Basketball Spotlight Top 5 5th and 4th Grade Teams Presented By AGame Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight season is still young so therefore we decided to start the 4th and 5th Grade rankings with just the Top 5. We will be expanded to 10 teams in the near future. 

Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 5` Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. S Elite: S Elite came in from Canada and surprised the field by winning the title. They have the size to remain on top. 

2. Gauchos: The Choz made it to the finals where they fell to S Elite. The Bronx squad is here to stay. 

3. Team Glory: TG made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. They are always a threat to win it all. 

4. Hilltoppers Heat: The North Jersey squad lost to S Elite in the semifinals. Now they will be looking to move up. 

5. Playtime Panthers: PP made a good run at the Tip Off Classic. They seem to be back in the mix.  

Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade Top 5` Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Riverside Hawks: RH made their name known as they won the Tip Off Classic. They are trying to bring back the glory days when they ran NY. 

2. Gauchos: The Choz made a finals run at the Tip Off Classic. Their historic rivalry against Riverside seems to be back. 

3. Boston Bobcats: This squad made their Spotlight debut and made it to the final four. Hopefully we will see them again soon. 

4. Hilltoppers Heat: HH made a strong run to the final four before losing to eventual champion Riverside Hawks. They are definitely in the mix. 

5. CJ Hawks: The Hawks have a talented bunch and we think they will be moving up. They have several tournaments to get it right.

Basketball Spotlight Top 10 6th Grade Teams Presented By AGame Team Apparel

Basketball Spotlight is proud to present our first Top 10 of the season. The Tip Off Classic is in the books and the results from that event helped us in this process. 

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Gauchos: The Choz won the Tip Off Classic and starts our list off in the #1 Spot. 

2. IZOD/KSK: This 6th Grade bunch finished runner up at the Tip Off Classic and should be able to push the Gauchos for that #1 spot. 

3. Team Glory: TG got bounced in the Elite 8 by Gauchos but we still feel they are relevant for this #3 spot. Hopefully they can stay up here. 

4. Team DEMI: The Boston boys made a final four run after some impressive wins. Welcome to the Top 5 fellas. 

5. On Point Rens: This group has always been a scrappy bunch and it paid off at the Tip Off Classic. They now can be regarded as a top notch team. 

6. NBA: NBA was absent from the Tip Off Classic. Hopefully we will see them soon. 

7. ESYC Elite: The Pennsylvania crew went 1-2 but they are still a threat. We can’t wait to see them again. 

8. Milbank: The Bank took went hard and took home the Blue Division crown. Now they must enter the land of the big boys in the Orange. 

9. Team Scan: TS challenged Milbank in the Blue Division Championship. They are also a up and coming bunch. 

10. Team Final: Final advanced to the Elite 8 in their first outing this season. We look forward to seeing them again soon.

Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic Draws Near!

The Basketball Spotlight MLK will be returning to Pennsylvania this season. Last year this event gave us a chance to check out some of the top talent in the Del-Val area. This is a very small event which means we will be able to pay close attention to the teams involved. We are only taking 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams for this event. 

MLK Committed Teams 

8th Grade 

1. Boston Spartans 

2. Maryland Scholars Sports

3. Team Final (Black)

4. KSK

5. Team 12

6. Hilltoppers Heat 

7. Pittsburgh Cavemen 

8. DC Blue Devils

7th Grade 

1. Team Nelson 

2. Team Final

3. MJ Mavericks 

4. PBC Boys Club

5. DC Blue Devils 

6. RJS

7. Team RIO National 

8. 

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

Basketball Spotlight is proud to present our first Top 10 of the season. The Tip Off Classic is in the books and the results from that event helped us in this process. 

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Team RIO National: Yes, the loaded squad ran through the Tip Off Classic. They have enough talent to make a run on the Spotlight Circuit and the AAU Nationals. This should be an exciting run with this group. 

2. Team Takeover: TT made a run to the finals but lost to RIO. They had a few impressive wins and should be able to push RIO to the limit.

3. Rens: Rens gave the champs their best challenge and they are a team no one really wants to see. They are capable over taking over the #1 spot. 

4. Team Nelson: We get our first look at Team Nelson during the MLK Classic. I’m anxious to see what they are working with this year. 

5. CIA Bounce: Bounce checks in at #5 after making it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. They could move up higher when the returns. 

6. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors started the Tip Off Classic on fire after running past Metro Flyers. This team is on the cusp and will be looking to jump into the Top 5. 

