Houston Defenders Select Protected Their Home Turf
With a strong team performance on both ends of the court, their high octane, never quit, running and pressure style of play kept this team on top throughout the tournament. They have been notoriously known nationally for the constant full court press and man to man defense, but they provided many highlights from the offensive end. Several dunks by #21 Courtney Lark and #5 DeArron Foxx, beautiful passes by PG #23 JJ Caldwell, great penetration and strong finishing layups by #3 Carsen Edwards, and outstanding showmanship by #4 Jake ‘the Headacke’ Valero kept the crowd standing throughout their games. They are starting 2012 season with a strong inside presence in #34 Mongo Cornett and he did nothing but dazzle us with several outstanding post moves and protecting the paint. This year’s AAU nationally #6 ranked team is off to a strong start for 2012 in their quest to win a national title. They defeated the DFW Defenders Select squad in the semifinal and won the championship game over an exciting Texas Pro squad.
Tournament M.V.P. DeArron Foxx #5 Houston Defenders Select 2016 ‘Swipa the Fox’ was off the chain and wreaking havoc on anyone standing in his way. His smooth, silky, and sly way of slashing to the cup and his step back pull up jumper’ from anywhere on the court was just too much all tournament long. He had couple of dunks that wowed’ us all, showing that his game is now headed above the rim.
Other Top Performers
Cam McGriff #32 DFW Defenders Select The 6’5” raw monster on the boards and in paint showed huge gains on the offensive end with alley-oop’ dunk in the semifinal game that had the whole gym going nuts. He continues to show signs of significant improvement and is continuously leading his new team to another final four and strong start for the 2012 season.
A.J. Lawson #32 Texas Pro This ‘do-it-all’ 6’3” player rocked the gym with a thunderous tip in dunk in the championship game. He scored at will, he rebounded the ball against the best of them. He handled the ball in the open court and with pressure on him religiously.
Mark Vital #5 Louisiana Elite This 6’3” young man has the making of being the class of 2016’s version of the ‘Human Highlight’, had several dunks that had the crowd ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ every game. Defending the rim was not a problem for him, he swatted so many potential layups that his opponents didn’t even try to go to the rack when he was around.
Tristain Upchurch #24 McAllen HoopDawgs This strong, clever, and crafty PG had all of his opponents on their heels throughout the tournament. He showed an uncanny ability to set up his teammates and still get his shots off. He showed remarkable improvement in the scoring department with many pull-up jumpers’ and strong drives to the rack.
Mongo Cornett #34 Houston Defenders Select 2016 The 6’5” big man was a force that many did not want any part of. His low post game was forceful and very consistent. He out-rebounded all opposing big men. He defended the paint with an attitude that frightened many. If even show amazing ball handling skills in the open court finishing it off with guard-like passes and finishes.
Robert Martin #1 Texas Pro “RobbieMart” put on a show, especially in the championship game, knocking down some big shots from downtown and in transition. Was amazed at how composed he was when some of his teammates went down with injuries and he had to assume the driver seat for his team. He made great strides with running his team’s offense effectively and efficiently.
Chase Winchester #15 DFW Defenders Select The team’s captain brought his ‘A game’ throughout the tournament. His pull-up jumper’ from anywhere was second to none in this tournament. The Winchester Special was firing from all over the court and he showed that he doesn’t fear anyone in his way at the cup, hitting many acrobatic lay-ups.
Mike Williams #31 Houston Defenders The 6’2” bundle of energy was doing it all on both ends of the court. His scoring abilities were unbelievable, he can take you off the dribble either way or he can hit you with the midrange pull-up jump shot. He was always finding ways to get put-backs or defensive rebounds, despite being smaller than his opposing team’s big men. Kid works hard on both ends of the court.
Jonathan Sanchez #00 McAllen HoopDawgs The 6’5” big man has a sweet jump-shot from midrange to downtown. Despite his slim stature, he was tough on the inside, outwitting his opponents for rebounds and getting his shots off. Be blocked shots throughout. Young man showed great passing skills from the post too.
