Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Team Rankings are listed below. These rankings are based on tournament play and strength of schedule. 

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Team IZOD: Sports University did their job at the Tip Off Classic while coming home with the crown. They have some experienced guards that know how to win games. We will see them again the Clash For The Cup. 

2. Team Thrill (Black): This loaded squad made easy work during the AGame Super Shootout while cruising to the championship. We know we will be seeing this exciting squad very soon. 

3. Courtmasters Elite: CE made it to the finals of the Tip Off Classic after capturing the AGame Super Shootout 12U title. We will looking for them to make a late entry into the Clash. 

4. Riverside Hawks: This squad has some of the top talent in the region. They will be making their Spotlight debut at the Clash. 

5. Gauchos: The Choz made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. I like the energy and style of play. They bring the heat and will be returning to the Spotlight very soon. 

6. Team Takeover (Black): TTO had a good showing at the Clash For The Cup after winning the AGame Super Shootout. They have some real good pieces and we will see them back very soon. 

7. Philly Triple Threat: PTT showed they were truly legit with a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. They are capable of making a championship run at any time. 

8. New Heights: We haven’t seen this squad as of yet but we heard they carrying a serious roster. We will get our first look at them during the Clash For The Cup. 

9. Milbank: “The Bank” made some noise at the Tip Off Classic and should be back to finish the job during the Clash For The Cup. 

10. Elmcor Basketball: This new program made a statement at the Tip Off Classic while showing up in the quarterfinals. They have a very tough bunch.

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Team Rankings are listed below. These rankings are based on tournament play and strength of schedule. 

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Team RIO National: Team RIO National came, saw and conquered the Tip Off Classic with their loaded roster. They will be a tough team to beat moving forward. They will be at the Clash For The Cup. 

2. Team Takeover (Black): TTO won the AGame Super Shootout against some tough competition. They will be able to flex their muscle at the Clash For The Cup. 

3. PSA Cardinals: The Cardinals made it to the finals of the Tip Off Classic and semifinals of the AGame Super Shootout. They have some serious talent and will be a force to be reckon with. 

4. Maryland Finest: MF has a national rep after winning the 12U National Championship. I think we will see them at the DMV Jamboree in March. 

5. Riverside Hawks: The Hawks represented to the fullest in the Tip Off Classic. They made it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. They will be in Neptune at the Clash For The Cup. 

6. Team Final: TF has some nice pieces and made a dent in the Tip Off Classic while making it to the semifinals. We will see them again at the end of January at the Clash. 

7. Gauchos: The Choz have some serious talent and they will make a run at several tournaments throughout the year. We definitely will be hearing from them soon. 

8. Team M.AG.I.C.: This team has some of the top young players in the nation. This is their first year but they already are making noise. 

9. Team Thrill (Black): This team has a lot of talent. They will be making a move up the ladder. 

10. Team Takeover (Orange): TTO Orange won the AGame Super Shootout 13U title. We will also see them at the Clash For The Cup.

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Team Rankings are listed below. These rankings are based on tournament play and strength of schedule. 

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Team Takeover (Black): TTO won AGame Super Shootout and Team Thrill tournament. They will be making their debut at the Clash For The Cup in January. 

2. New World Unlimited: NWU came to the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic and defeated some of the top teams in the region while taking home the crown. They play great defense and know how to win big games. 

3. Team RIO National: The stacked RIO squad came to the Tip Off Classic and made it to the finals. They will have a chance to grab the banner at the Clash For The Cup. 

4. Expressions Elite: The Boston Boys came to the Tip Off Classic and showed off a little. They have some serious talent and made a semi-final run before losing to Team RIO National. 

5. Milbank: “The Bank” made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. This scrappy group is not to be slept on. They are scheduled for the Clash. 

6. PSA Cardinals: This talented group did well at the Tip Off Classic but caught a tough draw in the quarterfinals against eventual champion New World. They will be looking to redeem themselves at the Clash For The Cup. 

7. Team Final (Blue): TF has some decent pieces while making a quarterfinal run at the Tip Off Classic. They are capable of knocking off anybody at any time. 

8. Playaz: The Playaz showed their worth by making it to the quarterfinals of the Tip Off Classic. Most likely that will be at the Clash For The Cup. 