7. Metro Flyers: The Flyers started the Tip Off Classic slowly and didn’t advance out of the loaded pool. I’m sure they will rebound and eventually move up. 

8. Playaz: The Playaz ran into some tough sledding at the Tip Off Classic. Hopefully they can return to the elite status. 

9. Gauchos: The Choz made a great run and won the Orange Division Championship. 

10. MJ Mavericks: The Mavs always find a way to remain in the conversation and now sit at #10 on out list.

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

Basketball Spotlight is proud to present our first Top 10 of the season. The Tip Off Classic is in the books and the results from that event helped us in this process. 

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Playaz Basketball Club: The Playaz start the season with the #1 spot as they won the Loaded Tip Off Classic. They seem like a well-oiled machine right now. 

2. Team IZOD: IZOD fell short to the Playaz twice but I don’t think the book is closed on this squad. I expect them to be there when the smoke clears. 

3. Team Takeover: TT lost a close one to IZOD in the final four of the Tip Off Classic. Right now they are #3 but could move up in an instant. 

4. Team Final: Yes the surprise of the Tip Off Classic impressed us with their toughness. Now they must prove they can stay up here with the best. 

5. I 10 Celtics: The Cali team had two tough loses in the loaded White Division but we still feel they are a quality squad. 

6. Rens: The Rens had a tough time at the Tip Off Classic but rebounded to make it to the finals of Funsport. 

7. Team Scan: Team Scan came up short during the Tip Off Classic but I think they will make a turnaround quickly. Stay tuned! 

8. NC Runnin Rebels: The Rebels were undermanned at the Tip Off Classic. Hopefully we can see them soon fully stocked. 

9. SHA Elite: SHA Elite jumps into our Top 10 after winning the Tip Off Classic Orange Division crown. 

10. Team Twelve: Team Twelve made their Spotlight debut and made it to the finals of the Orange Division.

Playaz Dominate Again By Winning Funsport Championship!

Playaz Win Funsport Crown

The Playaz Basketball Club 8th Grade Team continued their dominance by winning the Funsport NYC Championship with 60-42 win over the Rens. Congrats to the #1 team in the region for another title added to their trophy shelf.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #4

Atiba and Andre Barrett

Wassup everyone, this is Atiba Taylor here to report in with my diary. On Mondays I was off but Tuesday and Wednesday I worked out hard with my trainer, Chris Brickley. Chris use to play for Louisville and now is the trainer for the NY Knicks and he’s helping me develop my game. We work on ball handling drills, shooting, form, balance, speed, mid-range jumpers, and much more. Chris pushes me to another level; we do a lot of conditioning while doing his drills so I’m usually beat after the workouts. One time Chris let me join his workout with the former Rice Raider, McDonald’s All American, Seton Hall star, and former NBA bound Andre Barrett from NYC. My dad told me he played against Barrett a few times in some AAU tournaments back in the day, he said Barrett was the Real Deal and I could learn a lot from him. Thursday my team was suppose to have practice but it got canceled. Friday was my last day of school before winter break; I cannot wait for Xmas to get here. I finished some projects and took a few tests so now I could relax from the classroom for a little bit. We went on a school trip to learn about the Holocaust, which was a terrible event. The movie left me in a lost for words and I really couldn’t understand why people treat others the way that they did back then and even in today’s world. 

After my field trip, I rushed home so my dad and I could make it to the Roselle Catholic vs. The Patrick School game. When we walked in and the gym was jammed packed; I mean the turnout was crazy! I can’t wait to play in that type of basketball environment next year. Roselle’s team is loaded with talent. Even though The Patrick School has a much younger team; Roselle won. The game was very exciting. 

Saturday and Sunday I went to practice. There were some new faces in the gym and that was a good thing. We worked on a lot of things that needed to be addressed from our first tournament. Once we get or chemistry back together we’ll be more than fine. I can’t wait till our next tournament because regardless where it is and who we play against IT’S A MUST WIN!!! 

After practice Sunday we went to watch Roselle Catholic vs. Teaneck and St. Anthony’s vs. Pope John at West Orange High School. West Orange HS hosts a showcase every year that a lot of teams play in but we only caught those two games. Roselle won big over Teaneck and St. Anthony’s was punishing Pope John so we left at halftime. 

