The Hoop Dreams 10U of Lexington, Kentucky recently won the King James Classic have got their sights set on the Basketball Spotlight MDC. Their program director Mike Scott wants the top competition “We feel the Basketball Spotlight MDC will help us get ready for the AAU Nationals, so we want our players in that environment. King James was great now we are ready for the next step which is the MDC” said Scott.
Hoop Dreams will join a host of other top teams in the Basketball Spotlight MDC. This will be the big stage and all the heavy hitters are headed to Neptune, NJ. Don’t miss out on the action!
I told you guys a year and a half ago that Jackson Davis had potential oozing from his veins. This season Davis played varsity basketball for the Lafayette High Generals and currently rocks with the Hoops Elite program from Louisville. The 6’7 wing forward his turning heads with his versatility and athleticism. He’s currently ranked as the #1 2014 Prospect in Kentucky and in the Top 10 nationally on several exposure sites. Basketball Spotlight will keep track of Jackson’s development and achievements. Stay tune as we profile more players from around the USA.
Breakdown: I watched Manning at several showcase events and a few teams. The heady point guard enjoys the dribble drive and is capable of giving out some impressive dimes. Check out Manning highlights below featuring him at several events.
A good point guard is hard to find but some teams do get lucky. The Charleston Cavaliers found theirs in Brandon Knapper. I watched Knapper rock at the Best Of Best Showcase in Ohio and he was very impressive. I sat down with Brandon to chat and here’s our One on One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? BK: Dunbar Elementary School (Tallmadge, Ohio).
BS: What player do you look up to? BK: Kobe Bryant, I love his takeover ability.
BS: What are the strongest parts of your game? BK: I would have to say my scoring and defense.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? BK: My ball handling and free throws.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? BK: LiL Wayne, he has the hottest freestyles.
BS: What is your dream college? BK: UCLA because I’m from California.
BS: Who would you like to spend a day with? BK: Kobe Bryant.
The Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown, NJ has become the host for the Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic. Teams looking for lodging should contact the hotel immediately. Rooms on this weekend will go fast and you can’t beat the rate they are promoting. Click On The Link Below To Register For Rooms.
Breakdown: Calderon played great defense all weekend in Providence. He forced opposing point guards to give up the rock early and committing costly turnovers. In the semifinals he stepped up his offensive game by running the team and knocking down a few big outside shots. He has a blue collar style.
One of the hottest stories of the season has been the first year success of NJ Got Game 12U Squad. They took home the runner up prize in the MLK Classic, Clash For The Cup, NJ Got Game Tourney and most recently the NJ State Tourney. They have increased their chances of winning the “New Team Of The Year Award”. Congratulations to NJ Got Game, their coaches and players for their early success.
Roster Nyrhique Smith Kyle Elliot Idris Joyner Sayon Charles Edriece Patterson Daniel Schantz Khalief Crawford Joey Krempa Marcellus Livingston Jagan Mosely
Many scouts look for potential when ranking players. The scout’s dream is a lanky player with athletic ability combined with ball handling skills. During my trip to Ohio for the Best Of The Best Showcase I ran into such a player. His name is James Manns and he plays for the SCAA Buckeyes. I got chance to talk to Manns after one of their games and here’s our One On One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? JM: Berry Middle School (Columbus, Ohio).
BS: Who’s your favorite player? JM: Lebron James because of his ability to handle the ball and create for his teammates.
BS: What’s the strongest part of your game? JM: Playing in the post.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? JM: I would have to say my outside shot.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? JM: LIL Wayne he’s the hottest right now.
BS: What is your dream college? JM: Ohio State, I love the school and the basketball program.
BS: If you could dinner with one person who would you pick? JM: It would be Lebron James. I love his game and thinks he’s a great role model.
Breakdown: Laffy returned to the Jersey Shore this year and has been playing on a high level. During the 13U D2 NJ State Tourney he did damage every game I watched. I like how he is slowly developing his perimeter game. He’s putting the rock on the floor a little more and has increased his range beyond the 3-point line. If he keeps this up but he might become a two guard on the high school level.
