The North vs. South New Jersey Challenge will take place during the J.E.M. All Star Classic on Saturday. The rosters are listed below.
North Team
Richard Chapman (Newark)
JaDon Robinson (Woodbridge)
Marcus Ashmole (North Brunswick)
Juwan Dolbrice (Linden)
Joshua Carter (Linden)
Dontae Julius (Linden)
Levi Holmes (East Brunswick)
Ahmad Baker (Plainfield)
Karl Charles (Roselle)
Ahmad Harrison (Newark)
South Team
Vince Jackson (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Trey Lowe (Ewing)
John Middleton (Pleasantville, NJ)
James Wright (Trenton)
Shaun Belbey (Lincroft)
Luke O’Shaughnessy (Brielle)
Darren James (Monmouth Junction)
Meki Bryant (Willingboro)
Quayson Williams (Trenton)
Jack Laffy (Red Bank)
North vs. South New Jersey Challenge
2:00 PM (Players Report)
3:00 PM (Gametime)
Damon Harge originally from California has relocated to North Carolina and will suit it this season Christian Faith Center Academy (Creedmoor, N.C.) varsity team. He also will be playing AAU with NC Rising Prospects who are sponsored by his favorite player John Wall. Check out the article below.
Harge's Article Updated
Basketball Spotlight has added the NJ North/South Challenge to the J.E.M. All Star Classic. This game will feature the top rising 9th Graders from North Jersey versus their counterparts from South Jersey. We are currently putting the squads together so stay tune for the rosters.
A few months ago I received an email about how Denelle Holly was on the top 5th Grade guards in the region. In true form I responded by requesting his presence at the Spotlight tournaments and the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Holly answered the bell by winning the Mr. Memorial Day award and finishing as one of the top guards at the Super Showcase. The lefty sliced defenders with a strong crossover and double moves. When defenders backed off he banged home deep treys and when the pressed up he blew past them like the wind.
Dajuan Piper caught my eye as soon as the showcase started. There were three games going on but I couldn’t keep my eyes off the guard that had the orange shorts. Piper is a big guard with some crisp dribbling skills and scoring ability rare for a rising 5th Grader. He loves using the Euro-Step with a tough hesitation move. The Gauchos program needs to keep their hands on this kid.
Showcase Report: The slim lefty can launch it from the cheap seats while also possessing a legit floater that helps him fill up the scorebook. As he gets closer to high school he will need to get stronger if he wants to continue as a scoring guard. The increased strength will help contain the rock against strong defenders and finish in traffic.
Showcase Report: Jones is one of the most polished guards in the region. He can score the ball easily but I think his best asset will be running a team full time. He has certain instincts that you can’t teach and the size to go with it. He will be in the mix with this loaded NJ 2016 Class.
Showcase Report: Robinson is an outside shooter with 3 point range but seems to be a little more comfortable knocking down mid range shots. He can shoot off the catch or pull up after a couple of dribbles. Now, he needs to work on expanded his ball handling in terms of breaking down defenders which will make his scoring prowess more lethal.
Showcase Report: Parker surprised us with his aggressive style. He attacks with a low dribble and made sure he kept teammates involved with swift, on point passes. Even when he looked to be in trouble he found a way to wiggle his way out of traps. He’s definitely quicker than he looks.
Showcase Report: The explosive guard was anxious to show his skills at this showcase. He stays in attack mode while using quick moves including crossover dribbles to beat defenders. He can shoot the deep and score in traffic if needed. DC Assault should be in good hands with this young battle rocket.
Showcase Report: When Covey is charged up he’s hard to stop. He has a mean power game inside and uses the glass very well. We also like the way he runs the floor and the passion he shows when playing the game. He really demands the rock on the post. We expect him to help the NJ Shore Shots make deep runs in the Spotlight events.
Showcase Report: If you are looking for a true quarterback, your offense will be in good hands with Saccenti. While some players take a lot of chances and end up with turnovers Antony takes his time and plays efficiently. He has a nice dribble drive game and can create for his size. His basketball IQ will take him far in this game.
