Basketball Spotlight Feature: Winston Returns With A Vengeance!

Justin Winston (Playaz)

One of the hottest names of this young AAU season has to be 8th Grader Justin Winston of the Playaz Basketball Club. Winston missed most of last season with a hip injury and the uncertainty of how he would return caused him to dip a little in our rankings. But Justin didn’t whine he let his game do the talking and it’s been barking loud. During the Tip Off Classic he helped the Playaz win the championship while performing as the best forward in the event.

His coach Kiela Brevard is happy to have him aboard, “Justin is a great kid who just turned 14 in October. He’s a skilled and team-oriented player who rebounds and defends well. Right now I would call him a face up four that can play inside and outside. I also think he can score from all three positions (center and both forwards spots) on the high school level right now” he finished.

The Playaz have had a long list of big time players that have graduated from their program and Brevard feels Winston has the chance to be next in line. “He has worked hard to improve his jump shot and now once he continues to work on his ball handling I see him being a problem to defend down the road” said Brevard.

Basketball Spotlight will keep you guys posted on more players from around the country.

Spotlight Alum Woods Scores 42 Points In One Quarter! (Highlights Included)

Seventh Woods Soaring 

Seventh Woods made a name for himself recently by throwing down a monster dunk, but now the 15-year-old phenom showed he can shoot the ball as well. With his team trailing 56-31 after three quarters, Woods put his team on his back. The Hammond High School sophomore nailed seven three-pointers in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 42 points. 

However, Woods' performance wasn't enough. The Fayetteville Trinity Crusaders came away with a 79-65 victory over the Skyhawks at the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational.

Clash For The Cup Getting Early Interest

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is set for February 8th and 9th in Neptune, NJ. In the past this event has brought together some of the top teams in the country and this year should be the same. The registration has begun so please make sure you register early because we are only taking a select amount of teams. Registration deadline is January 25th.

8th Grade Teams 
1. Team IZOD 
2. CIA Bounce 
3. KSK 
4. Milbank 
5. Conn. Select
6. Rens
7. Team Final
8. C MEK
9. NY Lightning 
10. Team Final (Black)
11. Team Twelve 
12. Gym Rats (Syracuse)
13. Mass Shooting Stars
14. Team Scan 
15. Team Takeover 
16. Team DEMI 
17. Brooklyn Rens
18.
19.
20.

7th Grade 
1. Team RIO  
2. Team Takeover 
3. Team Nelson 
4. Conn. Select
5. House Of Sports Elite 
6. Rens
7. Team Final 
8. NY Lightning 
9. MJ Mavericks 
10. Expressions Elite 
11. 6th Man Warriors 
12. CIA Bounce
13. Brooklyn Rens 
14.
15.
16. 

6th Grade 
1. IZOD/KSK
2. Milbank 
3. Connecticut Select 
4. New Heights 
5. Team Final 
6. CIA Bounce
7. Team Takeover (Wright)
8. 

Spotlight Alum Terminator Snatching Offers!

Jamir "Terminator" Harris 

Jamir “The Terminator” Harris wasted little showing he belongs on the high school. The reigning Basketball Spotlight Most Outstanding Player recently showed his shooting skills across the country at the Under Armor Showcase in San Diego, California. His sweet stroke helped the Patrick School go 2-1 in this loaded event. He also left California with scholarship offers from USC, Creighton University and the University of Alabama. 

Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Harris on his recent success but also remind him that this is the just the beginning of the road. You still have a lot of work to do.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #6

Atiba Taylor Playing D For IZOD

What’s up this is Atiba Taylor Jr. reporting back with another basketball diary entry. Happy New Year everyone I hope your holiday was as good as mine. 

2014 is finally here and I’m more than excited about it. This year I have new goals to fulfill and I’m focused on completing them all. Basketball wise I definitely want to bring that AAU National Championship trophy home to Jersey this year it’s a must. We fell short last year losing in the national championship game to Georgia United and it still bothers me to this day. My team has been preparing for this season going hard weekly in the gym. We’ll be in Springfield Mass Jan 18th and 19th for the Hall Of Fame Tournament and this time the outcome will be different, we’re ready. 

I spent my New Year’s Eve at my grandmother’s house in NY with my Mom and the fam. I popped a bottle of that Cider and celebrated New Years. Monday – Saturday I pretty much just spent time with my Mom because she was leaving to go back to Atlanta G.A. early Sunday morning so basically we just shopped, dined out, and relaxed. 

