Long Island Lightning Holds #1 SpotThe 14U Regional Top 10 has a tight race for the number 1 spot and a few new faces. Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 teams in the region. These rankings are only our opinion and should be taken as such. The rankings are based on tournament play and who we feel are the 10 best teams.
Basketball Spotlight 14U Top 10
1. Long Island Lightning: The Lightning had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. They won the MDC and Metropolitan title in a three day span. The have some serious ballers including the 1-2 punch of John Severe and Jason Boswell. Their then 14 year old squad won the Nationals in Orlando last summer. Will this squad also make it happen?
2. Peacemakers: “The Bullies” came up short at the MDC but can also stake claim for the top spot because of their body of work throughout the season. They recently won the Mid Atlantic Regional crown and will be looking to add to their success at the Game Over Classic.
3. Team Nelson: Team Nelson does have a win over LI Lightning but not winning their regionals takes them out of #1 talk. This still is a dangerous team that will have a lot to prove before going to Orlando.
4. Playaz Basketball: The Playaz won the NJ State title and The Blow Up among others. I need to see them bang out with Team Nelson and the Peacemakers before I can argue for them being #1. 
5. Boston Saintz: The Boys from Beantown return to the rankings after finishing runner-up at the Massachusetts State tourney and winning the Hall Of Fame Classic. Ramone Gibbons is one the top guards in the region.
6. Westchester Hawks: The Hawks came up short in the Metropolitan AAU Regionals by losing to LI Lightning in the finals. They run a disciplined offense but do have some talented players that can create their own shots.
7. KBR Fliers: The boys from Neptune made it to the final four in the NJ State tourney and the MDC. The recently lost in the finals of the Playaz Blow Up tourney. On paper they have the talent but just can’t make it over the hump. 
8. NY Panthers: The NY Panthers usually reside at the top of the polls but this season Coach Kat is rebuilding a little but they still are competitive. They will be making the trip down to Summer Slam before heading to Orlando.
9. PPY Elite: This squad has some serious size and athleticism. Their first year out they made it to the NJ State finals. Hopefully we can get them down to Summer Slam before they head to Orlando.
10. Higher Ground Warriors: I like some of the pieces on this squad. They made a decent run in the Mid Atlantic Regionals and I think they can knock off anybody at any giving time.
