Diary Of A Baller: Malachi "Shoota" Richardson (Trenton, NJ) Entry #22

What's Up Everybody!

Did you miss me?....lol...It's been a minute, but it's the "Shoota"; I've been really busy with my books and basketball. As you should know I did my honor roll thing, and I got my paper (money). When I showed my grandparents my report card, my grandmother told me, we are not paying you for making honor roll, because that's what you are suppose to do, we're giving you this money to encourage you to keep working hard in school. My parents always say the same thing, "I'm suppose to make honor roll." Making honor roll has always been my personal goal, and I know it makes my family proud.

This is the first school year I don't have to take the Terra Nova test, it's a state test and we usually spend about two months of the school year prepping for it. Instead of taking the terra nova test, we have to do a 10 page report, at first I thought my teacher was joking, than she started handing out instructions. Everybody in my class was thinking the same thing, you can't be serious. I've done reports before but never 10 pages; 3 pages was a stretch for me. I decided to do mine on the oil spill in the gulf, since I've been gathering a lot of information I don't think 10 pages will be that bad. This is the last semester, I'm not gonna start slacking off now, come June maybe.....lol.. I can't wait for it to be over so I can start my new journey (High School).

As far as basketball goes, my school team; what a long season September to March 13th. I'm not even sure how many games we had. I'm not used to that many games while still going to school, the last two weeks was brutal. We had two days off, only because my coach canceled practice. We lost in the district championship game, we went up 10-0 to start the game, then with 30 seconds left in the quarter I picked up my second foul. They went on a 24-0 run before my coach put me back in, I made 2 baskets and they got 3 and 1's in a row, game over, season over.

Now the aau season officially starts. Team Final, we've been working out with the high school guys, and I love it. I like matching up against them, it gives me a chance to figure out how to get my shot off, because most of them are long and strong, and I get a chance to work on my mid range game too. At the end of our practices we always play them, the games are really, really physical; they do a lot of holding, grabbing, pushing, and talking. Nobody wants to lose, I love playing in competitive games like that. Working out with them has definitely helped our team get better.

Before when I used to workout with the high school guys I always left the gym thinking I gotta get a lot stronger, but now I know I'm stronger but not where I need to be, I'm just gonna keep working hard to get there.

Check me out next week.......
"Shoota"

PS Shoutout to the girls basketball team at TCA....#1 team in New
Jersey.

Gauchos Win Spring Fling

The NYC Gauchos defeated New Heights 79-62 to win the Spring Fling 13U Championship. Congrats to Coach Suber and Coach Smith for getting the job done.
Mustafa Heron - Championship Game MVP
NyRhique Smith- Tournament MVP
Sayon Charles- All Tournament Team
Armanie Craddock- All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 11U Top Performers

Jalen Brooks (We Run)

The AC Showcase 11U Division was very impressive. We gave you some recaps from the championship and now here are some top performers from the rest of the event.

11U Top Performers

Jalen Brooks Guard (We Run)- Brooks had it going on early during the tournament. He posted 19 markers against Delaware Finest Stars and finished the event posting 13 points an outing. He’s moving closer to POY honors.

Jalen Gaffney Guard (NJABC)- Gaffney had an excellent showing he averaged about 16 points including 4 trey performance against the NJ Shore Shots in pool play. This youngster is playing up and getting the job done.


Jamal Whittlesey Forward (Delaware Royalty)- According to my scout Jamal played big in the middle. He averaged double figures including 15 points in their Final Four loss to Maryland Spartans. His return has boosted DR’s play and team ranking.

Shelton Applewhite Guard (We Run)- Applewhite recorded some decent stats this weekend. He averaged 11 points a game and my scout likes his size playing on the wing. This kid might have a huge upside.

Nasir Dowling Forward ( T Town Ballers)- T Town has been hot lately and Dowling is one of the main reasons. The versatile forward lead is team to the Final Four and scored 19 points against Delaware Royalty.

Kiyon Johnson Guard (Delaware Royalty)- You can throw Johnson’s name in the POY talk. The big guard can do it all. At the AC Showcase he lived at the free throw line. He finished the tourney pumping in 10 points a game and helping his team reach the semifinals.

