Youth Interlock Remains #1
The Basketball Spotlight 13U Top 10 is updated. The top team remains but we had some moment throughout. Our rankings are based on top tournament finishes, strength of schedule and our opinion on which teams are better.
1. Youth Interlock- On paper YI has the pieces to bring home the prize in July. We will get a close up look at them at their AAU Regionals and when they arrive at the MDC. They might be the road block for Team Nelson winning the Triple Crown.
2. Team Nelson- Team Nelson is trying to make history by winning the Triple Crown (Grand Finale, Atlantic City Showcase and MDC). First they have a tough AAU regional tournament to get through before heading down to the MDC.
3. Gauchos- The Choz came up short at the Spring Fling in the finals against Juice All Stars. They are the favorites to win the Metropolitan Region and are hosting their own tourney middle of May. We have extended an MDC invite to them we are waiting for a reply.
4. Team Underrated: After falling in the quarterfinals in Atlantic City Showcase the Long Island boys rebounded to win the Boston Massacre. They are penciled in for the MDC and said they are ready to defend their crown.
5. Team Scan: Scan is one of the most battled teams in the region. They didn’t make the trip to AC but did go up to Boston and made a run to the semifinals. They also were extended an invite to Atlantic City Showcase.
6. Team NJ ABC: The Trenton based squad has been making some noise this year. Down in Atlantic City they flexed their muscles by making it to the finals. They are currently in a chase for the NJ 13U State title.
7. Team Kobe: TK should be in good shape as Brandon Austin is making a comeback from injury. They have a busy upcoming schedule. They play in the Filly Sol Dream Classic, Mid Atlantic AAU Regionals and have expressed interest in the MDC.
8. King Street Kings: KSK are currently in the quarterfinals of the NJ State tourney. A championship run will definitely move them up in the rankings.
9. Team Final: The Mid Atlantic Region has another tough squad to deal with. Team Final turned heads in Atlantic City with some early blow out wins. They loss to eventual champ Team Nelson. They will have another shot at the MDC.
10. Team Rebels: The Rebels are also from Chester and are out to prove they belong with the elite crowd. They have a rugged style and know how to produce wins.
Lurking: CJ Jammers, City Sports on 4, NJ Shore Shots, Playaz Basketball Club, Delaware Finest
Team Final Keeps Top SpotThe Basketball Spotlight 12U Top 10 is here once again. There was a little movement and a few new squads making the list. Our rankings are based on top tournament finishes, strength of schedule and our opinion on which teams are better.
1. Team Final- Another tournament and another crown for this Mid Atlantic juggernaut. They mercy ruled just about opponent and seems to be primed to make a big run at the Nationals. They will first take care of business at the regionals before coming to the MDC.
2. The City- This NY squad took care of business in the pool in Atlantic City before losing to Team Final in the semis. They are getting better and better each time out. They will be playing in the NY regionals before also coming to the MDC.
3. F.A.C.E.S.- They came down to Atlantic City on a mission and ended up the finals vs. Team Final. Their moment of truth arrived when they faced Team Takeover in the semifinals. The battled tested Newark squad played strong and took home the victory.
4. Gauchos- The Choz won the Show Me Invitational and finished 2nd at the Playaz Spring Fling. Coach Science has revamped his squad a little since the Grand Finale and seems to be headed in the right direction. We will see at the MDC.
5. Team Takeover- The Maryland boys made their Spotlight debut and looked like they were headed to the finals before running into a tough F.A.C.E.S. squad. I don’t know what their Memorial Day plans are but we have extended an invite
6. Long Island Lightning- The Lightning were back in action at the Spring Fling and overcame a first half deficit to defeat the Gauchos for the crown. I heard they have some new faces that are ready to get busy. We will get a first- hand look at them in Neptune.
7. King Street Kings- I haven’t seen much of this talented group this year. They are currently in the 13U Div. 2 State tournament. Expect a jump in the polls if they make a deep run in the 12U state tourney.
8. Linden Ballers- The Ballers showed tremendous fight at the Show Me Invitational and the Atlantic City Showcase. They have a couple of new wing players that have given them some offensive punch. They have signed up to chase the big trophy at the MDC.
9. Team MVP- The Capital City boys played in tough pool in Atlantic City and displayed some talent. They are currently in the 13U D2 NJ State tournament. They also received an invite to the MDC.
10. Albany Dream Team- The Dream Team made their Spotlight debut and banged out in a tough pool. We have extended a MDC invite to them hopefully they will meet us in Neptune.
Lurking: Mid Jersey Heat, Team NJ ABC, NJ Shore Shots, Team Underrated
Team Battle Remains On Top!
