Diary Of A Baller: Drissa Traore (Harlem, NY) Entry #1

Drissa Traore Exploding At Practice

What’s up you guys, 

My name is Drissa Traore and welcome to my ‘Diary of a Baller’. I’m excited about share my life with you all. I’m also surprised that I have the opportunity to do this because honestly I didn’t know I was going to be one of the biggest prospects in the country for the Class of 2021 and it really shows me that “Perfect practice creates great improvement” from coach Donald. So now tune in to diary entry number one of Drissa Traore from the PSA Cardinals. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Zion Cruz (Team RIO National)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade division featured some of the top players in the country. Here’s Part 1 of the Top Performers from the event. 

Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Zion Cruz Guard (Team Rio National)- Cruz will eventually become a point guard but right now he was a scoring machine for RIO. His increase in size gives him the ability to score over defenders and finish in traffic. In transition he showed off his handle and body control. He’s making a push as one of the top guards in the country. He’s definitely one of the go to guys on this squad and will be moving up in our rankings next fall.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Top Performers Part 4

Drissa Traore (PSA Cardinals)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Division was loaded with national and regional talent. Here’s our Part 4 of our Top Performers at Neptune, NJ. 

Tip Off Classic 8th Top Performers Part 4 

Drissa Traore Forward (PSA Cardinals) – Traore is a long combo forward that stands about 6’8. He has a high motor and good athleticism. He is all over the floor and seems to always be around the ball. Right now he is developing on the offensive end but is really good on the defensive end as he was probably the best rebounders we saw over the weekend. We saw one play where he grabbed a miss off the glass, pushed the rock himself and made a long one handed bounce pass for an assist. Drissa finished with 15 points in the game we watched against Canada Elite.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Jayden Pierre Balls Out At Tip Off Classic!

Jayden Pierre (Team RIO National)

7th Grader Jayden Pierre was one of the best guards in attendance at the 2016 Tip Off Classic. Jayden Pierre showed off his ability to score from many different spots on the court while at the same time able to find his teammates open and set them up for clear shots. Pierre was also unstoppable at one point on the fast break. Once the break starts only good luck can help you stop him from scoring. This is my first look at Jayden and his new team but with all the talent on his team it’s safe to say they are one of the BEST teams in America for the Class of 2022. Stay Tuned As We Bring You More Footage From This Event And Others!

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Elijah "E Boogie" Hawkins Dazzles At Tip Off Classic

Elijah "E Boogie" Hawkins

Regardless to his size, Elijah Hawkins is one of the toughest guards in his class and if you seen him play there is no questioning that. Elijah entered Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic in New Jersey pretty much half the size of his competition and played as if he was 7 feet. Elijah has the basketball IQ to find open spots on the floor while still maintaining the composer to knock down the shot. 

Most players his size fail in that aspect due to how much work it takes to actually find an open shot but this is not the case for this kid. Hawkins is lighting quick on his crossover and pretty much every other movement he makes on the court which makes it extremely hard for a defender of any size to keep up. Also, Elijah's court vision is on par with the most elite in the country which makes him a true floor general and threat to any defense you may throw at him. "E Boogie" is a pure example of "HEART OVER HEIGHT".

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Tip Off Classic Top Performers Part 3

Terrence "Total Package" Clarke

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Tip Off Classic had some of the top players in the country. Here’s Part 2 of our Top performers from Neptune, NJ. 

Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Terrence Clarke Forward (Expressions) – When we first saw this kid last year we thought he was really good. Fast forward one year later we are talking about a wing forward standing 6’6 that looks like he might grow a few more inches with an elite level skill set. Clarke has to be in the conversation as a Top 5 player in the Class of 2021. He can score from all three levels with range well beyond the 3 point line and has above average ball handling and passing skills as he has the ability to play the point forward. Terrence lets the game come to him not forcing the action but thrives in transition using his athleticism to finish with dunks. He finished with 11 points against Team Rio, 16 points against Team Final, and 19 points against PSA Cardinals. This kid has all the tools. His play earned him a nickname Terrence "Total Package" Clarke. 

Baby Baller Alert: Kayden Mingo Means Business!