Expressions vs. Team Scan Highlights Feat: "The Dunk"

The highly anticipated 14U semifinal with Team Scan and Expressions was good as expected. At the beginning of the second half Isaiah Briscoe (Team Scan) got a steal and took it coast to coast for a thunderous dunk over an Expressions player. “The Dunk” sent shockwaves through this event and my phone was ringing off the hook. This is just another memorable moment at Basketball Spotlight. “The Dunk” occurs around the 6:00 mark of the video.

Summer Slam Point System Update

The third leg on the Road To Summer Slam was the Atlantic City Showcase and below we have listed the point standings after this event. Summer Slam will invite the top four teams from each age group to compete to become the Grand Champion. Point accumulation depends on where teams finish in the tournament. Summer Slam will take place July 31st at Hoop Group Headquarters In Neptune, NJ. In case of a tie in the point system we will go to head to head matchups in Spotlight events and amount of championships won.

14U Division
Team Scan (10 Points)
F.A.C.E.S. (8 Points)
Team Final (7 Points)
Philly Aztecs (6 Points)
Team Rebels (5 Points)
The City (5 Points)
Cali Styles (5 Points)
Expressions (4 Points)

13U Division
F.A.C.E.S (10 Points)
Team Scan (8 Points)
Gauchos (7 Points)
Force One (7 Points)
Philly Triple Threat (7 Points)
Team Felton (5 Points)
CT Elite (5 Points)
DC Assault (5 Points)
New Heights (4 Points)
Team Rebels (3 Points)

12U Division
Team IZOD (12 Points)
CBC (8 Points)
Juice All Stars (8 Points)
DC Assault (6 Points)
Maryland Panthers (5 Points)
Cali Styles (5 Points)
CT Elite (4 Points)
Team Final (4 Points)

11U Division
We Run- 10 Points
Riverside Hawks- 9 Points
Gauchos- 8 Points
T Town Ballers- 7 Points
Natural Ballers- 7 Points
Delaware Royalty- 7 Points
Maryland Spartans- 5 Points
Long Island Lightning- 4 Points
Long Island Lightning- 4 Points
New Heights- 3 Points

AC Showcase 14U Orange Championship Recap: The City Wins Atlantic City Again

The City Repeats As AC Showcase Champs

Mike Williams and Eric Pachsall scored 10 points apiece as The City defeated Expressions 49-44 to win the 14U Orange Championship at the AC Showcase. Chris Baldwin scored 13 points for Expressions in the loss.

Top Performers

Mike Williams Guard (The City)- Williams showed up in AC sporting a new bulked up frame. This allowed the combo guard to get anywhere he wanted on the floor and absorb contact in the lane. His addition made this team look the best they have this season. Welcome back Mike.

Eric Pachall Forward (The City)- I like Eric’s confidence on the perimeter. His has good height on his jump shot and maneuvers well when handling the pill. He’s an experienced player and it showed this weekend.

Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (The City)- Wolfie didn’t score a lot but he showed good patience against the Expressions pressure defense. He’s one of the smartest players around and displays the passion that any high school coach will love.

Chris Baldwin Forward (Expressions)- You have to love Baldwin’s game. He’s 6’7 and can hit the jumper from deep and the foul line area. His touch is remarkable and he gets a clean look anytime he wants. Mark my words this kid will be a big-time prospect in the future.

Aaron McLean Forward (Expressions)- The gangly forward makes his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He rebounds like a machine and plays with a serious motor. Once he develops some perimeter skills watch out for him.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase 14U Including The All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 14U Blue Championship Recap: NJ Pirates Reach Pay Dirt

NJ Pirates Win Blue Division Title

Levi Holmes scored 20 points and Brandon Gilder added 13 markers as the NJ Pirates defeated Positive Force 57-47 to win the AC Showcase 14U Blue Championship.

Top Performers

Levi Holmes Guard (NJ Pirates)- Holmes is one of the best shooters in the region period. He torched the nets by spotting up and off the dribble. He lead the squad in scoring while draining shots from everywhere in the gym. When he’s hot he’s a problem.

Brandon Gilder Forward (NJ Pirates)- Gilder was one of the best athletes in this event. He enjoys attacking shot blockers and trying to jump over them. He usually ends up with a trip to the charity stripe. He probably would be a dominant wide receiver because of his leaping ability.

Maurice Brand Guard (NJ Pirates)- Brand muscled his way through defenders all weekend. He has natural point guard instincts combined with the knack to score. It’s difficult for opponents to contain him on this level because of his wide frame.

