Team Battle #1The time has come where we rank the Top 10 teams in our region. Our ranking criterion includes state and regional finishes, top tournaments attended, head to head competition and AAU national play. All facets of this criterion will be looked at when ranking the teams. We also will be listing the MVP of the summer and other awards. Here’s a look at 10U Division.
Basketball Spotlight Tri-State Top 10
1. Team Battle- Team Battle got the nod after winning the NJ State crown, Basketball Spotlight MDC, Riverside Hawks tourney, Team Kobe Classic and the USBA NJ tournament. They went to the AAU Nationals and advanced out of pool play into the championship bracket. They were eliminated after losing some close games. Regionally they were the force to be reckoned with.
2. F.A.C.E.S- Rob Cole’s boys finished runner up in the NJ State tournament and the Basketball Spotlight MDC. They really showed their game when they went to the AAU Nationals and finished 3rd in the Classic Bracket which caused them to finished ranked 15th in the country. Next year they should be even more deadly.
3. Gauchos (Williams)- The Gauchos finished 2nd in the Metropolitan region and participated in some high level events throughout the season. They also had a got nationals showing on the D2 level where they advanced out of pool play and eventually finished #8 nationally. I hope to see more of them next season.
4. New Heights- New Heights won the MLK Classic and the Metropolitan District crown. In the MDC they loss a tough game to upset minded KBR. They have some good talent and coaching which means they will be back for some more work next year. It will be interesting as AD Kimani Young has lef for a college job at St. Johns.
5. Riverside Hawks- The Hawks made it to the finals of their tournament but didn’t have a good showing at the MDC cause their squad was a little depleted. RH rebounded by winning the Game Over classic which featured some tough ball clubs. If they keep their squad together they should be difficult to beat next year.6. Playtime Basketball- This new team finished 3rd in NJ and made it to the semifinals of the MDC. They didn’t run from the comp as they competed in some weight tourneys. They entered the D2 Nationals and won their pool. They loss the first round of the championship bracket and then were eliminated after losing to the Gauchos.
7. KBR Raptors- KBR finished 4th in NJ and came within a few points of making it to the MDC finals. This tough ball club didn’t duck any top teams and competed in the D1 Nationals. This is the team no one wants to see in their pool. They will be back next season.
8. Delaware Finest Stars- The Delaware squad must have won or placed in a Super Regional because they weren’t listed as a top 4 finisher in their regional tourney. They then showed this wasn’t a fluke after going to the D2 Nationals and finished #9 in the nation.
9. Gauchos - I got a chance to see the Gauchos at the Game Over Classic when they made it to the finals. I like the talent they possess on this team and wish I would have got a chance to see more of them.
10. ALL Ball All Stars- I didn’t get a chance to see this team play but they did when the Mid Atlantic regional crown which gives them an automatic spot in our top 10.
Player Of The Year
Tyus Battle (Team Battle)- Mr. Memorial Day won many MVP honors throughout this season. The long point guard turned on his best play when his team needed him most. He stepped up big in many of the elite games and helped pull his team over the hump. This kid can be really special one day if he continues to work hard and practice his craft. One thing is very certain which is he knows how to win.Superman Award
RJ Cole (F.A.C.E.S)- Cole got this award because not only did he play but performed on a high level in 3 age groups. The southpaw has remarkable range and will run the team under his father’s command. He put on a show at times for the 11U squad at the MDC and carried the 10u team to the finals. When you realize that he is only 9 this is serious.
New Comer Of The Year
Sa’eed Nelson (NJ Shore Shots)- Nelson burst on the scene from Atlantic City and took this age bracket by storm. The blur with the rock zipped past numerous defenders and finished plays at the basket. He has blazing speed and point guard instincts that are natural. He should be fun to watch for a few years.Basketball Spotlight ALL Summer Team
Tyus Battle (Team Battle)-
Chase Barneys (Team Battle)
Jamir Harris (Team Battle)
Joey Krempa (Team Battle)
Edriese Patterson (Team Battle)
RJ Cole (FACES)
Ray Montilous (FACES)
Azzur Taylor (FACES)
Brandon Anderson (FACES)
Javon Reis-Wilson (FACES)
Tylynn Johnson (Playtime)
MJ Richardson (Playtime)
Terrell Bonner (Playtime)
Kenny Pickett (KBR)
Keri Kirkwood (KBR)
Cami Calderon (KBR)
Christian Ford (KBR)
Sa’eed Nelson (NJ Shore Shots)
Ramel Powell (LI Lightning)
Billy Bell (LI Lightning)
Romello Rashard (Gauchos)
George Pena (Gauchos)
Brandon Randolph (Gauchos)
LeAndre Washington (Riverside Hawks)
Jason Cam (Riverside Hawks)
Shamorie Pond (Riverside Hawks)
