The DMV Takeover Almost At Capacity!

The Basketball Spotlight DMV Takeover will be our first trip to Maryland March 8th and 9th and as expected it’s gaining a lot of interest. Make sure you get online and register quickly because a sellout is expected. Here’s is a list of teams that have committed. The event deadline is February 28th. 

8th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Team Final (Blue) 
4. Team Final (Black) 
5. B'More Finest 
6. Maryland Sports Scholars
7. 6th Man Warriors
8. DC Premiere (Formerly DC Assault)
9. Gym Rats (Syracuse)
10. Team Crossover Elite 
11. Baltimore Showtime 
12. Banneker Kings
13. Mass Shooting Stars
14. Annadale Bulldogs 
15. NY Lightning 
16. Maryland Pride 
17. Delaware Finest Stars
18. Bowie Magic
19.
20. 

7th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. 6th Man Warriors (VA) Black
3. MD Playmakers (Black) 
4. Baltimore Elite 
5. Baltimore Stars 
6. MADE Elite
7. DC Premiere
8. Team Final
9. Team Nelson 
10. Team Takeover (Orange)
11. B'More Finest
12. Fairfax Cowboys
13. 6th Man Warriors (VA) Red 
14. MD Finest
15.
16.

6th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. DC Thunder 
3. Chesterfield Jayhawks 
4. Team Takeover (Orange)
5. 6th Man Warriors (MD)
6. DC Premiere 
7. Team Glory
8. Maryland Playmakers 
9. Delaware Finest Stars
10. National Select 
11. River City Reign 
12. Team Crossover Elite 
13. Fairfax Cowboys 
14. 6th Man Warriors (DC)
15. MD Finest 
16. Team Final
17.
18. 

5th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) National Champions 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Tidewater Wildcats (Black) 
4. Tidewater Wildcats (Gold) 
5. MD Playmakers 
6. B"More Finest
7. MADE Elite
8. Fairfax Stars 
9. Virginia Panthers 
10. Team Glory
11. Revolutions 
12. 

4th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Team Takeover (Orange)
3. MADE (Elite)
4. Team Glory
5. WDBA
6. MD Finest
7.
8. 

3rd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. B'More Finest
3. MADE Elite
4. Team Glory
5. MD Finest
6. DMV All Stars
7.
8. 

 2nd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. B'More Finest
3. 6th Man Warriors
4. MADE (Attack)
5. Team Glory
6. TJ Lakers
7. MD Finest
8.

Basketball Spotlight Highlights: Taylor Commands Attention At The Clash!

Atiba Taylor (Team IZOD)

Much has been written about Taylor and his ability to play the point. During the Clash For The Cup he proved he was worth the billing after quarterbacking the “Supreme Team” to the championship. Check out his highlights and remember where you saw it at first. Basketball Spotlight, the nations #1 leader in tournaments and event coverage. Stay tuned as we bring you more highlights and profiles from top players. Next week we will check out how he performed at the MIT.

Diary Of A Baller: Ja'Quaye James (Englewood, NJ) Entry #1 (Video Highlights)

Young Ja'Quaye and Uncle Juelz Santana

Basketball Spotlight is now of its third Diary of A Ball for the 2013-14 season. Introducing Ja’quaye James from Englewood, NJ. 

Hello Basketball World, 

Yes, Juelz Santana is my uncle. Yes, I was the little boy in all the videos. Yes, I was on the “What The Games Been Missing" album and yes I used to rap and model but that was in the past. 

This week went well for me, it was my birthday on February 15th then my uncle JuJu (Juelz) birthday on February 18th and we spent time together. We went out to eat with the family and had a bunch of laughs and a lot of food and a good time watching the all-star weekend festivities. Now it's time to let you'll know who I am and how my life changed for the better in the basketball world. Yes, this is my dream! 

I'm Ja'Quaye James and my basketball journey started with the Gauchos, it was a good team, but the coaches felt they had better options than me, so therefore I moved on to the L.I. Lightning. The Lightning helped me figure out and define my game. Things were good for about a year then the high school program took over and snatched my two friends John Severe (Fordham)and Dayshon Smith. When they left I knew it was time for me to go. Next, I bounced back and forth from the Rens and Milbank. Both were good programs but I still needed to find the right home. Now I am PlayazFAM…4Life. I finally found a team and a place that I can call home and I love it here, “no chuck” this is real facts. 

