Name: Alonzo Trier
AAU Team: Seattle Rotary
Position: Point Guard
Height: 5’5
Hometown: Federal Way, Washington
Class: 2015
Breakdown: Trier is rated as the #1 player in the country by several websites. This guard is extremely talented and puts on a show when he’s on the floor. He has a flashy handle, good court vision and deep range on his jump shot. At the Jr. All American Camp and Adidas Phenom Camp Alonzo demonstrated this talent and proved to be too much to deal with. Trier most recently had a strong showing at the US Superior Skills Camp in Waco, Texas. According to KO Basketball scout Tony Sutton he was the best guard in that class at this event. This kid has a chance to be a special player in the future. You will be seeing his name on here many times in the near future. Check out his highlights.Trier's Video HighlightsPlayer Videos can be email to basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is Saturday February 7th and the schedule is set. This event looks like it should be a one of the best over. The 11U and 12U brackets are loaded then when you throw in a special challenge game between the top 13U teams in Trenton the day should be great. All teams prepare for a long day and having fun.
Clash For The Cup Schedule
11:00 AM Team MVP vs. Team NJ ABC (13U Trenton Challenge)
12:10 PM Harvest Knight vs. Team MVP (12U Semifinal)
1:20 PM The City vs. F.A.C.E.S. (12U Semifinal)
2:30 PM Team Battle vs. Team Artest (11U Semifinal)
3:40 PM Gauchos vs. F.A.C.E.S. (11U Semifinal)
4:50 PM 12U 3rd Place Game
6:00 PM 11U 3rd Place Game
7:10 PM 11U Championship
8:20 PM 12U Championship
Games Played At
Trenton Catholic HS
175 Leonard Ave
Hamilton, NJ 08610
The Top 50 Jr. High School Players in each class (2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016)more than 300 in all, will take to the hardwood March, 2009 at the third annual NY Adidas Jr Phenom Camp. For nearly 20 years Adidas has held the Top High School All-Star camp in the world. The Jr Phenom camp will bring this great tradition to the grassroots level, Providing valuable instruction and a platform for many college and NBA Players tomorrow.
This Prestigious camp will be held at Fordham University in New York City. Multi- gym basketball Facility. 4 Full size wood courts under one roof.
The Adidas Jr Phenom is a camp that offers student athletes a variety of mandatory classes on academics and life skills, better preparing these young men for continued success in their high school career, college and life.
Players must attend a class each day to be eligible to play in the afternoon game sessions. Former and current college and high school basketball coaches will be in attendance to pass on their expertise and words of wisdom to these student athletes.
Players will have an opportunity to test their game against other top players in their class throughout the entire weekend. The camp will culminate with an all-star game on the final day under the watchful eye of the country’s top scouting services.
This is not an invitational only camp! All players are invited!
If you are a coach and would like to nominate a player(s), please-mail our staff to request a nomination form at info@nyphenom.com Your name and phone number must be included.
Name: Vinay Reddy
Position: Small Forward
HT: 6’5
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
AAU Team: San Antonio Road Runners
Strengths: Reddy is a perimeter forward which means he likes to shoot jumpers and handle the pill a little. His length allows him to get a clean look whenever he wants and keep a hand in opponents face on defense. His upside could be tremendous because of his wingspan alone.
Areas of Improvement: In terms of getting better I believe Reddy needs to pack on some muscle and be willing to mix it up a little inside. He’s effective on the perimeter but any high school coach would want someone with his size to help out on the glass a little and block a few shots.
Name: Drew Corsi
Position: Point Guard
HT: 5’6
Hometown: Rumson, NJ
AAU Team: Shore Shots
Strengths: If you need a floor general to call signals on the floor than look no further than Corsi. Drew enjoys directing traffic in the half court set as well as transition. He also can drain the trey as he has proven over the years. He should develop into a good system point guard on the high school level.
Areas of Improvement: Corsi needs to get stronger as many guards on the 8th Grade level. Improved strength will help him play better defense against bigger guards and finish off plays in traffic. I also think Drew could use some increased foot speed on the defensive end.
