Tony Blackwell (Team Takeover)The Maryland Invitational took place this weekend and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. We got a chance to really check out the 12U and 13U today and here’s a look at who impressed us the most.
Maryland Invitational Top Performers 12 and Under
Tony Blackwell Forward (Team Takeover)- Blackwell is an active player that get involves by playing with a fast pace and get things done. He’s a workhorse on the glass and knows how to score in any situation. His potential seems to be on the upside because he also can put the rock on the floor.
Jeffrey Duwhn Guard (Team Takeover)- Jeff first caught my eye with his aggressive defense. He pressured the pill and caused serious turnovers. Then I got a chance to see his offensive skills. He has a nice stroke and runner in the lane in his arsenal. He also can handle the point spot if needed. 
Kenny Wormley Guard (Team Takeover)- Wormley is the true floor general for this crew. He runs the point with poise and makes sure everybody get their touches. He has a smooth handle and very good court vision. He doesn’t try to force the action which is good because he knows how to use his weapons.
Bryant Crawford Guard (Team Takeover)- Statically Crawford wasn’t awesome but when you watch him rock you can see how nice he really is. He has size for a true wing guard and the touch from the perimeter to go with it. Some players just can get things done without exerting much effort and he seems to be in this category.
Jamil Hood Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Hood is a slick point guard with a lot of game. His handle is quick, precise and he seems to like to pass first which is important. In his game against Team Takeover he tried to break their press but it was difficult because he was the only ball handler. Expect Hood to make noise soon.
Blake Jorge Forward (Albany Dream Team)- Jorge patrolled the paint for ADT and did a good job crashing the glass and getting a few put backs. He’s probably going to be a guard in high school but he already can handle the pill a little so the transition shouldn’t be that difficult. But he does need to develop a wing jumper.
Devante’ Carter Guard (New Generation)- Carter runs the point for the Virginia squad. He has a crafty handle and enough length to get his floater off over anybody. When things got tight down the stretch for his team he took over the game and either scored got teammates open looks. He also showed ice water veins at the charity stripe to help seal the game. I like his swagger.
Richard Washington Guard (New Generation)- The southpaw is a smooth scorer that finishes at the rim very effectively and can hit the trey ball regularly. When Carter penetrates Washington spotted up and if the defense over played he got to the cup quickly. Keep an eye on this kid.
Jalen Cross Guard (New Generation)- Speaking of deadeye shooters Cross can tickle the twine from anywhere in the gym. He’s one of those players that every time he lets a shot go it seems like it’s going in. He also went to the free throw line and drained some freebies in the final moments. 
Wanya Allen Forward (Virginia Hurrikanes)- Allen clogged the middle for his squad and has a soft touch when letting it go in the lane. He likes to go hard right then burst up for a running one hander or just hit the defender with a pump fake before dropping in a smooth bucket.
Jack Laffy Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Laffy gave his squad some big minutes today. It was a rugged game and he made some serious plays on the post. I like how he battled for rebounds and loose balls but what really caught my eye was his passing from the blocks. He hit teammates cutting with good precision. 
Brian Brown Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Brown was a pest on defense all evening. He played the middle of the press and caused several steals which led to opportunities for his squad. His energy and defensive prowess helped his team pull out a hard fought victory.
Trey Lowe Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lowe got behind the defense and made some game clinching plays. When ADT was trying to foul Lowe broke for the homerun pass and made them pay a few plays in a row. He also earned several trips to the charity stripe.
Otis Livingston Guard (KSK)- Livingston put on a clinic with his dribbling, shooting and passing today. He broke down the defenders at will, canned the open trey and dropped several dimes to teammates. He also scored in transition like it was very easy.