The Basketball Spotlight 11U Top 10 has returned and we had some movement in the rankings. There were also some new teams making their debut in the Top 10. The Atlantic Showcase gave us a good look into this age group. Our rankings are based on top tournament finishes, strength of schedule and our opinion on which teams are better.
1. Team Battle: Team Battle reacted like true champions after recovering from a pool loss to CT 300 and winning the Atlantic City Showcase. They now will travel to the Cincinnati Knights tourney which should be a dandy.
2. Gauchos: The Choz didn’t take the trip down to AC but we feel very comfortable having them in the #2 slot. They have their regional tourney coming up then it’s the ultimate showdown in Neptune, “The MDC”.
3. F.A.C.E.S.: The Newark boys made it to the finals of the Atlantic City Showcase after also finishing runner up at the Maryland Bulls tourney which was loaded. They have the NJ State tourney and the MDC before heading to the Maryland Invitational.
4. DC Assault: DC Assault made their Spotlight debut and made a run to the semifinals before losing to Team Battle by 1. I like their team because they have some good size and a few play makers. We will keep an eye on them.
5. Sam Cassell All Stars: Sam Cassell has made the call and said they will be making the trip to the MDC. Their guard play is top notch and they have the pieces to take home the big trophy at the end of May.
6 . CT 300: The Connecticut squad came to Atlantic City and knocked off top squads Team Battle and Team Takeover. They are very aggressive on the defensive end of the floor and never stop bringing the intensity.
7. New Heights: NH also came down to Atlantic City and won their pool after defeating Team Takeover in a tough battle. In the quarterfinals they ran into a determined Team Battle squad and took a loss.
8. Team Takeover: Team Takeover made their Spotlight debut and can add a few tough games to their resume. They have some good pieces and I can’t wait to see them as the season progresses.
9. Team Scan: TS has made the call and will be also taking the trip to Neptune. They are known to have a tough squad and I’m anxious to watch him rock.
10. KBR Raptors: The stubborn boys from the Neptune area looked better than they did at the Grand Finale. They have some good guards and go very hard on defense. They should make the NJ State tourney and MDC very interesting.
Lurking: King Street Kings, Team Underrated, Team NJ ABC
What’s Up, BBall World!
I just finished checking out the North Carolina versus Oklahoma game. I want Villanova to win it all, but any of the teams at this point can win.
I had a game with the Jersey Shore Shots (14U) and Coach Adam Turner on Saturday down in Neptune, NJ. We won. I got there with about 15 minutes left because I had games earlier in the day with Sports University. We also had a scrimmage on Wednesday against the New Jersey Heat. We won that game also.
I also played with Sports University (15U) and Coach Ed Molloy over the weekend in the Super Regional’s at Island Garden out in West Hempstead. We went 2-2, losing to the PA Playaz in the semi-finals. Our other loss was in overtime to the Westchester Hawks Select team. We beat the Rising Stars and one of the Long Island Lightning teams
As usual, I made my two visits last week to TBSA to work on the jump shot and a few other drills. I also did my agility and speed training.
Last week, Ed Bright, the CEO for Sports University set up a seminar for the players with someone who specializes in communications. The person spoke about non-verbal ways to communicate and how to understand them. The meeting was also open to the parents. I was not able to attend, but my father went in my place. He told me what it was about. There will be other events like this and I will be at the next one.
Last week, my school had the students go through a drug awareness program. It was interesting and helpful. It once again taught us the importance of staying away from drugs.
This is going to be a busy week at school. I'm sure that we will be having a couple of quizzes. I can feel it!
J-4 Out!
Rasheed Jordan Was Very Impressive Tonight
The Hoop Group held their Jr. Elite Camp at Germantown Academy and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. The event gave us a chance to check out some new 8th Graders and some other youngsters.
Top Performers
Class 2012
Rasheed Jordan Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- This was my first look at Jordan and his game stands out. His very quick in both directions and is capable of playing either guard spot effectively. Rasheed is the type of guard a coach would love because he has a serious killer instinct. Keep an eye on him.
Floyd Prieto Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Prieto is one of the top pg’s in the Quaker State. He penetrates deep into the defense and knows how to find teammates. He couldn’t get off close to the basket but he punished the opposition with mid range pull up’s. He defense also stood out tonight as he harassed many ball handlers.
Austin Hawkins Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Hawkins has a burst of speed that separates him from most defenders. Once he drives the lane he usually uses his speed and power to explode to the basket. But don’t over play his drive game because he will burn you with a mid range jumper.
Fateem Glenn Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Most events have a small guard that stands out and Glenn played that role tonight. Shorty dished out several assist and enjoyed his role of doing it. In this day and time where many guards want to score it was good to see a pass first floor general.
