Name: Brandon Randolph
AAU Team: Gauchos
Position: Guard
Class: 2016
Breakdown: If you need a quick guard that can score the rock in a hurry, then call on B. Randolph. This youngster has a serious stroke from deep and will punish you with drives to the cup. He’s a natural scorer so once he gets goings it’s virtually impossible to slow him down. If the Gauchos 11U are in your town come get a take at this kid.
Name: Shyquan Gibbs
AAU Team: F.A.C.E.S.
Position: Guard
Class: 2016
Breakdown: Gibbs has been one of the most impressive guards this season. His confidence has grown and it shows in his play. The southpaw breaks down defenders with a smooth crossover dribble and will pull a long trey from anywhere. At the AC Showcase Gibbs made a move to the cup that brought the crowd to its feet. He’s definitely one to watch now!
Name: Ashon Avent
AAU Team: Connecticut Basketball Club
Position: Forward
Class: 2016
Breakdown: At the Atlantic City Showcase Avent was a monster inside blocking everything in sight and cleaning the glass like the Windex Man. Ashon played the game with enormous energy and caught everyone attention by wearing a long sleeve under his jersey. His team now has joined the Connecticut Basketball Club and this should bolster their exposure.
Name: Josh Wallace
AAU Team: The City
Position: Forward
Class: 2015
Breakdown: I remembered Wallace from The MDC 08 when he played for Hollis Biddies when his squad almost knocked off KSK in the semifinals. This season he rocked with The City and has been one of the most consistent players in the region. Wallace packs power with finesse and skill. He was impressive at the Grand Finale, Clash For The Cup and the Atlantic City Showcase. He’s like a miniature Charles Barkley.
Name: Isiah Powell
AAU Team: Team NJ ABC
Position: Shooting Guard
Class: 2014
Breakdown: Powell picked his game this season. The smooth two- guard had his shot falling at the Atlantic City Showcase and the NJ State Tournament where he helped his team take home the 13 and Under crown. We expect more big things from Powell very soon.
Name: Shafeek Taylor
AAU Team: Peacemakers
Position: Small Forward
Class: 2013
Breakdown: The Peacemakers won the Atlantic City Showcase and Taylor was a key component. The tough forward can get busy outside or in the paint. He’s strong with the rock but does need to improve his quickness a little. I see big things from him in years to come. Philly is known for producing big time talent.
Below are the listings for Hotels in the Neptune, NJ Area. Make your reservations quickly as these places are likely to fill up quickly.
Laquinta Inn109 Rt. 36 Long Branch, NJ732-403-8700 ($119 Double Beds)Indoor Pool and Hot TubHoliday Inn Tinton Falls700 Hope RoadTinton Falls, NJ 07724Phone: 732-544-9300Marriot Residence Inn Neptune
230 Jumping Brook Rd
Neptune City, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-643-9350
Official site: www.residenceinn.com
Days Inn Neptune
3310 Hwy 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-643-8888
Official site: www.daysinn.com
Courtyard Wall at Monmouth Shores Corporate Park
1302 Campus Pkwy
Neptune City, NJ 07753
800-804-6835
Residence Inn by Marriott Tinton Falls
90 Park Rd
Eatontown, NJ 07724
800-804-6835
Extended Stay America Red Bank - Middletown
329 Newman Springs Rd
Red Bank, NJ 07701
800-804-6835
Sheraton Eatontown Hotel
6 Industrial Way E
Eatontown, NJ 07724
800-804-6835
Courtyard by Marriott Tinton Falls
600 Hope Rd
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
800-804-6835
Comfort Inn Middletown
750 Route 35
Middletown, NJ 07748
800-804-6835
The Summer Is Almost Here and Basketball Spotlight will be hitting the road to bring you the best coverage in the country. This is our busy time of year and we will be making stops at several events on the East Coast. Below is a list of the events we will be covering.