Chester, PA has become a hot bed for basketball talent lately. Jameer Nelson is one of the top point guards in the NBA and former phenom Tyreke Evans should be shaking David Sterns hand soon. Last summer at the 12 and Under Nationals I laid eyes on one of Chester’s future prospects by the name of Shepard Garner. Garner was one of the top performers from the entire event playing with Youth Interlock. He proved that my assessment wasn’t a fluke during a recent Xmas tourney by scorching the Gauchos with a triple double in the finals (37pts, 15 rebounds and 11 dimes).
Garner is probably the top player in his class and continues to get better. “He’s the ultimate competitor and does everything on the floor. He plays the game with passion and makes all the basketball plays necessary to get the job done. His court awareness and feel for the game is tremendous” said Poo Evans of Fidonce Player Development. Evans is the brother of Tyreke Evans and is currently in charge of Garner’s development. In terms of comparisons to his brother Evans speaks up, “ I think Shep is like my brother in terms of being a student of the game and his passion to win. He can watch a game and complete a quiz on assessing the players that played. I’m very impressed by that.” Evans said.
Evans also knows Garner is very young and far from complete. “Right now I’m working with him on his footwork, ball handling and outside shooting. I really believe this kid has special talent and will become a serious player in a few years.” Evans finished. Garner is currently playing with Youth Interlock that has improved its roster and should make a serious run at the 13U AAU National title.
We will be watching his progress and give you updates.
In our quest to find the best middle school team in the region Basketball Spotlight and Hoop Group have come together to bring you the first ever Grammar School Showdown. The tournament is pool play style and will run from February 26th to March 1st. Teams outside the area can have a weekend schedule. Register quickly because spots are limited and sure to fill up. The registration information is listed below.
Event: Grammar School Showdown
Date: Feb. 26th to Mar. 1st
Place: Hoop Group Headquarters
Price: $225 (3 Games)
Divisions: Boys and Girls
Click Here For Registration Info
For More Info Contact : Joe Stein at 732-897-3196 Ext. 34 or at Joe@Hoopgroup.com or Contact Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or at Basketball Spotlight@hotmail.com
Wassup basketball world Jason Boswell back to tell you what I have been up to in this basketball world.
Well to end of the week I had workouts with my favorite coach Shandue McNeil at St. Johns University. It was fun and I got a lot out of it. Shan always pushes me to the max. I had no is8 16u games this weekend, but I did have a 16u game in the Tru ballers tournament. I play with NY Patriots in that. We played against a good Wings Academy J.V. team. I went off. I ended the game with 21pts. and 6rbs. Also my St. Raymond's teammate Jeaquan Brown had 17pts. We play very good together.
Also on Saturday I attended the SNY St. Raymond's HS vs. Mt. Vernon HS game. Thanks to coach Oliver Antigua. I also went because my right hand man Nkereuwem Okoro was playing and I had to show support. They didn’t pull it out but it was a good game.
Sunday morning I had practice again at St. Johns University. Another fun competitive practice. After practice me and my dad went to a diner and ate then I attended my man Durand Scott game at Gaucho gym. Rice played Bishop Loughlin. He played well and Rice won. Well I ended off my weekend with a haircut and got some studying in for my mid terms.
Well that’s about it so deuces until next week. (out)
Name: Shaquille Davis
Position: Combo Guard
HT: 5’8
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
AAU Team: Juice All Stars
Strengths: Davis is one of the most explosive guards in the region. Once he decides on going to the cup he’s extremely hard to stop. He packs a solid frame and impressive leaping ability that allows him to finish over shot blockers and snatch boards at will. He has take over the game ability. Defensively he can be aggressive and roam in the passing lanes.
Areas of Improvement: Shaquille has a decent outside shot but can use some fine tuning in this area. This will open up the offense for his teammates and make his drive game more potent. On defense he needs to exert more forceful effort in terms of on ball coverage. His strength and quickness should be able to cause problems.
Name: Howard Sellars
Position: Combo Guard
HT: 5’11
Hometown: Coatesville, PA
AAU Team: Playaz Basketball Club
Strengths: Sellars was one of the best scorers at this event. His killer crossover helped him create space to drain several mid range or deep jumpers. Howard is strong finishing near the cup while also wanting the rock in his hands when crunch time approaches. Defensively he’s physical and strong enough to guard many positions.
