In The Spotlight: Nick Edwards (Georgia Hawks)

Name: Nick Edwards 

AAU Team: Georgia Hawks 

 Position: Point Guard 

Class: 2018 

Analysis: Nick Edwards played with tremendous heart vs EOTO in a Sunday morning contest. He showed the ability to break down defenders and create layups for his post players. His GA Hawks team took control of the game when Edwards took control of the rock. Along with deft passing, he hit floaters and made his FT.

Basketball Spotlight 14U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

 
Here are the Basketball Spotlight Top 10 14U teams. 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” returns to number 1 after winning the Hoop Philly Fest on the 15U level and the MIT. Now they are gearing up to head to the AAU Nationals and chase the crown. 

2. Team Scan: TS finished runner-up at the Rumble In The Bronx and now will be focusing on winning the Grand Final Banner. We will see Saturday. 

3. Gauchos: After winning the AC Showcase the Choz made it to the final four of the MDC. Now they enter the Grand Finale as the #1 seed. 

4. Playaz: The Playaz made it to the final four of the MDC. Now they will be seeking their first crown at the Grand Finale. 

5. St. Michaels: The Hudson County crew had an quarterfinal exit at the MDC but their overall body of work has them in the Top 5. They have an outside chance of winning the Grand Finale. 

6. New Rens/KSK: The combination squad took home the Gold Ball after defeating F.A.C.E.S in the finals. 

7. F.A.C.E.S.: The Killer returned to the Spotlight and made it to the finals of the MDC. Now General Cole will prepare his troops for the 14U Nationals. 

8. New Heights: NH has came on strong lately, they won the Blue Division crown at the MDC, Playaz Blow and a local tourney in NY. They have recently defeated 3 of the 4 Grand Finale squads. 

9. ETU Warriors: We haven’t seen ETU in a while but we enjoyed the way they competed in the Spotlight this season. 

10. Team Final: TF brings up the rear and should be gearing up for their trip to Orlando for the AAU Nationals.

J.E.M. All Star Classic Adds "Showtime"

Alani "Showtime" Moore  

Alani ”Showtime” Moore of Germantown, Maryland will be participating in the 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Moore has dominated the Basketball Spotlight circuit the last few years with DC Assault while recently winning the MVP of the Clash For The Cup. Alani was also voted to the All Tournament Team for the Tip Off Classic. Moore seems ready to go, “It’s an honor playing in the J.E.M. All Star Classic. I know this is a special event; therefore I’m going to come out and give my all in the dedication to Mrs. Melton. You know what time it is? SHOWTIME!” Moore finished. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place Saturday, August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight brings you more players that have been selected for this exclusive event.

 

Basketball Spotlight 13U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

 
Here are the Basketball Spotlight Top 10 13U teams. Remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 13U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. CBC: The “Money Team” won a tournament over Memorial Day weekend before traveling down to the MIT. Now they will be trying to take the Grand Finale banner back to Connecticut. We expect them to come in serious. 

2. Team Final: TF won the MDC and then went to the MIT to finish as the Gold Bracket runner-up. They are playing some good ball right now and have a chance of snatching the banner on Saturday. 

3. Milbank: “The Bank” has some personnel issues but still managed to make it to the final four of the MDC. Now they will try to shock the world and take the banner back to NY. 

4. Team IZOD: The Big Red Machine will be trying to defend their Grand Championship on Saturday. They face the “Money Team” in the semifinals so things should get interesting very early. 

5. Team Takeover: TT has a stacked roster and big expectations when they head to Memphis for the AAU Nationals. Now it’s time for them to get it done. 

6. Dc Assault: DCA Assault came to life at the MIT and made a deep run. Hopefully they can take that momentum to the AAU Nationals and make some noise. 

7. M Plex Swish: M Plex made their Spotlight and made it to the MDC Championship. The ended losing to Team Final but I don’t think we saw the last of this bunch. 

8. Team ABBO: They are newly formed we are going to give them some time to gel. But with the AAU Nationals at the end of the month they better get it together quick. 

9. New Heights: NH is still a quality team even after the departures. If you sleep on them you might go home with a loss. 

10. RIP City: RC impressed us with the way the breezed through the Blue Division by mercy ruling their way to the finals.

Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 Present AGame Team Apparel

 
Here are the Basketball Spotlight Top 10 12U teams. Remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. King Street Kings: KSK moves to the top after winning the MDC, DC Assault Classic and Rumble In The Bronx. Now they are searching for the ultimate prize which is the Grand Finale banner. 

2. DC Assault: DCA just won the MIT and should be a serious threat at the 12U Nationals in Hampton. We will be in the building. 

3. Team IZOD: The Fly Guys lost in the final four in New Orleans and had an early departure from the MIT. Hopefully this will make them hungry to win the Grand Finale. 

4. Wall 2 Wall: They made it to the finals of the loaded MDC and continue to show they have loads of talent. I wish they would have played in the Spotlight earlier they probably would have qualified for the Grand Finale. 

5. New Rens: New Rens made it to the final four of the MDC. I can’t wait to see them in Hampton in that national tournament atmosphere. 

6. Maryland Scholars: The Scholars made their Spotlight debut and went straight to the final four. They also will be a team to watch at the AAU Nationals. 

7. Riverside Hawks: They made it to the quarterfinals of the MDC. They have a lot of work to do to return to the final four at the AAU Nationals 

8. Playtime Panthers: Playtime will have to be upset minded to have a serious shot at the Grand Finale Saturday. We will see how things shake up for the Green and Black. 

9. Mass Shooting Stars: They have knocked off a few teams in other tournaments but their Spotlight resume makes it difficult to jump them over teams ahead of them. 

10. East Coast Elite: After a tough time at the MDC, ECE rebounded to win the MIT Silver Division Championship. Hopefully they can keep their good luck rolling this Saturday at the Grand Finale.

Grand Finale Roster Rules

 
The Grand Finale Final Four is set for Saturday. Please read the special roster rules below concerning this event. We created these rules because we understand that teams tend to add players to their rosters this time of year. 

Roster Rules: 

1. Teams must have paperwork on demand in case of challenge. 
2. Teams can have add a player only if that player hasn’t participated in any Basketball Spotlight events with another team during the 2011-2012 circuit. 
3. If a player switched teams during the circuit and played in at least one Spotlight event with his new team, he then can join his new team at the Grand Finale.

Basketball Spotlight 11U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

 
Here are the Basketball Spotlight Top 10 11U teams. Remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 11U Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. ECE-NJABC: They took a well deserved rest during the MDC, hopefully they will be sharp enough to go after the ultimate prize at the Grand Finale. The rest of the field will be hungry to knock them off. 

2. Team Nelson: TN is hot after winning the Gold Ball at the MDC. Now they have their sights set on taking the big banner back to Pennsylvania. 

3. Playtime: The Panthers made it to the final four of the MDC and made it to the silver division championship at the MIT. You can’t count them out from winning it all this Saturday at the Grand Finale. 

4. New Rens: They won the silver division championship at the MIT and will be the #4 seed at the Grand Finale this Saturday. They are coming to crash the party. 

5. Team Takeover: The toast of Potomac Valley should be gearing up for the AAU Nationals in Cocoa Beach. This talented bunch should be able to make some noise. 

6. New Heights: NH had a tough showing at the MDC but overall they had a successful season. Look forward for them to return next year. 

7. DC Assault: DCA also should now be focused on the AAU Nationals. They will be fighting hard to keep the Assault tradition going. 

8. CJ Hawks: The Hawks had a decent season and now will be heading down to the AAU Nationals in Cocoa Beach. 

9. King Street Kings: KSK impressed with their MDC Blue Division title. Now they have something to build on as they prepare AAU Nationals. 

10. Team Rebels: We expected a little more out of this squad this season but maybe they will get things going right before AAU Nationals.

Anthony Cowan Headed To J.E.M. All Star Classic

Anthony "Mister" Cowan Is J.E.M. Classic Bound!  

Anthony “Mister” Cowan of Bowie, Maryland has been chosen for the 3RD Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic. Cowan was selected for the All Tournament Team for the Tip Off Classic and the Clash For The Cup. He also has played a key role in “The MOBB” winning several tournaments on the 15U level. Anthony definitely appreciated the invite, “I think it’s a great game in the remembrance of Mrs. Melton, also I like how the game gathers a bunch of young players that are extremely talented. It’s truly an honor to be selected into this well known game and to play with and against other truly talented players” said Cowan. 