May 1st Thru 3rd
DC Assault Classic
Washington, DC & Maryland
May 8th and 9th
NJ AAU 11U State Finals
NJ AAU 14U State Finals
Northern and Central Jersey
May 15th and 16th
Mid Atlantic AAU Regional Final Four
Springfield, PA
May 22nd Thru 24th
Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic
Neptune, NJ
May 30th and 31st
Northeast (Best Of The Best)
Springfield, MS
Name: Elijah Torres
Position: Point Guard
HT: 5’5
Hometown: Carteret, NJ
AAU Team: NJ Pirates
Strengths: Torres has gotten stronger thus he’s becoming a decent floor general. He has good court vision and handles the rock enough to get anywhere he wants on the floor. Elijah can also hit the open shot if left unguarded.
Areas Of Improvement: Elijah still needs to put on a few more pounds before entering high school. This will help him absorb contact and still finish off plays. It was also help him guard his position better and fend off aggressive, strong defenders.
Name: Jahad Harris
Position: Forward
HT: 6’2
Hometown: Linden, NJ
AAU Team: Linden Ballers
Strengths: Harris is capable of handling his business in the paint. He has soft hands and good post moves. Jahad uses his mass to push defenders around and get position for rebounds. He also has a unique nose for the ball which he uses to snatch caroms.
Areas Of Improvement: Harris will need to develop his ball handling because he seems to have peaked in terms of growth. On the high school level he will be pushed to the perimeter so his outside shot must improve and his ability to create his own shot off the dribble.
Hello Basketball World!
It's your boy Jordan. Busy, busy, busy week!
The school year is quickly coming to a close. It has been a challenging year at Rutgers Prep and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to attend. Life's about taking challenges and at 14, I've just begun.
My Sports University 15U team participated in the New Jersey Division 1 State tournament over the weekend. We made it to the finals, beating several really tough teams along the way. We played the New Jersey Roadrunners in the finals, but we could not pull out the victory. We lost 56-52. It was close all the way. We really wanted this one bad.
My New Jersey Shoreshots 14U team played in the Hoop Group tournament up in Providence this weekend. I actually played with Sports U on Friday night, then we drove up to Providence where we played two games on Saturday. We won both of those games. We then played "All For One" in the third game of our bracket. The winner would move on to the playoffs. we lost to them by six. We both finished 2-1 in our pool, but they won the tie breaker by beating us. Another tough game. We then drove back to New Jersey for the State championship, which I mentioned earlier.
As a player, you hate to end the weekend on a losing note. There is an old saying "losing teaches you how to win" Both teams played hard. We'll learn from it and move on.
While up in Providence, my father, my friend Conner Rogers and I met one of the players, Marshon Brooks. He gave us a tour of the players basketball facilities. It was unbelievable! They have everything!! He told Conner and I that if we wanted this, that we should keep working on our games and keep doing good in school. Words that I already try to live by, but actually seeing what the end result could be will definitely give me more motivation.
As always, I worked out with my boy, Val. He works with me on physical training and conditioning. This is all necessary being that most players I play against are 1-2 years older than me, especially when I'm playing 15U.
Gotta go now!
J4-Out
11/17/94
The Playaz Basketball Club will be hosting the Blow Up Tournament June 5th thru and 7th in Paterson, NJ. This event is for teams ages 12U, 13U and 14U. There are only 8 slots for each age group and the cost is $350. Basketball Spotlight will be in the building for coverage. Event: Blow Up (Playaz Basketball Club)
Date: June 5th thru 7th
Place: Paterson, NJ
Cost: $350
Ages: 12U, 13U and 14U (8 Spots For Each Age Group)
For More Information or to reserve your spot Contact Jimmy Salmon at 973-207-4346 or at jimmysalmon67@aol.com
It's yo boy Jay Smooth
This week I returned to school after enjoying a long Easter break. On my first day back, my teachers wanted us to get back into school mode by giving us a lot of homework. The homework was easy and I completed it in time to train. If my homework is not completed, I am not permitted to train until I take care of the educational obligations. My parents must approve my work before I can consider any form of recreation. My parents believe basketball is secondary to education which I agree. I love the game so much and want to be in the NBA. As one of my boys Daniel Dingle would say, "I am not going to stop until I shake David Stern’s hand." In order for me to make this reality, I must maintain my normal training of basketball and strength training. I had several individual workouts with personal trainer Jerry Powell and with my coaches. I also had team practice with my Lightning and school team. My Lightning team is playing in the Metropolitan Regional AAU games this weekend and my school team is just working out just to keep intact.