Areas of Improvement: Sellars like most big time scorers will have to work on getting his teammates involved a little more. He dominates the rock when it’s in his hands, which leaves many of his comrades standing around watching. This will also help him make the transition to point guard if needed in high school.
Name: Josh Postadan
AAU Team: Mid Jersey Heat
Position: Point Guard
Class: 5th Grade
Breakdown: Mid Jersey Heat is one of the most improved organizations in the region. Josh Postadan runs the point for both the 11U and 12U squads. The pint size lefty is tough as nails and plays the point with good poise despite his age. He handles pressure with his quickness and basketball IQ while also scoring a few baskets using craftiness. Be on the look-out for Josh when Mid Jersey Heat is in town.
The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase Tournament has received early interest and seems to shaping up to a good event. This tournament will be held in Atlantic City March 21st and 22nd. Here’s a look at some of the committed teams. If you are interested in attending this event please request an application from Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or by phone at 609-532-5122. There’s 12 spots for each age group. Deadline is March 1st or when event sells out.
14U Teams
1. Team Nelson
2. Delaware Hawks
3. Team Underrated
4. Peacemakers
5. Linden Ballers
6. Mid Jersey Heat
7. Garden State Knights
8. Team Artest
9. SJ Blitz
10.
11.
12.
13U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. Team Rebels
3. Team Nelson
4. Team MVP
5. Gauchos
6. Team Underrated
7. Team Crossover Elite
8. Mid Jersey Heat
9. Team Artest
10. Youth Interlock
11.
12.
12U Teams
1. Team Rebels
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. Team Final
4. The City
5. Team MVP
6. Team Underrated
7. Team Crossover Elite
8. All Mighty Force Warriors
9. Linden Ballers
10. Mid Jersey Heat
11. Team Artest
12. 13.14.15.16.
11U Teams
1. Team Battle
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. Team Underrated
4. Team Artest
5. Mid Jersey Heat
6. Team NJ ABC7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
10U Teams
1. Team NJ ABC
2. South Jersey Blitz
3. Team Underrated Black
4. Team Underrated White
5.
6.
7.
8.
Name: Chad Mordecai
Position: Point Guard
HT: 5’1
Hometown: New Brunswick, NJ
AAU Team: Middlesex Futurz
Strengths: Morchecai is a quick point guard the forces the tempo once the rock is in his hands. He knows how to change directions on the dime and deliver swift passes. He enjoys the transition game and putting on a show for the crowd. Defensively, Chad applies ball pressure for the entire 94 feet.
Areas of Improvement: On the high school level Chad must get stronger and run the point and defend his position. It will also be important for him to have a good outside shot to keep the defense honest. His pass first mentality should make any high coach happy.
Name: Evan Hubbard
Position: Forward
HT: 6’0
Hometown: Neptune, NJ
AAU Team: KBR Fliers
Strengths: Hubbard has trimmed down a bit and this has improved his mobility and athleticism. I primary post player Evan can step out and hit the trey if left unguarded. He has good touch around the basket and uses his frame well to box out for boards. If he inherits his family genes expect a huge growth soon.
Areas of Improvement: Hubbard will need to improve his mobility and athleticism once he reaches high school. The pace of the game will be faster and he will have to adapt. Developing his ball handling and perimeter defense should also be in future plans. Intense rope jumping should be a good tool for Hubbard.
Basketball Spotlight always tries to bring you entertaining things from the basketball world. I came across this segment of this 6’8 girl that’s a senior in high school and a true phenom. Her name is Brittney Griner. Brittney Griner age 17, was born in April of 1991. In 2006 Griner enrolled into Nimitz High School located in Houston, Texas as a six-foot tall freshman without having played any organized basketball. Griner started out on the jayvee squad, and then worked her way up to the varsity where she led the team with 13 points per game and earned first-team all-district honors.
Griner has grown an astonishing 8 inches and wears a man's size 18 shoe which is why her friends nicknamed her "Big Foot." She is considered one of the top female basketball players in the country and have drawn interest from many top college powerhouses including Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas, LSU, Wake Forest, Baylor, Tennessee and many others. On November 12, 2008 she officially signed a letter of intent to attend Baylor University.
