Rakem Felder (New Heights)The 12U Division 1 AAU Nationals have come to an end and we decided to have a little fun. Here are our Best Of The Best Awards. Please remember this is just us having fun.
Best Of The Best Awards
Best Performer: Rakym Felder (New Heights)- Few can argue about the Bed Stuy Bully performances against Memphis War Eagles and DC Assault. He pumped in 30 against Memphis and 31 against DC Assault. Many spectators will claim he had 50 both games.
Best Prospect: Harry Giles (Team Felton)- Giles represents the future of basketball. The lanky forward has a Kevin Durant type frame and if he continues to develop the sky is the limit. Mark my words.
Best Playmaker: Derryck Thornton (Cal. Aces)- Houdini could probably dribble through a key hole. Defenders must have their ankles taped when trying to contain his handle. I saw many defenders fall victim at this event.
Best Scorer: Tyus Battle (Team Battle)- The last five games “Kid Mamba” went for 20 plus. He gave the national crowd a taste of his full arsenal. Spin moves, treys and pull ups off the bounce. A clean look is no problem for this kid. 
Best Shooter: Ty Graves (SC Ravens)- Graves burned the nets for most of the tournament. He catch and shoots with the best of them and isn’t afraid to let it go during crunch time. This kid has a serious ratchet.
Best Big Man: Khalea Turner (LA Primetime Select)- Turner was totally dominant this week. He recorded a double-double every game while drawing double teams. He also has a claim as the top prospect. Big time schools will be hollering soon.
Best Defender: Vaughn Covington (Team Battle)- Covington usually had to shut down the opponents top point guard and he did the job. His long arms and foot movement allowed him to cut the head off of many offenses.
Best Passer: NyRhique Smith (NJ Got Game)- This kids court vision is ridiculous. He sees the play before it develops and sometimes his teammates are not expecting it. He can drop dimes from any angle. He must have eyes in back of his head.
Best Swagger: Keenan Black (SC Ravens)- Some might look at Black’s swagger as being cocky. But when you are raising the National Title trophy at the end, you might have to view it as confidence.
Best Little Big Man: Chris Lykes (DC Assault)- The crowd fell in love with Lykes. This guard got it done on the scoring tip with floaters and dip treys. Defenses have to plan to slow him down. He played so big that his nickname now is 6’9. 
Best Athlete: Adrian Moore (Primetime Select)- This Josh Smith clone can throw it down with two hands. How can you argue with that? Expect him to be dunking on a few youngsters in the future.
Best Dunk: Seven Woods (SC Ravens)- The 11 year old stole the show when he flushed it on the break during pool play. The high glider is a crowd pleaser. Come on dunking at 11 years old, enough said.
Best Crowd: Puerto Rico Elite- They had the drums, beats and whatever you needed. I was tempted to go over and join their fiesta. They proved that the innocent celebration still existed.
Best Pregame Warm Up: Defenders Select:- This squad didn’t use a ball to get ready. Opponents smirked in the beginning but were gasping for air before the game was over. Intensity times 10. They go hard on D.
Best Uniforms: Elite Cavaliers: The yellow-green uniforms and matching kicks made you want to watch their games. They truly run their squad like a professional team from top to bottom.
