Two summers ago at the 11U AAU Nationals in Cocoa Beach, Florida the scene was set for a phenomenal finish. Things looked bleak for Ohio Basketball Club as they trailed the South Louisanna Elite Warriors by 18 points heading into the 4th quarter. It would take a miracle for them to pull win off but little did the fans know but Tyler Ulis was just getting started. Ulis was the floor general for this young squad but turned into a scoring machine during this final stanza. His coach Myron Bess remembers it like it was yesterday: “It was amazing Tyler carried us he hit about 4 treys including one at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. Then he won the game for us in OT with a floater. It was unbelievable” said Bess. The legend of Ulis had begun.
Last season Tyler continued his stellar play running the show for OBC. “He’s a true point guard” Bess continued. “He has everything court vision, ball handling and the ability to get everyone involved”. Ulis also showed well once again during the AAU Nationals as he rocked in both the 12U in Hampton, Virginia and 13U in Memphis, Tennessee. This type of consistency has Bess convinced of one thing “I feel he’s the best point guard in the state of Ohio. Not 7th Grader but including 8th Graders also”. This type of admiration will force Ulis to hit the gym and continue to get better as competitors will look at him as a target but Bess isn’t worried: “I think he needs to get better at his leadership skills on and off the floor while also stressing defense as much he does offense”.
We will be on the lookout for Ulis and if you are ever in Ohio you need to drop by and check out also. Check out this video of that memorable game in Cocoa Beach. Click Here For Video
The 8th Annual MLK Classic is back and will be held in Lakewood, NJ January 16th thru 18th and should be packed with some top squads. In the past this event has featured some of the top up and coming players and squads past participants include Tyreke Evans, Lance Stephenson, Dexter Strickland and many more.
Event: MLK Classic
Date: January 16th thru 18th
Place: Lakewood, NJ
Cost: $400
Ages: Boys and Girls (9U Thru 14U)
Contact: LJ at 848-525-3201
Basketball Spotlight Will Be In The Building!
Marcellas Washington headed to San Diego, California to the Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp last summer to make his name known has a national player. The lefty from the Blue Grass State must have put in major work because he finished as the #2 point guard in his class. His Hoop Dreams AAU coach Mike Scott wasn’t surprised: “His game is beyond his years. He’s a top notch point guard and showed up for us big during last season’s run. He should see time on the frosh team at Lexington Catholic as a 7th Grader” he continued.
If you haven’t seen Washington rock he is a lefty with some Brandon Jennings type flair to his game. He also has the swagger that some might take as arrogance but his coach will quickly set them straight: “He has a swagger and can get emotional at times but that’s because he’s a tough player and a product of the inner city of Lexington. I love that aspect of his game though. He gives our team toughness” said Scott.
We will be checking out Washington during numerous events this year and let you know about his progress.
New York here we come. This Sunday Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Thomas Jefferson, HS in Brooklyn, NY to check out FUNSPORT. Word is that this is the top league in the region. I must admit the schedule looks very impressive and we will be there to give you game by game recaps. Check out the schedule below.
Sunday, November 2nd
9:30am: Next Level- Panthers
10:30am: NY Patriots - Raising Champions
11:30am: New Heights Blue – Wildcats 1
12:30pm: LI Lightning - New Heights Red
1:30pm: Almighty Force - Brooklyn Ballers -A
2:30pm: Gauchos- Metrohawks
3:30pm: Assassins - Team Underrated
4:30pm: Brooklyn USA -1 - NJ Pirates
Auxiliary Gym:
9:00am: Brooklyn USA -2 - BK Rams
10:00am: NY Patriots- Team Xcel
11:00am: C-3 Elite - King of the Court
12:00pm: Brooklyn Ballers -B - Starrett City
Some people consider Tyler Dorsey the top 6th Grader in the country. I know this is a little early to be talking about rankings but when you see a player do work while playing up at the AAU Nationals you have to be impressed. His California Arc coach also agrees with the scout’s assessments “He’s likely the number 1 player in the country in his class. His game is inside and out. He proved that by leading our team in rebounds a few times” Garson said. The 6’1 slasher held true to the praise by turning in great performances at AAU National events in Hampton, VA (12U) and Cocoa Beach (11U) before capping off his summer finishing as one of the top players at Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp.