Darius Gillon and Tyus Battle scored 17 points apiece as Team Battle defeated DC Assault 52-34 to win the Basketball Spotlight MDC crown. Anthony Mr. Cowan finished with 21 points for DC Assault in the loss. Both teams are slated to attend the event this year. Don't miss the action. It's The MDC! May 28th Thru 30th.
Breakdown: NJ Shore Shots made it to the finals of the Providence Jam Fest and Applegate played a big part. The forward showed good versatility while handling the basketball and scoring in traffic. When wasn’t scoring he was hitting the glass and throwing good outlet passes. We will keep an eye on this kid.
Breakdown: Sterling put up serious numbers at the AC Showcase. His scoring put Team NJ ABC in position to win several games. I like the energy he plays with on the floor and his willingness to play both ends. This young baller really got bust in America’s Playground.
Paul Suber has been in the AAU coaching game for 15 years. He started with the legendary Riverside Church and also dominated the circuit with Team Next grammar school program. After taking a few years off, Suber has returned to the love of his life by coaching the NYC Gauchos 12U team. I traveled over to the Bronx (Gauchos Gym) to check out Suber in the lab and ask him a few questions. Here’s our Coach’s Corner!
BS: How does it feel to be back in the basketball world? PS: It feels great because once you get bit by the basketball bug it becomes an addiction. As I watched from the outside I saw that the players in NY weren’t being developed the right way so I decided to throw my hat back into the ring.
BS: Talk about some of your successful players of the past? PS: Well you know with Riverside I coached Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Kenny Satterfield to name a few. Then with Team Next I had Jayvaughn Pinkston, Doron Lamb, Tavon Sledge and Aaron Brown among others. Back when we dominated your tournaments lol.
BS: What are the differences between the players now and then? PS: The young players now need to learn how to play the game the right way. This is not a knock on the coaches out there now but the players need to know how to shoot, play team ball and develop high basketball IQ’s.
BS: Why return with the Gauchos? PS: Back when I was coaching, NY was basically a two horse town with Riverside and the Gauchos. Once Riverside transformed into the Metro Hawks they lost some of their luster. I’ve also known Mo Hicks (Gauchos Director) and the other coaches for years. They allowed me to come in and help with their programs because I just love coaching kids. Then finally they asked me to coach my own squad.
BS: What can we expect from a Paul Suber coached squad? PS: You can expect them to play the game the right way. We will have ball movement, 3or 4 double digit scorers and most importantly my mentality on the floor. When I first got my group they were a little timid but they are starting to pick up the aggression I need for them to be successful.
BS: What events will you be traveling to? PS: First of all I will be attending the Basketball Spotlight MDC. I remember the tournaments you held with Metro Hoops and they always brought in the top competition. I’m anxious to get back into the fire. We also will hit the DC Assault Classic, MIT and the AAU Nationals held at the Boo Williams Complex.
BS: What are you expectations at the AAU Nationals? PS: Well any tournament I enter I want to win but right now I’m aiming for an Elite 8 or Final Four march. I will be with this team for the next 4 or 5 years and this trip will start our foundation.
BS: Okay Paul thanks for returning the game needed you. PS: Thanks Mike see you at the MDC!
I want to start by thanking my other 6 committed teammates which always come to practice and win or lose leave it on the court, Kyle Menard, Keion Osbourne, Robert Zeller, Jordan Gil, Derrick Wilson and John Dargan. Also, our coaches Ozzie and Barry.
