I’ve been a basketball media person for over 10 years and I’ve never criticized another media person because of an article but this time I have to speak out. Today, I read an article on Hoop Scoop Online and was appalled at some of the statements editor Clark Francis had to say about some of the Class of 2015 players concerning his rankings. I believe as a scout or analyst you have the right to your opinion in which I respect but you also need to be mindful that these players are still actually kids with sensitive feelings. I really believe that some of these statements were totally out of hand and uncalled for. I was taught if you don’t have anything good to write about a player than don’t write anything at all. Here’s a copy of the article. Read it and join the discussion on our message board. Article
Breakdown: Giles had a memorable showing at the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase. He posted a game high 24 points in the finals while leading his team to the crown. Harry is currently considered one of the top players in the country for the Class of 2016. Basketball Spotlight will be catching Giles and his Team Felton squad in action soon.
Point Guard Carlos Thrash has decided to attend Benedictine High School in Richmond, Virginia. Thrash is a lightning quick floor general for the Fairfax Stars and has been known as an impact player for years. Carlos selected Benedictine after considering Paul VI Catholic HS in Fairfax, VA, Bishop Denis J. O'Connell HS in Arlington, VA and Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA.
Thrash’s coach Charles Pittman feels his point guard will be in good hands. “Carlos chose Benedictine because they are a high profile program and he loves their discipline and tradition. Benedictine is one of the best schools in the area period” said Pittman.
Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Carlos Thrash and his family of choosing Benedictine High School. Stay tune as we keep you posted on the high school announcement of grammar school stars around the country.
The 2nd Annual Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic will be returning the August 27th, 2011. This event is held to celebrate the memory of the late Jonelle Elaine Melton. This year’s event will have a few added pieces. A TENTATIVE breakdown is as follows. Player selections will be made by the Spotlight committee. Stay Tune For More Details.
• Regional Girls Game 8th Grade (North Region vs. South Region) • Garden State Boys 8th Grade Showdown (North Jersey vs. South Jersey) • Regional Boys 8th Grade Game (North Region vs. South Region)
Are you great at shooting and editing basketball video footage? If so Basketball Spotlight might have an employment opportunity for you. We are currently looking for a video camera expert for our events and possibly can travel with us to selected tournaments (optional). If you think you have the skills for this job please contact Mike Melton at 609-532-5122 or at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com.
Requirements • Great Video Shooting and Editing Skills • Available For Basketball Spotlight Events • Ability To Upload To Youtube • Quick Video Turnaround Time
Benefits • Good Pay Per Event • Videos Seen By Many In The Country
Nassir Barrino one of the top combo guards in the country has decided to attend Hudson Catholic next fall. Barrino, who rocks with the Playaz and Team Scan chose Hudson Catholic after mulling St. Patricks and St. Benedicts Prep.
Nassir’s uncle and mentor Antonio “Dutney” Blackmon felt it was a the right spot for his nephew. “Well first of all we fell in love with their academic program and we also felt Nick does a great job coaching guards” Blackmon said. Blackmon also felt the competition at Hudson Catholic was a key in Barrino’s choice. “In practice he gets to play against some of the top young guards in the state including Kavon Stewart and Hudson Catholic plays one of the top schedules in the region” Blackmon finished.
Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Nassir Barrino and his family of choosing Hudson Catholic. Stay tune as we keep you posted on the high school announcement of grammar school stars around the country.
The 6’6 wing Matt Holba simply jumps out the gym. Holba plays for the Indiana Thunder and has been making noise all around the country. Check out a recent highlight reel where Matt and his teammates got busy at the Conseco Center. This kid’s athleticism is through the roof. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight brings you more middle school players throwing it down on our Dunkfest Tour. If you feel that your dunk should be on our tour please send us the video to basketballspotlight@hotmail.com
Monday, I didn’t go to school so after my mom got off we went to handle some business and spend more of my birthday money. Later on I went to play basketball at a local gym to just get some shots up then I went home to pack for this weekend’s tournament. The next day I went to school and received my math test score and it was all good. My next stop was to my friend backyard to get it in on the court. Then I went to work at my mom’s store before going shopping at Walmart for groceries.