The Baby Baller exposure event of the summer returns August 4th as Basketball Spotlight brings you the 2nd Annual Baby Baller Super Showcase. This event brings together the Top 60 players from the Class of 2019 and 2020 to do battle. Now for the first time ever we will have a ranking for this event. No more wondering who the best was because we will let you know. No other event gives you this amount of exposure period. We are only excepting 60 players per class. No spots will be reserved without full registration.
"NyRhique Smith is an 8th grader who is drawing comparisons to NBA star Tyreke Evans. At the Basketball Spotlight News Tip Off Classic NyRhique showed that can score and create for others. NyRhique hit threes and penetrated through the defense while putting up staggering scoring numbers. NyRhique is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on in the class of 2016." (Ty Kish, Middle School Hoops)
Basketball Spotlight is proud to present the official Baby Baller T-Shirt. These shirts are specifically for the young lads that think they have serious games. The front reads “I WAS BORN READY TO BALL” and the back says “I’M A TRUE BABY BALLER”. The T-Shirts will arrive before the Baby Ballers Bonanza.
Kyle Anderson was one of the standouts at the Primetime Shootout
The Primetime Shootout took place this weekend and ESPN.com reported that many of the standouts were former Basketball Spotlight stars.
By: John Stovall (ESPN)
ROSELLE, N.J. -- The Primetime Shootout has historically been one of the best events in the country that showcases some of the nation's best talents. It has become more of a regional event, but still has most of the best teams and players from Metro New York and South Jersey. Here is a profile of some of the better players who were at this year's event.
Standout players
Kyle Anderson (Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony) 2012, SF, 6-9, 220 pounds College: UCLA He is a special talent who can truly dominate a game on the offensive end. He is a great passer and can play every position on the floor offensively. He is a matchup nightmare because of his size and skill level. He is perfect in St. Anthony's system because he can control the tempo with the dribble, get in the lane and score or find open teammates. It will be interesting to see where the UCLA Bruins play him at the next level. You can bet wherever it is, he will be effective.
Rondae Jefferson (Chester, Pa./Chester) 2013, SF, 6-7, 190 pounds He is a more athletic version of Anderson. He handles the ball offensively and has great vision. Jefferson thinks pass first and is the ultimate glue guy. He finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, eight blocks and five steals! He is extremely versatile and plays very hard. He literally plays all five positions during the course of the game for his team. Jefferson only needs to improve his outside shot to complete the package.
Austin Colbert (Lakeville, Conn./Hotchkiss) 2013, PF, 6-9, 210 pounds He is a skilled power forward who has a lot of tools. Colbert is mostly a high-post player who can drill jump shots to 20 feet but his athleticism allows him to be very effective around the basket. Colbert has always been talented but has needed to be more assertive and productive. Well, I think the time has come. Colbert was MVP of Hotchkiss' win over Trenton Catholic with 16 points and eight rebounds. If he is starting to realize his enormous potential, watch out America.
Players to watch
Isaiah Briscoe (Newark, N.J./St. Benedict) 2015, PG/SG, 6-3, 190 pounds He is a strong and powerful combo guard who plays, looks and has a feel for the game of someone much older. Briscoe is a great scorer and creator with a solid shot out to 20 feet. He is also a pretty good defender for someone so young because of his size and strength. Overall, he is one of the better freshmen in the United States.
Karl Towns (Metuchen, N.J./St. Joseph) 2015, C/PF, 6-9, 210 pounds He is a high-post player who has to be one of the better shooters in the 2015 class, period. He has range to 25 feet and is a great catch-and-shoot player. Towns has nice length and looks to still have room to grow, especially given his size 20 shoes. He is only a decent rebounder now but that will improve as he adds strength to his thin frame. Towns has a great upside and has to be one of the five best players overall in the 2015 class.