I also attended the Jordan Classics at Madison Square Garden to watch several of my friends (Durand Scott, Omari Lawrence, Russell Smith and Kevin Parrom) play. The games were good and I enjoy watching these elite players play. During the course of these games, all I was thinking about is what I would do when I get my chance. You know your boy is going to go in.
Jay Smooth out!
The Playtime Panthers 9 and Under Team won the NJ AAU State Title. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate this squad and wish them luck for the rest of the season. Below is a list of the players that participated and helped Playtime get the job done.
Chazz Clark
Justine Kea
Adrian Baucum
Cory Gorden
Jalen Lacque
Zegary Scott
Jaleni Bowden
Aaron Carter
De'Andre Grange
Akrum Ahemed
The Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic is here. The MDC is Basketball Spotlight’s premiere event and our last one for the AAU season. This event will be held in Neptune, NJ and feature the top teams in the region. Registration has begun and we will be taking teams on a first come first play basis. When the event is filled we will not be taking anymore teams. Please register quickly to confirm a spot. For an application contact Mike Melton at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com or by phone at 609-532-5122.
Event: Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic
Date: May 22nd – 24th
Place: Neptune, NJ
Price: $400 ($350 Multiple Team Discount) Deadline: April 25th (No Exceptions) Any team not fully registered at that time will be in jeopardy of losing their spot in this event.
14 and Under
1. Team Nelson
2. Long Island Lightning
3. Linden Ballers
4. NJ Shore Shots
5. Garden State Knights
6. DC Assault
7. Move Your Feet
8. Hoop Dreamz (NJ)
9. NY Panthers
10. NJ Panthers
11. KBR Fliers
12. South Jersey Blitz
13. Peacemakers
14. PPY Elite
15. Philly Hurricanes
16. Team Takeover (Delaware)Closed
13 and Under
1. Team Nelson
2. East Coast Elite
3. Team Final
4. NJ Shore Shots
5. NJ Panthers
6. Newark Titans
7. Playtime Basketball
8. Team Underrated
9. Boston Spartans
10. Team Hurricanes
11. Playaz Basketball Club
12. CJ Jammers
13. Team Rebels
14. CJ Hawks
15. MSU Skyliners
16.
Closed
12 and Under
1. Team Final
2. Playaz Basketball Club
3. Linden Ballers
4. NJ Shore Shots
5. Philly Aztecs
6. F.A.C.E.S.
7. Albany Dream Team
8. Gauchos
9. On Point Cyclones
10. Team Underrated
11. Columbia Slammers
12. U Turn Warriors
13. Team Rebels
14. Connecticut Basketball Club
15. South Jersey Blitz
16. Closed
11 and Under
1. Long Island Lightning
2. NJ Shore Shots
3. KBR Raptors
4. F.A.C.E.S.
5. Gauchos
6. Team Underrated
7. New Heights
8. Newark Titans
9. CJ Jammers
10. Team Battle
11. DC Assault (Cowans)12. Hoop Dreams (KY)Closed
10 and Under
1. PYAA
2. NJ Shore Shots
3. Team Underrated (Black)
4. Trenton Boys and Girls Club
5. Bay State Magic
6. Team Underrated (White)
7. We Run AAU
8. Playtime Panthers
The Holiday Inn of Tinton Falls, NJ will be the host hotel for the Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic. The hotel is newly renovated and features top amenities including;
Check-In: 3:00 PM, Check-Out: 12 Noon
179 Brand New Premier Rooms on 5 Floors
Aqua Restaurant & Lounge
Fitness Center Open 24 Hours
Outdoor Pool Open Daily 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
24 Hour Business Center
Teams must register by May 1st to get the discount rate of $109 a night.
Please use the promotional code BBS
For More Information Call (732)-544-9300
Name: John Venturi
AAU Team: Team Battle
Position: Guard
Class: 2016
Breakdown: Anyone wondering why Team Battle has dominated the local AAU scene for the last two years should have seen John's performance at the Hoop Group's Jr. Elite Camp. His ball-handling skills and smooth-as-silk jumper made him the top 11 year old in the house. However, on Team Battle, he is the fourth option at the guard position. TALK ABOUT DEPTH! John has been selected to represent the U.S.A. in the Junior Olympics basketball competition this summer in Vienna, Austria. He will begin a Baller Diary for Spotlight when training begins.