Even though Dorsey is receiving this type of attention his coach feels he has a lot to work on. “I think he will be a guard possibly a point guard thus he needs to work on ballhandling and seeing the floor. He also needs to work on guarding the perimeter in terms of moving his feet quicker” Garson said. In the near future Dorsey seems to be concentrating on the higher level as word from his camp is that he won’t be participating in the 12U Nationals this year. “I don’t think he has anything else to prove on that age level he will play strictly 13’s this year” said Garson. The scary thing is he dominated on that level too when I was present.
Since the announcement several players have confirmed their spot at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo. Here’s a list of players that have been invited to this exclusive event. To confirm your spot contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122. This event is for 7th and 8th Graders.
Elite 80 Expo Invite List
Act Fast Or Read About It Later! ONCE WE HIT 80 THE EVENT IS CLOSED! 80 Players8 Teams 1 Champion
Name: Isaiah Tripp
AAU Team: Maryland Wildcats
Height: 5’9
Position: Point Guard
Breakdown: I saw Mr. Tripp today at the Pangos All American Camp. This event is typically for 9th and 10th graders thus he was one of the few Class of 2013 players in attendance. I like some of the things I saw in the Baltimore product. He has good poise and patience running the show. He knows how to pick his spots and set up teammates at the right time. At first he had to adjust to the physical play and speed but when he made the adjustment he showed he belonged. Isaiah showed some promise and I’m anxious to see him against his classmates. I think he is a name to know in the Potomac Valley area.
Dexter Strickland of St. Patricks will be there!
Youngsters if you want to see a great day of basketball make sure you check out the Eddie Griffin Memorial Challenge Sunday October 26th at Rutgers University (Barn Gym College Ave.). This event pits the best players from Philadelphia against the Best of New Jersey. Many of the young players are Basketball Spotlight Alumni so this event is a must see. There will be 3 games;
Sophomore Game: 1:00
Junior Game: 2:30
Senior Game: 4:00
For Rosters and More Information Click Here
Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Wayne, NJ November 8th and 9th for the New Jersey Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp. This camp hosted by the NJ Panthers should bring together to top grammar school players in the region. Basketball Spotlight will be on hand to bring you coverage of this top notch event.
Event: NJ Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp
Date: November 8th and 9th
Place: Wayne, NJ
Contact: Donnie Forster at 908-337-3844 or at donnie.forster@newjerseypanthers.org
Reasons to attend the New Jersey Adidas Jr Phenom Camp
• Guest speakers with topics concerning skills and development.
• Exposure to highly competitive players throughout the state.
• Top Coaches from various AAU and High School Programs.
• Hoop Scoop and other scouting services will be in attendance.
• Quality instruction will be given with daily drills
• The NCAA estimates that 2.9% of HS seniors will compete in college
• Each year competition to win basketball scholarships at every level becomes more intense. Every legitimate means of gaining an edge toward securing an education and the opportunity to play at the college level is an “investment” in your future.
For more information or to register Click Here
HEY Wassup! Last weekend I played in the Jim Couch Reunion Classic Freshman All Star Game NYC vs. New Jersey. It was a ninth grade event so my playing time was limited but when I got in the game I was very aggressive. We winded up losing to New Jersey but the experience for me was good because I can play in it again next year. After my Funsport preseason game on Sunday my dad, my NY Patriots coach and I headed down to Gauchos Gym to watch the Roundball championship game. Larry (Love OY) Graves impressed me the most. His Metro Hawks team lost to the NY Gauchos but he ended the game with 17pts and 6ast. I was also impressed by my man D.Scott. His Gauchos team came up short but he put in work. This week I will just be working out and trying to get my body to 100%.
