Inside The Grand Finale 08: 12 and Under Division

The 12U Division was very interesting. We saw a surprise team take home the title and an interesting chess match game between coaches. Here’s a look at this bracket and who stood out.

Playtime Wins Chess Match Game 17-14

After defeating the Harvest Knights in their pool contest, Playtime Basketball decided to change their strategy and slow the game down in the semifinals. They held the ball for most of the first half and when Harvest Knights did go ahead they returned the favor holding the rock for most of the second half. As time expired Malik Ellison launched a half court shot that nearly went in. The game went into overtime tied 14-14. In the extra period Playtime employed the same strategy and eventually won 17-14.

Here Comes “The City”

The City made its Basketball Spotlight debut and had a good showing. They won a tough pool defeating Bayshore Bulldogs 49 -40 and Linden Ballers 56-31. In the quarterfinals they ran into a buzz saw of a team named Harvest Knights. But one thing his certain this squad has enough talent to make a deep run during the AAU-season.

Top Noticeable Performances

Malik Ellison (Harvest Knights)- Ellison exploded in the scoring column against the NJ Pirates (21 pts) and in the quarterfinals against The City (24 pts). He played majority of his games on the main court and used this opportunity to show the spectators how he gets buckets.

Lamar Jones (Harvest Knights)- Another scoring guard for this group was Jones. This was my first time watching him rock and was very impressed with his presence and ability to make plays. He can shoot the jumper and create offensive opportunities off the bounce.


Jack Laffy (Bayshore Bulldogs)- Laffy battled all weekend leading his team in scoring. He caught fire against The City during their pool game and ended the contest with 20 markers. He’s a very skilled post player with very soft touch around the cup.

Isiah Still (Linden)- Linden made it to the quarterfinals and a lot that success can from the play of still. He had 18 points in the narrow victory over Bayshore and finished he tourney averaging 15 points a game. He has some serious talent from the wing position.

Trey Lowe (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lowe made the most of his debut with his new team. The former Team MVP guard led the team in scoring and caught fire from behind the arc nailing 3 treys against Team Underrated in their pool matchup. He looks like a good fit with this group.

Tymere Berry (Mid Jersey Heat)- Berry has been with the Heat for a while and also seems to raise his level of play. In the quarterfinals against the Gauchos Berry went berserk dropping 18 points including 3 long range treys. His play helped the Heat reach the quarterfinal round.

Jaquan McKennon (Gauchos)- The lefty had 16 huge points against the Philly Aztecs. He’s extremely difficult to guard off the dribble and can pull from anywhere in the gym. His confidence on this level is something very rare. He has a unique feel for the game.

Grand Finale All Tournament Team
Corey Brown (Playtime Basketball)- MVP
Deshawn Washington (Playtime Basketball)
Ray Kim (Playtime Basketball)
Phillip Hammond (Playtime Basketball)
Kaseen Coston (Playtime Basketball)
Kai Mitchell (Gauchos)
Jaqaun McKennon (Gauchos)
Davonte Green (Gauhos)
Calvin Riley (Gauchos)
Malik Ellison (Harvest Knights)
Lamar Jones (Harvest Knights)
Trevaughn Wilkerson (Harvest Knights)
Trey Lowe (F.A.C.E.S.)
Brian Brown (F.A.C.E.S)
Mike Jolaoso (F.A.C.E.S.)
Donovan Mitchell (The City)
Eric Paschall (The City)
Lenny Kadisha (The City)
Jack Laffy (Bayshore)
Isiah Still (Linden Ballers)
Tymere Berry (Mid Jersey Heat)
Christian Vital (Team Underrated)