Griner has the potential to become perhaps the most dominate woman basketball player in the history of the game.Brittney Dunking Highlights
It has come to my attention that Basketball Spotlight has be prematurely placed on numerous fliers and event announcements as being assigned to cover tournaments, showcases etc. We don’t want to mislead teams, organization or players and we don’t promote false advertisement. Please take note that if you do not see this event advertised on our website or on the Certified Circuit List “We Will Not Be There”. If you have any questions on whether we will be attending an event please contact me basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Here’s the list of events we are scheduled to attend.
Rebounds Presidents Day Classic
• Date: February 14th and 15th
• Cost: AAU $350 Non AAU $275
• Ages: 9U Thru 14U and 3rd Grade to 8th Grade
• Contact: Joe Stein at 732-897-3196 or visit http://www.hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/rebounds.php
Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase
• Date: March 21st and 22nd
• Cost: $350
• Place: Atlantic City, NJ
• Ages: 10U thru 14U
• Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Beantown Mazzacre
• Date: March 28th and 29th
• Place: Milton, Mass.
• Cost: $400
• Ages: 11U thru 17U
• Contact: Coach Pumpkin at 857-891-4797 or at coachpgbball@yahoo.com
Basketball Spotlight MDC
• Date: May 22nd thru 24th
• Place: Neptune, NJ
• Cost: $400
• Ages: 10U thru 16U
• Contact: Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Playaz Club Blow Up
• Date: June 5th thru 7th
• Place: Paterson, NJ
• Cost: $375
• Ages: 12U thru 14U
• Contact: Jim Salmon at 973-207-4346 or visit http://www.playazbasketball.org/
Game Over Classic
• Date: June 19th thru 21st
• Place: New York City
• Cost $425
• Ages: 10U thru 17U
• Contact: Dana Dingle at 646-773-4878 or visit http://www.gameovernyc.com/ WE WILL NOT BE AT THE KEYSTONE BLAZERS TOURNAMENT MARCH 27TH OR ANY OF THEIR EVENTS.
The Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 08 had many top young prospects but one of the top players in attendance had to be Juwan Gooding. Gooding is a 5’9 6th Grader from Boston, Massachusetts and attends Pierce Middle School. He traveled down with the Boston Saintz coach by his father Santonio and played in the 14 and Under Division.
Gooding has a good resume at a young age. He had his breakout performance at the Five Star Jr. Elite where he played in a higher age group and finished with 32 points against one of the top 9th Grade guards from New York. He continued his good summer by traveling to Cocoa Beach for the 11 and Under AAU Nationals with MABC. At the Nationals he led the squad in scoring while facing some tough competition.
In terms of rating many people including his coach feels Gooding is among the best. “I think he has to be in the Top 5 nationally for his class” said his coach Santonio Gooding. “I believe he’s a top notch ball handler and point guard while others point out his scoring” he continued. Coach Gooding also knows his son is young and will need to improve. “Right now we are working on his outside shot (300 A Day) and him moving without the rock” said Coach Gooding.
This should be an interesting and productive year for Juwan Gooding. Basketball Spotlight will be watching and keep you guys posted on his progress.
Name: Rondae Jefferson
Position: Forward
HT: 6’3
Hometown: Chester, PA
AAU Team: Team Nelson
Strengths: Jefferson is a southpaw slasher that excels in finishing off plays and hitting the glass for boards. On defense he is the enforcer and lock down specialist always guarding the go to guy for the other squad. He’s a high energy player and a glue guy that every squad needs. I think in high school he might have a break out career.
Areas of Improvement: On the high school level Jefferson will need to improve his outside and ball handling. He likely will be forced to a full time perimeter spot and these intangibles will be necessary for his success. In terms on potential I think this kid has a lot.
Name: Ethan Telfair
Position: Point Guard
HT: 5’7
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
AAU Team: Juice All Stars
Strengths: Telfair’s quickness, court vision and ball handling makes him one of the top point guards in this class. He gets teammates involved after penetrating the lane or in transition. He also enjoys breaking down defenders and pulling up for a jumper or floater. When the game is on the line he usually wants the rock in his hands.
Areas of Improvement: On the next level Ethan will have to get physically stronger and improve his outside shot. The strength aspect will help him handle pressure from bigger guards, absorb contact in the lane and become more effective on the defensive end. Improving his outside shot will make defenders respect his jumper more which will make his dribble drive game even more effective.