So peace in chicken grease see you guys next week.
When you enter the Zoo Crew Summer League the first thing you notice is the double rims that occupy the baskets. If you ever played ball you know how difficult it is to score on such rims. But on this afternoon there was one such kid from the NJ Panthers that didn’t have a problem getting buckets. He drained treys, scored in transition and in traffic. At first I didn’t recognize the fluid wing guard but at the conclusion of the contest I found out it was Shacore Edwards.
I didn’t recognize Edwards because he was rocking a new hair cut and playing with a different squad (formerly of the Shooting Stars). His game has improved and his confidence is soaring. NJ Panthers coach Lori Vega agrees “He’s the type of player that needs freedom and when he gets it he’s a very talented offensive player”. “Just recently we played against Wayne Pal in a 15 and Under tourney and he finished with 35 points. That was playing up” Vega continued.
Edwards is still under the radar but with hard work he should be a name to know soon. “He needs to continue working hard especially on defense” Vega said. Shacore will get his chance to show his worth soon as he is committed to play in the Elite 80 Expo. This might be his coming out party.
Usually at young ages most post players are uncoordinated because their body movement hasn’t caught up with their mind yet. But Kamari Peel is not in that class, I watched him rock at the Gym Rat Midnight Madness and came away with MVP Honors. Meet the youngster from Philly.
Kamari Peel Favorites
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Other Sport: Football
Favorite Pass time: Hanging Out
Favorite Player: Kevin Garnett
Favorite College: North Carolina
Favorite Rapper: Lil Wayne
Role Model: Tim Duncan (Kind Person)
When Hoop Dreams director watches Larry Morton play one thing comes to his mind. “Domination, I feel pound for pound he can destroy any 8th Grader in the state” boast Scott. “Right now he should be regarded as the top player for the 2013 Class in Kentucky bar none” Scott continued. Scott’s praises of Morton are not because he runs with his squad but due to his performance on the floor. The chiseled forward had stellar outings during AAU play, Jr. All American Camp, Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp and most recently the Hoop Dreams Showcase. Morton is a 6’3 versatile forward that has the athleticism to punish defenders inside and out.
Scott who also individually trains Morton feels with the right development his game can go to the nest level. “I think if Larry develops his perimeter game including ball handling and jump shot he could eventually become a high major talent. It all depends on how hard he wants to work” said Scott. Morton game will be put to the test thoroughly this year as he will play significant minutes for the varsity team at Dunbar High School as an 8th Grader. We will keep you posted on his progress.
It’s time to rumble the Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic is here and will take place December 27th and 28th in Lakewood, NJ at the brand new High Performance Facility. This event should feature the top teams in the region and will have serious Basketball Spotlight website coverage. We are only taking 12 teams for each division so sign up quickly. Request an application by email from Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or call at 609-532-5122. Travel Teams and Grammar School Teams are also invited!Event: Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic
Date: December 27th and 28th
Place: Lakewood, NJ (High Performance Facility)
Ages: 10U thru 14U or 4th Grade thru 8th Grade
Price:$300 (Holiday Discount) Registration Deadline: Novermber 25th (No Teams Can Enter After This Date)Awards and Serious Website Coverage will be given.
Confirmed Teams
14U Teams
1. Trenton Hurricanes
2. Educated Athletes
3. Keystone Blazers
4. New Heights White
5. New Heights Blue
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7. Team Underrated
8. New York Panthers
9. NJ Pirates
10. Boston Saintz
11. Linden Ballers
12. Hoop Heaven AAU13. Playaz14.15.16.
13U Teams
1. PYO
2. Team NJ ABC
3. JSL Hoops
4. Mid Jersey Heat
5. Team Underrrated
6. Team Nelson
7. Delaware Finest
8. Baltimore Nike Elite
9.
10.