Alright time to chill I’m waiting for my Mom get here tomorrow for the holiday so I’ll talk to ya next week…

Introducing Antwan January (LA Bobcats)

Antwan January is a 6'6 eighth grader from California who plays his AAU ball for the LA Bobcats. Antwan is the younger brother of Anthony January of Taft high school (Class of 2012) and he's showing signs of being a big time recruit himself. January runs the floor well, blocks everything around the rim, and hits the boards hard on both ends of the court. These highlights are from the X Factor Invitational and the CP3 Rising Stars National Camp.

Inside The Tip Off Classic 4th Grade: Riverside Hawks Time!

Riverside Hawks Rise

The 4th Grade Division of the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic gave a look into the future. These baby ballers really brought their game that weekend. Here’s a look inside this grade level. 

Riverside Hawks Returns? 
A few years ago a Riverside Hawk team finished 4th in the country and then the program went quiet again. Now this 4th Grade group made a tremendous run at the Tip Off Classic and seem to be bringing the Hawks back. It’s still early but this team knows how to take care of business. It would be good for the Metropolitan Region for the Hawks to return to Glory. 

Tip Off Classic 4th Grade All Tournament Team 
Kareem Rodriquez (Riverside Hawks) 
MJ Carothers (Riverside Hawks) 
Spencer Joyner (Riverside Hawks) 
Francisco Mattei (Riverside Hawks) 
Nick Paddila (Riverside Hawks) 
Jayden Lemond (CJ Hawks) 
Marcus Gaffney (CJ Hawks) 
Brandon Klatsky (CJ Hawks) 
Shyheim Odom (Boston Bobcats) 
Kendrick Diaz (Boston Bobcats) 
Louis Fay (Boston Bobcats) 
Jordan McClain (Boston Bobcats) 
Knasir McDaniel (Team Glory) 
Jay Johnson (Team Glory) 
Farrell Crowell (Team Glory)

One On One Feat: Cole "The Natural" Anthony (Rens)

Cole "The Natural" Anthony

Cole Anthony came into the season with a big name and bigger expectations. He stepped up big during the Tip Off Classic while helping the Rens advance to the final four. It seems as though defenses are having a tough time slowing down the kid from the Big Apple. Basketball seems to be second nature and he makes it look so easy that it's only right that was change his name to Cole "The Natural" Anthony. We had a chance to chat with "The Natural' and this is what he had to say. 

One On One 

BS: What's the best moment of your young AAU career? 
CA: Making it to the AAU D2 National Championship Finals in 2011. We lost in the chip but I learned a lot of lessons in defeat. Plus, I had a great time with my teammates. 

BS: How did it feel to see yourself on the big movie screen?  
CA: I liked seeing myself on the big screen in Little Ballers because it was nice to see how much I've matured since that time. 

BS: Whats your best moment at Basketball Spotlight? 
CA: Beating Metro Flyers because they had beaten us the last few times we played them. 

BS: What was your dream college? 
CA: Duke 

BS: Who would you regard as the toughest player you faced? 
CA: It's actually two which are the Langley Twins from Carolina Preps. 

BS: Do you feel any pressure to succeed because you have a father that played in the NBA?  
CA: No because I'm my own player. 

BS: What's the strongest assets of your game? 
CA: Attacking and scoring the ball. 

BS: What aspect of your game needs the most improving? 
CA: My ball handling can be improved. 

BS: If you can have dinner with one person in the world, whom would it be and why? 
CA: President Obama because he is an inspiration to me and he is the leader of the free world - I figure there is a lot I could learn from him. 

BS: Tell us something about you that we don't know. 
CA: A lot of people don't know I have a better j than my dad. 

BS: Give us one word to describe Basketball Spotlight. 
CA: Excellence!

Inside The Tip Off Classic 6th Grade: NYC Bonanza!

Gauchos Too Strong

The 6th Grade Division of the Tip Off Classic gave us a look into the future. There was some good talent in Long Branch/Neptune. Here a look into this age group. 

Big Apple Takeover! 
NYC made a splash in the 6th Grade Division. The Gauchos won the title and On Point Rens made the final four of the Orange Division. Meanwhile in the Blue Division Milbank defeated Team Scan to win the title. This must mean the NYC will be bringing the noise for the next few years. We will monitor these teams as the season progresses. 

