Isaiah Briscoe Headlines A Talented North Squad
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.