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. LD Rebels
3. JSL Hoops
4. F.A.C.E.S.
5. Garden State Elite
6. New Heights White
7. Philly Aztecs
8. Mid Jersey Heat
9. Team Underrated
10. The City
11. Bayshore Bulldogs
12. Playtime Basketball13. Gauchos
14. Linden Ballers15. Harvest Knights
16. Team Takeover (Nike)17.18.19.20.21.22.23.24.
11U Teams
1. F.A.C.E.S.
2. Mid Jersey Heat
3. Team Underrated
4. New Heights Blue
5. KBR Raptors
6. Team Battle
7. Delawares Finest
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
10U
1. Team Battle
2. JSL Hoops
3. South Jersey Blitz
4. Team Underrated
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
In a month the Class 2012 will be taking the court for their high school debuts. Basketball Spotlight will dearly miss the first graduating class of our website. This class won’t be forgotten though as a new feature to our site you can relive some of their greatest moments. Some of the top players from that class will have links with their names for you to read on the stories ever written about them. Enjoy this new feature and remember where’s the best place to get your amateur news from.
When you have a father that’s a South Jersey legend (Leonard Hayes Sr.) and a brother that was once ranked as a Top 20 9th Grader in the country (Leonard Hayes Jr.) some players might look at this as pressure to succeed. But, after talking to Louis Hayes not of this seems to faze him. I got a chance to holla at Hayes during the Gym Rat Midnight Madness. This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: How did you enjoy this event?
LH: It was a good experience the games had high intensity.
7:00
BS: What AAU team do you rock with?
LH: I played with the Boro Blitz but I went to the Nationals with the Educated Athletes.
6:00
BS: Who’s the best player you faced on the floor?
LH: It had to be Rashaun Prince, he played for the ARC from California.
5:00
BS: What NBA player does your game resemble?
LH: I would say Ray Allen cause he’s like a role player but when his team needs him to step up he’s always ready.
4:00
BS: What’s your dream college right now?
LH: Memphis, I think I would be a good fit there.
3:00
BS: Who’s the hottest rapper out there right now?
LH: Lil Wayne because he’s just the best right now.
2:00
BS: If you could have dinner with one person who would it be?
LH: Bill Gates because he probably would give me some money. (LOL)
1:00
BS: Who’s the biggest influence in your life?
LH: My father he was one of the best players to come out of Atlantic City and he pours it all into me.
0:00 Ball Game:
Wassup basketball world. I just came back from a long weekend. My first real game back I played ok. It was my first playoff game in Gauchos Roundball. We played against a scrappy Ron Artest team. We lost by 7. My teammate Jamel Torrence came up from prep school (Rectory) and put in work. He played very well attacked the basket and climbed the big mans chest. He ended the game with about 13pts. I ended the game with 17pts and 4 ast. I played very well in the begining but didn't get the ball very much in the 2nd half. I went 4/4 from the 3pt line. It was a tough lost but I will be back in the gym all week with my father and my Ny Patriots coach. My mom has been watching my health im about 80% but hey Jordan played in the finals with the flu so I just gotta bite the bullet and bare with it.
Well Im out! (Peace)
Last night former young basketball prodigy Tyreke Evans was featured on ESPN’s E:60. This was an interesting piece as it talked about the life of a young basketball prodigy growing up and the pitfalls and obstacles they have to avoid. I’ve covered Tyreke as a youngster and I can say I’m very proud of him and his brothers for the way they handled this unique situation. Here’s a replay of the episode.
Many young players emulate NBA players when balling on the floor. Sometimes it might because of size, ball handling, passing or leaping ability. When I ask players to compare their games to NBA players I usually get the same names like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Kevin Garnett but this was the first time I heard Tyshaun Prince. Devon Bell from Voorhees, NJ mentioned Prince and I could see that southpaws stick together. I caught up with Bell at the Gym Rat Midnight Madness and this is what he had to say… This is the Final Quarter!
8:00
BS: How did you enjoy this event?
DB: It was great because the competition was very serious.
7:00
BS: Whose your favorite NBA player?
DB: Lebron James of the Cleveland Caviliers.