Showcase Report: Fitzgerald showed some good signs at the showcase. He has natural point guard skills including court vision and savvy ball handling. Once he got accustomed to the speed of the game he shined at times. Hopefully we can see him against the top comp at the Spotlight events. I think eventually he will become a nice size guard with some flair in his game.
Showcase Report: Scott has only been playing basketball for 4 months but made a good impression at the Baby Baller Super Showcase. He scored in close and was a true force rebounding. He intimidates the opposition and should be an impact player for Team Nelson next season.
While many pro players have been spending their NBA lockout time at summer leagues around the country, Marshon Brooks has decided to take a different route. For the last three days the NJ Nets 1st round pick has been conducting the Inaugural Marshon Brooks Basketball Camp in Asbury Park, NJ. The camp has given kids from Asbury Park and the surrounding area the chance to learn from and train with the former Providence College star.
Brooks feels great about the opportunity of helping out the kids from his old neighborhood. “It feels great because it gives the kids from Asbury Park a chance to see someone from the same place as them actually make it. So it lets them know if they work hard they can also make it. I love the fact that they look at me as a role model because it’s been a long time since someone has made it this far from Asbury Park” said Marshon.
Tyler Hawkins of nearby Tinton Falls loved learning from Brooks. “It was very cool and I loved working out with him and his trainer. He taught me a lot about footwork and keys of life. I really enjoyed myself” said Hawkins.
Due to the threat of Hurricane Irene Basketball Spotlight has decided to postpone the J.E.M. All Star Classic until Saturday September 3rd , 2011. We feel that safety should come first and everyone needs this time to be with their families. We apologize for any inconvenience we caused by rescheduling this event.
New Date: Place: Life Center Academy
Date: September 3, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM (Players Report at 4:00)
Address: 2045 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ
The Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic is slated for Saturday at Life Center Academy. This event will bring together the top 24 rising 9th Graders in the region for a final showdown. Now we finish up our preview with the players that will represent the South squad.
South Team Preview:
Horace Spencer (Southampton, PA)- Spencer made a big media splash this year as everyone salivated over his potential. Now he makes his last stop at the J.E.M. All Star Classic against the top studs in the region and we should be in for a treat. Can he leave with the MVP trophy?
Sam Foreman (Philadelphia, PA)- Foreman’s confidence grew during the season and he ended up as one of Team Final’s top performers. During their run at the AAU Nationals Sam’s play earned comparison to Kemba Walker. He had the scouts loving his game.
Marcus Floyd (Wilmington, DE)- “Marvelous” Marcus contended for top point guard honors in the region. He made All Tournament Team at each Spotlight event he attended while tormenting most of his competition.
Lamar Kimble (Philadelphia, PA)- Kimble started the season on fire before a foot injury sidelined him a while. He eventually returned and helped is team to a #8 finish in the country. He’s on his way to Philly Powerhouse Neuman Goretti.
Tavon White (Wilmington, DE)- White is one of the most powerful guards around. He’s capable of putting up a serious amount of points in a hurry. During the AAU Nationals he faced some of the top guards in the country and held his own.
Tyvez Monroe (Alexandria, VA)- Monroe shined at the Super Showcase a year ago and gave the crowd a treat at the MDC. He’s a multidimensional forward with serious range and bounce in his game.
Trevaughn Wilkerson (Philadelphia, PA)- Wilkerson retires from the Spotlight has one of the most dominant inside players ever. Now he has one more event to bang inside and use his feathery touch to score points.
Traci Carter (Philadelphia, PA)- Carter was new on the scene and made his presence felt immediately. He’s a big time finisher with an array of moves and athleticism. The scary thing is he is nowhere near a finished product.
Malik Ellison (Vorhees, NJ)- Ellison has been the floor general for this team through their grammar school dominance. He transformed his game from a high scoring guard to a set up master. I believe his best days of basket are still coming.