Wednesday, I didn’t go to school so I went to work out with Scott Adubato and some of the Playaz family. We had fun at the workout and I ended up at an open gym with Trev and Dre. The rest of the week I stayed at Trev’s house and played NBA 2K (I AM THE CHAMP). The next morning Trev’s mom made us some good breakfast. After we ate we went to play basketball at the park, city sports, and Teaneck high. After playing we went back to Trev’s house with a couple of his friends, watched the game and ordered some pizza. Friday we woke up and went straight over to Derek’s house where we play ball and hung out with some of his girls. After that we went back to Trev’s house and ate before we went on the road to Nike Easter Invitational in Hampton, Va. We got down there around 2 AM of course we didn’t go to sleep to about 3.
Nate Pierre-Louis exploded on the Spotlight scene last season while leading Team Battle to the Team Of The Year Honors and took home the Player Of The Year hardware. This season his team name has changed but the results are still the same. Nate “The Great” has Team IZOD rolling including recently championships at the MIT, AC Showcase and NJ AAU State Tournament. We hollered at the scoring machine and here’s our one on one.
One On One
BS: What are your goals for the season? NPL: For my team to win the national title, get better and win the Player Of The Year Again Award.
BS: How did you feel about winning the award last season? NPL: It felt great but I have to continue to work hard and just worry about getting better.
BS: Who’s your favorite player and why? NPL: Kobe Bryant, I love his killer instinct, work ethic and he keeps a straight face the entire game.
BS: What is the strongest part of your game? NPL: Scoring and Defense.
BS: What part of your game needs the most work? NPL: My mental toughness.
BS: What’s your dream college? NPL: Tennessee or UConn, they both have beautiful campuses, great academics and make the NCAA tournament.
BS: What’s your biggest moment at a Basketball Spotlight event? NPL: When we defeated CBC in the championship (AC Showcase) and when we beat Cali Styles by two in the Clash For The Cup.
BS: Who’s the toughest player you ever faced? NPL: I would have to say Jaecee Martin from CBC.
BS: This will be your first year playing in the Super Showcase, what are you goals for that event? NPL: Well I’m just going to have fun and do what I do.
BS: Who would you love to have dinner with? NPL: Carmelo Anthony, I would ask him for the secrets that allow him to score so easily.
North Carolina Rising Prospects Wins King James Classic
The North Carolina Rising Prospects won the King James Classic 12U title by defeating the Brothers Keeper of Michigan 39-31. Congrats to the NCRP’s staff and players for winning this huge event. The North Carolina Rising Prospects Roster, Head Coach Kendrick Williams, Xach Gill, Jorden Riley, Assistant Coach William White, Darryl Myers, Khris Monroe, Nigel Hunt, Chris Paul Barnette, Ian Johnston, Ian Dubose and Coby White.
Basketball Spotlight is trying to figure who’s the best point guard in the country. We reached out to a couple of analyst and we have narrowed our list to the final 4. Now we are looking for the fans the help us out to reach a final decision.
1. Marcus Floyd (Philly Aztecs)- Floyd made a splash on the scene at last year’s 13U Nationals and has not slowed up. This season he has taken the Aztecs deep in several tournaments including a final four appearance at the Clash For The Cup. He’s touch Philly style was also on full display at the MIT where the made it to the championship.
2. Marcus Lovett (Cali Styles)- Lovett made a strong statement during the Clash For The Cup while leading his team to the crown. The lefty has a burst of speed that many can’t match. I watched firsthand how he can demolish opponents.
3. Alonzo Trier (Oklahoma)- Trier has been a camp sensation for years and has grown a little over the years. Last summer he destroyed the Adidas Phenom Camp and left with top player honors. He’s currently playing in Oklahoma and we will see what that brings.
4. Justin Jenifer (VA Assault)- The former Baby Balling phenom has returned to glory the last two seasons. His swagger is in place and he is again dazzling crowds across the country. The southpaw made a strong appearance at the John Lucas Camp and other top outings.
