Basketball Spotlight 12U Award Winners

Team Final Takes Top Prize

The 12U Division this year was very competitive. I got a chance to watch some serious talent and terrific games. Basketball Spotlight has chosen its awards winners and would like to congratulate all of them. Here’s the final breakdown of the season for this age group.

Team Of The Year

Team Final: This Mid Atlantic Powerhouse won the Clash For The Cup, Atlantic City Showcase and the Mid Atlantic AAU Regionals. During the 12U Nationals they made a run to the Sweet 16 before getting clipped by the #3 team in the country.

Player Of The Year

Trevaughn Wilkerson: Wilkerson was the most dominant player in the region period. On the offensive end his improved footwork and touch made him impossible to defend. Then on the defensive end he was a human fly swatter. He blocked and altered shots on a regular basis.



Coach Of The Year

Science Mapp: Mapp faced some early changes with his squad but still guided them to win the Metropolitan AAU crown and runner up finishes at the Grand Finale and MDC. He made sure the Gauchos always had a shot to win it all.

Sportsmanship Award

Mike Williams: Williams is a tough competitor and was one of the biggest reasons The City were so successful. He scored the rock, made passes and played good defense. Mike did whatever his squad needed to get victories. Finally, I like his demeanor on the floor and the way he conducted himself.

Best Play Maker

Malik Ellison: Ellison moved to more of a point guard role and concentrated on running the squad. When things got serious Malik was capable of switching gears and turning up his scoring effort. Ellison’s future looks bright and we will be watching for the next few years.

Best Scorer

Myles Powell: This kid from the Blitz just can flat out get buckets. He has a natural knack for scoring and will pull the trigger against any squad or from anywhere in the gym. When his shots are falling it’s like he’s in a zone.

Best Backcourt

Ray Lawry, Malik Ellison and Lamar Kimble: The Team Final backcourt set the stage on both ends of the floor. They forced many teams into turnovers and then punished them by pushing the rock down their throats.


Most Improved

Jack Laffy: Laffy had the skill set last season but this year his improved intensity was apparent. While playing with F.A.C.E.S. Laffy was a true warrior on the post and played the game with great passion.

Best Defender

Ray Lawry: Lawry used his strength and speed to hound ball handlers while also roaming the passing lanes. Most guards at this level weren’t physically ready for his onslaught so turnovers were frequent. This kid was a pest.

Best Shooter

Justin Salem: This kid has accurate range from anywhere in the gym. Once he sets his feet you can count it the books. Salem showed his outside shooting ability all season especially during the NJ State tourney.

Best 1st Year Program

The City: These guys went out and captured some hardware including the MLK Classic, Never Nervous Invitational and most recently the AAU Nationals Classic title. Excellent job guys.


Showcase or Camp Award

Perry Dozier Jr.: Hey the kid went two both All American Camps and walked away as the #1 player each time. His talent was on full display and many regard him as the top player in this class. We look forward to seeing at Spotlight events next season.

12U Final Rankings

1. Team Final
2. U Turn Warriors
3. DC Assault
4. The City
5. Team Takeover
6. Gauchos
7. King Street Kings
8. F.A.C.E.S.
9. Linden Ballers
10. SJ Blitz