Vaughn Jenkins (Wilmington, DE)- Jenkins is probably the most athletic players in the region. He’s an active body that plays above the rim with ease. During the season several players became victims of his high wire act.
Devin Leggions (Philadelphia, PA)- Leggions game has progressed over the last two years. He’s a wing player but rebounds like a power forward. His handle is developing and he should be a good high school player in the Philadelphia area.
Emmanuel Taylor (Philadelphia, PA)- Taylor has punished players inside for the last few seasons. He has good touch inside the lane and understands how to get position on the blocks.
The Basketball Spotlight J.E.M. All Star Classic is slated for Saturday at Life Center Academy. This event will bring together the top 24 rising 9th Graders in the region for a final showdown. We will get our preview started by first taking a look at the visiting North Team.
North Team Preview
Isaiah Briscoe (Union, NJ)- Briscoe will cap off one of the most productive years in Spotlight history. He totally dominated this level and even shined against high school competition. He picked up several high major college offers before stepping foot on a high school campus.
Karl Towns (Piscataway, NJ)- Towns played briefly on this level but dominated the Nike Easter Classic in Hampton, VA. Many scouts are mesmerized by his size, fluidness and skill set. He has the ability to play any position on the floor.
Chris Baldwin (Springfield, MA)- Baldwin is one the top prospects and wing players in this event. He dominated during his time at the Spotlight events even leading his team to the Summer Slam Crown.
Nassir Barrino (Newark, NJ)- Barrino was a quiet assassin this season. He carved up defenders to score buckets while also developing his point guard skills. This will be his last Spotlight event before entering Hudson Catholic. We had a great run with Nassir.
Donovan Mitchell (Elmford, NY)- The beginning of the season we were looking for a new King Of New York and Mitchell answered the bell. He put up serious numbers and carried The City during their early season struggles. As his squad got things together he game went to another level and helped them to a #9 finish in the country.
Chris Atkinson (Hempstead, NY)- Mr. Memorial Day used his quickness to cause havoc this entire season. He quarterbacked TS to a #2 finish in our pool and a Summer Slam runner up finish. He has starred on the Spotlight circuit since his debut with KYDA almost two years ago.
Juwan Gooding (Milton, MA)- Gooding began the season on fire by putting up enormous numbers with Albany Dream Team. He then settled down with Expressions and the trophies started rolling in. The high scoring guard made some key plays down the stretch of their Summer Slam title run.
Darrick Boyd (Springfield, MA)- Boyd stepped his game up this season which earned him a selection into this event. The powerful combo guard raised his scoring average and extended his shooting range. He should be ready to make the high school leap in September.
Aaron Mclean (Hudson, MA)- Mclean returned from injury just in time to help Expressions win Summer Slam and earn an invite to this event. The wiry forward should bring some defensive presence and rebounding to this game.
Austrian Robinson (Harlem, NY)- Robinson was one of the most productive forwards in the region. He worked hard to develop his face up game and used quickness to convert. His hard work definitely paid off.
Arkel Ager (Bridgeport, CT)- Ager was another fresh face but he’s one of the best outside shooters in the region. I like his size on the perimeter and he seems to have tremendous upside. Let’s see how he shines on this big stage.
Isaiah Still (Rahway, NJ)- Still has a lot of potential and now he will have a chance to show he is among the elite. He will need to use his size and scoring ability to be a major factor in this game.
Ballin365 the official video outlet for Basketball Spotlight was present for the Baby Baller Super Showcase and has launched its mixtape. This video contains many of the top performers from this event and some fresh faces. Stay tune as our video coverage is just getting started.