Cast Vote In The Right Column And Remember This Poll Is Just About Having Fun.
Riverside Hawks entered the Baby Baller Bonanza ranked #2 in the region but left with the top spot. The legendary NY program took an unexpected loss in pool play against Cecil Slam of Maryland but rebounded to smash the other two teams. They then defeated #1 We Run in the semifinals before racing past T Town Ballers in the finals. RH next stop will be the MDC before making an apparent appearance at Summer Slam.
Summer Slam Spots Determined In May?
The 11U Division has 9 teams with a legit shot of making it to Summer Slam. The MDC will be the final battle ground for the 5th grade squads to make it to the free final four. This has been an exciting and competitive age group to watch and I’m curious as to which team will be crowned Grand Champion.
Baby Baller Bonanza 11U All Tournament Team Zedrek Ferrell (Riverside Hawks) Cameron Wynter (Riverside Hawks) Alston Tarry (Riverside Hawks) Lucas Flanzig (Riverside Hawks) Matt Mitrakas (Riverside Hawks) Nasir Dowling (T Town Ballers) Quashawn Lane (T Town Ballers) Danny Bentley (T Town Ballers) Reggie James (T Town Ballers) Kenny Jones (We Run) Jalen Brooks (We Run) Luther Muhammad (We Run) Dorian Hardy (We Run) Shelton Applewhite (We Run) Ta’wan Grier (PWC) Duke Cameron (PWC) Zegary Scott (PWC) Nate Roberts (Cecil Slam) Antony Saccenti (Cecil Slam) Tyler Holley (Cecil Slam) Nigel Haughton (Cecil Slam) Rob Higgins (Natural Ballers) Rashod Liggins (Natural Ballers) Trevor Covey (NJ Shore Shots) Alex Bajohr (NJ Shore Shots)
A few years ago a Team Nelson team became the first and only team to sweep through the Spotlight events (Triple Crown Then). Now they seem to have another young squad ready to go. They did some damage in winning the Baby Baller Bonanza and should be the favorite for the MDC.
10U Division Heating Up
The 10U Division gave us a chance to see some new teams on the horizon. We expect some fierce battles in the upcoming years with such programs as Team Nelson, Playtime Panthers, CBC and Team Rebels. We can’t wait to see the MDC and the top teams go at it.
Baby Baller Bonanza 10U All Tournament AJ Hoggard (Team Nelson) Mark Bradshaw (Team Nelson) Kieves Turner (Team Nelson) Christopher Allen (Team Nelson) Jordan McCoy (Playtime) Akrum Ahemed (Playtime) Makhi Moore (Playtime) William Lee (On Point Cyclones) Jared Watkins (On Point Cyclones) Jaheim Tanksley (Natural Ballers) Kobe Price (Natural Ballers) Tahaj Parland (Natural Ballers) Justin Money (Team Rebels) Darrien Dalcourt (Team Rebels) Zahree Harrison (Team Rebels) DJ Jackson (CBC) Amir Spears (CBC) Bryan Hall (CBC) Tyreice Woods (CBC) Craig Wrenn (T Town Ballers) Delroy Gayle (T Town Ballers)
Basketball Spotlight will be hitting the road hard and one of our stops will be the Converse Elite Invitational in Atlanta, Georgia May 13th thru 15th . This is our first stop to the Peach State and we are anxious to bring you exclusive coverage of this event.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase will be loaded once again. This is the only exposure event that guarantees to bring together the top players for each class. Last summer the Super Showcase was packed with heavy talent and great moments. Some of the top players have already confirmed. Remember we are only taking 60 players for each class. Players must receive the confirmation from Basketball Spotlight before attending this event. Players wanting an invite need to contact us at basketballspotlight@hotmail.com. The Super Showcase will take place August 13th.