My week began with arriving home last week Sunday from Pitt, then packing and leaving at 3:30am to my 8th grade school trip to DC. I then got back home Friday at 4:30pm to pack again, having a quick shoot around since I was not in the gym all week, and then leaving to RI. So I have done a lot of traveling over the past two weeks and it’s good to be home. We got up there about 11pm and had to go bed because we had to wake up at 7am for an 8am game, which as a team we hate, but all 7 of us with the help of Tommy Rivera went out and played. We played against Connecticut Basketball Club. I started out with a quick 3 and a lay- up, on my way to 16pts. As the game went on they started to open up a lead against us, but we kept coming back and were always rights there. We pulled within one with seconds left. Tommy drove to the basket and missed a lay up to put us up one, we then go the ball back and Keion missed the front end of a 1 and 1 to ice the game. We fouled them and after the second free throw missed we didn’t box out underneath. After the game coach Ozzie told us how we missed three chances to steal that game because we didn’t play to our full potential and we could pull it out.
Our second game was a must win situation against NE Strom. As a team we responded to our coaches challenge, our Coach Ozzie had to coach the 17u team so our assist Coach Barry and Coach Hodge who coaches the 16s coached us.1st half it was up and down but we found our game, my team mates made it easy to play well in that game I had 15pts in the 1st half and 16pts in the 2nd. In all, I had 7 (3's) and a couple of trips to the cup, finishing with 31pts. Next game with played Mass Rivals and again all 7 of us took care of that team I had a headache for that one but did my best to play threw it with about 12pts and little things to help us get the win like rebound, play D. We ended up winning big and mercy ruling them. The mercy rule was a lead by more than 30 points with under 5 mins to play.
Sunday was my birthday. I woke up tired and drained and not in a good mood, I guess the 2 weeks straight of being on the road caught up to me. We played RI Breakers in the semi final game. As a team we did not come to play, nor did we play like we wanted it. This week just as last week, we were one game away from playing in the championship. I think had we had a full team, we would have won. As our coach said, you play with what cards you have, so again I thank my team mates that came and battled, we win together, we lose together. Also to the parents that make the sacrifices to bring their kids up there, spend the money on hotels, gas, toll, and food and give up their time to support us! Thank you! Next week, we’re at Rumble in the Bronx.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss…Young One Out
Basketball Spotlight Alum Sterling Gibbs has decided to attend the University of Maryland. I’ve covered Sterling Gibbs playing basketball since he was about 8 years old. Gibbs got busy at the Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup as rising 8th Grader. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Gibbs and his family on his college selection. We wish him a well for the future.
Hey Basketball Spotlight its Sonny Lorenzo again. I know you haven’t heard from me in a while but now I’m back on track and ready to roll. To refresh your memory about me I’m a 13 year old that plays up for the Westchester Hawks and I have a famous dad in Hip Hop. I have so many things to discuss with you guys today. Last week we played in the Metropolitan Regional tournament in Long Island. The tournament was for all the top teams in NY. In that tourney we played good, playing against former teammates Naim Thomas, Cheddi Mosley and Joe Mbisike now playing for Team Scan. In this game we were down by 20 points in the half. Than we started playing defensively and cut the lead down to 10 points, in the end we lost by 12 and we didn’t take that loss well.
We played the team Long Island Lighting and beat them and we also played Juice All Stars in the final four and met up with another former teammate Isaiah Whitehead. In that game we didn’t really play our best and Juice came out with a 25 point lead in the half. And we had to play harder because there was a big size difference between us and Juice, the majority of their points came from the paint. That loss was devastating!
This weekend we played in the Providence Jam fest. The first day of this tournament we did decent. Our first game we played the CT Knights and won that game by 40 point I had 14 points in the win. In the second game we played the Rhode Island Breakers and we won by 20 points, I didn’t play that well in this game and I had like 9 points. And in the last game on Saturday we played a team from New York. I forgot the name of the team but this team was good they had a bunch of players who could handle the rock and shoot the ball. In this game we were down by 6 in the half but then we picked up our style of play and started getting steals. Then we cut the lead down 2 points. Then we eventually started taking the lead and at the end of the 3rd we were up by 5. And in the end we won by 15 points. In that game I had 8 points. Then we met up with CBC in the Final Four. In this game it was tough for me in terms of defense. Because of the simple fact that I’m 13 and playing up. All they basically did was post me up because I’m an undersized combo guard. But I got through it and started to use my skills on shuting the opponent down and I knew that I had to get low and big and eventually I shut him down. At the end of the half they were up by about 10. Then once again we cut the lead down to 2. But in the end we lost by 4 points. That lose was another devastating one because we could have had that game if we didn’t turn it over so much and if we made our lay ups. In that game I had 6 points but a lot of assists. Next week we are in the Baltimore Elite tourney. That was basically my weekend and what I did in the previous weekends. Young I.G. out.