Tip Off Classic 6th Grade All Tournament Team 
DJ Bailey (Gauchos)
RJ Davis (Gauchos)
DeMarco Watson (Gauchos)
CJ Robinson (Gauchos)
Malachi Smith (Gauchos)
Richie Greaves (KSK/IZOD) 
William White (KSK/IZOD) 
Zion Bethea (KSK/IZOD) 
Niels Lane (KSK/IZOD) 
Elijah Everett (KSK/IZOD) 
Abdias Carcamo (On Point Rens) 
Anaheim Young (On Point Rens) 
Adverse Mitchell (On Point Rens) 
Dandre Reed (Team Scan) 
Marcus Burnett (Team Scan) 
Terrell Jarvis (Team Scan)

Inside The Tip Off Classic 7th Grade: RIO, RIO, RIO

Team RIO National Grabs Tip Off Classic Title

The 7th Grade Division at the Tip Off Classic gave us a clear look into the talent of the Class of 2019. Here’s our inside look into this age group. 

Team RIO National Loaded! 
Team RIO National put together some serious talent and showed their true colors at the Tip Off Classic. They cruised through pool play, survived a tough fight with Rens and took home the title in good fashion. When our rankings come out they will be #1 and will then have the huge target on their back. This team has the pieces to do some big time work on the national level. Team RIO has arrived!

Who’s Next? 
Team RIO has secured the #1 spot and the next question is who’s #2. Team Takeover has the lead right now but we still have to look at Team Nelson during the MLK Classic. Metro Flyers entered the Tip Off Classic with good acclaim but came up short when they didn’t advance after pool play. As the circuit goes on we will see what team will emerge as that true challenge to RIO. 

Tip Off Classic 7th Grade All Tournament Team 
Scottie Lewis (Team RIO) 
Jordan McKoy (Tea RIO) 
AJ Hoggard (Team RIO) 
Jalen Gaffney (Team RIO) 
Bryan Antoine (Team RIO) 
Terrence Williams (Team Takeover) 
Tyler Brelsford (Team Takeover) 
BJ Joyner (Team Takeover) 
Cole Anthony (Rens) 
Judah McIntyre (Rens) 
Brian Hall (Rens) 
Tai-Jai Waiters (CIA Bounce) 
Jon Jon Wilson (Gauchos) 
Julien Crittendon (Gauchos) 
KC Nefdo (Gauchos) 
Travis Cumber (MJ Mavericks) 
Shamar Florence (MJ Mavericks) 
Joey Baldachino (MJ Mavericks) 
Dyondre Dominquez (Expressions) 
Deveon Ford (Expressions)

Inside The Tip Off Classic 8th Grade: Don't Hate The Playaz, Hate The Game!

Playaz Strike First Blow!

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Division of the Tip Off Classic was quite a treat. Now here’s our look at the interesting stories inside this age division. 

Playaz Get It Done! 
The Playaz Basketball Club entered the Tip Off Classic with the most pressure and answered the bell. They defeated some of the top teams in the country including regional rival Team IZOD twice. They have some serious weapons and should only get better as the season progresses. They will definitely be #1 when our new rankings come out and are still our favorite to win the Grand Finale Crown. 

Team Final? 
Yes, the surprise of this division had to be Team Final. The Philly based squad defeated Team Scan to advance to the final four before losing a close battle to eventual champs the Playaz Basketball Club. I like some of the new pieces they have added and we look forward to seeing them again. 

Tough Tides For Cali! 
A few years ago a dynamic Cali Style squad came to NJ and took the Clash For The Cup by storm but the 2013 edition (I 10 Celtics) didn’t have the same results. They lost tough games to the Playaz and Team IZOD in that shark tank White Division. We look for them to be out for blood when they return in February for the Clash For The Cup. 

8th Grade Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team 
Jahvon Quinerly (Playaz) 
Ja’quaye James (Playaz) 
Justin Winston (Playaz) 
Tavon Jones (Playaz) 
Luther Muhammad (Team IZOD) 
Atiba Taylor (Team IZOD) 
Shack Dezonie (Team IZOD) 
Tyrek Chambers (Team IZOD) 
Brandon Slater (Team Takeover) 
Donovan Toatley (Team Takeover) 
Brandon Gauld (Team Takeover) 
Cameron Reddish (Team Final) 
Mikey Esquillin (Team Final) 
Damon Hall (Team Final) 
Devin Ferraro (Team Final) 
Alex Serrano (Team Final) 
Jake Betlow (SHA Elite) 
Alex Irregwe (SHa Elite) 
Chris Goodwin (Team Twelve) 
Moses Brown (Team Twelve) 
Theodore Senior (Team Twelve)

Lewis Takes Off Versus Takeover

One of the highlights of the Tip Off Classic was Scottie Lewis taking off against Team Takeover. He collected two steals and turned both of them into dunks. This kid really gets up. Stay tuned tonight as we bring you Inside The Tip Off Classic featuring the All Tournament Teams.