Class 2016 Confirmations 1. Nyrhique Smith (Gauchos)
2. Tyus Battle (Team Final)
3. Sa’eed Nelson (Team Final)
4. Anthony Cowan (DC Assault)
5. Unique Mclean (Team Scan)
6. Jabri McCall (Team Rebels)
7. Byron Nelson (Tidewater Wildcats)
8. KeAndre Fair (CBC)
9. Kobe Gantz (Back To Basics)
10. Leondre Washington (Team Scan)
11. Reggie Garnder (DC Assault)
12. Jamar Watson (DC Assault)
13. Tyler Jones (CJ Future Stars)
14. Vaughn Covington (Team Rebels)
15. Nwanacho Nwana (Gauchos)
16. Jared Rivers (New Heights)
17. Ceasar Adim (MABC)
18. Devon Goodman (Tidewater Wildcats)
19. Aaron Augustin (Georgia Stars)
20. Darryl Caldwell (MCB)
21. Mikey Dixon (Positive Force)
22. Mustafa Heron (Gauchos)
23. Sayon Charles (Gauchos)
24. Gianni Street (New Generation) 25. Tremont Waters (CT Elite) 26. Thomas Jackson (CT Elite) 27. Dyaire Holt (Albany Dream Team) 28. Alani Moore (DC Assault) 29. Wayne White (Team Elite) 30. Keith Washington (Team Rebels) 31. Travis Fields (Tidewater Wildcats) 32. Jamir Harris (NJ Got Game)
33. Kyle Depollar (Force One)
34. Taylor Huyghue (Long Island Lightning)
35. Devante Carter (New Generation)
36. Chris Orlina (Tidewater Wildcats)
37. Christian Ford (FA.C.E.S.) 38. Kameron Hedgepeth (New Generation) 39. Kharory Smith (Rob All Stars) 40. Lamar Stevens (Philly Triple Threat) 41. Omar Mostafa (Playtime Panthers) 42. Daniel Harris (Annadale Bulldogs Elite)
43. Issac Harris (Annadale Bulldogs Elite) 44. Jake Flores (Fastbreak NYC)
45. Azzur Taylor (F.A.C.E.S.)
46. Marcus McClary (St. Michaels) 47. Josh Brownridge (Fastbreak) 48. Michael Caruso (KBR) 49. Zach Howarth (CJ Hawks) 50. Oliver Levy (NY Falcons) 51. Ray Montilus (F.A.C.E.S.) 52. Grant Robinson (Fairfax Stars) 53. Harry Giles (Team Felton) 54. Dylan Yerkes (Team Final)
55. Amir Jones (Fairfax Stars)
56. Chris Lykes (Force One)
57. Kaleb Morton (Kingdom Elite)
58. Mike Janowski (Fairfax Stars)
2017 Confirmations 1. Jaecee Martin (CBC) 2. Ismail Charles (CBC) 3. Chaylyn Martin (CBC) 4. Raheem Solomon (CBC)
5. Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD) 6. Cameron Norman (6th Man)
7. Prentiss Hubb (DC Assault)
8. Tyler Bourne (Juice All Stars)
9. Trevon Duval (Team Rebels)
10. Shyhiem Hicks (CT Elite)
11. Enzel Sanchez (CT Elite)
12. Azar Swain (CT Elite)
13. Keonte Lucas (CT Elite)
14. John Paul Sanders (Team Final)
15. Matt Kachleries (Team IZOD)
16. David Kachleries (Team IZOD)
17. Deondre Bournes (Team Scan)
18. Keith Deloatch (Team Pal Panthers)
19. Isaiah White (Team Phenom)
20. Kyson Rawls (Team Nelson)
21. Iyair Purnell (Team Nelson)
22. Aaron Clarke (Team IZOD)
23. Isaiah Holmes (Expressions)
24. Marquis Watson (DC Assault)
25. Lucas Hudson (LWBS)
26. Chris Coalman (Juice All Stars)
27. Losini Kamara (Rising Stars)
28. Jaiyer Jinwright (Playtime)
29. Boubacar Kamissiko (Playtime)
30. Tyler Hawkins (NJ Shore Shots) 31. Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover)
32. Donovan Steward (6th Man Warriors)
33. Emmanuel Hylton (Classics)
34. Izaiah Brockington (Back To Basics)
35. Zach Cooks (Atlanta Knicks)
36. Chase Lewis (Team IZOD)
37. Mikey Watkins (Playtime)
38. Jared Simmons (CBC)
39. Lydell Geffarrd (Playtime)
40. Ahrod Carter (Team Final)
41. Myles Cale (Delaware Royalty) 42. Eligah Dockery (Delaware Royalty) 43. Louis King (Team IZOD) 44. Isaiah Russell (Team Final) 45. Maguire Sweeny (KSK) 46. Jahmier Pugh (Canarsie Blue Devils) 47. Jordan Riley (NC Rising Prospects) 48. Ian Dubose (NC Rising Prospects) 49. Zach Bruno (Canarsie Blue Devils)