The holiday and the snow kind of messed up my training throughout the week so I really didn’t get back into the gym until Saturday. I played in my first school scrimmage with the Hackensack Comets Saturday afternoon. It’s really not competitive at all but I’ll use those games to practice on some stuff that I probably wouldn’t try in a normal game until I’m comfortable. Later that night I had a 3-hour practice with my AAU team. After practice I gave my Mom a huge hug and a kiss goodbye because she had to be on the plane by 6:00am. I got home real late that night but I was back up early at 8:30am for a 10:00am practice. After practice my dad took Luther, Tyrek, and I to watch a couple high school games at Kean University. We watched St. Benedict’s Prep vs. Trenton Catholic and Roselle Catholic vs. Union High. Both St. Benedict’s and Roselle won, I love going to high school games because I can always learn something new from someone on the floor.

Until Next Week,

Atiba Taylor 

Star Ledger Exclusive: NJ HS Basketball Transfer Epidemic

Isaiah Briscoe Is 1 Of 27 Transfers This Season

The NJ high school basketball season kicked off and the Star Ledger has decided to dive into the player transfer epidemic. The article focuses on several players that have traveled through the Basketball Spotlight circuit. This has become a huge topic this year so check out the article. 

Click Here For Article.

MLK Classic Almost Closed

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. PYO

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. Team Phenom (Watson)

Clash For The Cup Registration Ready To Go

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is set for February 8th and 9th in Neptune, NJ. In the past this event has brought together some of the top teams in the country and this year should be the same. The registration has begun so please make sure you register early because we are only taking a select amount of teams. 

Event: Clash For The Cup 
Dates: February 8th and 9th 
Place: Neptune, NJ 
Cost: $375 (Per Team) 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade

One On One Feat. Jalen Brooks (Team RIO National)

Jalen Brooks has been a winner his entire AAU career. He helped his team win the NJ AAU State crown each year he stepped on the floor. Brooks was a guard on the famed Supreme Team last season so he has seen some of the best competition in the country. This season he has joined another group (Team RIO) which will be looking to make history. Can he make a return trip to the AAU National Championship? We caught up with Jalen for some good conversation and here’s what he had to say.

One On One

BS: How did it feel playing for the “Supreme Team” last season?
JB: Although we placed second at nationals, in my heart I know we had the top team in the country. We traveled everywhere and it was cool that everybody knew who we were and wanted to see us. I miss that team.

BS: What are the strong points of your game?
JB: Speed. I use that to be a pest on defense and to push the ball up the floor on offense. I’m also a pretty good shooter.

BS: What aspects of your game do you think needs the most work?
JB: I’m forever a student so I work to improve all aspects of my game and always do my best. My mom tells me when you do your best every day, your best gets better.

BS: Why did you chose Team Rio over other teams that were recruiting you?
JB: I feel like Rio and Metro Flyers are both very talented, well-run programs, but at the end of the day, Rio with their training and the fact that they are based in New Jersey was a better fit for me.

BS: What are your team goals for the season?
JB: I want to help Team Rio win every tournament that we enter, and of course, win the AAU National championship.

BS: What are your individual goals for the season?
JB: I’m going to be a point guard in high school so I want to learn as much about playing the position as possible.

BS: What’s your dream college and why?
JB: Duke University. All they do is win and Coack K is the best.

BS: What’s your best Spotlight moment?
JB: Winning my first Spotlight tourney when I was in sixth grade and being named Spotlight Player of the Year in fifth grade.

BS: I know you are also a good football player, which sport do you prefer and why?
JB: My football team, the Central Jersey Seminoles, placed third in the country at AYF Nationals a couple of weeks ago. I prefer basketball though. I’m a running back in football and those hits hurt (laughing)!

BS: Give us one word to describe Basketball Spotlight
JB: #Intense.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #5

Atiba Taylor On Christmas Day 

What’s up this is Atiba Taylor Jr. reporting back with another basketball diary entry. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas holiday because I definitely did. I am more than blessed and grateful to have the type of family and friends that I have in my life. 

My Monday was crazy because I didn’t do any X-Mas shopping for anyone until then. I mean when I say I was at the Garden State Mall all day I really was. Some of my family and I went to the mall around 12:00pm and didn’t leave until 12:00am that night no lie. We was in the mall so long my feet was killing me and I was drained just from being around so many crazy shoppers trying to get their last minute shopping in before X-Mas. 

Tuesday my Mom finally got here from Atlanta and I’m always excited to see her when she’s up here. Since I have such a crazy basketball schedule I never have time to go down there but she understands the sacrifices I must take to make my dream come true and I love her for that. I spent the day with my Mom and we did a little more X-Mas shopping. It was weird because the Garden State Mall wasn’t as congested on Christmas Eve like I thought it was going to be. After we finished shopping I went back home. I had a basketball workout scheduled with my trainer but my Dad was still out doing his last minute shopping so I missed my workout. 