Malachi Richardson (Trenton, N.J./Catholic) 2015, SG, 6-4, 180 pounds He is a very intriguing prospect with great size and nice length. Richardson has a knack for putting the ball in the hoop, which is craved by coaches at every level of basketball. He is a very good shooter with range to 20 feet and as he continues to grow and improve he has a chance to be one of the best players in the 2015 class.
Notes
The first game on Sunday, which pitted Gill St. Bernard versus Plainfield, might have been the best game I have seen this year. All the stars came to play as Plainfield defeated nationally-ranked St. Bernard, 78-77, in overtime. The game was won on a last-second layup that out of the half-court set as time expired. Dartmouth-bound point guard Alex Mitola shot his way to 30 points for St. Bernard and junior point guard Jaren Sina added 22. However, the star of the game may have been Plainfield point guard Sekou Harris who had 20 clutch points.
Harris, an unsigned senior with definite Division I talent is an interesting story because his family is moving to Phoenix and he wants to attend a school on the West Coast. Any low- to mid-major program that needs a dynamic guard should definitely take a look.
John Stovall is the Southwest recruiting coordinator. He has worked as director of scouting for Prep Spotlight Scouting Service and its magazine for 15 years.
Breakdown: No player has dominated his position the last few years like Hampton. He’s won several MVP Awards over the years and has helped DC Assault reach new heights since joining the program. Many ranking system have him listed as a Top 25 player in the country. Check out some of his highlights.
The Beautiful Atlantic City Sheraton will be the host for the AC Showcase. Register quickly because these rooms will go fast and the rate is great for Atlantic City. Use the link below to register online or call the Sheraton at (609)-344-3535 (Code- Basketball Spotlight). The current rate is $129.00. Please call early because once these rooms go we won’t be able to help you obtain others.
Basketball Spotlight Alum Karl Towns Jr.’s game is attracting national attention. He’s currently a major clog in St. Joseph Metuchen’s highly successful season. Basketball Spotlight had Towns ranked #2 in the country in our Class 2015 rankings and he’s living up to the hype. Check out this recent article from the Star Ledger.
Breakdown: Pittman has grown a few a couple of inches the last few seasons which has helped his point guard status. Now the southpaw can see over the defense and score or pass the pill to open teammates. He’s with a new squad which expects him to contribute right away.
Philadelphia, The City Of Brotherly Love is known for their guards. Now point guard Daijon Womack seems to be the next in line to take the torch. This youngster can go end to end without hesitation while getting the job done. Yes he’s young right now but the potential is very apparent. Check out this Baby Ballers work.
Atiba Taylor scored 13 points while both Luther Muhammad and Will Yarborough added 12 apiece as #2 KSK defeated #1 Team IZOD 54-49 to win the Riverside Hawks tournament. Markquis Nowell finished with a team high 13 points for Team IZOD in the loss. Luther Muhammad was awarded MVP of the tournament. Congrats to KSK for winning the crown.
Roster Atiba Taylor, Will Yarbrough, Barrell Neal, Luther Muhammad, Alex Schachne, Trishtan Issac, Neo Powell-Erving, Chauncey Sterling, Moses Brown.
What’s up basketball world? So much has happened since the last diary, I guess I am getting older because time is really moving fast as the weeks go by.
Monday was a really great day, normally Monday’s can be challenging, after long weekends of basketball, working out and hanging out with family and friends. Monday morning starting off with school and a quiz which I was prepared for. The afternoon was really good as well and all my classes went really smooth and fast. I have some really good teachers and some great kids in my classes. I like the being part of a small school, it is really cool and Holy Savior is its own little community.
Tuesday school went fast and after my homework and an hour of sleep my dad came home from work and we went to gym. Most of the 2 hours we worked on shooting from all areas of the court and ball-handling. My workout went really well and both my dad and I are pleased in how I am progressing.
Wednesday I went to school from 7:50 AM to 2:00 PM and for some reason I was really distracted thinking about my future, regarding high school and where I might want to spend the next 4 years of my life. Being part of a community and getting the best education I can get are things my mom and dad always talked to me about over the years. Prior to Wednesday, I thought very little about my future school. I just played ball because I love it and I went to school because I have to and most of the time I love that to. Laugh out loud!