50. Ezra Swell (Bayshore Bulldogs) 51. Malik Velmar (Team Final) 52. D'Andre Velmar (Team Final)
53. Quadir Burgess (Philly Freedom Stars)
54. Myles Mitchell-White (CJ Future Stars)
55. Quade Green (Philly Freedom Stars)
56. Sam Iorio (LVBS) 57. Tyler Douglas (East Coast Elite)
Class of 2016 Guard Jamir Harris has left Team Final and rumors have him suiting up with NJ Got Game 14U squad. Harris was an integral part of Team Battle/Final success over the last four years. May 2010 he was rewarded the Mr. Memorial Day Award and also received the Sportsmanship Award at the end of the season. Coach Battle sees the move as beginning of a new era. “We had a great run over the years and it was a joy coaching Jamir. Now we are focused on building Team Final into a great brand and continuing our winning ways” Battle finished. Basketball Spotlight will keep you posted as this situation develops.
The Basketball Spotlight Baby Baller Bonanza gave some 11U Teams an opportunity to cash in on points for Summer Slam. This exclusive event will take place July 31st at Hoop Group Headquarters to determine the Grand Champions. Here’s a breakdown of the 11U point system after the Baby Baller Bonanza. The MDC will determine who's invited. The top 4 teams will be invited to this free event.
11U Points System
We Run- 10 Points Riverside Hawks- 9 Points Gauchos- 8 Points T Town Ballers- 7 Points Natural Ballers- 7 Points Delaware Royalty- 7 Points Long Island Lightning- 5 Points Maryland Spartans- 5 Points Long Island Lightning- 4 Points New Heights- 3 Points PWC- 3 Points Cecil Slam- 3 Points
The Basketball Spotlight Summer Slam Will Determine It All.
Breakdown: Bell returned from injury and took his play to another level in terms of performance and confidence. He performed well at the Playaz Spring Fling and the PV Regional Championships. He currently plays a face up forward position but will probably make the transition to a wing forward or possibly a two guard.
The Baby Baller Bonanza featured some top players from around the region. Here’s a look at some of the 11U players that got busy on Day 2.
11U Top Performers Day 2
Antony Saccenti Guard (Cecil Slam)- Anthony is a coach’s son and you can see it when the point guard performs. The lefty directs traffic while finding teammates and penetrating the defense. He guided his squad to the final four while looking like a miniature Zach Rosen out there.
Nigel Haughton Guard (Cecil Slam)- Haughton was Anthony’s backcourt mate. He’s also a lefty with supreme quickness and ball handling skills. He goes end to end in a blur while converting in transition.
Nate Roberts Forward (Cecil Slam)- Roberts is a shot blocking and rebounding machine. In the pool play win against eventual champ Riverside, Nate finished the game with double figures in boards and rejections. His name will ring bells in Maryland in years to come.
Tyler Holley Guard (Cecil Slam)- The slashing scorer might also be a good one down the road. He has a scorer’s mentality with the moves to back it up. We look forward to watching him again.
Zegary Scott III Guard (PWC)- The defensive specialist showed some offense in their double overtime lost to We Run. Scott is skilled enough to attack from different spots and isn’t afraid of the big stage.
Ta’wan Grier Forward (PWC)- Grier battled like a warrior all weekend. He has a nose for the rock and used his width to bang down low for rebounds. Grier is also light on his feet for a stocky forward. He's a small Charles Barkley.