Hello Basketball World!
It’s your boy Jordan. As always, I had another busy week at school. I have Shakespeare on the brain!
I had practices with my teams. Practices are intense. There is always a lot to learn and to do. I also did my usual workouts. It’s a lot of hard work. Just when I think I’m at the finish line, the trainers move the line a little further away. My father showed me an article from ESPN about Kobe Bryant. He works out at 3:30 in the morning! That’s dedication.
My Sports University team played our 15U (Division I) state games over the weekend. We won our bracket with a record of 3-0. All three teams were tough, but we followed Coach Molloy’s game plan and pulled them out. Now it’s on to the next round.
After the game on Saturday, we had tickets to the Jordan Classic at Madison Square Garden. Can you believe we never got there! The traffic was so bad we had to turn back. I heard it was a great game. If anyone taped it, send me a copy!
Last week, I was picked as the junior elite Hoop Group alumni of the week. I would like to thank Hoop Group for this honor. It was a nice surprise.
J4-Out!
Name: Brandon Randolph
Name: Shyquan Gibbs
Name: Ashon Avent
Name: Josh Wallace
Name: Isiah Powell
Name: Shafeek Taylor
Name: Elijah Torres
Name: Jahad Harris
Sean Elliot (KSK)
Otis Livingston Guard (KSK)- Livingston spent the day breaking F.A.C.E.S. press and getting teammates involved and making them better. He has a very low dribble and the quickness that get the ball up court very quickly. I like his change of direction and his decision making.
Justin Salem Guard (KSK)- This kid can flat out shoot the rock, every time he let it go the entire gym though it was dropping. Salem has the confidence of a pure shooter even letting it go with hands in his face. If you live him open he makes you pay.
Bryce Aiken Guard (KSK)- Aiken showed big heart when he stepped to the line the with seconds left and nailed a couple of free throws. The crowd was in his ear heavy but he bent his knees and knocked them down. Some college players would have choked during that moment.
Jack Laffy Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- The stage was huge and Laffy was ready. He had everything working today. Turnaround money, bank shot money, up and under cash, and he even stepped out and knocked down a few jumpers. This kid is really making a run for Player Of The Year Status.
Mike Jolaoso Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Mike had a heavy load of handling the rock against heavy pressure in a gym with extreme heat. The Philly guard showed that build in toughness before fouling out on a questionable technical foul in the 4th. Philly kids just have build in toughness.
Trey Lowe Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lowe was stumbling with a knee injury but almost helped his team pull it out in the end. He hit a big trey, and got two lay ups in the closing moments. Even though he was hobbling on one leg he knew how to score when it counted.
Justin Salem (KSK)
Bryce Aiken Guard (KSK)- Aiken handled Linden’s pressure a little better in the second half. Once he got the pill he put tremendous pressure on the defense with dribble penetration. One aspects of his offensive game that stands out is his control of his floater. He basically can kiss the ball off of any part of the backboard and make it fall or just drop the floater in all net.
Jason Peoples Guard (Linden Ballers)- Peoples drained quite a few treys as Linden tried to keep it close. He spotted up in the corner and knocked down the open shot when the ball was rotated his way. He looks good in his shooters role.
Austin Goodluck Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Goodluck came in and went right to work playing on the perimeter, that’s right the perimeter. I like the way he feed the post and moved his feet defensively on the press. When things got tight Austin went back to the baseline to punish Team MVP.
Brian Brown Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Once Brian catches the rock in the middle of the zone his power and athleticism took over. He relentless on the glass and knows how to maneuver the rock when he’s near the rim. His hard play makes positive things happen.
James Wright Guard (Team MVP)- Wright scores like we breathe and when he’s going towards the basket it’s like poetry in motion. Today he didn’t get much help from his teammates and eventually ran out of gas towards the end. Wright also could preserve some energy by shooting a few jump shots; right now all his buckets come from tough drives to the cup. 
Team Scan Gets It Done
Adeyinka Adams Guard (Team Scan)- Adams stepped big in the closing minutes of the championship. He charged the rock to the hole and finished with tough layup’s or a silky smooth pull ups. He brings his lunch pail to the gym while leaving the flair and fancy moves at home.