During my tenure of covering basketball I have come across several players that I have given “The Stamp”. “The Stamp” is an approval that I give to a player that I feel has some serious potential, at least is a High Major Division 1 prospect and possibly a professional basketball player. Basketball Spotlight is proud to give “The Stamp” to Tyus Battle of Edison, NJ. Battle has been a dominant force on the grammar school basketball scene since 10 years old while leading his team to #3 and #5 finishes in the country. Tyus has also won the Basketball Spotlight Player of The Year twice. Battle joins a select group of players given “The Stamp” during their grammar school years including Tyreke Evans, Dexter Strickland, Lance Stephenson, Mike Gilchrist and Perry Dozier. Basketball Spotlight really feels Tyus has a chance to be a great player down the road with hard work. The sky is the limit for you young fella but you have to stay focused and keep working in the gym.
On August 27th Basketball Spotlight, AGame Apparel and Basketbull will be presenting the J.E.M. All Star Classic in honor of Jonelle Elaine Melton. This event will bring the top rising 9th Graders from the North vs. their counterparts from the South. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will honor the Player Of The Year and Coach Of The Year for each age group. We hope you come and join us at Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ.
Marque took the long drive took the long drive from Raleigh, North Carolina to get his name in the limelight and this youngster accomplished is mission. In most camps or showcases Marque would have been placed at the forward or center position but at the Spotlight he was allowed be comfortable running the point. The big guard made the most of his opportunity by dishing to teammates and also scoring buckets. Check out his highlights from the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Stay tune we still have more to come. This is the best exposure event of the summer.
Big Apple lookout because Sahdique Watkins is on his way. The shifty guard plays with a smooth approach while scoring or passing. He slow drags passed defenders and finishes with ease at the rim. His jump shot is legit and he can finish amongst the giants inside. Take a look at his highlights from the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Don’t worry we have loads of coverage still coming.
AJ “McBuckets” Hoggard has been putting in heavy work on the 10U circuit all year. His passing, ball handling and court presence has him among the elite players in the country. Check out his highlights from the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Stay tune as our coverage continues from this great event.
Brandon Madison of the Maryland Sports Scholars finished off a great season with a dominant performance at the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Check out his highlights as he was a true force on both ends of the floor. Stay tune as Basketball Spotlight bring you more highlights and recaps from the Baby Baller Super Showcase. Our coverage is now in overload.
Justice Ellison drove up Interstate 95 to put in some work and he got the job done. The southpaw curved up defenders with a world class crossover and delivered passes like a waiter. He has the ability to score in traffic or from deep. But it was his ball handling wizardry that had the crowd in an uproar. He snapped several ankles in Burlington, NJ during this Saturday afternoon event.
Jaheim Tanksley has been a big name in this age group for a few years. So during the Baby Baller Super Showcase he had a reputation to uphold and he handled his business. The Edison, NJ guard went to work early and often by crossing up defenders, launching NBA range treys and throwing some fancy passes. He’s an experienced player so this big time environment did not phase his game.
We told you guys Markquis got busy during the showcase now you can see some of the highlights yourself. The Uptown guard displayed major favor and skill as he destroyed some of the top defenders around. Check out his work on this highlight reel from Ballin365 and stay tune because we are just getting started. We have loads of coverage to go.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase was an exciting event. Our final look will be the big forwards. We only had a few in this category but they were some of the players in this event.
Class 2016 Top Post Forwards
Terquin Mott (Philadelphia, PA)- Mott entered this event as a high rated post player but he showed some skills to will eventually move him to the wing. I was surprised with his accuracy from three point range. He looked very comfortable launching shots in rhythm. He also showed athleticism by rebounding and finishing above the rim. As his skill set develops he could turn out to be a sought after prospect.
Idris Joyner (Plainfield, NJ)- Joyner finished off his season in a big way. He scores easily by beating his defender down the floor and establishing positions. He also has good footwork and a feathery touch when converting in close. I like the way his game is progressing and he should only get better. Expect a high spot in our rankings for Joyner when they are released in the fall.