6:00
BS: What part of your game you need to improve on the most?
DB: Shooting, I think I could really improve in that area and it would help my game out tremendously.
5:00
BS: Who is the best player you ever faced on the court?
DB: Mike Gilchrist (St. Patrick’s), He’s a hard defender and knows how to get past you off the dribble. He’s very long and athletic.
4:00
BS: What’s your dream college right now?
DB: North Carolina because my favorite player is Michael Jordan.
3:00
BS: What’s your best memory so far in basketball?
DB: Last year when I played at the Gym Rats in Atlantic City. It was fun and had serious comp.
2:00
BS: How’s the biggest influence in your life?
DB: My mom because she takes full care of me.
1:00
BS: If you could have dinner with one person who would it be and why?
DB: I would pick Lebron James because I want to know if he’s really going to Europe.
0:00 Ball Game!
The 8th Annual MLK Classic is back and will be held in Lakewood, NJ January 16th thru 18th and should be packed with some top squads. In the past this event has featured some of the top up and coming players and squads past participants include Tyreke Evans, Lance Stephenson, Dexter Strickland and many more.
Event: MLK Classic
Date: January 16th thru 18th
Place: Lakewood, NJ
Cost: $400
Ages: Boys and Girls (9U Thru 14U)
Contact: LJ at 848-525-3201
Basketball Spotlight Will Be In The Building!
There’s a first time for everything and at the 12U Nationals last summer it was a first time experience for Mike Melton, no not attending the nationals but actually watching a player dunk during a 12U AAU game. This player that accomplished this feat was Marsalis Johnson of the California based ARC Gorillas. Johnson trailed on the fast break and received a pass from his point guard and went up for a flush. This wasn’t the first time Johnson has thrown the ball down and it won’t be the last. The nationals was the tail end of Johnson’s dominance “ He destroyed the competition in every tourney we entered even averaging 20 points and 14 rebounds in the prestigious Presidents Day Tourney in Portland Oregon” said his AAU coach Lee Garson.
Johnson has all the polished moves as a potential big time post player. He has good foot work, excellent touch and even is strong with his offhand but there’s some other aspects that impress Garson the most “First of all his attitude is excellent he’s one of the most coachable kids I ever had and believe it or not he’s our fastest player baseline to baseline” Garson continued. Marsalis also continues to work hard to get better even against older players, “He has an older brother that plays high school ball right now and he’s always in the gym working with those guys trying to get better it will pay off at the end” Garson said.
Johnson is already on the road to success hopefully he continues to improve and reach his lofty goals. Right now I haven’t seen a post player in the Class of 2014 throughout the country that I would consider better. I don’t rank players nationally but if I did you could expect to see his name at the top.
After a successful camp in Philly the Hoop Group Jr. Elite tour now heads to their Headquarters in Neptune, NJ at Rebounds on Sunday starting at 3:00PM. Some of the top young talent has been confirmed for this event. In the Class 2013 NJ top point guard Kavon Stewart will be making the trip along with Reggie Cameron, Josh Marquez, Yosef Yacob, Dwayne Foreman, Jordan Forehand and the always solid Trevis Wyche. The younger divisions also have some serious ballers including Malik Ellison, Trey Lowe and Isiah Powell. Basketball Spotlight will definitely be on hand to bring you the full recaps and analysis of this event. The action kicks off at Sunday at 3:00PM.
Grade: 3rd
Favorite Team: Chicago Bulls
Favorite Subject: Math Height / Weight: 4’5 / 66
Hometown: Baltimore City, MD
Position: Shooting Guard
Favorite Player: Derrick RoseTyrone Thomas VideoTyrone Thomas Jr. was born June 25, 2000. Tyrone started learning the game of basketball at the early age of 4. He and his father Tyrone Thomas Sr. would go to local playgrounds in East Baltimore to work on numerous ball handling drills. It was at the age of 5 when Tyrone known as T.J played for his first basketball team at Chick Webb Recreation Center. T.J played in a host of house leagues. Always a step ahead, at age 6 T.J played on the 8u traveling team. While on the traveling team, T.J earned the reputation as one of the top 6 year olds in Baltimore. There team would then lose the championship to rival Bentlou Bombers from West Baltimore. After a dedicated summer of hard training, which consisted of 200 hundred jump shots per day, several different ball handling drills, defensive drills and lay-ups.
