Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 4th Grade Championship Recap: Riverside Hawks Soar!


Riverside Hawks

The 4th Grade Division championship featured a battle from the Big Apple as Riverside Hawks defeated Gauchos 49-36 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic. Congrats to the Riverside Hawks 4th Grade for getting the job done. We look forward to watching this group for the next few years.

Tip Off Classic Team Highlights: Team Final (8th Grade!)



Team Final made a strong run through a vigorous 8th Grade White Division and fell a few points short of the finals. Here are some of their highlights from this weekend. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the 2013 Tip Off Classic. Pleas email team highlights to basketballspotlight@hotmail.com. Youtube format is preferred. 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade White Division Championship Recap: Playaz Make Statement!

Playaz Basketball Club

The Playaz Basketball faced the toughest competition possible and ran the table to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade White Division Championship. They defeated rival Team IZOD 59-42 to take home the trophy. The victory removed any doubt that the Playaz now represent the top 8th Grade team in the region.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: SHA Elite Gains The Crown!

SHA Elite AAU

SHA Elite used a big second half to defeat Team Twelve 50-44 and win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congrats to SHA Elite for winning a tough tournament and we look forward to seeing them again.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade White Division Championship Recap: Team RIO Is For Real!

Team RIO National

Team RIO National lived up to the preseason hype by winning the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade White Division championship over Team Takeover 40-33. The win pushes Team RIO to the front of the pack in the 7th Grade race to the Grand Finale. Congrats to Team RIO and we wish them luck the rest of the way.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Orange Division Championship Recap: Choz Cruise To Crown!

Gauchos 7th Grade

Last year the Gauchos felt short of winning a Spotlight title but this year they started out on the right foot as defeated MJ Mavericks 52-25. The win gave the Choz the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congrats to the Choz 7th graders for a job well done. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Tip Off Classic.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Orange Division Championship: Gauchos Reign Again!

Gauchos Win Again!

The Gauchos showed they still run things by defeating KSK/IZOD 53-31 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Orange Division Championship. Congratulation to the Choz for winning the crown and taking the title back to the Bronx. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Tip Off Classic.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Blue Division Championship Recap: Milbank Makes It Happen!

Milbank Cashes In

In a thrilling game Milbank Flyers defeated Team Scan 47-43 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Blue Division Championship. Congrats to Milbank for winning the championship and taking the title back to NY. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Tip Off Classic.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 5th Grade Championship Recap: S. Elite Rises To Occassion!

S Elite Gets It Done

S Elite came down from Canada and took care of business as they defeated the Gauchos 31-27 to win the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 5th Grade Championship. Congrats to S Elite for representing Canada and winning the title. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Tip Off Classic.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic In The Books!


The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic was sensational. We would like to congratulate the champions from each age group. Stay tuned as we bring you more information for this event. 

Event Champions 

8th Grade White Division 
Champions: Playaz Basketball Club 
Runner Up: Team IZOD 

8th Grade Orange Division 
Champions: SHA Elite 
Runner Up: Team 12 

7th Grade White Division 
Champions: Team RIO National 
Runner Up: Team Takeover 

7th Grade Orange Division 
Champions: Gauchos 
Runner Up: MJ Mavericks 

7th Grade Blue Division 
Champions: Hilltoppers Heat 
Runner Up: Brooklyn Kings 

6th Grade Orange Division 
Champions: Gauchos 
Runner Up: KSK 

6th Grade Blue Division 
Champions: Milbank 
Runner Up: Team Scan 

5th Grade Championship 
Champions: S Elite 
Runner Up: Gauchos 

4th Grade Championship 
Champions: Riverside Hawks 
Runner Up: Gauchos

Diary Of A Baller: Atiba Taylor Jr. (Hackensack, NJ) Entry #2

Atiba Taylor At The Tip Off Classic

So, this week was very busy for me. I had a lot of homework and studying to prepare for my tests and quizzes. I’m really trying to keep good grades and stay on top of my classwork because I know that the NCAA requirements have changed to a minimum of 2.5 GPA to receive an athletic scholarship. My basketball schedule is: Mondays is chill day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays I go to my basketball trainer and on Thursdays and Fridays I practice with my AAU team. Most of the time we play on weekends, if not we practice. 