I grew up uptown on 164th street; this is where I got my toughness from. I played in the Pit and the Battle Grounds playgrounds with all the older guys. I always felt that if I can play here I can play anywhere. Now I play with a certain mindset every-time I'm on those basketball courts. This comes from getting told I'm too small or not strong enough or not fast enough. This made me battle tested at a young age. Now on the court I'm fearless and I'm always comfortable like I been there before. I think this type of chip on my shoulder is helping me out for the best. At the end of the day I was honored when Mike Melton asked me to do the diary and let you all into my life. I want to give you the real me on and off the court. I like to do a lot of other things besides a basketball, like playing video games, riding my 4 wheeler, and just chill with my friends. But I have no friends on the court. If you have that other jersey on, its war! LOL.. Ask Jahvon Quinerly, he is one of my good friends off the court but on the floor it’s a different story. 

Once again this is Ja'Quaye James and I'm signing off aka Young Jelly Fam aka @jf_g3 Mr. 12 on IG LOL, nah I'm just playing. But I'm signing off, catch you'll next week. Ja'Quaye James best point guard in class hands down. Men lie women lie numbers don't. Facts of life.

Basketball Spotlight Highlights: Works and Brown Lead DEMI Past Scan At Clash!

Team DEMI dynamic duo of Maurice Works and Shandon Brown showed their skills during their defeat of Team Scan. Team DEMI walked away with the victory while Brown and Works established themselves as the #1 8th Grade backcourt in the New England Region. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings your more highlights top players around the country.

Basketball Spotlight Player Highlights: It's Show Time!

Scottie "The Show" Lewis 

We gave Scottie Lewis the nickname of “The Show” and he lived up to his billing at the Clash For The Cup. The shooting guard gave us a glimpse of all his tools while helping his 7th Grade team reach the championship round of the 8th Grade Blue Division. Some scouts have him ranked in the Top 5 of the Class of 2019 and I can’t disagree but I must admit that he might have an argument for the #1 spot.

Basketball Spotlight Highlights: Toatley Shows Breakdown Moves!

Donovan Toatley (Team Takeover)

Donovan Toatley has always been known for his ball handling and finishing. During the Clash For The Cup he stripped another point guard and finished the play off with flair. Toatley runs the show for the Team Takeover 8th Grade crew and will be ready to rock at the DMV Takeover. 

Basketball Spotlight Player Highlights: Clark Proving His Point At The Clash!

Aaron Clarke (Team Scan)

The development of Aaron Clarke has been a hot topic this season and he showed prowess during the Clash For The Cup. He carried a full load while being the primary ball handler and perimeter scorer. We will keep you posted on Clarke’s progress as he gets ready for the high school level.

Introducing Skylar Williams (South Carolina)

Skylar Williams showed his great court vision at the 2013 CP3 Rising Stars Camp. The Class of 2018 point guard created for his teammates and stroked the ball from deep. Skylar is one of South Carolina's top 8th graders. Video appears courtesy of Ty Kish and Middle School Hoops.

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

The 6th Grade Top 10 Rankings have a couple of new members after the Clash For The Cup. Here are the Top 10 6th Grade Teams in the region. 

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

1. Team IZOD: Team IZOD returns to the #1 spot after winning the Clash For The Cup. They will represent NJ at the DMV Takeover. 

2. Gauchos: We haven’t seen the Choz since the Tip Off Classic. We know they have a loaded roster and are tough to beat. Hopefully we will see them soon. 

3. Team Glory: TG will let us see what they are working with once we travel down for the DMV Takeover. You can’t ever count this team out. 

4. Team Takeover (Wright): They made their presence felt at the Clash For The Cup before losing in the finals. They will have another shot at it during the DMV Takeover. 

5. Hilltoppers Heat: These boys brought the fire as they advanced to the final four of the Clash. They are also headed to the AC Showcase. 

6. Team DEMI: A late entry caused them to miss out on the Clash so I imagine that we will see them at the AC Showcase. 

7. New Heights: MH jumped on the scene at the Clash and charged all the way to the final four. They were a pleasant surprise in the field. 

8. Milbank: We thought we would see “The Bank” at the Clash but hopefully we will watch them at the AC Showcase. 

9. On Point Rens: We can’t wait to see this scrappy bunch again. Most likely they will head back down during the Memorial Day Classic. 

10. Team Scan: TS has already said they will be present for the AC Showcase. This will give them a chance to chase that banner.

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

The 7th Grade Top 10 didn’t have that much movement as many of the teams stayed on course. Here are the Top 10 7th Grade teams in the region. 

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

1. Team RIO National: RIO made it to the finals of the Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Blue Division. They showed some toughness by knocking off a few blue collar squads on the way. 