9. We R 1 Bulldogs: The Bulldogs showed some grit while making it to the Tip Off Classic quarterfinals. They have a few players that attract attention. 

10. New Heights: NH made a decent look at the AGame Super Shootout. They fell short at the Tip Off Classic but will have a chance to ball out at the Clash For The Cup.

Diary Of A Baller: Adrissa Traore (Harlem, NY) Entry #3

Adrissa Throwing It Down

Welcome to my third entry. I wish all of you guys Happy Holidays. I hope you guys had a blessed week. My week started off well. 

On Monday, I received the results of all my Finals for the semester and I passed all my exams so I worked on some extra work to get better and get extra credit. After school, I had basketball practice for my school basketball team. We had a good practice. We are learning to execute our plays to perfection. We have our first game on January 7th and my goal is to go undefeated and win the championship. Last year, we fall short but I know we can take it. 

Wednesday was my last day of until winter break. In my home room class we decided to make gingerbread house, it was fun activity and it help to build stronger relationships with my classmates. After school I when to the park with my friend to play some football, I'm pretty good but I'm to skinny to play. I had a good time have fun with friends I knew since 4th grade. On Thursday, I went to go work out with Pro Hoops, where Thon maker, Jalen Murray and Brandon Ingram worked out before the draft. I am continuing to work on my game. That day I mainly focused on my mid-range jumpers and ball handling. 

On Friday, I spent time with my family while I babysat my younger siblings. Coach Greg called me to go work out and I put more time in in the gym. On the weekend, I spent time with my family and playing video games with my little brother. Also, watching the Christmas NBA games which were very good. 

Merry Christmas to all and until next time, peace out.

Zion "The Lion" Harmon Getting College Offers Already!

Zion "The Lion" Harmon

Zion “The Lion" Harmon went to Kentucky last season to play against varsity basketball competition. Since arriving he has taken the state by storm and recently received a few Division 1 offers. He attends Bowling Green High School and currently plays for We All Can Go All Stars. He latest college offer came from Stephen F. Austin. Many consider Harmon as the #1 8th Grader in America. Check out his recent appearance on the local news.

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup Getting Early Interest!

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is getting major early attention. Some of the top teams in the country will be in attendance. Please register early because SPACES ARE LIMITED AND A SELL OUT IS IMMINENT. 

8TH Grade Teams 
1. Team RIO National 
2. Team Takeover (Black) 
3. PSA Cardinals 
4. New Heights 
5. Team Final (Black) 
6. Milbank 
7. Riverside Hawks 
8. Team Future 
9. Brooklyn Rens 
10. NY Lightning 
11. Expressions Elite
12. Blue Devils
13. We R 1 
14.

7th Grade Teams
1. Team RIO National 
2. Team Takeover (Orange) 
3. Team Takeover (Black) 
4. PSA Cardinals 
5. Team Final 
6. Riverside Hawks 
7. Team Future 
8. Hoop Kingz 
9. Brooklyn Rens 
10. NJ Playaz 
11. NY Lightning 
12. NJ Shore Shots (Cooper)
13. NJ Shore Shots (Russo)
14. Team IZOD
15. New World (Reloaded)
16. We R 1 

6th Grade Team
1. Team Durant 
2. Riverside Hawks 
3. Brooklyn Rens 
4. T Town Ballers
5. NY Rens 
6. Team Future 
7. Stack 6 
8. NJ Shore Shots
9. Team IZOD
10. New Heights 
11. NJ Racers
12. Milbank
13. WE R 1 
14.


5th Grade Teams
1. Hoop Nation NYC
2. T Town Ballers 
3. Riverside Hawks 
4. NJ Shore Shots
5. Team IZOD
6.
7.
8. 

4th Grade Teams
1. NY Rens 
2. NY Rens (3) 
3.
4.
5.
6.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Mixtape Is Fire!

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Mixtape Feat: Trey Patterson, Bray Freeman, Zion Cruz, Elijah Hawkins, Terrence Clarke, Shane Dezonie, Dariq Whitehead, Antonio Sellers, Jayden Reid, Jayden Pierre, Julilus Ellerbe, Noah Harris, Lorenzo Washington, Matthew Constant and Mason Piorkowski. Basketball Spotlight will continue in our pursuit to give the best coverage for the youngsters in the basketball world.

