Paul Gripper has coached some top guards in his time including former Villanova star and current Philadelphia 76er Malik Wayns. Now Gripper returns with his latest backcourt stud by the name of Zahree Harrison AKA Boy Wonder. Harrison runs the show for Team Phenom 5th Grade squad that has won several tournaments and made it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. Harrison also impressed with his play at John Lucas Camp back in September.
Gripper feels that Boy Wonder has the tools to be next in a long list of top guards coming out of Philly. “I think he’s smaller version of Malik Wayns but with a better outside shot at this age. He needs to increase his on the ball defense and speed when pushing the rock. If he continues to develop his athleticism he has a chance to be one of the better ones down the road” said Gripper.
Basketball Spotlight will be keeping an eye on Boy Wonder as he will join his squad at the Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup. Stay tuned as we bring you more top young talent on the horizon.
Damon Harge has been a name to know on the camp circuit for years. The North Carolina product is currently playing high school basketball as a 7th Grader. Check out some of his highlights from this past summer.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 8th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. CBC: While others talked the “Money Team” came to the Tip Off and took home the title. They survived a hard fought championship game versus Team Takeover. We will probably see them again at the AC Showcase.
2. Team Takeover: TT did damage during the Tip Off Classic before eventually losing in the finals to CBC. They came to play and knocked off some impressive teams in route to their championship loss.
3. Playaz: PBC moves up after making a final four trip during the Tip Off Classic. They have one of the best scoring guards in the region and he gives them a chance to win any game.
4. New Heights: NH made a big jump after making it to the final four of a Tip Off Classic. They have star studded roster but work very well together.
5. DC Assault: DCA got tripped up in pool play by New Heights but we feel they will be looking to make a push at the Clash. They got some great pieces so they will be big return in Feb.
6. Team Final: TF had a less than expected weekend. They took pool play losses to PYO and Playaz moved them down a few spaces.
7. St. Michaels: SM aka Team IZOD showed some good signs at the Tip Off Classic. I think they will make a strong run during the Clash.
8. CIA Bounce: The Bounce took a tough loss to Team Takeover. So they have said they will not leave the Clash without the Cup.
9. Expressions: The X went 1-2 but they did have a tough pool. We expect them to have a better showing at the Clash.
10. Jersey City Boys Club: JCBC has the hunger to make some noise. They are in the Top 10 but can they stay there?
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 7th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Team IZOD: The Supreme Team takes over the #1 spot after winning the Tip Off Classic impressively. They faced some tough competition and left with the title. Right now they are the favorite to win the Grand Finale crown. They will be in action again at the Clash For The Cup.
2. DC Assault: DCA hasn't got underway yet because of school ball. Hopefully we will get a look them at a tournament in the near future.
3. Wall 2 Wall: A trip to the Tip Off Classic finals makes this squad look legit. They have a good chance of taking home the MLK crown before heading into the heated Clash.
4. Playtime: PP looked impressive at the Tip Off Classic with a final four appearance. They have an improved squad and should be a force to reckon with this year.
5. CIA Bounce: Bounce had a final four run which ended with a classic battle with Team IZOD. CB will be looking for some revenge at the Clash For The Cup.
6. Metro Sixers: MS made a good run at the Tip Off Classic. They lost a tough battle to CIA Bounce and will be looking to rebound at the Clash.
7. New Rens: NR dropped a few spots after and 1-2 weekend at the Tip Off Classic. We know they are a better team than they showed. We haven’t seen the last of them.
8. Mass Shooting Stars: The undermanned MSS took a tough hit the Tip Off Classic. They are anxious to get back in action at the Clash and prove they are among the best.
9. ECE: East Coast Elite had tough treading at the Tip Off Classic. They were missing some bodies so we will give them another chance to prove themselves at the Clash.
10. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors made their debut and left with some impressive wins. They will be back at it during the Clash.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 6th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Team IZOD: The newly formed clan won the Tip Off Classic in impressive fashion. They are the early favorite to win the Grand Finale title. We will see them again at the Clash For The Cup. 2. Team Nelson: Nelson will see the first Spotlight action at the MLK Classic. This will be a great tune up for them before entering the Clash For The Cup.
3. ETU Select: The Potomac Valley crew made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic and will be returning for the Clash For The Cup. I still think this is a dangerous squad.
4. Metro Flyers: Metro Flyers made their Spotlight debut and made it to the championship. It was a great opening appearance for this bunch.
5. Diamonds In A Rough: DEMI made a semifinal run their first time out. Hopefully we get to see them again soon.
6. CJ Hawks: The Hawks had a decent showing with a couple of new faces. They will have another shot at it during the Clash For The Cup.
7. New Heights: NH made it to the quarterfinals of the Tip Off Classic. They are registered to attend the Clash For The Cup in February.