Kayden Mingo (NY Rens)

The NY Rens 4th won the Tip Classic and Kayden Mingo was huge part of the success. The Baby Baller showed off his point guard and play making skills. Legendary Coach Kat has had the privilege of coaching this kid for years is not surprised at his success during the Tip Off Classic. “Kayden Mingo was charted at the AAU Nationals as one of the Top 3 promising point guards. He’s a pass first guard that can also finish strong at the cup. He’s also very aggressive and effective on the defensive end" said Kat.

Coach Kat also sees where there is room for improvement in Mingo. “Right now we are working on his outside shot because we understand that he needs this to climb the basketball ladder in years to come” he finished. 

Basketball Spotlight will be keeping an eye on Mingo and his progress. Stay tuned as we bring you more features, recaps and videos from the Tip Off Classic.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Trey Patterson Answers The Bell!

Trey Patterson (Team RIO National)

Nations #1 Player Out Of New Jersey Trey Patterson made it look easy during pool play and the semi- finals during the 2016 Tip Off Classic. Trey Patterson is arguably the best prospect in the country going into high school due to his size, IQ, & overall potential and definitely lived up to a lot of his hype this past weekend. Here are a few highlights from day two of the tournament.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Bray Freeman Puts On A Show!

Bray Freeman New World Unlimited

Class Of 2021 PG Bray Freeman (Washington D.C. ) brought his swag and high major potential to the 2016 Tip Off Classic. Freeman displayed great court vision and superb handles while getting his teammates involved and also scoring the ball whenever he got a clear shot. What impresses me most about Bray is his ability to play a huge part in a game without scoring a whole bunch of points. Freeman is the excellent example of what it means to make your teammates better and be a floor general. Freeman is making his mark as one of the best guards in his class.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Class 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Trey Patterson (Team Rio National)

In Part 2 of our 8th Top Performers at the Tip Off Classic we take a look at Team RIO National crew. Here are the players that impressed us in Neptune, NJ. 

Tip Off Class 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Trey Patterson Forward (Team Rio National) – At 6’8 and with a few more inches to grow Patterson is considered by many to be the top prospect in the 2021 class. In our eyes he projects to be a stretch 4 man and the scary part is that he still is only scratching the surface of his potential. You can tell he has been working as his jumper is looking smooth with range out to the 3 point line and he has above average ball handling skills. Trey dropped 22 points including three 3 pointers in their semifinal win against Expressions and 15 points against We R 1 in the quarterfinal.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Julius Ellerbe (New World)

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Analysis 

Every year the “Spotlight” boasts a competitive tournament series where teams set out to be the next team that tries to embark on an undefeated season. The series always starts in early December with the Tip Off Classic where many teams start their season and coaches are always curious how their teams will gel and perform. This year’s 8th Grade Orange division was packed with elite level teams and many already known national players. New World who is a newly sponsored Adidas Gauntlet team as of last year out of the DMV showed why they can be regarded as one of the nation’s elite teams as last weekend they went undefeated and brought home the championship banner at the “Spotlight” in Neptune, NJ beating many’s pre-season #1 team in the country Team Rio National by a score of 51-41. New World also beat the NY Rens and Team Final in pool play and then went on to beat the PSA Cardinals in the quarters and Milbank in the Semi. Let’s meet the Top Performers for New World. 

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Terrence Clarke Shows Off In Neptune!

Clarke Flames At Tip Off Classic 

The 6"6 Combo Guard/Small Forward Terrence Clarke showed off his sky's the limit like potential @ The 2016 Tip Off Classic. All weekend Terrance showed why he is considered one of the best players in the country and actually made his case for #1. Clarke averaged double figures while making the game actually look easy at times during pool play. Terrance Clarke's EXpressions ELITE team is arguably one of the top 10 teams in the country. Would love to see this group stick around for more. 

STAY TUNED as we bring you more highlights!!

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Zion Cruz Blows Up!

Zion Cruz

7th Grader Zion Cruz made his mark as the #1 Guard in the tri state area this past weekend at Bballspotlight Tip Off Classic 2016. Zion Cruz has a rare set of skills for his age being able to survey the court while scoring at will. Zion shows flashes of athleticism that earned him a nickname by his coaches and teammates, "Lil Westbrook". Zion shared the backcourt with Jayden Pierre as they both led their team to Champions earnings. 