Zachery Torres Guard (NJ Pirates)- Torres is playing with a lot more confidence these days. He glided through the lane several times and hit cutting teammates. Once he gets a little stronger he should be ok.

Mikey Dixon Guard (Positive Force)- Dixon once again killed the competition at the Spotlight. While many want him to be a pass first point guard he would rather scorch you for 30 markers. I can’t blame the kid, get buckets Mikey.

Derrick Jones Forward (Positive Force)- Jones has the basketball frame that makes scouts salivate. He stands about 6’4 and plays above the rim when he gets the chance. While others might get more shine right now, his best days are ahead of him.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase 14U Including The All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 13U Orange Championship Recap: Team Felton Cashes In

Team Felton Didn't Waste Their Gas Money

Harry Giles scored 24 points and Jayce Wolfe added 12 markers as Team Felton defeated Force One 50-39 to win the AC Showcase Orange Division Championship. Kyle Depollar scored 12 points for Force One in the loss.

Top Performers

Harry Giles Forward (Team Felton)- Giles made the most of his Spotlight debut by erupting for 18 of his 24 points in the second half. He ran the floor like a deer and converted while also displaying solid post moves. He has become more comfortable handling the rock and making decisions. Finally, I like how he demanded the rock on the post during the finals. It shows he's definitely maturing and understanding how good he could be. Standing 6’5 his potential as a wing player is scary.

Jayce Wolfe Guard (Team Felton)- Wolfe was a very good pick up for this crew. He drove the rock down the teeth of the defense before exploding to the rim. His addition gives point guard Mike Buckland some time to play off the ball. This kid is a just a flat out scorer.

Mike Buckland Guard (Team Felton)- Buckland had a solid weekend against some of the top teams in the region. He’s a guard with good size and rarely turns the rock over. He also has some wiggle in his game which helps him get past more athletic defenders. He does have an awkward release on his jump shot but was successful with it at times.

Joe Hampton Forward (Force One)- Hampton put together one of the best weekends of the season. He dominated some of the top teams in the region. Hampton was a beast on the post but also tickled the twine from behind the arc. He averaged over 20 points a contest and posted a double double each game. He played like the best player in the region in this event.

Kyle Depollar Guard (Force One)- When Hampton got double teamed Kyle burned the defense from the perimeter. He’s a spot up shooter with a good basketball IQ and knows how to play the passing lanes.


Jeff Dowtin Guard (Force One)- Jeff is now playing with Force One and logging minutes at the point guard spot. His jump shot wasn’t dropping as much as in the past but I like the fact that he has decided to transform into a point guard. This will be his normal position on the high school level.

AJ Banks Guard (Force One)- I love this kid. He’s an athletic slasher that finishes well in traffic and has good size his position. Banks assisted Hampton on the glass and also got on the break very quickly. I will be keeping a close eye on this kid.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase 13U Including The All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 13U Blue Championship Recap: Team Scan Victorious

Team Scan Holds It Down

Jeff Hayden scored 14 points and Cameron Winston added 10 markers as Team Scan defeated Philly Triple Threat 49-41 to win the AC Showcase 13U Blue Division Championship. Joshua Sharkey finished with 10 points for PTT in the loss.

Top Performers

Jeff Hayden Forward (Team Scan)- Hayden has shown some improved quickness and ability to the rock on the floor. From time to time he still will hit the glass for rebounds. But moving to a wing type game is the best move for his development.

Cameron Winston Forward (Team Scan)- Winston has a high motor and looks very good when playing under control. This weekend he was able to get out into transition and make some plays. Inside he played his rugged style that helps his team get the win on most occassions.

Unqiue McLean Guard (Team Scan)- The high flying guard gave the AC crowd a show at times. He’s constantly around the rim and flourishes in the open floor. His athleticism is out of this world especially for a 7th Grader. Expect some serious highlights of this kid coming soon.

Leondre Washington Guard (Team Scan)- I like how Washington is developing into a quality floor general. He knows how to use the high powered weapons he has around him. He also will sneak a few buckets in himself occasionally.

Joshua Sharkey Guard (Philly Triple Threat)- Once again Sharkey stepped up against some high level competition. He’s putting together a fantastic season and should be in consideration for Mid Atlantic POY race.