T.J’s game improved so much that the 10u coach put him on his travel team the following season. The season was the season the led Tyrone’s dad meeting coach Donald Toatley, the 8u coach for the D.C Assault AAU Team. Tyrone’s dad has come to learn a lot about training methods from Coach Donald; which has improved T.J’s game. Donovan Toatley, another extraordinary 8u player is the son of Coach Donald he and Tyrone have become very good friends. They share the charisma, dedication and love for the game of basketball. These two young men made an outstanding one two punch during the 8u season; and are preparing for the up coming 9u season. Tyrone loves playing basketball, reading and playing video games. When he’s not working on his game he studying and keeping up his A average. In addition to basketball, Tyrone he also plays running back and safety for The Northwood Rams 7-9 Youth Football Team. Tyrone’s goal is to be one of top players in the country through out his youth basketball career; and graduate from a division one college.
It’s time to rumble the Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic is here and will take place December 27th and 28th in Lakewood, NJ at the brand new High Performance Facility. This event should feature the top teams in the region and will have serious Basketball Spotlight website coverage. We are only taking 12 teams for each division so sign up quickly. Request an application by email from Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or call at 609-532-5122. Travel Teams and Grammar School Teams are also invited!Event: Basketball Spotlight Holiday Classic
Date: December 27th and 28th
Place: Lakewood, NJ (High Performance Facility)
Ages: 10U thru 14U or 4th Grade thru 8th Grade
Price:$300 (Holiday Discount)
Awards and Serious Website Coverage will be given.
Confirmed Teams
14U Teams
1. Trenton Hurricanes
2. Educated Athletes
3. Keystone Blazers
4. New Heights White
5. New Heights Blue
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13U Teams
1. PYO
2. Team NJ ABC
3. JSL Hoops
4. Mid Jersey Heat
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. Gauchos
3. JSL Hoops
4. FACES
5. Garden State Elite
6. New Heights White
7. New Heights Blue
8.Team MVP
9. Mid Jersey Heat
10.
11.
12.
11U Teams
1. FACES
2. Mid Jersey Heat
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Travel Teams
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Wassup basketball world. I got two words IM BACK.
Im feeling a lot better and I will be on the court real soon. I have a Gauchos Roundball Game on this coming Friday. I plan on having a good showing and also winning. The last Roundball game I did not play but my Patriots teammate and St. Raymond Hs upcoming star, Myron Hickman held it down for me having 31 pts and 6 ast. We lost the game but hey sometimes losing is a learning experience. I will also be playing in Brooklyn Funsport tournament with my AAU team Long Island Lightning. So untill then I will be catching up on my school work and working out with my dad. And congrats to my boy Nkereuwem (Prodigy) Okoro on his 20 pt game and his start as a St. Raymond HS Varsity player.
Peace (Smooth Out)
Since the announcement several players have confirmed their spot at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo. Here’s a list of players that have guaranteed their spot at this exclusive event. To confirm your spot contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or 609-532-5122.
