Basketball Spotlight Top 10: 14 and Under Division

Team Nelson Holds #1 Spot

Basketball Spotlight will be releasing monthly team rankings for each age group. The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 will be based on quality tournament wins. We pride ourselves on being unbiased and letting the teams prove themselves on the floor. The season is young and there’s still a lot of basketball to be played. Here’s our first 14 and Under Regional Top 10.

Basketball Spotlight 14U Top 10

1. Team Nelson- The Chester crew checks in at the number 1 spot after winning the Grand Finale and breezing through the Hoop Group Presidents Day Classic. They have a balanced attack and really stress the importance of defense. If they keep this focus they are capable of going wire to wire in this spot.

2. NY Panthers- The Panthers won the Funsport in NYC and finished runner up at the Grand Finale. They are a very well coached bunch and have several weapons at their disposal. Coach Kat is one of the best in the business and he has this squad always prepared for battle.

3. Hoop Heaven- This squad started this young season well. They won the New Heights tourney, made to the semifinals of the Grand Finale and were on their way to winning the MLK Classic before dropping after a serious injury to Jared Sina.

4. Peacemakers- The Peacemakers have been relatively quiet thus far but I did get a look at their squad during the Elite 80 Expo (which they won) and feel they are a force to be reckon with. I have heard a few rumbles about their program so will wait to see.

5. Boston Saintz- The Saintz were very impressive during the Grand Finale. They made it to the semifinals and had a strong grudge match with NY Panthers. They have a very talented bunch and will be making a lot of noise this spring.

6. Playaz Basketball Club- PBC finished runner up at the New Heights tourney and are currently playing in their winter league Eight Is Enough. They have some talented players and should be even better in the spring when Matt Johnson returns from St. Anthony’s.

7. LI Lightning- I got chance to see the Lightning at Funsport at they have the talent make a serious run at several tourneys this summer. The combination of Jason Boswell and John Severe will be fun to watch.

8. KBR Fliers- The Fliers reunited this year and looked good winning the MLK Classic. They made it to the quarterfinals at the Grand Finale and should be a threat to win the NJ AAU crown. They are talented bunch.

9. Westchester Hawks- I got chance to see the Hawks at the MIT where they came up just short in the championship. They have good ball movement on offense and are a very scary team to match up with. They should move up in these rankings soon.

10. PPY Elite Pirates- I like the talent on this North Jersey. They are hungry for pub and can knock off any team on any given night. The combination of Will Joyce and Rakwan Kelly are a dangerous duo.