Shawn Jerry Forward (Harrisburg, PA)- Jerry is the size of a guard but plays much bigger than that. He’s active in transition and will stick his head inside for a rebound. I would like to see him work on his ball handling and outside shot before entering high school.
Malik Starks Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Starks caught my eye because he has good size but loves to handle the pill and throw look away passes. Sometimes he does have a little too much mustard on his play but you can see the potential in his game.
Class 2013
Trevon White Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- White seems to get better whenever I see him. During his game he scored at ease when going to the basket. His low crossover helped him get into the lane and stretch for lay ups or drop a few floaters. I like how he’s developing.
Joe Leventhal Forward (Hunting Valley, PA)- Joe was the biggest player in his division and he took full advantage. He hustled for several rebounds and even hit the face up set shot a few times. His size alone caused some problems inside.
Class 2014
Mikey Dixon Guard (Wilmington, DE)- Dixon looked good tonight, he let the game come to him and ran the show like a true point. His drive, draw and dish game was evident and his confidence was soaring. I was impressed with the Delaware native.
Stevie Jordan Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Jordan scores so many ways on the floor. He will knock down the jumper; score in transition or breakdown his defender on the way to the cup. His feel for the game continues to improve and right now he truly gets the job done.
Jordan Meely Guard (Willow Grove, PA)- I like Meely’s energy on the floor. He’s a guard that has a good nose for the ball and runs the floor like a deer. He has a nice mid range stroke and will help out on the glass for rebounds while also playing aggressive defense.
The Hoop Group Jr. Elite Hits Neptune On Sunday and we will be there!
The Hoop Group Jr. Elite Regional Tour is about to began and here’s a chance to ballers from 6th to 9th Grade to work on their skill, drills and perform before some top notch talent evaluators. Here’s a list of the regional camps. Don’t miss out!
Northern Virginia Junior Elite:
March 20th at Hoop Magic in Chantilly, VA
New England Junior Elite:
March 20th at Boston University in Boston, MA
Philadelphia Junior Elite:
March 27th at Germantown Academy in Ft. Washington, PA
Metro Junior Elite:
March 29th at Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, NJ
New York Junior Elite:
April 9th at St. John’s University in Queens, NYHoop Group Jr. Elite Site
The basketball world suffered a big loss as Kimani Young a current assistant as St. John’s University loss his wife recently. Young is a long time grass root basketball coach and administrator. I first met Young during his Team Next days and stayed in touch when he moved to S. Carter Elite while guiding them to an AAU National Title. After leaving S. Carter Young took the Athletic Director position at New Heights Athletic program before becoming an assistant coach at St. John’s under Norm Roberts.
Basketball Spotlight sends our prayers and condolences to his family in this time of need. A fund has been set up to help Young and his 3 young children and Basketball Spotlight encourages the basketball community to come together and support one of their own. The important information is listed below for those that are willing to lend a helping hand. The viewing will be this Friday from 4 to 7 pm at Mt Sinai Baptist Church, 241 Gates Ave. Brooklyn, NY. The funeral follows the viewing.
Anyone interested in helping Mr. Young and family please send checks or money orders to; Kimani Young, Memo: Family Fund, 605 Louisiana Ave. Apt. 12D Brooklyn, NY 11239. Any questions contact Erica Stanley at estanleye@aol.com or Tarik Turner at tarik4@att.blackberry.net. Sometimes things are bigger than basketball and this is one of those times.
It's your boy Smooth coming at you.
I took a little time off to focus on my number one priority...school. I had several big exams that required my focus. My mom and dad do not play when it comes to school.
On the basketball side of things, We played in the Basketball Spotlight Tournament in Atlantic City this weekend which was great. We were undefeated in pool play but came up a little short in the semi-finals. We were missing some key players due to prior commitments but Coach McNeil felt we had a good showing despite losing in overtime by 2 points. The flu bugs has bitten your boy so I am down for 2 days now. Hopefully, I will be able to play in this weekends tourney.
I'm out!
Nasir Bell scored 10 and Kyle Evans added 11 markers as the Delaware Panthers defeated Team NJ ABC to win the Atlantic City Showcase 10 and Under Championship. Chase Lewis scored 5 points for Team NJ in the loss.
Congratulations To Delaware Panthers Team
#21 Nasir Bell
#32 Marquis Collins
#31 Stanley Davis
#23 Kyle Evans
#10 Mark Harris
#20 Edward Nelson
#3 Kyson Rawls
#4 Noah Warren
#34 Joshua Williams
#24 Keith Williams
#5 Larry Yarbray
#33 Justin Ross
Coaches:
Head Coach-----------Kyle Rawls
Assistant Coach------Mark Harris
Assistant Coach------Brian Warren