On Day 2 the 13U division at the Providence Jam Fest heated up. Here’s a look at some of the top players that impressed us from this age group.
13U Top Performers Day 2
Damarcus Miller Guard (Westchester Hawks)- Miller was too much for the NJ Shore Shots to handle. Once he got into the open floor he sprinted to the cup and extended for easy buckets. He’s a high energy player that runs the floor like a deer.
Nyhrique Smith Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Smith made his presence felt early and often in the morning game. He breezed past defenders and feed cutting teammates on time. During the semifinals he made a few plays but does need to work on finishing with his off hand and exerting more energy on the defensive end.
George Elgoul Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- George had another big day of shooting from the perimeter. He drained several deep shots and even showed the ability to put the rock on the floor a bit. His toughness sparked his teammates in this morning game.
Kenny Castro Guard (Mass Rivals)- Castro made an impact in the morning against NJ Shore Shots. He’s a medium size guard with a decent handle and some scoring prowess. He made a few moves that he couldn’t finish off because of lack of strength. This means in a few years he will be even better.
Alex Brickman Forward (Mass Rivals)- Brickman was a little problem facing the basket. He plays a Kevin Love type game because of his touch and willingness to draw the defender away from the basket.
Camy Calderon Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Calderon ran the show well in the semifinals. He didn’t turn the rock over and picked his spots to attack. I like how he drained the open shot when the rock rotated his direction. He also played great defense on the opposing point guard.
Tyler Farinaro Forward (NJ Shore Shots)- Farinaro was a big help for NJSS on the blocks. He posted close as possible to the cup and converted once he received the rock. He was a serious space eater today.
On Day 2 of the Providence Jam Fest we got a chance to watch some of the playoff action. Here’s a breakdown of the top 14U performers that did damage in Rhode Island.
14U Top Performers Day 2
Doudmy Saint-Hilaire Guard (New Heights)- Saint-Hilaire has made the full transition to the guard spot. Right now he’s a powerful combo that scores the rock on drives but also has developed decent jumper. His ball handling has also improved but needs a little more work. Keep an eye on him in the high school ranks.
Devyn Wilson Guard (New Heights)- I like this kids size and ability to make plays. The southpaw puts tremendous pressure on the defense with dribble drives. His outside shot wasn’t falling but I do like his form and release. He should be exciting to watch in years to come.
Tyrone Johnson Guard (New Heights)- Johnson is also very quick with the rock but I think he takes too many chances which leads to turnovers. He has good court vision and play making skills. He gets into a little trouble by trying to make the spectacular play. But he will adjust soon.
Alex Wolf Forward (New Heights)- Wolf is a new addition to NH and made an immediate impact. The forward is polished and scores mostly with face up moves. His range is from the foul line in and I really like his touch. He also shows good strength hammering the glass for caroms.
Yhanni Bartley Forward (Westchester Hawks)- Bartley is a Mike Beasley type of this level. He scores well in transition and does a lot of damage in the paint. On the next level he will need to develop his perimeter skills because he seems to have peaked in terms of growing. I like his nose for the ball and athleticism.
Ramon Searight Guard (Westchester Hawks)- Searight is combo guard that just knows how to score. During their game against CBC he got into the lane and kissed several shots off the glass. He also has a nice mid range shot.
Justin McClendon Guard (CT Elite Blazers)- McClendon is a serious point guard that kept defenders at bay with swift dribble moves and cleaver passes. When his squad went into a scoring drought he found the hole on several occasions.