Thursday I had a science test at school and I believe I knew all the answers except a few. I also had to write an essay for school and was able to do most of that during the day. After school I went home to complete tons of homework and a school project therefore I missed my workout and Team-Final practice. I hate missing team practice but sometimes school and everything gets so busy I cannot do everything. Thank God I have the support of my family to help me and would not be able to get everything done.
Thanks God it is Friday! I almost thought it would never come. The night before I told my dad and mom I wanted to attend Gill Saint Bernard school in Gladstone, NJ for the next 4 years. My dad and mom were happy with my decision, however I believe he was hoping I would choose Saint Joe’s Metuchen, which is basically in my hometown. Do not get me wrong my parents both love Gill, but Saint Joes is home for us and part of our community. I liked Saint Joe’s a lot as well but I did not want to go to an all boy’s school and I also I fell in love with Gill and everything it has to offer. Academically, it is one of the best in the country and a good basketball gives it a total balance! Saint Anthony was also a consideration, I just could not see myself taking several trains to school everyday and it was just a little to far for me. I would have love being a Friar and playing for coach Hurley would have been cool.
Saturday morning I had a school game and I had my first game where I had 2 dunks. I had one dunk with a kid riding my hip on the way to the basket and the other on a fast break. My brother had well over 20 points and we are getting better and better as a team. Also, a University that I will leave the name out was at my game. Wow, that is really cool!
In the afternoon I went to support the Gill boys team at a county game. After being in the gym for a few minutes with my family. The Blue Crew started cheering my name and it was both embarrassing and cool. Thanks Blue Crew, looking forward to the next 4 years. Gill won by 20 but it was a hard victory.
Sunday I went to the Gill v-s Plainfield game and they lost in a heart breaker! Too much homework tonight so I have to sign-off now.
One of the top 8th Graders in the country has picked his high school. Tyus Battle ranked in the top 10 by many scouts has chosen to attend Gill St. Bernards next fall. GSB fought off several schools for Tyus services including St. Joseph’s Metuchen, St. Anthony and Montverde Academy in Florida. Tyus’s father and AAU Coach Gary Battle felt comfortable with the decision. “Tyus and I talked over the years about the balance between life and taking advantage of what it offers. GSB gives him the best in academics, basketball and becoming a well all around person. We are happy with the decision and will continue to work hard” said Battle.
Gill St. Bernard’s Coach Mergin Sina has enjoyed some recent success is elated about Battle attending his campus. “I’m not surprised that the Battle family chose Gill St. Bernard’s for this young man. The balance of a top notch education and opportunity for Tyus to grow as a student athlete is what the parents wanted for their child.” Sina has had his share of Division 1 recruits including his son Jaren but thinks this Battle addition could be a little different. “Normally, I wouldn’t comment about a young 8th Grader but Tyus is one of those kids who has the opportunity with hard work and dedication to be special. I’m not just talking about as an athlete but he can be successful at whatever he desires. He’s a super young man” Sina finished.
Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Tyus and his family about their decision and we will keep you guys posted as the story develops.
Breakdown: Andree put on a memorable shooting performance during the Tip Off Classic. The 6’6 wing let it go from deep and the mid range area. Anytime he was left open he made the defense pay dearly. When he gets hot he can really stretch the defense.
The exposure event of the summer returns August 11th as Basketball Spotlight brings you the 3rd Annual Super Showcase. This event brings together the Top 60 players from the Class of 2017 and 2018 to do battle. Now for the first time ever we will have a ranking for this event. No more wondering who the best was because we will let you know. No other event gives you this amount of exposure period. We are only excepting 60 players per class. No spots will be reserved without full registration.
The 14U Division was too close for comfort and we have a new #1 team. Remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 14U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. DC Assault: “The MOBB” rebounded from the Tip Off Classic to win the Clash crown. Hopefully we can get this group back to run for the Grand Finale in June.