Name: Reggie Cameron
Position: Forward
HT: 6’4
Hometown: Hackensack, NJ
AAU Team: Playaz Basketball Club
Strengths: Cameron can stroke from deep or the mid range area. He’s streaky at times but an overall effective marksman. His wing span also allows him to rebound the ball and pass over defenders. On the defensive end he can contest shots and reach into the passing lanes.
Areas of Improvement: As previously noted Cameron must improve on his speed, athleticism and ability to put the rock on the floor. Improvement in these areas will help him on both ends of the floor. Right now his game is effective but once he reaches high school the caliber of athlete will advance and these improved attributes will need to come into play.
Name: Joel Hernandez
Position: Shooting Guard
HT: 5’10
Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
AAU Team: Metro Hawks
Strengths: Hernandez is a scoring guard that loves to shoot the outside shot or create opportunities off the dribble. He knows how to find the gaps in the defense when getting things going. He’s capable of scoring in bunches. Joel will also stick his nose inside and battle for rebounds which is a tribute to his toughness. On defense he moves his feet well and forces turnovers with ball pressure.
Areas of Improvement: Hernandez is a shooting guard in a point guard frame so he will have to learn some more floor general techniques. These techniques should include decision making and ball handling. He also needs to add some arch to his outside shot, right now it’s effective but kind of a line drive.
Do not miss out on the perfect event to end your travel season or to begin your AAU season. The only mixed (travel + AAU) event around is coming up very quickly! The Presidents Weekend Showdown will take place at Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune the weekend of February 13th-15th. The event will be open to travel teams, graded 3rd-8th, and AAU teams, U9-U14. Teams will be guaranteed 3 games with the possibility of more if they make it out of pool play. In 2006, 42 teams participated, and in 2007, the event was completly sold out with 52 teams! Championship Trophies will be awarded, MVP's and All Tournament Teams will be chosen and put on The Hoop Group's website. The event will be covered by members of The Hoop Group and Mike Melton of Basketball Spotlight. A recap of the event will be posted on both websites. The registration form for the event is linked below.Registration Info
Name: Tywon Bressler
AAU Team: Wisconsin Playground I.C.E.
Position: Point Guard
Class: 2015
Breakdown: Bressler has become one of the top point guards in his region. He has some flair but also a lot of substance to his game. One of Tywon’s strengths right now is his outside shot; he has a calm and accurate release from behind the arc. He’s not the quickest guard but his dribbling skills and basketball IQ gets him where he needs to be on the floor. Take a look at his highlights below.
Tywon Bressler Highlights
The Clash For The Cup is coming February 7th at Trenton Catholic and it should be a dandy. The teams have been selected and all of them are scheduled to appear. We at Basketball Spotlight always like to keep the fans involved therefore we would like you to pick the team you think will win the Cup for each age group. The fan poll will appear on the right side of the page where you can cast your vote. The fan vote poll will be tallied a week before the event. Have fun!
11 and Under Bracket
1. Team Battle
2. Gauchos
3. F.A.C.E.S.
4. Team Ron Artest
12 and Under Bracket
1. Harvest Knights
2. F.A.C.E.S.
3. The City
4. Team MVP
This is your chance to speak out. Cast your vote! Stay tuned for previews and in-depth analysis for this event.
The 2nd Annual Show Invitational Tourney returns this year with 2 Dates. One Date (Feb. 27 to Mar. 1st) is for 11U and the other date (Mar. 13th to 15th) is for 12U. The tournament was very successful last year and brought together some of the top teams in the region. The event is hosted by F.A.C.E.S. which is known to run very organized and on time events. For me information click the link below or contact Rob Cole at cole_23@verizon.net or 908-403-0218
Show Me Invitational Information
The Elite 80 Expo was a good event for us to analyze player skills. You also got a chance to watch a few highlights of the game on our Youtube page. Now before we say goodbye to the event (More Profiles Still To Come) we decided to reach to our friends at HSSMTV to give a final highlight remix. So he took some of the best highlights from the event and added a little music to it.
Elite 80 Expo Remix
Name: Alonzo Trier