STAY TUNED for their dominant Tip Off Classic Mixtape and more footage from this event + more to come.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Matthew Constant Put In Work!

Matthew Constant Expressions

Class Of 2021 Matthew Constant showed off his deep range at the 2016 Bballspotlight Tip Off Classic while helping his team reach the semi-finals versus Team RIO National. Matthew also showed flashes of his ELITE court vision and toughness all weekend long. Constant is defiantly a top 100 prospect in his 8th Grade class.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 4th Grade Championship Recap: NY Rens Win The Crown!

NY Rens Take Championship

The NY Rens proved why they are the #2 in the country as they defeated CIA Bounce 45-26 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 4th Grade Championship. We are proud of both teams for making it to the finals. 

Coach Kat said this is just the beginning for his club. “As a team we are starting to hit our stride again after transitioning from football season. The kids are working very hard as we look to get back to the nationals to chase the national championship. This is where it starts, at the Tip Off Classic” said Coach Kat. 

Championship Roster: Kayden Mingo, Chase Timberlake, Chidi Nwigwe, Aaron Durant, Peyton Howell, Dylan Mingo, Logan Emman, Anthony Pacciarelli, Elijah Small and Sincere Falk. Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps, videos and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASH FOR THE CUP

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 5th Grade Championship Recap: Riverside Hawks Claim Tip Off Title!

Riverside Hawks

Riverside Hawks revenged a pool play loss to defeat Playtime Panthers 34-28 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 5th Grade Championship. We would like to congratulate both teams for making it to the finals. 

Riverside’s head man Andrew Mungin we happy with his team’s success. “Our team is extremely excited to win the Tip Off Classic. It was a great event and we wanted to use it as a benchmark to see where we are as a team. I was very proud of the boys to come back and beat a team we lost to in pool play” he finished. Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps, videos and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASH FOR THE CUP

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: East Coast Elite Grabs The Banner!

East Coast Elite 

Akil Watson scored 13 points as East Coast Elite defeated T Town Ballers 44-30 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Blue Division Championship. T Town Ballers had a balanced scoring attack in the loss. Coach Everton Brown gave us input about his team’s Tip Off Classic experience. “Winning the Tip Off Classic was a great experience for our up and coming program. This tournament has the best talent in the country and East Coast Elite was proud to be a part of it" said Brown

Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps, videos and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASH FOR THE CUP

Tip Off Classic Highlights: Team RIO National vs Expressions!

One of the most anticipated match ups of the weekend was Team RIO National versus Expressions Elite. This matchup featured some of the top ranked players in the country including #1 Trey Patterson, #7 Terrence Clarke, #16 Shane Dezonie and #24 Jayden Brown. Check out the highlights from this game and stay tuned as we bring you more highlights, and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. We are just getting started.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Team IZOD Gets It Done!

Team IZOD Captures Crown

Sebastian Robinson scored a team high 18 points as Team IZOD defeated Courtmasters Elite 53-40 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Orange Division Championship. We congratulate both teams for making it to the finals. 

We caught up with Team IZOD Director Brian Coleman after the game. “It felt good winning the Tip Off Classic. They played hard and played together. There is a lot of great talent in 6th Grade this weekend and I’m glad we were fortunate enough to come away with the championship” Coleman said. 

Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps, videos and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASH FOR THE CUP

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Boston Finest Shines!

Boston Finest Wins The Title

Jonathan Guerrier scored 16 points and Damien Alvarez added 9 markers as Boston Finest defeated Playtime Panthers 36-25 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Blue Division Championship. Playtime Panthers had balanced scoring in the loss. 

Boston Finest coach Eddie Simpkins talked about his Spotlight experience. “It was an accomplishment for the kids to win the chip at the SPOTLIGHT. They worked hard to achieve the goal and we have some great future stars in our young program. We would like thank Mike Melton and his staff for a great tournament and it’s highly recommended” he finished. 

Stay tuned as we bring you more recaps, videos and coverage from the Tip Off Classic. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASH FOR THE CUP