Matthew Bullock (Elizabeth, NJ)- Yes, Bullock made his Spotlight Showcase debut with a splash. I really didn’t know this kid was an agile athlete. On defense he intimidated driving guards with his girth and ability to block shots. On the offensive he showed polished post moves including a swift up and under move. I love the fact that he understands that his strength his on the post and doesn’t try to waste time on the perimeter.
The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase was an exciting event. Our next stop in coverage will take us to the wing forwards. The guys are versatile and many can play multiple positions.
Class 2016 Top Wing Forwards
Lamar Stevens (Philadelphia, PA)- Watch out for this prospect from the City of Brotherly Love. Stevens has the prototype body for the 3 spot and the game to go along with it. He has decent range on the perimeter but looks better as a slasher and finisher. On defense he can guard forwards and guards while also helping out on the boards. His potential can be very high.
Jamar Watson (Brandywine, MD)- Watson could have been listed with the wing guards. He’s a prolific scorer that can attack on his own or finish off plays in transition. He loves breaking down slower forwards or over powering smaller guards. He operates well along the baseline and in the lane.
Christian Ford (Trenton, NJ)- Ford outside shot has improved and now he not only shoots it from the face up position but also off the dribble. He has truly shown that it’s possible to transform from the post to the perimeter with hard work. Now he needs to continue to work on creating space from defenders with his handle.
Kyle Elliot (Rahway, NJ)- Elliot runs the floor like a deer and completes plays very well. He’s a capable defender with a long wing span which helps him recover against quick opponents. He’s also a stronger rebounder and interior defender than he gets credit for. He does need to refine his ball handling which will help him on the high school level.
Ray Montilus (Union, NJ)- It was a breath of fresh air to see Ray handling the ball a lot. He was able to create plays off the bounce and finish in the lane. Now he needs to develop a jump shot because he will definitely become a perimeter player possibly a combo guard.
Nwanacho Nwana (White Plains)- Nwana is working hard on improving his perimeter skills and its beginning to pay off. He displayed some dribble drives and explosion towards the basket. He even almost caught a dunk while driving the lane. I was definitely surprised with his athleticism. He also needs to work on his perimeter stroke.
On August 27th Basketball Spotlight, AGame Apparel and Basketbull will be presenting the J.E.M. All Star Classic in honor of Jonelle Elaine Melton. This event will bring the top rising 9th Graders from the North vs. their counterparts from the South. During halftime of this event Basketball Spotlight will honor the Player Of The Year and Coach Of The Year for each age group. We hope you come and join us at Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ.
The Class of 2016 had some serious talent in this event. Now we will swing over to the wing guards. Most of these players were in charge of putting points on the board.
Class Of 2016 Top Wing Guards
Tyus Battle (Edison, NJ)- After missing most of the season with his age group, “Kid Mamba” returned for his throne. The 6’4 guard demonstrated the skills, length and play making ability that makes him a rare prospect. He toyed with the forwards trying to guard him on the perimeter and posted up the smaller guards that checked him. On defense his was a shot blocking force and used his wing span to cover quicker guards. Battle’s aggressive play is beginning to separate him from his peers.
Reggie Gardner (Lardo, MD)- This was Gardner’s showcase debut and he played well in the open court. He’s stronger with the rock and has improved ball handling skills. He now has enough creativity in his handle to create space off the bounce and get off his wet jumper. His game is moving in the correct direction.
Mike Janowski (Sterling, VA)- When it comes to scoring Janowski is a hired gun. He shot a few 3 point bombs and was just too much for defenders when attacking hard. Getting to the tin has never been a problem for Mike and he’s a capable of playing multiple positions on the floor.
Jamir Harris (North Brunswick, NJ)- Harris no longer towers over defenders so he uses his quickness and knack to score to be effective. If you play his drive he will pull a quick jumper and if you over play his outside shot he will turn the corner swiftly on his way to the cup. Right now he in a Steve Francis type mode.
Kaleb Morton (Franklinville, NJ)- Some players are a little nervous in their Spotlight debuts but Morton came in with his guns blazing. He shot quick releasing mid range jumpers and deep treys all afternoon. He definitely understood that he needed to be very aggressive once he entered the Life Center Academy.