Jared Wilson-Frame Guard (CBC)- Wilson-Frame once again starred on the stage. He gave Westchester Hawks the business by scoring every way possible. He carried defenders to the tin and even gave them a taste of his mid range game. He game and frame points to a high major prospect.
The 13U Division at the Providence Jam Fest also was rocking. Basketball Spotlight took in a few games and here are the players that impressed us the most. 13U Top Performers
Nyrhique Smith Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Smith continued to take his game to another level. He started out a little slow while trying to get teammates involved but turned it on later on when his team needed scoring. His methodical moves seem slow but they are deadly and on point. His smooth play and demeanor stood out and had the crowd buzzing. During the quadruple overtime session he took over and scored the winning basket. He finished with 20 markers. It’s only right that his nickname fits his game. Nyrhique “La Smoove” Smith.
George Elghoul Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- George was tough as nails and shows tremendous heart on the floor. He played lockdown defense and nailed some big shots to help the Shore Shots stay alive. During the second half including the overtimes he nailed 3 big treys. This kid brought great energy.
Jaquan Hickman Guard (Abyssinian Church)- Hickman was the high scorer of the day. The powerful combo guard flushed in a game high 35 against CBC in the loss. He’s a total beast in traffic and scores in a hurry. Once he got past the first guard he just taunted shot blockers before dropping buckets. Once he got going he appeared to be unstoppable at times.
AAli Shahid Forward (Abyssinian Church)- Shahid controlled the middle for AC. He blocked a few shots, hit the glass and scored using a face up jumper. Looking at his size and game makes me believe he will be headed for the wing shortly. He should be ready.
Randy Copeland Guard (Abyssinian Church)- Copeland ran the show for this squad and made it his business to get Hickman the rock. He speed allowed him to maneuver around the press and push the rock up the floor. He also can score a little of asked.
Franco Cavaiere Guard (NY Falcons)- Franco has some flair to his game while loving to drive and kick. His crossover is set with a hesitation dribble that will cause opposing coaches to complain. I love his court vision and willingness to get teammates involved.
Conner McGuinness Guard (NY Falcons)- Conner is a scoring point guard that drives the lane very well. He also will stick the pull up jumper. McGuinness isn’t afraid to travel into the land of the giants and deliver.
Laurent Louis Forward (NY Falcons)- Louis plays with the heart of a lion. His moves need to be polished a little but you can’t discount his effort. He plays with a high motor and tries to make numerous plays. He went hard all game.
Karron Daniels Forward (CBC)- Daniels punished AC on the blocks Elton Brand style. He collected several rebounds and went back up strong. His long arms allowed him to get his shot off over shot blockers. I also like his touch off the glass. KeAndre Fair Guard (CBC)- Fair showed the poise and big play ability that gives him a bright future. He kept defenders on their heels and will nail the step back jumper off the bounce. He’s one of the top PG’s around.
Basketball Spotlight is at the Hoop Group Providence Jam Fest and we got a chance to check out a few fresh faces. Here are the top performers we got a look at in the 14U Division.
14U Top Performers
Tyshon Rogers Guard (Waterbury Bombers)- Rogers has the size, moves and game to be a nice prospect. I got to watch him against New England Playaz and hit the gaps in the defense while scoring quickly. Defenders bounced off Tyshon has he charged towards the cup. This kid got busy today.
Joe Wiggins Guard (Mountain BBall)- Wiggins was very impressive in their loss to Anu Generation. Wiggins is a 7th grader but went hard in transition and converted at the tin. His crossover dribble also helped him skate past the defense.
Kenny Cox Guard (Anu Generation)- Cox has a line drive shot but it is efficient. He has good bounce off the dribble and knows how to create space to get a good look. Once he adds a little more arch to his jumper he will be even better.
Latroy Dale Forward (Anu Generation)- Dale was the steady inside presence for AG. He good deep post position and made good attempts to the cup. He needs to work on his footwork a little especially spinning into the heart of the defense. I like his nose for the ball and strong body.