Elite 80 Expo Confirmation List
Jason Boswell (LI Lightning)
Britton Lee (Peacemakers)
Kavon Stewart (Playaz)
Reggie Cameron (Playaz)
Joshua Marquez (Playaz) Chris Regis (Playaz)
Darius Robinson (Educated Athletes)
Jaquan Johnson (Educated Athletes)
Jakari Rowe (Educated Athletes)
Comrad Chambers (Educated Athletes)
Dylan Daniluk (Harvest Knights)
Ramone Gibbons (Boston Saintz)
Timmance McKinney (Boston Saintz)
Wayne Sulden (Boston Saintz)
Ian Rohde (Ringwood, NJ)
Larry Morton (Lexington, KY)
Dillon Avare (Lexington, KY)
Jamal Adu Peasah (Lexington, KY)
Jordan Forehand (Bridgewater, NJ)
Gary Whritenour (Wood Ridge, NJ)
Devon Bell (Voorhees, NJ)
Ryan Bland (Sicklerville, NJ)
Amir Middred (Camden, NJ)
Yusef Yacob (Chester, PA)
Joel Hernandez (Teaneck, NJ)
Dwayne Foreman (Spring Valley, NY)
Shacore Edwards (New Jersey Panthers) Ben Batash (Great Neck, NY)Sterling Johnson (Wilmington, NJ)
Elite 80 Expo Invite List
Act Fast Or Read About It Later! ONCE WE HIT 80 THE EVENT IS CLOSED! 80 Players8 Teams 1 Champion
Lee Brought Intensity On DefenseThe Hoop Group Jr. Elite Regional Camp took place in Philly at Germantown Academy and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. The camp featured some of the top ballers in the Northeast region and really focused on the fundamentals and development. Things got serious though when the scrimmages jumped off, I respect their effort even head man Rob Kennedy refereed a segment. Here’s a breakdown of the players that caught our eye.
Class of 2013 Report
Britton Lee Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- If you want a player that’s trying to get better call on Lee. The point guard locked ball handlers down like a warden and played with the explosion and passion that makes him standout. He was very focused in the drills and showed the interest that high school and college coaches love.Yosef Yacub Guard (Chester, PA)- I like his length and some of his offensive arsenal. Being from Chester I can see that he is a Tyreke Evans type pupil (No I’m not making a comparison) I just saying when you look at his shot release and high arching jumpers is apparent that he studied that former prodigy’s game. Yacub loves to get in the triple threat and use the jab step to create space.
Sterling Johnson Forward (Wilmington, DE)- This kid is a true physical specimen he has some true intangibles like scoring near the basket and making hustle plays. He has an awkward shot from the perimeter but has the confidence to jack it which sometimes makes all the difference.
Andre Patton Forward (Wilmington, DE)- This was my first time watching Patton and he doesn’t have much of a perimeter handle but he knows how to get buckets. He runs the floor and finishes off plays when he’s not rebounding and doing the dirty work inside. He has the hands the point guards live for and doesn’t waste opportunities inside.
Shaquan Cannon Guard (Newark, DE)- I love a guard that’s enjoys entertaining the crowd and Cannon fits the bill. He gets out early in transition when the shot is released and usually turns the play into something positive to his squad. If I’m a big man on his team it’s in my best interest to run the floor because he relishes in rewarding them with the pill.
Julian Moore Forward (Fort Washington, PA)- Moore has a lot of developing to do but he will have the size that makes college coaches follow his schedule. He’s long, wiry but does have the enthusiasm to get better in the near future. Mark my words he won’t be paying for college if he continues to work hard.
Bevon Stewart Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Stewart doesn’t have the total package yet in terms of creating his own shot off the dribble but the athlete does have a lot of energy that’s helps him run the floor and finish occasionally. When the game appears slower to him he will contribute more frequently.
Floyd Preito Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- I wondered how Preito would look really running the point and I got my answer tonight. I must say he appeared to fit into the mold rather comfortably. When I saw him during the summer he had to sacrifice his game because he was one of the biggest on his squad. 
Devon Bell Forward (Voorhees, NJ)- One thing about Bell is that he doesn’t try to do things that’s out of character of his game. He basically gets in where he fits in and he fits in running the floor and finishes off plays. He can score with either hand and uses his body to shield shot blockers.
Anthony Durham Guard (Abington, PA)- I think I have the eye for talent and Durham does have some. I like how he attacks smaller guards trying to check him and his game will speak more when he doesn’t look to score too often. He has good court posture and displays big time confidence handling the rock.