Jamil Pines-Elliot Guard (Philly Triple Threat)- Jamil nailed 3 triples in the finals. His range is when he walks in the gym. He benefits by playing a great penetrating guard in Joshua Sharkey.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase 13U Including The All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 12U Championship Recap: Team IZOD Wins Showdown!

#3 Team IZOD Captures Crown

Nate Pierre Louis scored a game high 24 points and Aaron Clarke chipped in 15 markers as #3 Team IZOD defeated #2 CBC 55-51 to win the AC Showcase 12U title. Jaecee Martin finished with 17 points for CBC in the loss.

Top Performers

Nate Pierre Louis Guard (Team IZOD)- Big time players step up in big games and once again this kid delivered. His ability to get to the tin and finish is obvious but he also has improved converting with his off hand. Nate understands that the rim is his friend in terms of using it as a shield for shot blockers. He specializes in using reverse type lay ups to get buckets. A nickname is in order, introducing Nate "The Great" Pierre Louis.

Aaron Clarke Guard (Team IZOD)- Even playing on the tight court Clarke was able to get enough space to launch his jumper. I’m very impressed with his ability to make big shots and create plays in very hostile environments. He’s stepping up big time.

Rooner Joseph Forward (Team IZOD)- Joseph has to be the most improved post player in the region. He already had a high motor but now he shows he can establish position and attempt some post moves. He’s a long way from a finished product but the strides he has made are tremendous.

Louis King Forward (Team IZOD)- King gave his squad some valuable minutes off the pine. He helped Joseph on the glass and leaked out for a few buckets in transition. We expect a huge growth spurt from this kid so watch out.

Jaecee Martin Guard (CBC)- “Mayweather” Martin took his squad to distance during this heavy weight battle. He plays the high screen game like a veteran and keeps his post players happy by dropping dimes like a snitch. In transition once he gets close to the basket he’s a master at drawing contact before finishing off the play.

Chaylyn Martin Guard (CBC)- This kid confidence continues to grow. During the finals he helped his brother out by slicing through the lane for buckets. He also was a ball hound on the defensive end by causing havoc during the press. Keep playing hard youngster.

Ismail Charles Forward (CBC)- This kid is just a monster on the glass and when converting close. On defense he’s an intimidating force and clogs the lane very well. He had a true battle with Rooner Joseph in the finals. I look forward to seeing them battle for years to come.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase 12U Including The All Tournament Team

AC Showcase 11U Championship Recap: Maryland Spartans Take Care Of Business

Preston Bacon scored 11 points including 3 treys to lead Maryland Spartans to 42-30 win over Long Island Lightning for the Atlantic City Showcase 11U Championship. Long Island Lightning had a balanced scoring attack.

Top Performers

Preston Bacon Guard (Maryland Spartans)- Bacon got hot from behind the arc and hit some clutch treys. The lefty has a lot of confidence and isn’t afraid to launch it from the cheap seats. The kid has major swagger.

Dejuan Ellis Guard (Maryland Spartans)- The power guard enjoys setting up teammates with nice passes after he penetrated the lane. He does have the capability of scoring but for some reason he preferred to dish the rock.

Malcolm Spencer Guard (Maryland Spartans)- Spencer made some big baskets down the stretch of the game. In transition he attacked the cup and was able to draw contact. He should be a name to know soon.

Cam Obitti Guard (Long Island Lightning)- Obitti was a true treat to watch. Sometimes a player just has that extra gear and this guard might be one of those kids. Right now he’s a finisher but will probably become a point guard.

Tyson Walker Guard (Long Island Lightning)- Walker is a real NYC guard which means he’s really tough and has the attitude of a winner. He plays good defense and isn’t afraid of challenging the giants in the lane.

Marcus Hammond Guard (Long Island Lightning)- Walker’s backcourt mate is also a true pest on the defensive end. He moves his feet well and plays the passing lanes on the press. Offensively, he’s more of a true floor general and should only get better in the future.

Terrence Trice Jr. Forward (Long Island Lightning)- Trice showed some offensive skills. He has some size on this level but can create off the bounce like a smaller guard. He scored a few baskets in a row to try and keep things close.

Jonas Cooper Forward (Long Island Lightning)- Cooper plays in the paint and can be very effective when he works hard. He rebounded the ball well and altered some shots. The Lightning might have a nice young player in this kid.

Stay Tune For Inside The AC Showcase Including The All Tournament Team.