The 3rd Annual J.E.M. All Star Classic will take place Saturday, August 18th in Trenton, NJ. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight brings you more players that have been selected for this exclusive event.

 

2012 East Coast Skillcase Almost Here!

Basketball Spotlight and I’m Possible Training have joined forces to bring you the best basketball event of the year! The Inaugural 2012 East Coast Super Skillcase.

The 2012 East Coast Super Skillcase, directed by world renowned skills coach, Micah Lancaster, will feature the same advanced teaching and instruction that is offered at Nike skill academies and NBA workouts. Micah Lancaster has directed a Nike related training academy with Kobe Bryant and has worked with NBA players such as Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving, Mario Chalmers, and Nolan Smith along with many others. Now players, grades five through eight, will have the same opportunity as NBA, college, and high school stars to experience Micah's innovative skill training and teaching techniques. The Skillcase is designed to make every player feel like they are alone in the gym with Micah.

Players will be brought through elite skills training in the morning and a competitive five on five game sessions in the afternoon all under the watchful eye of Mike Melton's Basketball Spotlight. Camp video highlights and player analysis will be posted on www.bballspotlight.com at the conclusion of the event.

Through innovative NBA skills training, organized competition, and the presence of Basketball Spotlight, each player will be given the unique opportunity to "skillcase" themselves by flashing their talents, improving their skills, and showcasing their game like never before! Space is limited. Register online now! www.skillcase.org

Click Here To Register

Where: Atlantic City High School
When: October 27-28, 2012
Who: Boy's 5th-8th grade, Classes of 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Cost: $199
Hotel information and weekend itinerary to be posted shortly.

Player Profile: Khaleeg Campbell (S2N)

Name: Khaleeg Campbell 

AAU Team: S2N 

Position: Point Guard 

Age Group: 14U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: Campbell was a blur when pushing the rock up the floor. He primarily drives right but his quickness still made him tough to defend. I love the way he runs the team and is willing to make the extra pass. He guided his squad into the finals and looked good in the first half but the game got away from them in the second stanza.

Player Profile: Kineph Turner (Delaware Defenders)

Name: Kineph Turner 

AAU Team: Delaware Defenders 

Position: Point Guard 

Age Group: 13U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: Turner is an attacking point guard pushes the rock in high speed. He helped his team pull off their great comeback in the finals by pressuring the rock and forcing turnovers. Kineph also seems to want the rock when the pressure is on which is important especially for a point guard.

Player Profile: Isaiah Smiley (Delaware Defenders)

Name: Isaiah Smiley 

AAU Team: Delaware Defenders 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Age Group: 13U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: Smiley looks smooth when handling the ball but his real strength is his outside shot. He enjoys shooting the trey ball from the left corner. His stroke motion is fluid and his shots look good even when he misses. He’s definitely a player that can stretch the defense.

Player Profile: Evan Rose (Team Future)

Name: Evan Rose 

AAU Team: Team Future 

Position: Combo Guard 

Age Group: 13U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: His team ending up losing a heart breaker in overtime but Rose still impressed this scout with his talent. In the first half he punished the opposition outside bombs and used a superb handle to weave through the defense. In the second he got a little careless with the pill which caused a few turnovers but overall this youngster’s aggressiveness and pure talent can carry him a long way.

Diary Of A Baller: Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ) Entry #41

Tyus And His Graduation Class  

What’s up basketball world it has been a very long and important week for me because it is my graduation week. 

Tuesday I had my graduation dinner. While at the dinner we finally got our yearbooks and we also took a bunch of fun pictures. We got our certificates if we were in a club, made honor roll, or made principals list. I didn’t get many certificates. I earned two, one for being on the basketball team and one for honor roll. I was extremely proud about the honor roll because it was very hard to make it this year. Each marking period I would finish with an 84 average which would bring me down to a B -, however this time I had to buckle down while playing and practicing a little less to make it happen. I finished with a 90 average and made honors! After we ate and got our awards we took pictures for the rest of the night and some of us laughed and even cried a little. 