2. Team Scan: Scan lost in the finals to Dc Assault after losing their first game of the season. They still have to be one of the favorites to win the Grand Finale title.
3. Playaz: PBC made another final four appearance and their Grand Finale points are piling up. They might need one more Spotlight event to insure their Grand Finale spot.
4. Team Takeover: TT made a splash before losing in the final four to nemesis DC Assault. We are confident that this squad is not over ranked and should be a force to reckon with.
5. ETU Warriors: The Waariors roughed up a couple of squads while almost making it to the final four of the Clash. This is their first time cracking the Top 5.
6. Team Final: TF was shaky in their Spotlight debut but still made it to the quarterfinals. Hopefully we will see them at the AC Showcase.
7. East Coast Elite: ECE used their new name to advance to the quarterfinals of a tough tournament. Their blue collar style kept them afloat.
8. New Rens: Their roster was stacked but they didn’t advance out of pool play at the Clash. They have a couple of events to make an impact.
9. King Street Kings: KSK had tough sledding at the Clash but we give them credit for entering the fire. I think they are a couple plays away from having a different result.
10. Philly Triple Threat: PTT pulled off a big win after beating Team Scan in pool play. This was their first trip to the Orange Division and they proved worthy.
The 13U Division seems to be wide open. We had some movement so things should get more interesting as the season goes on. Remember these rankings are jus our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 13U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. CBC: The “Money Team” lost in the Clash finals by 1 but remain on top because of their overall body of work. They will be back in action during the AC Showcase and must get the banner to remain on top.
2. Team Takeover: TT came to the Clash with a heavy rep and won it all. Another victory over CBC or another Spotlight crown will probably give them the #1 spot.
3. Team Final: TF fell in the final four vs. CBC. They have a good unit but now must figure out how to win the crown to move up. They have two Spotlight events to get things done.
4. Milbank: The Big Apple boys got eliminated in the quarterfinals by a hungry DC Assault squad. This was a little surprise for us but we expect them to respond fiercely.
5. Team IZOD: I got a chance to see this squad this past weekend in a mop up game. Now we will see them back in the fire during the AC Showcase. They have faced adversity but you can’t deny the heart of a champion.
6. DC Assault: I said these guys might move up in the rankings and they went from 9 to 6 after making it to the final four of the Clash.
7. New Heights: NH had a serious pool at the Clash but they do have the talent. Now they have to put everything to get things done.
8. Broward Sharks: The Blue Division champs took the championship back to Florida. Now they want to taste the Orange Division which is a different animal. They earned the right with their play.
9. New Rens: NR played in the Orange Division and didn’t advance from the serious pool. Now they have two tournaments to rebound from the experience.
10. Team Melo: The Baltimore bunch felt slighted about not being in the Orange Division and responded by making to the finals of the Blue Division. They earned the right to be in the Orange.
The 12U Rankings definitely had some moment as a few teams got knocked off. Remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Team IZOD: The fly guys made it to the finals of the brutal Clash For The Cup before losing to upset minded King Street Kings. They hold on to the top spot because of their overall body of work.
2. KSK: King Street Kings made an incredible run during the Clash For The Cup. They knocked off the top 3 teams in the region. Another victory over Team IZOD could move them into the top spot.
3. New Rens: New Rens made it to the final four of the Clash which was a good feat because of the tough field. They have collected 7 points towards the Grand Finale. Will that be enough? We shall see.
4. East Coast Elite: They won the Baby Baller MLK Classic and made it to the final four of the Clash. They are one of the most active squads in the region that’s smart because they lead the region in Grand Finale points.
5. Playtime Panthers: This past month PP put together a final four run at the Baby Baller MLK Classic and a quarterfinal finish at the Clash For The Cup. They will be at the Baby Ballers Bonanza in March.