This weekend was my team’s first tournament of the season. We played in the ‘BBallSpotlight Tip Off Classic’, which was very competitive. We competed against some of the best teams in our region and I believe we did pretty decent. A lot of teams have been playing since September and we only had three practices to prepare for it. We added two new players and as a team we’re still trying to get back the chemistry we had last season. Chemistry isn’t something that happens overnight, its something you get over time. I got a chance to play against two of my friends (Brandon and Myles) in the semi’s, from “Team Takeover’. We’ve been going at it since the 3rd grade and we always have tough battles but this time we got the “W” to take us to the championship game against ‘The NJ Playaz’. It was a close game, we were tied at halftime but we didn’t play well at all in the second half and ‘The Playaz’ took it from us. We will use our “L” as a learning experience for us to get better. We are “Team Izod”, we will bounce back from this and be more prepared. 

A lot of people are always talking about basketball rankings, luckily, I’ve been ranked on many basketball sites and that’s cool but it really doesn’t mean anything! On most sites I am ranked #1 or #2 PG in the country but I am just happy that people know my name or who I am, which is more important than anything. I really appreciate sites for noticing me but until you’re ranked on Rivals or ESPN it’s not official, hopefully, I will be one day! One thing I’ve noticed is regardless of how good I play its never enough. People don’t care about me leading my team to get a win or how many assists or rebounds I have, they only care about points and the game is much more than that. I can hear people in the crowd saying things about me but because I have an “X” on my back they expect me to be Superman every time I touch the ball. I’m only a 14-year-old kid still learning the game like everybody else. I’m built for the pressure so it doesn’t bother me what people say or think…I JUST LOVE THE GAME!

Atiba Taylor Jr. 


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Preview: The Gloves Are Off!

Is It The Playaz Time? 

The 8th Grade field at the Tip Off Classic has never been better. Its loaded from top to bottom and will be featuring some of the top players in America. Here's a list of teams to look for this weekend. 

Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Preview 

Playaz: The Playaz enter this event with the most team experience. They have played in several events leading up to the Tip Off Classic. Now they have the chance to show they are truly the elite team in the region. Their match up with Team IZOD on Sunday should be epic. 

Team Scan: The departures of Atiba Taylor and Nazi Reid would hurt most teams but I think Coach Munch will have something up his sleeves this weekend. The place will be packed and we will see if Team Scan can conquer this huge mountain. This could be Aaron Clarke's personal playground. 

Team IZOD: The return of Taylor and Reid along with the loaded crew they had makes IZOD a national power once again. They are looking to be labeled the "Supreme Team" again and a championship at the Tip Off Classic might be a move in the right direction. I can't wait to see Luther Muhammad and I'm hearing Tyrek Chambers is a beast right now. 

I 10 Celtics: Last time a team came to the Spotlight from California they dropped bombshells on the East Coast. I heard this group is loaded and looking to get revenge on IZOD from 20 point loss in Utah last year. We will see when they tip off Saturday night. I hear Antwain January is the name to know. 

NC Runnin Rebels: The #4 team in the country will be in Neptune. They better be ready for a dog fight once they exit the van. But you can't ever count out the two time NC State Champs. Andrew Tuazama brings the pain. 

Team Takeover: TT is coached by one of the best in the business in Keith Stevens. Their talent is through the roof and they should make a deep run in this event. Their Sunday match up with Team Scan should be something to watch. The Myles Dread and Donovan Toatley combination could be deadly.

Team Final: TF is here to show they are among the elite teams in the country. They have a tough hill to climb but they should be up for the task. They face Team Takeover from the gate so they better be ready. Cameron Reddiah should be ready to in this one. 

Rens: This battle tested group will go out swinging as we know. They get a taste of IZOD from the beginning which should take us back down memory lane. Nayshon Hamlet would be looking to show his skills.

