sometimes cannot believe how well my brother shoots the ball for someone who could put more effort in. He is getting better and better each day but I feel l like he could work a lot harder at the game. My dad says he has been around it for so long that he just picks things up just from being in the gym. I guess he still works harder than most, just not me. I want to be the hardest working kid in the world. I really love being in the gym, especially with my dad. 

Tuesday I worked out with Eric, former assistant coach at Saint Pat's NJ and current assistant at Mount Verde in Florida. My dad loves how he works with me and so do I. Coach Eric is very detailed oriented and demands my best. He really challenges me to stay low and to explode on moves. I was always so tired after we worked for 2 hours but it was a good feeling. After working hard with Eric my dad and I hit the weights and did some band work. Dad seemed a little tired today but I did not say anything because I know he works so hard in and out of the house. He always calls me a full time job but I know he puts in work to pay the bills also. He and my step mom provide a great life for us and my mom does also. 

Wednesday morning was a blur. I guess because I get to eat and I go back to sleep. Dad was in NYC with a client and Khalif was at camp at US Hoops while little GiGi was at daycare. I slept to 1 o'clock because I was up a little late and my body was really tired from the Monday and Tuesday workouts. My dad does not get home until late so I chill for while surfing the net and talking to my friends. After getting tired of sitting around I begin working on my body with the new Rack my dad purchased for me for 8th grade graduation. I love the Rack and asked my dad for it an entire year before he gave it to me. Later that night, my dad and I went to the gym and did ball-handling drills for 2 hours. 1 ball, 2 balls and some back to basics drills my dad is on me about all the time. 

Thursday I went to US Hoops and worked with the Justin, Jordan and a Division 3 kid who was so strong and could jump so high, I could not believe he was a D 3 player. Rich and my dad always say there are great players on every level. The guy was at least 20 years old and he dunked on me once or twice. My dad was watching for that game. Lucky me, he yelled to me to pick it up. I handled the kid better the next 2 games even blocked and changed a few of his shots. Thursday night after dinner I went to the gym, my dad and I worked hard on ball handling and shooting. We even played about 25 games of 1-1 alternating with a few guys in the gym. My dad played also and he did he did pretty well I must say. Like my brother, he never stops talking when he plays. 

Friday was a light day because, although I still got shots up and lifted before I played summer league game at Rahway High School. I played well and we blew the team out. After the game I shot around for 30 minutes because I missed a few shots I wish I could have made. My dad wanted to leave so we went home. 

Saturday I handled, lifted and went for a run and on Sunday I shot 500 shots and reviewed dribble moves before my flight to Louisville, Kentucky. While in Louisville, I attended the Hoopscoop All-American run by Clark Francis. Mr. Francis invited me to attend and I was excited to go. The camp was really good. I love the drills and skills and the games were a lot of fun and really competitive. I got a chance to play against some of the best in the country like Derryck Thorton and Codey Riley from California. I also played with some great players also, especially point guard Loren Jackson from IMG Academy in Florida. Wow he can go! Thanks Mr. Francis for a great camp! 

This is Tyus Battle signing off!