2. Rens: Rens move up to the #2 after winning the Clash For The Cup. They seem to be on the heels of Team RIO and another matchup is imminent. 

3. Team Takeover: This group still hasn’t cured their Spotlight jinx after falling in the finals of the Clash. Maybe they will be able to shake it off and win the DMX Takeover on their home turf. 

4. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors made a strong run to the semifinals before losing to rival Team Takeover. They might have a chance to meet up again when we head to Maryland. 

5. Metro Flyers: MF rebounded at the Clash and made a strong semifinal run. They seem ready to return to the standard they set last year. 

6. Team Nelson: TN still isn't clicking on all cylinders yet. They’re still trying to fill the void left by the departure of Player Of The Year Mikeal Jones. 

7. CIA Bounce: After a controversial pool play loss CIA Bounce ran into a determined Rens team and lost in the quarterfinals. 

 8. Team Final: TF showed they belonged with the big boys at the Clash. I’m excited to see what they bring to the table for the DMV Takeover 

9. Gauchos: The Choz were absent from the Clash but we expect them to return for the AC Showcase. They have a very scrappy bunch. 

10. MJ Mavericks: The Mavs round our Top 10 after a quarterfinal run at the Clash.

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

The 8th Grade Top had little movement as most of the teams held down their end of the bargain during the Clash For The Cup. Here’s the Top 10 8th Grade teams in the region. 

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

1. Team IZOD: The #1 team in the region held on to their spot after running through the Clash For The Cup. They seem primed to make another deep run for a national title. 

2. Playaz: The Playaz proved to have the grit to grind out wins and while making it to the finals of the Clash For The Cup. They have enough weapons to overtake IZOD and win the Grand Finale title. 

3. Team Takeover: TT made a final four run during the Clash For The Cup. They had enough pieces to get things done but fell a little short. They are one of the favorites for the DMV Takeover. 

4. Rens: The Rens jump up a spot after making it to the final four of the Clash For The Cup. They are a very sneaky team that you must keep your eye on. 

5. Team Scan: TS had a decent showing the Clash especially with an upset victory over #2 Playaz. They haven’t turned the corner yet of becoming a dominate team in the region. 

6. Team Final: TF fell down a few slots after not having a good showing at the Clash. I’m waiting to see how they respond at the DMV Takeover. 

7. Maryland Scholars: The Scholars were absent from the Clash but will definitely be present at the DMV Takeover. It should be very interesting to see them tangle. 

8. Team Twelve: The Brooklyn team moved up two slots after making it to the quarterfinals of the Clash. They also will be making the trip to Maryland for the DMV Takeover. 

9. SHA Elite: Mergin Sina’s bunch was not at the Clash but we do expect to see them at the AC Showcase and the MDC. 

10. Gym Rats (Syracuse): These boys play the Clash impressed us enough to throw them into the Top 10. Now at the DMV they must prove they belong.

The Sheraton To Host The Atlantic City Showcase!

The Sheraton Hotel Atlantic City is once again the host for the Atlantic City Showcase April 19th and 20th. The Sheraton sits in the heart of action in America’s Playground. The shopping outlets, restaurants and casinos are walking distance. Don’t wait too late to register for your room. Rates are $129.00 per night you won't find a better deal than this one. Jump on it. 

Click Here To Reserve Your Room

Long For Days! 6'8 7th Grader Goes Coast To Coast

Nobal Days is a 6'8 seventh grader who showed his amazing potential when he stole the ball and threw down this one hander in transition yesterday at the 2014 John Lucas All Star Weekend Event. Stay tuned because we have more highlights and footage coming in from around the country.

Spotlight Alum Lowe Makes School History!

Trey Lowe (Spotlight Alum)

Basketball Spotlight Alum Trey Lowe scored 38 points last night and became the All Time Leading Scorer in Ewing High School history. He surpassed 1984 graduate Tom Berry who tallied 1398 points. Lowe just a junior played years on the Spotlight circuit with mainly F.A.C.E.S and NJ Got Game while making the All Tournament Team several times. Lowe ended his Spotlight career playing in the 2nd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Lowe and wish him well the rest of the way. 

Click Here For Article

Harmon Gearing Up For DMV Takeover!

Zion Harmon regarded by many as the #1 5th Grader in the country recently did battle at the John Lucas All Star Weekend in New Orleans. Harmon is a regular on the Spotlight circuit and will be leading Team Glory into battle during the DMV Takeover. We are very excited about coming to Maryland and look forward to checking out all the talent in the DMV area. Stay tuned as we bring you more top players and teams headed to the DMV Takeover.