Orange Division 

Mass Shooting Stars: Word is MS retooled on the front line. Now they should be threat to win it all. I have to be looked at as one of the favorites. 

WE R 1: Formerly ECE this group would love to start their season off with a Tip Off Classic Championship. This is very possible if everything comes together. 

Boston Spartans: The Spartans won the Blue Division MDC crown now they are looking for an Orange banner. They are known to rumble so these games should be right up their alley. 

New Heights: This group showed some promise last year now they should be ready to go over the top. They have the ability to be a dangerous team. 

SHA Elite: I saw this team early in the fall and if they get hot they could take home the crown. This is the type of team everyone hates to play.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Preview: Bring Your Game Not Your Name!

Is Team RIO Really Ready For The Spotlight?

The 7th Grade Division features some of the top teams on the East Coast. I can’t wait to see them get busy in Neptune. Here are the teams to look out for. 

Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Preview 

White Division

Team RIO National: Yes RIO was formed to storm the country and take home hardware. Their first stop will be at the Tip Off Classic and we are anxious to see if they are ready for the real work. All eyes will be on them. 

Metro Flyers: Believe it not the Metro Flyers have yet to grab a Spotlight banner. They might be the most loaded team in the region so they definitely have a shot to win it all. 

CIA Bounce: This squad ran through the Clash For the Cup and now they will try to add a Tip Off Classic banner to their collection. This White Division is something serious so they better be ready. 

Team Takeover: I’m hearing that this group is loaded so we can’t wait to see them tangle in this Elite Eight division. They too have yet to take that prestigious picture behind the banner on Sunday. 

Playaz: PBC felt they were ready for the big boys so here’s your shot. We see very early whether they can sink or swim. 

Rens: Oh yes the Rens were very intriguing down at the AAU Nationals, now they have jumped right back in the fire. We know they will be ready to bang out in this backyard brawl. 

6th Man Warriors: The Warriors are tough to beat at times and are capable of surprising this field. If OMG gets on fire things could get really interesting. 

DC Assault: DCA got a little taste in AC last year. Now they have entered the shark’s tank. In this place only the strong really survive. Good luck. 

Orange Division 

MJ Mavericks: The Mavs could one of the favorites to take home the Orange Prize. Once they get clicking they can turn the lights out on you quick. Please don’t sleep on these boys. 

Gauchos: The Choz will be looking to get into victory circle. They added a few pieces and should have the hunger of winning their first banner. 

Expressions: The X was another squad I liked in Hampton last summer but now they have to earn their Spotlight stripes. If they get on a roll they might can make it happen. 

RJS: The Burlington boys turned a few eyebrows last year now they are looking to cash in. I think they have a enough pieces to make a serious run. We will definitely be on the lookout again. 

Maryland Playmakers: I haven't seen this team but I heard they are very fundamentally sound and can knock anyone off. I'm interested in seeing them in action. 

Team DEMI: These boys are back with something to prove. This year could be the year they finally get over the hump.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Preview: Here We Go Again!

Can The Gauchos Repeat As Champs

The 6th Grade Division is loaded with some good talent and top ranked teams. Here’s a look at the teams that will be taking the floor at the Tip Off Classic. 

Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Preview 

Gauchos: Last year they took home the Tip Off Classic crown and will be looking to repeat. They love the fast paced game and will be hard to slow down once they get going. We look for some explosive play from this bunch. 

King Street Kings: The Grand Finale champs are loaded once again. They added a few pieces from their rival the CJ hawks. Now they should have enough weapons to make a clean sweep at the Tip Off Classic. 

Team Glory: TG still hasn’t grab the banner as of yet but that could change at the Tip Off Classic. They have some of the best talent in the region and are capable of running the table. 

Team Final: This is our first look at this crew. But I heard the scooped up some talented guards so they should be ready to shine. The Spotlight is waiting. 

CIA Bounce: These guys rarely waste a trip when coming to the U.S. therefore the teams need to be on notice. We expect them to really bring the noise. 