8. CIA Bounce: The Boys from Canada got their first taste of the Spotlight and made it to the quarterfinals. They vow to have a better showing at the Clash.
9. MJ Mavericks: The Mavs had a tough pool featuring the two teams that made it to the championship. They will have a chance to show they can hang during the Clash.
10. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors made it to the championship of the Blue Division. They made a good first impression.
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 5th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Gauchos: The Pride of the Bronx came to the Tip Off Classic and took home the crown. They have a unique bunch and an experienced coach. Therefore don’t expect them to fall off anytime soon.
2. Team Glory: TG made their Spotlight debut and got all the way to the finals. I don’t think it will be long before they are snapping a picture in front of the banner.
3. RIP City: We haven’t checked them out yet this season but they were so dominant last year that we had to give them some praise. Hopefully we will get them in the fire soon.
4. Team Phenom: Gripper’s young cubs have been ripping it up during the preseason and made it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. Next on deck for them will be the Clash For The Cup.
5. CJ Hawks: Last season the Hawks represented well this year seems to be no let up as they made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. They will take another shot at it during the Clash For The Cup.
6. DC Assault: DCA also proved to have a good 4th Grade squad last year. Hopefully we can get a glimpse of what they are working with this time around.
7. Team Takeover (Gorham): TT didn’t have their best showing at the Tip Off Classic but with former Coach Of The Year Ryan Gorham at controls its only a matter of time before they get things together.
8. On Point Cyclones: OPC brought made some strides at the Tip Off Classic they are a feisty bunch and can’t be taken lightly.
9. Team Takeover: The other Takeover squad had a tough time in their Spotlight debut. Hopefully they can rebound next time around.
10. NYC Rise Panthers: Kats bunch also had a tough time in the shark tank. But he is known to develop some top young talent so don’t close the book on them yet.
Gauchos Return To Glory! The Gauchos knocked off Team Glory to win the 5th Grade Tip Off Championship. Some thought the Choz program was in trouble after last year. But this youth movement sends a message that the Choz aren’t going anywhere. They will be around for a while.
Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Rodney Bailey (Gauchos) Robert Davis Jr. (Gauchos) Daniel Nixon (Gauchos) Damorcos Wotson (Gauchos) Dominguez Stevens (Team Glory) Jomo Goings (Team Glory) Darius Miles (Team Glory) Zion Harmon (Team Glory) Zahree Harrison (Team Phenom) Glenn Sabb (Team Phenom) Dymire Baez (Team Phenom) Richie Greaves (CJ Hawks) Joe Manfredi (CJ Hawks) Malcolm Britt (CJ Hawks)
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic has moved from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. We at Basketball Spotlight are happy to be doing our first event in the Quaker State. Teams interested in registering can use the link below. This inaugural MLK Classic will only take a limited amount of teams.
Event: MLK Classic Date: January 19th and 20th 2013 Place: Chichester, Pennsylvania Cost: $300.00 (Per Team) Ages: 6th Grade, 7th Grade and 8th Grade
Team IZOD Ready To Go! Team IZOD 6th Grade came to the Tip Off Classic with a statement to make. They proved their point by mercy ruling each opponent until the finals where they won by double digits. This squad has brought together some of the top 6th Graders in the region and seem to be on a mission to win the Grand Finale crown and AAU National title.
Team Nelson Waiting In The Wing! The reigning Grand Finale Champs Team Nelson missed the Tip Off Classic because of football commitments but they are ready to make their debut at the Clash. Many including myself would love to see them tangle with Team IZOD. Maybe will get this see this showdown very soon!
Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team AJ Hoggard (Team IZOD) Jalen Gaffney (Team IZOD) Jordan McKoy (Team IZOD) Marc Bruce (Team IZOD) Jagger Zrada (Team IZOD) John Wilson (Team First) Josh Pierre Louis (Team First) Spence Curto (New Heights) Ed Sanchez (New Heights) Dajuan Piper (New Heights) Jalen Echevarris (DEMI) Khalif Battle (CJ Hawks) Alex Klatsky (CJ Hawks) Antione Bryan (CJ Hawks)
Supreme Team Gets Taste Of Success Team IZOD aka “Supreme Team” got a taste of life when a target his on your back. They were pushed to the limit a few (ECE and Wall 2 Wall) before pulling out the wins. Now moving forward they must understand that teams are motivated to beat them every time they step on the floor. I guess it’s not all fun and games when you at the top.
Wall Closing In? Last season I got a phone from the director of Wall 2 Wall claiming they were the new program to watch. I challenged them by putting them in the Blue Division during the AC Showcase. W2W responded with that championship. Next they went to the MDC and made it to the finals. Now they made a return trip to the championship of the Tip Off Classic. It seems to be only a matter of time that they will be holding a banner.
Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Javon Quinerly (Team IZOD) Atiba Taylor (Team IZOD) Luther Muhammad (Team IZOD) Jalen Brooks (Team IZOD) Nazreon Reid (Team IZOD) Shackquille Dezonie (Wall 2 Wall) Alex Serrano (Wall 2 Wall) Aidan Ellwood (Wall 2 Wall) Mikey Esquillin (Wall 2 Wall) Mikey Watkins (Playtime) Razeyah Surrell (Playtime) Danilo Djuricic (CIA Bounce) Ignas Brazdeikis (CIA Bounce)
CBC Off And Rolling! The “Money Team” felt like they have unfinished business after losing the Grand Finale title last season. So they started off this season with a vengeance. They ran through the Tip Off Classic while defeating a tough Team Takeover squad in the finals. Now they must continue on their successful quest if they want to bring home the title.
One and Done! After the Tip Off Classic Tristan Patterson of CBC and Trevon Duval of Team Final both decided to leave their programs and jump over to Team IZOD. Apparently Team IZOD has now stretched out into Delaware and both players want to join their former coach.
Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Jermain Samuels (CBC) Jaecee Martin (CBC) Chaylynn Martin (CBC) Tristan Patterson (CBC) DJ Mitchell (Team Takeover) Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover) Andre Boykin (Team Takeover) Quinton Drayton (Team Takeover) Jamir Harris (Playaz) Marcus McClary (Playaz) Leondre Washington (Playaz) Mike Burnett (New Heights) Hayes Kelcher (New Heights) Chris Coalman (New Heights)
Hello basketball world. I’m back to tell you guys about my week.
On Monday and Tuesday I had a lot of studying to do and I had no practices. So the first two days of the week were pretty much a break for me, with a few ball handling workouts.
On Wednesday I shadowed at The Haverford School. I really had a great time learning more about this school and the education they provide there is fantastic. After the school day, I watched Haverford play their first game of the season against The Shipley School. It was cool to see two of the schools that have a lot of interest in me play against each other. Both teams played pretty well. And I was able to get to know how each coach runs their team. My Mom jokingly told the coaches that whoever wins the game would be my choice of school. I wish it were that easy. Trying to decide where to attend high school next year is really hard. There are so many good schools and the coaches I have met are fantastic. My family and I will continue to pray as to where I should go next year.
The Clash For The Cup is coming Feb. 2nd and 3rd. As said earlier we are only taking a limited amount of teams. Below are teams that have currently set to attend this event. Once we reach the maximum number the tournament will be locked up.
8th Grade Division 1. Team Final 2. New Heights 3. Expressions 4. Black Mamba’s 5. St. Michaels/Team IZOD 6. DC Assault 7. Morris Magic 8. CIA Bounce 9. CBC 10. The Connection 11. Playaz 12. 6th Man Warriors Closed
7th Grade Division 1. Team IZOD 2. ECE 3. Metro Sixers 4. New Heights 5. Team Final 6. Playaz 7. Gauchos 8. 6th Man Warriors 9. Riverside Hawks 10. NJ Shore Shots 11.CIA Bounce 12. Mass Shooting Stars Closed
6th Grade Division 1. Team IZOD 2. Team Nelson 3. MJ Mavericks 4.New Heights 5. ETU Select 6. 6th Man Warriors 7. CIA Bounce (Black) 8. WPC Elite 9. Team First 10. Team Takeover (Black) 11. CIA Bounce (Red) 12. Gauchos 13. Team Final 14. NWK 15. Philly Pride 16. RJS 17. 18. 19. 20.
5th Grade Division 1. Team Glory 2. CJ Hawks 3. NWK 4. Team Phenom 5. Diamonds In A Rough 6. NJ Shore Shots 7. ON Point Cyclones 8.
Breakdown: Burnett who also missed the photo shoot has been one of the most underrated players in the region for years. Maybe it’s because his game is way more substance than flair. The big guard brought out the best this weekend as he helped New Heights reach the final four. He’s no longer underground now he’s on full blast.
Breakdown: Missing the photo shoot was the only reason Kelcher wasn’t in the Top Performer write up. The forward was spectacular this weekend while leading New Heights into the final four. He averaged double figure points and rebounds and had his best game against pool favorite DC Assault. He punished the Potomac Valley squad over 20 points. They had no answer for him.
Team IZOD aka The “Supreme Team” has been the talk of the town since they formed up. Many people had questions about this union. Can it last? Are there enough basketballs? Can the parents handle it? Can they win the National title? Now B3 Sports Entertainment will give you a chance to see inside this group and follow them on their journey in their no holds barred reality webisode entitled “The Supreme Life”. Stay Tuned.
The Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division took place at Georgian Court University but Basketball Spotlight scout Randy D. Smith was in the building. Here’s his final report from the 6th Grade level.
Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3
Jahmir Young Guard (ETU Select)- Excellent on or off the ball, this young dynamic point guard has everything it takes to get the job done. It will be no time before he becomes a house hold name.
Carlo Joyner Forward (Brooklyn Kings)- Joyner was a rebound machine this weekend. He’s far physically superior than the opponents he faced. He carved out room in the paint and gobbled up rebounds like Pac Man ate power pellets. Reminds me of a young Reggie Evans that can finish around the rim.
Khalid Mayo Guard (Brooklyn Kings)- Mayo is what each team needs. He can be a point guard, scoring guard or a rebounder. He’s like the perfect condiment on any sandwich. Just add the mayo and it makes everything better.
Posh Alexander Guard (Brooklyn Kings)- The classic NYC point guard can dribble through NYC traffic with the president in town. He’s fearless going to the cup with the upper body strength to finish over bigger defenders.
Bryce Wills Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Wills as the wingspan of someone that is about 6’5 and scores from anywhere on the floor. On defense he lived in the passing lanes. Once this kids body catches up with his BBIQ it’s going to be lights out.
Joel Brown Guard (CIA Bounce)-Brown is dynamic with the ball in his hands. This versatile guard can get it done from both guard positions. He possesses good court vision and an outside shot to compliment. When you think of Canadian basketball Steve Nash usually comes to mind but Joel Brown might be the name of the future.
Tah Jai Watters Guard (CIA Bounce)- Watters is a fast paced guard who pushes the tempo as well as his team. He motivates his teammates with his hard play. He’s a fearless penetrator that can get himself going or make life easier for his teammates.
6th Grade Top Performers Part 2
The Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division took place at Georgian Court University but Basketball Spotlight scout Randy D. Smith was in the building. Here’s his second report from the 6th Grade level.
Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers
Tyler Brelsford Guard (ETU Select)- Brelsford is a crafty point guard with lightning quick speed and a ball handle that gets him anywhere on the floor. He does an excellent job of penetrating the lane and finding open teammates.
John Wilson Guard (Team First)- Wilson is made in the mode of traditional NYC point guards. He possesses terrific ball handling with a lot of flare and flash but his substance is what really stands out. He could run my team any day.
Eddie Davis Guard (New Heights)- Davis is an excellent on ball defender. The steady point guard gives the team a calming demeanor once he is in the game. He’s very coachable and able to adjust to the game easily.
RJ Weise Guard (MJ Mavericks)- This floor general is like the coach on the floor. He has a mature approach to the game, soft outside shot and ability to get to the rim. I see some good things in his future.
Joe Baloachino Guard (MJ Mavericks)- Joe has a pure ratchet from the perimeter. He plays both guard spots well and should round out to be a pretty good high school player.
Tay Allen Guard (6th Man Warriors)- Allen is a versatile player who can play a multitude of positions. He has great body control and can absorb contact before he finishes at the rim. His excellent handle allows him to get into the lane and use his midrange floater.
Jalen Echevarris Guard (DEMI)- Jalen is the inspirational leader for this squad. The gritty guard is an extension of the coach on the floor. He keeps his squad focused while running the team.
The Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division took place at Georgian Court University but Basketball Spotlight scout Randy D. Smith was in the building. Here’s his report from the 6th Grade level.
6th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Jalen Gaffney Guard (Team IZOD)- Smooth is what I call this kid whether he is playing on or off the ball. Young Mr. Gaffney is polished at getting his teammates involved or taking matters into his own hands. He’s a very heady player with a tremendous basketball IQ.
Khalif Battle Guard (CJ Hawks)- What can I say about Mr. Battle that hasn’t already been said about his older brother. To sum it up one word “Natural”. He’s a natural scorer, natural ball handler, natural leader and natural winner. I see this kid manning a high school state championship team in the future.
AJ Hoggard Guard (Team IZOD)- True point guard in every sense of the word. He can run any offense the coach wants. He makes the game look very easy. His feel for the game is a long way above his age group.
Antoine Bryan Forward (CJ Hawks)- He’s a versatile, long, rangy kid who can do all from about three positions. Once his body fills out this kid will score the rock from anywhere on the court and defend four positions.
Jordan McKoy Guard (Team IZOD)- “The Real” McKoy was the leading scorer in the championship game and proved once again to be one of the smoothest players on this grade level in the country. We expect him to blossom with this group.
Alex Klatsky Guard (CJ Hawks)- Good floor leader with a coaches kid basketball IQ. He’s very vocal on the court and gets teammates in best position to execute on every possession.
Chris Autino Forward (CJ Hawks)- Chris has good hands around the basket with the power and touch to finish over smaller defenders. He has a very good set shot in the mode of a young Tyler Zeller. Great feel for the game.