Duke Cameron Guard (PWC)- Cameron didn’t score as much as other outings but the point guard used his speed to make things happen. He’s a defensive stopper and excels in the open floor.
Lucas Flanzig Guard (Riverside)- The strong combo guard muscled his way to the hole and killed the opposition with a mid range floater or stop and pop. He also is rugged enough to help out inside on the glass.
Stay Tune For Inside Baby Baller Bonanza Including All Tournament Team
This weekend Horace Spencer and Jamar Ergas met in the semifinals of the 14u division of the Pittsburgh Jam Fest. Ergas was playing for Grassroots Canada while Spencer was on the Gym Rats. The game was close throughout, but Grassroots pulled away in the final 8 minutes or so led by a couple ferocious dunks from Ergas. Grassroots Canada went on to win their division. Here are the highlights from their head to head game as well as Ergas' individual highlights from the weekend.
Monday, I got home at around 3 or 4 in the morning and woke up for school at 8 a.m. It was pretty fun I got back my Religion test I hadhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif a 100%. After school I went to my friend’s backyard to play basketball with a couple of my boys. We were back there for about 1 hr going hard at any and everything which makes it a lot more fun. After that I went to my moms store and helped her out and then went home to catch up on my sleep.
Tuesday, I came to school a little late because I had to finish up some homework. In Math we took a test nobody knew about. After math I went to English and got back some of my tests that I did well on. When school was over we went back to my friend’s house to play basketball till about 5:15 when Nas and I had to go to Playaz practice. Practice was fun it’s more like a workout though until 30 min then we go over our plays and stuff. (I love my coach)
The Baby Baller Bonanza featured some top players from around the region. Here’s a look at some of the 10U players that got busy on Day 2.
10U Top Performers Day 2
DJ Jackson Guard (CBC)- This youngster has a lot of swagger and a wet outside shot. He shot the ball extremely well in their semifinal loss to Team Nelson. He let a few bombs go from the cheap seats.
Tyreice Woods Guard (CBC)- Woods also showed some promise from the guard spot. He made some nice passes and uses the floater or the pull up from the wing to get buckets. He’s another tough guard from the Hartford area.
Amir Spears Guard (CBC)- Spears is an ultra quick guard that scores well in transition while also applying good pressure on the defensive end. He makes his biggest impact slashing to the tin.
Bryan Hall Forward (CBC)- Hall was an intimidating force inside by rebounding and blocking shots. His offensive skills are still coming together which should be expected at this age.
William Lee Guard (On Point Cyclones)- This kid handle is excellent. He weaves in and out of the defense with ease. During their quarterfinal matchup against Playtime the NJ champs had to play a box and one on him. He tallied nearly all the points for his team.
Jared Watkins Guard (On Point Cyclones)- Watkins is another guard I liked from this squad. He has speed and athleticism to get to the cup combined with some scoring ability. We will be keeping our eye on him.
Makhi Moore Guard (Playtime)- Moore is a good ball handler while running the show for the Panthers. He does a good job of not turning over the pill and getting his teammates involved.
Stay Tuned For Inside The Baby Baller Bonanza Including The All Tournament Team.
Cameron Wynter scored 11 points and Zedrek Ferrell tallied 8 markers as Riverside Hawks defeated T Town Ballers 45-19 to win the Baby Baller Bonanza 11U title. Nasir Dowling scored 11 points for T Town in the loss.
Championship Game Top Performers
Zedrek Ferrell Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Ferrell now runs the point guard slot and did a great job. He balanced the floor and got his teammates involved. When the Hawks needed a bucket he charged the lane and finished. He had a great weekend.
Cameron Wynter Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Wynter found his groove in the championship. He got out into transition and finished with flair. He’s turning into a nice combo guard and should be making a lot of noise on the circuit.
Alston Tarry Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Tarry stretched the Ballers defense with his long range shooting. He also can out it on the floor and create plays for himself or teammates.
Matt Mitrakos Forward (Riverside Hawks)- The big fella rebounds the rock with the best of them. He needs to work on his touch around the basket but he’s only a 5th Grader so he has a lot of time.