Basketball Spotlight Announces The DMV TAKEOVER

It’s been a dream for Basketball Spotlight to actually have a tournament in the DMV area. I always felt they have a great brand of basketball and we wanted to take their atmosphere up a level. Therefore I’m proud to announce the Basketball Spotlight DMV Takeover tournament slated for March 8th and 9th. This event will give us a good chance to see that talent and teams that can’t make it up to NJ for our events. Registration will be posted shortly. 

Event: DMV Takeover 
Date: March 8th and 9th 
Place: Maryland/DC Area 
Cost: $350 (Per Team), $325 Multi-team, $300 Four or More Teams 
Ages: 2nd Grade Thru 8th Grade
Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or Basketballspotlight@hotmail.com for early interest. 

Important Message: Atlantic City Showcase Moved To April 19th and 20th

The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase has been moved from March 8th and 9th to April 19th and 20th due to the NJSIAA High School Basketball State Tournament. Basketball Spotlight apologizes for any inconvenience that this might have caused. But stay tuned tomorrow as we will announce a tournament we will be hosting in Maryland during the March 8th and 9th weekend. Once again we will like to thank everyone for supporting our events and we will continue to work hard to bring you the best grammar school experience in the country.

MLK Classic Is Almost Here!

The Basketball Spotlight MLK will be returning to Pennsylvania this season. Last year this event gave us a chance to check out some of the top talent in the Del-Val area. This is a very small event which means we will be able to pay close attention to the teams involved. We are only taking 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams for this event. 

MLK Committed Teams 

8th Grade 

1. Boston Spartans 

2. We R 1 

3. Team Final (Black)

4. KSK

5. Team 12

6. 

7. 

8. 

7th Grade 

1. Team Nelson 

2. Team Final

3. MJ Mavericks 

4. PBC Boys Club

5. We R 1 

6. RJS

7.

8. 

6th Grade 

1. Team Final

2. KSK/IZOD

3. KSK

4. We R 1

5.

6.

7.

8. 

4th Grade 

1. CJ Hawks 

2. Riverside Hawks 

3. Team Future

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Hilltoppers Win Crown!

Hilltoppers Win Title

In the Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Blue Division Championship the Hilltoppers Heat defeated Brooklyn Kings by forfeit to win the title. Congrats to the Heat for winning the championship.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor Jr. (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #3

Taylor Hitting The Books

Hello everybody! I got a chance to get some down time and relax, because I had the week off. Usually, six days out the week I am doing something that involves basketball. I was able to get some things done around the house. I cleaned my bedroom, bathroom and did my laundry. Between basketball and my schoolwork, I rarely get a chance to do what normal kids do. It’s a huge sacrifice and takes a lot of discipline. There are times when I want to blow off my responsibilities and go to a party or the mall with my friends, but then I remember what I want and what’s important to me. 

On Saturday we had a light snowstorm, so my friends and I went out and shoveled our neighbors yards. It was so cold out that my hands kept going numb but we made a couple of dollars. After we were done shoveling, we chilled at my bro’s house, ate pizza and played video games. I’m a beast at Call Of Duty, 2K and John Madden for PS3 (if you wanna get roasted…my gamer tag is Krazzyboy726). Later on, I went home and helped my day shovel our yard and walkways. 

On Sunday basically all I did was complete all my schoolwork. I had a project due in Science on Newton’s Law of Motion. I spent a lot of time on my computer researching and typing. This week I am back to my regular schedule, so my mini vacation is over lol. Basketball season has started for high school so hopefully I can check out some games. You can follow me @atibataylor on twitter and instagram @ege_tiba. 

I normally finish my night off watching ‘The Walking Dead’, but since it’s on a mid-season break that’s a negative. So, I guess I will call it an early night so that I can be focused in the morning (Mondays are rough. 

 Atiba Taylor Jr.

Basketball Spotlight Alum Richardson Goes Orange!

Malachi Richardson Headed To Syracuse

Basketball Spotlight Class of 2015 Alum Malachi Richardson has committed to Syracuse University. Richardson starred on the Spotlight circuit with the Gauchos, Youth Interlock and Team Final. He also gave us a look into his life as one of the Diary Of A Baller. He finished as one of the best shooters in Spotlight history and ranked #27 in our USA rankings. Since then he has moved up on the high rankings and we feel he can get even better.

Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Malachi and his family for his decision to join the Orange and we wish him the best in the future.