6. Riverside Hawks: Riverside slid in the rankings after going 0-3 in the Clash For The Cup. We have to keep in mind the Clash 12U field was the toughest in history.
7. DC Assault: Assault made it to the finals of the Baby Baller MLK Classic before running out of gas. Their next stop will probably be at the AC Showcase.
8. PWC: The Paterson boys have been busy playing in the competitive Paterson city league. We know we will see them back in the fire very soon.
9. Team Takeover: TT has one of the top backcourts on the East Coast and performed well in the heat of the Clash. They made it into the Top 10 now they must work to stay there.
10. Mass Shooting Stars: The Blue Division winners made their Spotlight debut and left with a banner. Now we will see how they react when they are on the other side.
The 11U Rankings has a new #1 after the Baby Baller MLK Classic. Remember this Top 10 is just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel
1. Playtime Panthers: Playtime moved into the #1 spot after winning the Baby Baller MLK Classic. They were knocking on the door for while and now have finally entered the room.
2. Team NJABC: NJABC fell in the semifinals of the Baby Baller MLK Classic. Their Tip Off Classic Championship and overall body of work got them the #2 spot.
3. Team Nelson: TN made a championship run during their first Spotlight event of the year. They loss to #1 Playtime twice during the tournament but will have a chance for redemption at the Baby Baller Bonanza.
4. Team Rebels: TR lost in the final four of the MLK Baby Baller Classic. It was also their first time out so they have to feel successful about their effort.
5. New Rens: NR missed the Baby Baller MLK Classic but is scheduled to attend the Baby Baller Bonanza. This will be my chance to personally watch these boys in action.
6. New Heights: NR also didn’t make the trip to Atlantic City. They came into the season with a good roster now we are waiting for them to explode.
7. CJ Hawks: The Hawks will return to action at the Baby Baller Bonanza in March. We know they have to be hungry for some Basketball Spotlight action.
8. NWK: This scrappy bunch brings intensity every time they touch the floor. They played extremely hard at the Baby Baller MLK Classic.
9. Team Takeover (Brown): This squad pulled out of the Baby Baller MLK Classic so maybe we will get a chance to check them out soon.
10. Severn Elite: We will probably run into this group when he travel down to Maryland for the MIT.
The 14U Division at the Clash For The Cup was filled with fireworks. It produced a new champion and had some thrilling plays along the way. Here’s a look inside this event.
DC Assault vs. Team Scan (Best Game Ever?) The Clash For The Cup 14U Championship might go down as one of the best Basketball Spotlight games ever. The intensity was through the roof combined with great coaching and top notch players from both programs. I was convinced the atmosphere was serious when I saw DC Assaults mild mannered coach Zach Suber actually walking the sidelines and barking instructions. If this was ESPN that game would definitely become an instant classic.
Clash For The Cup 14U All Tournament Team Alani Moore (DC Assault) MVP – Orange Division Patrick Strazala (St. Michaels) MVP- Blue Division Joe Hampton (DC Assault) Jamar Watson (DC Assault) Reggie Gardner (DC Assault) Anthony Cowan (DC Assault) Ako Adams (DC Assault) Devonte Green (Team Scan) Temple Gibbs (Team Scan) Bryce Aiken (Team Scan) Unique Mclean (Team Scan) NyRhique Smith (Playaz) Donovan Love (Playaz) Tyler Scanlon (Team Takeover) Justin Jackson (YAAACE) Marcus Ottey (YAAACE) Devon Goodman (Team Elite) Tyus Battle (Team Final) Matthew Bullock (KSK) Brad Hawkins (ECE) Daveyon Barnes (ETU) Randall Gaskins (ETU) Justin Leip (Mass Shooting Stars) Jared Rivers (New Rens) Anthony Munson (LD Rebels)
Houston Defenders Select Protected Their Home Turf
Tournament M.V.P.
A.J. Lawson #32 Texas Pro
Tristain Upchurch #24 McAllen HoopDawgs
Robert Martin #1 Texas Pro
Mike Williams #31 Houston Defenders