DMV Takeover Deadline Set For Feb. 28th

The Basketball Spotlight DMV Takeover will be our first trip to Maryland March 8th and 9th and as expected it’s gaining a lot of interest. Make sure you get online and register quickly because a sellout is expected. Here’s is a list of teams that have committed. The event deadline is February 28th. 

8th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Team Final (Blue) 
4. Team Final (Black) 
5. B'More Finest 
6. Maryland Sports Scholars
7. 6th Man Warriors
8. DC Premiere (Formerly DC Assault)
9. Gym Rats (Syracuse)
10. Team Crossover Elite 
11. Baltimore Showtime 
12. Banneker Kings
13. Mass Shooting Stars
14. Annadale Bulldogs 
15. NY Lightning 
16. Maryland Pride 
17. Delaware Finest Stars
18. Bowie Magic
19. Virginia Panthers 
20. Bump and Run

7th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. 6th Man Warriors (VA) Black
3. MD Playmakers (Black) 
4. Baltimore Elite 
5. Baltimore Stars 
6. MADE Elite
7. DC Premiere
8. Team Final
9. Team Nelson 
10. Team Takeover (Orange)
11. B'More Finest
12. Fairfax Cowboys
13. 6th Man Warriors (VA) Red 
14. MD Finest
15. VA Hokies 
16. Team Orange 
17. Philly Triple Threat 
18. Team Prime

6th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. DC Thunder 
3. Chesterfield Jayhawks 
4. Team Takeover (Orange)
5. 6th Man Warriors (MD)
6. DC Premiere 
7. Team Glory
8. Maryland Playmakers 
9. Delaware Finest Stars
10. National Select 
11. River City Reign 
12. Team Crossover Elite 
13. Fairfax Cowboys 
14. South Garrett Rams 
15. MD Finest 
16. Team Final
17. Team Prime 
18. 

5th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) National Champions 
2. Baltimore Elite 
3. Tidewater Wildcats (Black) 
4. Tidewater Wildcats (Gold) 
5. MD Playmakers 
6. B"More Finest
7. MADE Elite
8. Annadale Bulldogs 
9. Virginia Panthers 
10. Team Glory
11. Revolutions 
12. Maryland Kings 
13. Team Prime
14.
15.
16.

4th Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. Team Takeover (Orange)
3. MADE (Elite)
4. Team Glory
5. WDBA
6. MD Finest
7. Team Orange 
8. DC Warriors 
9. Team Prime
10. Martinburgs Phenoms 
11.
12.

3rd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. B'More Finest
3. MADE Elite
4. Team Glory
5. MD Finest
6. DMV All Stars
7.
8. 

 2nd Grade 
1. Team Takeover (Black) 
2. B'More Finest
3. 6th Man Warriors
4. MADE (Attack)
5. Team Glory
6. TJ Lakers
7. MD Finest
8.

Best Of The Clash For The Cup Part 2 (The Players)

The Clash For The Cup highlights Part 1 gave us a quick glimpse of some of the top plays therefore for Part 2 we decided to focus on the players. This clip shows some of the top performers from the Clash and it’s indeed a dandy. Once again we would like to thank all of the programs, players and parents for supporting our events. We will do our best to continue to bring you the best events and coverage in the country. Our next stop is the DMV Takeover March 8th and 9th.

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor (Hacksensack, NJ) Final Entry

Atiba Taylor Jr. (Student/Athlete)

What’s up this is Atiba Taylor Jr. reporting back with my FINAL Diary Of A Baller entry. 

Monday there was no school again due to another snowstorm. I mean at this point all this snow is just ridiculous; I’d rather just go to school…LOL. I was supposed to have a basketball workout that night but it was canceled because of the weather, so instead I was outside shoveling snow; which I hate. Once I was done, I worked out in the house and got myself ready for school. 

Tuesday was a regular day at school, nothing special just work. After school I was suppose to have another basketball workout later that night but it never happened. We drove all the way to Jersey City to find out some guys had rented the gym for the evening so we couldn’t use it, so I ended up working out back at my house. 

Wednesday after school my Dad and I went to my gym to put up shots. After struggling with my shot and free throws last tournament, that’s all we worked on. I put up 150 free throws but only made 103. Then I shot 300 game time shots but made only 172. I’m sure people think it’s easy to make a certain amount of made shots but it’s not. Adjusting your shot takes time and a lot of practice; good results definitely don’t come easy 

Thursday was another snow day so basically I did the same thing I did Monday, a whole bunch of nothing LOL. My team was suppose to practice that night so we could get ready for the M.I.T. Tournament this weekend but our practice was canceled because of the snow once again. Seems like I can’t get any basketball work in because of all this snow so I just worked out in the house again. 