What Did We Learn From The Tip Off Classic?

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic was a great kick off for the AAU season. We learned a few things down in Neptune. 

What Did We Learn From The Tip Off Classic?

New World Order? 

New World Unlimited came to the Tip Off Classic and proved to be one of the best teams in the country. They have the pieces to be knock anybody at any given time as one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen in years. They beat some of the top teams at the Tip Off Classic including Team Final, NY Rens, PSA Cardinals and Team RIO National. Are they the best team in the country? We will see soon.

Trey Patterson Holds Down The Spot! 

Trey Patterson had a target on his back at the Tip Off Classic but he stepped up when the time was right. He brought his game in the quarterfinals and semifinals on the main stage at Hoop Group Headquarters. He stood tall when the competition and left his event as still the #1 kid in the country. I was really impressed with the poise he showed.

Terrence Clarke Headed For Stardom! 

One of the big names of the Tip Off Classic weekend was Terrence Clarke. Clarke reclassified into the Class of 2021 and made the opposition pay. He’s standing 6’6 with a handle while scoring the rock from all three levels. I also like the way he showed explosiveness in the open court. He name has been launched into national prominence.

Stock Risers: Zion Cruz and Dariq Whitehead! 

The 7th Grade division had two players that will definitely rise in our rankings. Zion Cruz showed immediate impact with Team RIO National while dominating the scoring column while leading them to the title. Dariq Whitehead looked like the best prospect in the building with more room to grow. This North Jersey product will be a trending name for a couple of years before the high school coaches battle it out for his services.

Future Shock: Sebastian Robinson, Jakari Tertulien and Jayden Reid 

The Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division was spark plugged with a trio of players. Sebastian Robinson continued to look like one of the most polished guards in the country. Jakari Tertulien exited the event as one of the upcoming promising prospects in the region if not the country. Finally, Jayden Reid let us know that the NY City type point guard is alive and well as he dazzled the crowd while making plays.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Best Of The Best And All-Tournament Team

The 6th Grade Division of the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic was exciting and gave a look at many fresh faces. Here’s our Best Of The Best and All-Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Best Of The Best 

Best Performer: Sebastian Robinson (Team IZOD)- Robinson once again proved why he’s so highly ranked in the country. He scored and dished the rock while showing ultimate leadership throughout the event. Most of all he led them to the banner. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Best Of The Best And All Tournament Team

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade brought some of the top talent in the country. Here’s a look at the Best Of The Best and All Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Best Of The Best 

Best Performer: Zion Cruz (Team Rio National)-Cruz grew a few inches and punished the opposition with his size. He scored at ease at times in transition while also being able to dominate the game when necessary. He’s making his mark on the Spotlight circuit as a player to be reckoned with. 

Diary Of A Baller: Drissa Traore (Harlem, NY) Entry #2

Drissa Traore (PSA Cardinals)

What's Up Basketball World, 

Its Drissa Traore back again for diary entry number two. I hope everyone is doing well. My week was calm. After playing 3 straight weekends my coaches told me I should rest my body and concentrate on my school work and finishing the semester as best I can. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Best Of The Best And All Tournament Team

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade brought some of the top talent in the country. Here’s a look at the Best Of The Best and All Tournament Team. Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Best Of The Best The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Division was loaded with talent. Here’s a look at the tournaments Best Of The Best and All-Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Chardonnay Hartley (Milbank)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division gave us a look into the future. Here’s Part 3 of our Top Performers from our weekend in Neptune. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Chardonnay Hartley Guard (Milbank) – Probably the surprise of the 6th grade division Chardonnay was a floor general with moxie. She was ultra-completive with a refuse to lose attitude. Hartley has a nice 3 point stroke and did a good job attacking the basket. She understands how to drive and kick and we saw her bring home the win in a pool game against Elmcor knocking down clutch free throws in OT with no time left on the clock. She finished with 11 points in that contest.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Jayden Reid Dazzles The Crowd At Tip Off Classic!