Wednesday, the eighth graders had a dress down day and had our rematch against the teachers in volleyball, and this time we ended up winning 2 games to 1. After we played against the teachers we played a few games amongst each other. When it was time to go we were surprised to see every student, teacher, and staff member in the school applauding us as we went by to our classes. It felt really nice! When this happened a few people started tearing up because they have been going to school in this building for all their lives and now all of a sudden it’s time for them to move. I guess it is sort of bitter sweet. After dismissal from school my little brother and I walked to the barbershop to get our haircuts because I had a graduation mass the next day. 

Thursday most of the eighth graders stayed until 11 because we had a choice to stay or to leave after the mass. I chose to stay with my other classmates. While at the school we just talked about the things we were going to do over the summer and experiences we had while in the school. The day seemed to go by really fast. At 4PM I went to my friend Angela’s house with a few other people to hang out for an hour or two. I had to leave early because I had basketball practice with The Road Runners.. By the time I got to the practice we were all ready scrimmaging and going full court and I only got to get in a few games to 12 before practice was over. I did dominate the practice and I had a pretty hard dunk on the right base-line in traffic on a broken play. 

Friday we had a yearbook signing party and needed to leave at 11 again but this time everybody in the eighth grade had to go home. I rested at home for a few hours until I had to go and workout with Julian at 4PM. It's was a tough workout and my body was sore after. We focused on my upper body and getting off the floor faster. As soon as I was done with Julian I had to rush home to take a shower and get ready for my graduation at 7. When I got to the school we took a few pictures before the graduation. The boys wore blue gowns and the girls wore white. The ceremony went smoothly. This time a lot of people were crying and we stood outside of the church taking pictures for about 30 minutes. I really enjoyed the graduation and it still amazes me that we were the first class to graduate from the school. It makes proud. 

This is Tyus Battle signing off!

Player Profile: Eden Davis (Delaware Finest Stars)

Name: Eden Davis 

AAU Team: Delaware Finest Stars 

Position: Shooting Guard 

Age Group: 10U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: If there was a MVP for the 10U championship Davis would have taken home the hardware. The guard with the Allen Iverson type arm sleeve showed the quickness of the former NBA star. He beat the Chester guards down the floor for transitional buckets and showed some range from the perimeter. He led DFS in scoring in the finals.

Player Profile: Ny'Mire Little (Chester Biddies)

Name: Ny’Mire Little 

AAU Team: Chester Biddy 

Position: Point Guard 

Age Group: 10U 

Event: Tri-State Invitational 


Analysis: Chester, PA has been the hotbed for guards in the past including NBA Stars Tyreke Evans and Jameer Nelson. Ny’Mire Little looks like he will be carrying on the tradition for years to come. This point guard has the natural instincts of a playmaker and the toughness to go with it. I can see down the road with hard work his name will ring bells. Remember where you saw this first.

Tri-State Invitational 12U Championship Recap: DFS 12U Protects Their House

DFS 12U Handled Virginia Elite  

Delaware Finest Stars 12U took care of business as they defeated Virginia Elite 49-27 to win the Tri-State Invitational 12U Championship. Congrats to DFS for taking care of business and winning the chip. Stay tuned as we bring you player profiles from this event.

Tri-State Inviational 14U Championship Recap: DFS Just Too Much

Delaware Finest Stormed Past S2N  

Delaware Finest Stars exploded in the second half to run past Second 2 None 58-38 and win the Tri-State Invitational 14U Championship. Congrats to DFS 14U for winning the championship. Stay tuned because we have player profiles coming from this age group.

Tri-State Invitational 13U Championship Recap: Delaware Defenders Escape With Win

Delaware Defender's Holds On In Overtime  

Delaware Defenders used an enormous second hall rally to defeat Team Future 50-49 in overtime to win the Tri-State Invitational 13U Championship. Congratulations to Delaware Defenders for winning the championship in a hard fought battle. Stay tuned as we bring you player profiles from this event.

Tri-State Invitational 10U Championship Recap: Delaware Finest Stars Wins Thriller

DFS Takes Home The Title.  

Delaware Finest Stars defeated Chester Biddy 26-24 in a thrilling 10U Championship game to win the Tri-State Invitational in Dover, Delaware. Congrats to DFS for winning the Tri-State Invitational Championship. Stay tuned as we bring you player profiles from this event.