Friday morning my school had a two-hour delay because of the snow so I didn’t have to be at school till 10am. We were supposed to leave for the M.I.T right after school but the tournament got moved to the following weekend due to the consistent snowfall. This obviously has been a terrible week for basketball LOL. 

Saturday my team didn’t practice and since we’re not going to the M.I.T. this weekend because of the snow I was able to attend my friend Sweet 16 party that I was invited too. I went to the mall to get her a gift and then I was off to the party. The party was real cool. I finally got a chance to do something outside of basketball. For once, I was able to just chill and hang out with my friends. 

Sunday…guess what?! My team had practice but it got canceled again because of the snow and ice…LOL. I really hate snow!!! Now this is crazy; a full week of no basketball and it is killing me. This is definitely not the way I wanted to finish off my basketball diary but Mother Nature had other plans I guess. I did watch The NBA All Star game though and that wasn’t even that fun to watch. Their uniforms were ugly and the game was kind of boring to me. Kyrie and Blake G. was the most exciting to watch but that’s about it. After the game I watched the movie 300 with my family then I went to bed. 

I would like to thank Mike Melton and the BBSpotlight staff for giving me this platform to share my story with the world. I’ve been playing in Spotlight events since the 3rd grade I appreciate you guys for exposing my talent nationally, and always bringing the best talent to New Jersey to compete. Since I’ve been playing I won the Grand Finale Championship in the 4th grade with The NY Gauchos, 6th grade with KSK, 7th grade with Team Izod, and we will win The Grand Finale championship again this year too. BBallSpotlight is definitely one of the best nationally known tournaments to play in hands down. I also want to thank my basketball organization Team Izod Sports-U for allowing us to compete in Spotlight events and my teammates as well because without them I would have this opportunity. Soon I will be announcing where I will spend my next 4 years of high school at and Basketball Spotlight will be the first to announce it. Thank You Everybody!!!!! 

P.S.A. WE ALL CAN GO ALL-STARS (WACG) STOP BEING SCARED AND COME TO THE BBALLSPOTLIGHT ATLANTIC CITY SHOWCASE!!!!! #COMEGETTHISWORK

Basketball Spotlight would like to thank Atiba Taylor Jr. and his family for letting us inside their lives the last 12 weeks. We wish him luck in high school and beyond. Our next stop we will travel to the Big Apple and check in on point guard Ja'Quaye James of the Playaz Basketball Club which should be interesting. 

Best Of The Clash For The Cup Mixtape Part 1

As our coverage continues of the Clash For The Cup. We have the video highlights Part 1. Check some of the top talent that was in the building for this hot event. Stay tuned because we also have Part 2 coming your way. We will continue to do our best in bringing you the hottest events and coverage in the country.

What Did We Learn At The Clash For The Cup?

The Clash For The Cup is in the books and it was a great event. He also gave us the chance to learn a few things about our circuit. 

What Did We Learn At The Clash For The Cup?

Director’s In The Spotlight! 
A few years ago many big time team directors paid little attention to the middle school basketball movement. Now things have changed and it was evident at the Clash For The Cup. Some directors of a few top programs in the country not only showed their face but actually coached their 8th Grade teams. Those directors included Terrance “Munch” Williams (Team Scan), Dana Dingle (NY Lightning), Keith Stevens (Team Takeover) and Ed Bright & Brian Coleman (Team IZOD). This is just an example of how we are growing and helping middle school basketball reach new levels.

The Quinerly Factor! 
It seems whatever team Jahvon Quinerly rocks on ends up taking the picture with the banner on Sunday. At the Clash he returned to Team IZOD and helped them capture the banner. He didn’t score a bunch of points but just his presence on the floor opens up opportunities for others. He’s definitely a major force on the 8th Grade level and a winner. 

Rens Call Out Team RIO! 
After the Rens won the 7th Grade Division the scene turned into a post-fight press conference as their coach immediately said they wanted a shot at Team RIO. These two squads had a heated battle during the Tip Off Classic and in the Clash Team RIO decided to play in a different division. Now I guess the table is set for them to do battle in the near future.

The Mailman is making his move! 
Yes after watching the Clash I know we will have 1 or 2 stamps going out this season. We haven’t given “The Stamp” in a while so these youngsters must be very deserving. Keep an eye out because these announcements should be coming very soon.