Ok finally Christmas is here and I don’t wake up until 2:30 pm LOL. This year we had Christmas at my house in NJ but usually it’s at my grandparent’s house in NY. While waiting on my slow grandparent’s and my uncle Anije to get here I slept. We didn’t start opening our gifts until 4:00pm in the afternoon. X-Mas for me is always good and yes I’m very blessed but I also enjoy giving to others too. I always donate my clothes at least twice a year, once around Christmas time and sometime in the summer to people who need them. After I opened my gifts at my house I went to NY to open gifts with my Mom, my Uncle James, and my grandparent’s. Everyone enjoyed their gifts, which is always a good thing. 

Thursday I chilled with the fam and Friday morning I went to check out my boy Spoon’s basketball game at Seton Hall Prep but he plays for St. Anthony’s freshman team. After the game I went home to help clean up the house and I relaxed for the rest of the day. Over the weekend I got back to my job, which is basketball and was back in the gym. Saturday morning I worked out with my trainer at Gauchos in the BX. I worked out with former NBA great Allen Houston’s son. The workout was intense as usual, and then I went home and relaxed because my team had practice later that night. After a 2½-hour practice going over plays and strategies I was pooped. My bro’s Tyreke and Nazi stayed at the crib after practice. Sunday morning we were back in the gym for practice at 10am and we went back to work getting ready for our huge basketball schedule. Our schedule looks like a 17U schedule with all the traveling we’ll be doing. After practice I went back to NY to spend time with my Mom and grandfather and watched some football. 

Ight ya I guess the next time you’ll hear from me will be next year so everybody have a blessed and safe Happy New Year!!!!!!

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale Point System Update

The Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale tour had its first stop during the Tip Off Classic. Teams played very hard and collected their points. Our next stop will be the MLK Classic. The Grand Finale will bring together the top teams from each division to play for the Basketball Spotlight Grand Championship. 

Grand Finale Point Total 

8th Grade Teams 
Playaz (7 Points) 
Team IZOD (6 Points) 
Team Takeover (5 Points) 
Team Final (5 Points) 
SHA Elite (5 Points) 
Team Twelve (4 Points) 
Team Scan (4 Points) 
I 10 Celtics (4 Points) 
Hilltoppers Heat (3 Points) 

7th Grade Teams 
Team RIO National (7 Points) 
Team Takeover (6 Points) 
Rens (5 Points) 
CIA Bounce (5 Points) 
Gauchos (5 Points) 
MJ Mavericks (4 Points) 
Metro Flyers (4 Points) 
Playaz (4 Points) 
6th Man Warriors (4 Points) 
Hilltoppers Heat (3 Points) 

6th Grade Teams 
Gauchos (5 Points) 
IZOD/KSK (4 Points) 
Team DEMI (3 Points) 
On Point Rens (3 Points) 
Team Glory (2 Points) 
ESYC Elite (2 Points) 
Rens (2 Points) 
Team Final (2 Points) 

5th Grade Teams 
S Elite (5 Points) 
Gauchos (4 Points) 
Team Glory (3 Points) 
Hilltoppers Heat (3 Points) 
Playtime Panthers ( 2 Points)

Basketball Spotlight Road To The Grand Finale Updated!

 

The Basketball Spotlight Road To The Grand Finale is listed below. The Basketball Spotlight circuit has grown into one of the best in the country. Keep in mind to register for these events early because they usually sell out quickly. 
Basketball Spotlight Road To The Grand Finale 
 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 
Dates: December 7th and 8th 2013 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Neptune, NJ 
Cost: $375
 

Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic 
Dates: January 18th and 19th 2014 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Chicheser, PA 
Cost: $350
 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 
Dates: February 8th and 9th 2014 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Neptune, NJ 
Cost: $375

Basketball Spotlight DMV Takeover
Dates: March 8th and 9th 2014
Ages: 2nd Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Maryland
Cost: $350 
 

Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase 
Dates: April 19th and 20th 2014 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Atlantic City, NJ 
Cost: $375
 

Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic 
Dates: May 24th and 25th 2014 
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Neptune, NJ 
Cost: $400 

Basketball Spotlight Carolina Collision 
Dates: May 30th Thru June 1st
Ages: 4th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: Raleigh, NC
Cost: $250 (Per Team)  
 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 
Dates: June 14th and 15th  
Ages: 5th Grade Thru 8th Grade 
Place: TBA 
Cost: $100.00

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.