ESYC Elite: This group turned a few heads last year now they feel like they are ready for the big boys. This will be their first test and I will definitely let you guys know how they held up. 

Team DEMI: These boys always bring that Bean Town toughness. They can run and gun with the best of them. 

 Also Look For: Rise Panthers, On Point Rens, New Rens and MADE Basketball.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade White Division Schedule


The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade White Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

Pool S 
1. Team Scan 
2. NC Runnin Rebels 
3. Team Final 
4. Team Takeover 

 Pool T 
1. Team IZOD 
2. Rens 
3. I 10 Celtics 
4. Playaz 

Saturday Dec 7th 
4:00 PM T3-T4 (HGH 2) 
4:00 PM T1-T2 (HGH 3) 
5:10 PM S1-S2 (HGH 3) 
5:10 PM S3-S4 (HGH 2) 
6:20 PM T2-T4 (HGH 2) 
6:20 PM T1-T3 (HGH 3) 
7:30 PM S2-S4 (HGH 2) 
7:30 PM S1-S3 (HGH 3) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
11:20 AM S2-S3 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM S1-S4 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM T1-T4 (HGH 3) 
11:20 AM T2-T3 (HGH 4) 
 2:50 PM 1ST S-2ND T (HGH 2) 
 2:50 PM 1ST T-2ND S (HGH 3) 
 5:10 PM 8TH Grade White Division Championship (HGH 3) 

Sites:
(HGH) Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07754

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Orange Division Schedule


The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Orange Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

Pool U 
1. We R 1 
2. SHA Elite 
3. Team 12 
4. Milbank 

Pool V 
1. Brooklyn Rens 
2. New Heights 
3. Boston Spartans 
4. Mass Shooting Stars 

Saturday Dec. 7th 
10:10 AM U1-U2 (HGH 1) 
10:10 AM U3-U4 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM V1-V2 (HGH 1) 
12:30 PM V3-V4 (HGH 4) 
 1:40 PM U1-U3 (HGH 1) 
 1:40 PM U2-U4 (HGH 4) 
 5:10 PM V1-V3 (HGH 1) 
 5:10 PM V2-V4 (HGH 4) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
 9:00 AM U1-I4 (HGH 1) 
 9:00 AM U2-U3 (HGH 2) 
 9:00 AM V1-V4 (HGH 3) 
 9:00 AM V2-V3 (HGH 4) 
 1:40 PM 1ST U-2ND V (HGH 2) SEMIFINAL 
 1:40 PM 1ST V-2ND U (HGH 3) SEMIFINAL 
 4:00 PM 8th Grade Orange Division Championship (HGH 3)

Sites: 
(HGH) Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07754

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Blue Division Schedule


The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Blue Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

 Pool W 
1. KSK 
2. CMEK 
3. MSU 
4. Hilltoppers 

Pool X 
1. Team Final (BLACK) 
2. JJ Hoops 
3. Durham City 
4. Long Branch Ballers

Saturday Dec. 7th 
9:00 AM W1-W2 (ANT) 
9:00 AM W3-W4 (GRE) 
11:20 AM W1-W3 (ANT) 
11:20 AM W2-W4 (GRE) 
 2:50 PM X1-X2 (ANT) 
 2:50 PM X3-X4 (GRE) 
 5:10 PM X1-X3 (ANT) 
 5:10 PM X2-X4 (GRE) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
11:20 AM W1-W4 (ANT) 
11:20 AM W2-W3 (GRE) 
12:30 PM X1-X4 (ANT) 
12:30 PM X2-X3 (GRE) 
 2:50 PM 1ST W-2ND X (ANT) SEMIFINAL 
 2:50 PM 1ST X-2ND W (GRE) SEMIFINAL 
 5:10 8TH Grade Blue Division Championship (LBMS 2) 

 SITES 
 (ANT) Anastasia School 92 7th Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740 
 (GRE) Gregory School 201 Monmouth Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740 
 (LBMS): Long Branch Middle School 350 Indiana Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade White Division Schedule