Omar Mostafa (Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ)- While the gym was filled with athletic, ball handling guards Mostafa spent the day spotting up and knocking down shots. But has his game goes up in level he will need to work on putting the ball on the floor and creating moves.
The Class of 2016 had some serious talent in this event. Our next stop will be looking at the top performers from the combo guard position.
Class Of 2016 Top Combo Guards
NyRhique Smith (Asbury Park, NJ)- Smith saved his best game for the showdown against Tyus Battle and the Hornets. During this game he stretched the defense with his outside shot and still was able to dish some dimes to his teammates. He can score the ball with ease at times while also being able to snatch a few rebounds. We also need to mention that his court vision is special and impacts the game.
Keith Washington (Sicklerville, NJ)- Many want Keith to transform to a point guard but he scores the ball so effective the transition might be tough. He hits the pull up jumper and can score acrobatic buckets in the paint. He attacks from the different spots on the perimeter while piling up points quickly.
Brad Hawkins (Camden, NJ)- “The Hawk” was one of the best on ball defenders in the event. He simply stripped defenders of the rock and harassed them 94 feet. On the offensive end Brad had the outside shot dropping and also carried defenders to the cup for buckets.
Chris Lykes (Mitchellville, MD)- The first thing I would the mention is Lykes’s range and accuracy on his outside shot. He has extended his range which opens the lane for his dribble drive game. He squeezes between shot blockers and still finds away to float the ball in the basket.
Devante Carter (Hampton, VA)- I haven’t seen Carter in a while and I see he got that growth spurt everyone was waiting for. Despite his improved size he still has a lot of wiggle in his game in terms of getting rid of defenders and making plays. After shaking defenders his height now allows him to deliver the pass easier or score the rock after contact.
The Class of 2016 was deep during the Super Showcase. The players were anxious to get busy for their last Spotlight showcase. First, we will take a look at the top floor generals.
Class 0f 2016 Top Point Guards
Alani Moore (Germantown, MD)- “Showtime” tormented opponents at both ends of the floor. He gave the crowd a taste of his wicked handle, ability to finish and deep range. He had defenders back pedaling or playing 3 feet away. Moore has sneaky athleticism and specializes in avoiding shot blockers. On one play he made a defender fall by using a basic jab step. We are comfortable calling him the top the point guard from this event.
Anthony Cowan (Bowie, MD)- “Mister” Cowan showed an improved jump shot and more explosion when getting into the lane. He cut up defenders with a series of crossovers which let him get any where he wanted on the floor. I like how his body is transforming especially the few inches of height he added since last season.
Vaughn Covington (Sicklerville, NJ)- Covington sparkled in his first two outings. His play dictates the pace of the game and he knows how to pick his spots well. He’s not overly athletic but his wiry frame and long arms allow him to be a major factor on the floor. His jump shot has improved but still needs to be a little more consistent.
Sa’eed Nelson (Pleasantville, NJ)- Nelson has a very unique game. I understand that his speed helps him get through the gaps of the defense but I’m baffled about how he finishes among the trees in the paint. His decisions making has improved immensely which was shown in his court vision. Defensively, he helped his team win two games with big time steals at the end of the each contest.
Kobe Gantz (Lancaster, PA)- Gantz looked more comfortable in this event than last summer. He pushed the rock and drove the lane with more confidence. He has the knack to score but also knows how to get teammates involved. He held it down during this heated environment.
LeAndre Washington (Englewood, NJ)- Washington loves this type of atmosphere. He flourishes in the up and down freestyle game. He has some point guard principles but also likes to score the rock. He’s a crafty player with veteran basketball instincts.
Travis Fields (Portsmouth, VA)- On a team stacked with guards Fields still found a way to make his name known. He broke down defenders at will while slicing his way to the tin. This was my first look at this kid and I was definitely impressed.