Kevin Seymour Guard (Team Scan)- When things got tight Seymour took over the point but instead of passing the rock he went on a scoring spree. Kevin put defenders on his hip, carried to the cup or pulled up mid range for nothing but net buckets. The long wing guard has a real knack of scoring.
Neuby Saint-Hillare Forward (Brooklyn Ballers)- After watching Neuby’s game a little closer he does a some guard skills. When his team made a strong comeback it was Saint-Hillare driving length to length for baskets. In the half court set he crossed a few defenders but must use more arch on his outside shot.
Tyrone Johnson Guard (Brooklyn Ballers)- Johnson’s outside shot was a little off but you can’t deny his quickness and creativity with the rock. When the southpaw is playing under control he sees the floor well and explodes to the basket. He has some flair to his game.
Devin Wilson Guard (Brooklyn Ballers)- The ambidextrous guard caught my eye at the HGH. He’s extremely quick while handling or shooting the rock with either hand. His high arching outside shot found pay dirt on few times. On the defensive end he pressures the rock the full length of the floor. 
Team Final (Black) Wins Crown
Vaughn Covington Guard (Team Final)- Covington shined this weekend running the show. The long arms helped him finish at the cup after he stormed past defenders. He has an array of dribble moves that make defenders vanish and he was a total pest on the defensive ripping several ball handlers of the rock. He had a good showing.
Sterling Sheffield Guard (Team Final)- Sheffield is one of the shortest players on the floor but had led the game in rebounds. He used pure hunger for the rock and effort to snatch numerous boards and get a few put backs. He proved that you don’t have to be a giant to grab some caroms.
Tim Delaney Forward (Team Final)- Tim patrolled the middle and did a good job clogging it up on the defensive end. On the offensive end Tim is skilled for a young age and knows how to use his power to get defenders out of his way. I like what I saw out of him this weekend.
Jordan Taylor Guard (Team Final)- Taylor made his Team Final debut and contributed during the finals. Right now you can see that he’s still getting adjusted with playing with new teammates and also he has to learn to take his time when making certain moves. But overall I think he could blossom into quite a talent.
Brad Hawkins Guard (Team Final)- Hawkins impressed me on Saturday with his aggressive style on both ends. He can play either guard spot and has the toughness that coaches love. He’s a real sparkplug.
DJ Porter Guard (Darrell Revis All Stars)- Porter was the first one to get going after his teams sluggish start in the finals. He has some smooth moves and good shooting touch. I think his game will expand once he gets stronger because so of his moves showed good intentions but he didn’t have the strength to convert at the rim.
Devin Montgomery Guard (Darrell Revis All Stars)- Montgomery is the floor general for this bunch. He’s a strong, crafty and compact guard that likes to drive deep into the lane. He has good court vision and will score the rock when necessary. Devin also isn’t afraid to still his head inside for a board or two.
Robert Martin Forward (Darrell Revis All Stars)- Robert the son of former Pitt University star Bobby Martin has a lot of potential. He’s wiry and long while also challenges many shots in his area. Right now he’s not strong enough to dominate a game but watch out in a few years.
Name: John Venturi
Neuby Saint-Hillare (Brooklyn Ballers)
Evan Hubbard (NJ Shore Shots)- I was surprised watching Hubbard play on this level because I’m used to watching him play 14U but come to find out he’s actually only 13. Well it might be a good idea for him to continue with this group because he showed some true dominance. Evan has improved quickness and explosive moves going towards to the basket. He also has become lighter on his feet and demands the rock on the post.
Nick Isola (CJ Jammers)- Isola controlled the paint for the Jammers. He’s a hard worker on the glass and made it his business to keep loose balls alive while giving his team second chance opportunities. If he continues to improve his post moves and gets stronger he should have a bright future.
Nadi Beciri (Playaz Basketball Club)- Beciri made some strong plays down low for PBC. He has soft hands but needs to improve his post moves and touch off the glass. I like his nose for the ball and his willingness to do the dirty work down low.
Derrick Williams (Playaz Basketball Club)- Williams looked very effective yesterday on this level. But he will need to get a little more athletic as the competition gets tougher down the road. He has a knack of scoring and knows how to position himself for rebounds.