The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade White Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

Pool M 
1. Metro Flyers 
2. 6th Man Warriors 
3. CIA Bounce 
4. Rens 

 Pool N 
1. Team RIO National 
2. DC Assault 
3. Playaz Basketball Club 
4. Team Takeover 

 Saturday Dec. 7th 
11:20 AM M3-M4 (HGH 2) 
11:20 AM M1-M2 (HGH 3) 
12:30 PM N3-N4 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM N1-N2 (HGH 3) 
 1:40 PM M2-M4 (HGH 2) 
 1:40 PM M1-M3 (HGH 3) 
 2:50 PM N2-N4 (HGH 2) 
 2:50 PM N1-N3 (HGH 3) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
12:30 PM M2-M3 (HGH 1) 
12:30 PM M1-M4 (HGH 2) 
12:30 PM N1-N4 (HGH 3) 
12:30 PM N2-N3 (HGH 4) 
 2:50 PM 1ST M-2ND N (HGH 1) SEMIFINAL 
 2:50 PM 1ST N-2ND M (HGH 4) SEMIFINAL 
 5:10 PM 7TH Grade White Division Championship (HGH 2)

 Sites 
(HGH)- Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07754

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Orange Division Schedule


The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Orange Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

Pool O 
1. MJ Mavericks 
2. PBC Boys Club 
3. RJS 
4. Gauchos

Pool P 
1. Team DEMI 
2. Maryland Playmakers 
3. Expressions
4. Severn Elite 

 Saturday Dec. 7th  
10:10 AM O1-O2 (HGH 3) 
10:10 AM O3-O4 (HGH 4) 
11:20 AM P1-P2 (HGH 1) 
11:20 AM P3-P4 (HGH 4) 
 2:50 AM O1-O3 (HGH 1) 
 2:50 PM O2-O4 (HGH 4) 
 4:00 PM P1-P3 (HGH 1) 
 4:00 PM P2-P4 (HGH 4) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
10:10 AM O1-O4 (HGH 1) 
10:10 AM O2-O3 (HGH 2) 
10:10 AM P1-P4 (HGH 3) 
10:10 AM P2-P3 (HGH 4) 
 1:40 PM 1ST O-2ND P (HGH 1) SEMIFINAL 
 1:40 PM 1ST P-2ND O (HGH 4) SEMIFINAL 
 4:00 7TH Grade Orange Division Championship (HGH 2) 

 Sites: 
(HGH): Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07754

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Blue Division Schedule




The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Blue Division Tip Off Classic schedule is below. Please make sure you travel early to make your games on time. This schedule is final unless its an error on our part. 

Pool Q 
1. Hilltoppers Heat 
2. CMEK 
3. Brooklyn Kings 
4. Team Philly

Pool R 
1. Brooklyn Rens 
2. Milbank 
3. Northeast Finest 
4. Team Phenom (Black) 

Saturday Dec. 7th 
10:10 AM Q1-Q2 (ANT) 
10:10 AM Q3-Q4 (GRE) 
12:30 PM Q1-Q3 (ANT) 
12:30 PM Q2-Q4 (GRE) 
 1:40 PM R1-R2 (ANT) 
 1:40 PM R3-R4 (GRE) 
 4:00 PM R1-R3 (ANT) 
 4:00 PM R2-R4 (GRE) 

 Sunday Dec. 8th 
9:00 AM Q1-Q4 (ANT) 
9:00 AM Q2-Q3 (GRE) 
10:10 AM R1-R4 (ANT) 
10:10 AM R2-R3 (GRE) 
 1:40 PM 1ST Q-2ND R (ANT)SEMIFINAL 
 1:40 PM 1ST R-2ND Q (GRE) SEMIFINAL 
 4:00 PM 7TH Grade Blue Division Championship (LMBS 2) 

 Sites: 
 (ANT) Anastasia School 92 7th Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740 
 (GRE) Gregory School 201 Monmouth Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740 
 (LBMS): Long Branch Middle School 350 Indiana Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740