Nasir Dowling Forward (T Town Ballers)- Dowling seemed to be the only T Town player to play with passion. He rebounded hard as usual and scored on a few put backs.
Stay Tune For More Coverage On The 11U Division Of The Baby Baller Bonanza.
The MABC Bengals defeated Team Rebels 19-17 to win the Baby Baller Bonanza 9U Championship. We would like to congratulate both teams for a great game.
MABC Bengals Championship Roster Head Coach- Kareem Porter Assistant Coach- Alex Harris Players: Tristan McCarthy Christian Julian Shawn Grant Jr. Jamari Foy Evan Thompson Erhonmonse Ehikhamhen Vaughn Pemberton Dyllan Lopes Maurice Smith Dylan Ahearn Jaden Brewinton Chris Norman Jaquan Stroud Quintin Jackson
AJ Hoggard scored 14 points and Mark Bradshaw added 13 markers as Team Nelson defeated Playtime Panthers 33-29 the win the Baby Baller Bonanza 10U Championship. Akrum Ahemed scored 10 points for Playtime in the loss.
Championship Game Top Performers
AJ Hoggard Guard (Team Nelson)- Few can dispute that Hoggard was the top performer in the building for this age group. During the semifinals TN had its back against the wall early versus CBC. Hoggard just took his game to another level and put them away. He repeated this type of performance against Playtime when they tried to make a late rally. He can score the rock from all three levels (perimeter, mid range and at the rim) and you can't discount his handle or court vision.
Mark Bradshaw Guard (Team Nelson)-Bradshaw shares the scoring duties with Hoggard. He loves leaking out on the fast break for easy buckets or draining a deep trey ball. In transition he specializes in getting the 3 point play the old fashioned way. The kid can score.
Christopher Allen Guard (Team Nelson)- Allen is a patient floor general that surveys the floor well. He understands how to get the rock to his scorers and knock down the open jumper when they swing it back. I like his poise.
Jordan McCoy Guard (Playtime)- When you watch McCoy play you can see potential written all over this youngster. He’s a fluid wing guard already and has a nice deep range jumper. I look forward to watching McCoy and Hoggard battle for years to come.
Akrum Ahemed Forward (Playtime)- Akrum operated inside for the NJ State Champs. He used the glass well and dribbled past the shot blockers. His inside play helped Team Nelson make their late rally.
Stay Tune As We Bring You More 10U Top Performers From The Baby Baller Bonanza.
The Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic is filling up rapidly. The hotel information is listed below. Keep in mind that the Neptune area is a hot spot for vacation during this weekend so register quickly. Rooms will go fast.
Sheraton Hotel 6 Industrial Way East Eatontown, NJ 07724 (732) 542-6500 Discount Code: Basketball Spotlight
Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center 50 Raritan Center Parkway Edison, NJ 08837 (732) 225-0900 Discount Code: Basketball Spotlight
SHERATON EDISON HOTEL RARITAN CENTER 125 Raritan Center Parkway Edison NJ 08837 Rate $109.00
Hampton Inn Woodbridge 370 Route 9 North Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Tel: 1-732-855-6900 Rate $99.00
Homestead Studio Suites Newark – Woodbridge 1 Hoover Way Woodbridge, NJ 07095 - (732) 442-8333
Additional Hotels In The Area Laquinta Inn 109 Rt. 36 Long Branch, NJ 732-403-8700 Indoor Pool and Hot Tub
Marriot Residence Inn Neptune 230 Jumping Brook Rd Neptune City, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-643-9350 Official site: www.residenceinn.com
I’ve been a basketball media person for over 10 years and I’ve never criticized another media person because of an article but this time I have to speak out. Today, I read an article on Hoop Scoop Online and was appalled at some of the statements editor Clark Francis had to say about some of the Class of 2015 players concerning his rankings. I believe as a scout or analyst you have the right to your opinion in which I respect but you also need to be mindful that these players are still actually kids with sensitive feelings. I really believe that some of these statements were totally out of hand and uncalled for. I was taught if you don’t have anything good to write about a player than don’t write anything at all. Here’s a copy of the article. Read it and join the discussion on our message board.