Jayden Reid (NY Gauchos)

6th grade Jayden Reid of The NY Gauchos showed off his elite guard play at Tip Off Classic 2016 and even led his team to a semi-final game in the tournament. For such a small guard Reid is super aggressive and is able to make that last second decision pass to find is teammate open while penetrating, something most young guards are having a hard time learning now days. Reid even plays up with the 2021 class, where he proves he has game beyond his years!

Basketball Spotlight Exclusive Interview: Through The Kat Eyes!

Coach Kat Keyes

Since Basketball Spotlight’s inception many top programs have been a part of our circuit. Those programs included several top players and coaches. One of those coaches is Kat Keyes. Keyes has coached several for several top programs including the NY Panthers and currently the NY Rens. His expertise in the field has expanded over decades. Basketball Spotlight sat down with the NY Legend and here’s what he had to say. 

One On One: Coach Kat Keyes 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Jayden Reid (NY Gauchos)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division gave us a look into the future. Here’s Part 2 of our Top Performers from our weekend in Neptune. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Jayden Reid Guard (NY Gauchos) – Reid is a smaller PG but he has that NY flair to his game. He has the ball in his hands most of the time as he can either score the rock or be a facilitator for his teammates. He has a very good handle that allows him to get anywhere on the floor where he can either get his shot off or drop a nice pass for an assist. It seems that if Jayden had it going then the Gauchos where is good shape. He had 14 points against IZOD and 18 points against Elmcor.

Tip Off Classic Mixtapes: Ellerbe Elevates His Game!

Julius Ellerbe (New World Unlimited)

Julius Ellerbre of New World AAU Class Of 2021 seems to be one of the most underrated prospects in the region and showed massive potential over the weekend of The 2016 Tip Off Classic Ellerbre scored close to double digits every game helping his New World Unlimited team reach the championship game on Sunday where they defeated top team in the region, Team RIO National. New World is definitely a team that you will want to keep your eyes on entering high school seeing that they can add a serious flame in the rekindling of the Adidas Basketball Circuit.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Sebastian Robinson (Team IZOD)

The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Division gave us a look into the future. Here’s Part 1 of our Top Performers from our weekend in Neptune. 

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Sebastian Robinson Guard (Team IZOD) – Robinson is a big combo guard that understands his role as a bucket getter on his team. He has a very high IQ and feel for the game. He can score from all three levels but is at his best in transition or attacking the rim in the half court. One thing that Sebastian does really well at this age is moves without the ball. He has a good handle which allows him to go coast to coast after grabbing boards or drive and finish in traffic in the half court. Robinson finished with 15 points in the championship and 18 points in the semifinal.

Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Dariq Whitehead (Team Magic)

The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Division was loaded with national talent. Here’s Part 3 of our Top Performers. 

Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Dariq Whitehead Forward (Team Magic)- Whitehead looked and played like the best 7th Grade prospect in the building. The long, lanky wing stretched out to finish on the break, showed improved ball handling and play making ability. I like his feel for the game and how his outside shot has expanded beyond the 3 point line. He averaged double figures throughout the weekend including a big outing (21 points) versus the NJ Shore Shots.

Teach Me Classic Players Of The Week: Presented BY Mr. Spotlight!

The Teach Me Classic kicked off in Teaneck NJ and Mr. Spotlight was in the building to award the Player Of The Week with Spotlight uniforms. The Teach Me Classic has turned into the top winter league in the region and Basketball Spotlight is proud to a part of this league. 

Teach Me Classic Players Of The Week

9U Player Of The Week 

Alex Mazzella (TIGERS) 

Alex is a smooth floor general. He's play the PG spot the right way. A true team leader for his young squad and a joy to watch.

11U Player Of The Week 

Bryson Brown (Team IZOD) 

Bryson connects on 4 of 5 Trey's while rallying against Hoop Nation NYC to finish with a game high 17pts. This kid can light it from anywhere on the floor at any time.

13U Player Of The Week 

Mark Armstrong (Team IZOD) 

At times, Mark has proven to be the best player on the floor. He's hard to guard 1 on 1, he plays the passing lanes like a corner back and has developed into a scorer. We will be keeping an eye on this kid.