Janvier Johnson Guard (Anu Generation)- Johnson’s quickness helped him become a factor on both ends. He disrupted the passing lanes on defense and raced up the floor in transition on offense. Once he got into the open floor he glided to easy buckets at the cup.
Winston Morgan Guard (CBC)- Morgan has a Ben Gordon type game. He’s fierce in the half court set when bullying his way to the hole or draining the deep trey. In transition his ball handling allows him to get around defenders and force the action. This kid is very solid.
Jared Wilson-Frame Guard (CBC)- This kid might be the best player in this event. He has the superstar strut and the game to go with it. Jared plays above the rim in transition and has enough wiggles to shake smaller defenders. I don’t know all the top 8th graders in Connecticut but he has to be one.
Tyler Rowe Guard (CBC)- The miniature floor general is definitely fun the watch. He counters his lack of size with court vision and poise when running the squad. He knows how to pick his spots and dribble into too much trouble.
Chir Maker Forward (CBC)- What a prospect! Maker is very long and roams around the baseline or the lane. He’s capable of making plays on both ends of the floor and will be better once he packs on some mass.
On May 21st Basketball Spotlight will be traveling to Maryland for the DC Assault Classic. We will be covering the 12U Division which should be loaded with some of the top teams in the country. Basketball Spotlight will be bringing you several days of coverage from this event. Event information is below.
Event: DC Assault Classic Date: May 21-23 Place: Prince Georges County, MD Price: $350 Per Team (Multiple Team Discount) Ages: 9U Thru 13U
DEADLINE MAY 14TH Mail certified checks or money orders to Team One Athletics, 11207 Lake Vista Lane, Bowie, MD 20721 Questions?? Contact Anthony Cowan (240)398-9352 acowan@dcassault.org or Reggie Gardner 240-375-2198 rgardner@dcassault.
It’s finally going down. Basketball Spotlight presents the Super Showcase. The Super Showcase will bring together the top players in the country for a one day to do battle. If you think you have game and have not got the love this is your shot. This event will surely be the hottest showcase of the summer. The top players will definitely be in the building. Please contact Mike Melton before registering at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com.
Event: Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase
Dates: August 14th (Class 2016), August 21st (Class 2015)
Notes: • Each player will be guaranteed at least 3 games and equal playing time. • All teams will be coached by Basketball Spotlight personnel. • Each player will receive a reversible jersey. • Each player will have a profile listed periodically throughout the 2010-11 season. • Basketball Spotlight will provide a ranking for the camp only at its conclusion. • Showcase will be limited to 120 Players for each class.
Nicknames are a moniker that I have given out for years. Some players do things doing the game that catch my attention and earn them a nickname. Anthony Cowan of DC Assault was one of those players. After watching Cowan command respect and direct traffic for his squad he garnered the nickname Mister. Last season Mister Cowan help lead his squad finished ranked #11 in the country. Cowan and his crew will be returning to the MDC this year in their quest for their first Spotlight title. We got a chance to holler at him after a workout and here’s our One on One.
One On One
BS: What school do you attend? AC: Mater Dei.
BS: What players do you look up to? AC: Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant.
BS: What’s your fondest basketball moment thus far? AC: When we finished 2nd in the country as an 8U and again at 9U.
BS: What is your dream college? AC: Georgetown, I like Coach Thompson a lot and I went to his camp numerous of times.
BS: How is it playing for your father? AC: It’s fun now but we didn’t always get along on the court. But over time he has learned to let me play my game so we are good now.
BS: How do you like playing in the Spotlight events? AC: I love it because it gives me a chance to play against the best players in the country. I get the opportunity to see them and how good they have gotten.
BS: Who’s the best player you have faced on the court? AC: I would have to Tyus Battle of Team Battle.
BS: Who’s your favorite rapper? AC: LIL Wayne because he creates the best rhymes.
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