NyRhique Smith (Playaz)NEPTUNE, NEW JERSEY – Basketball Spotlight’s Clash For The Cup is one of the premier youth basketball events in the northeast United States. In addition to drawing the best grassroots hoops teams from the region, the Clash has attracted squads from as far away as Canada and Florida for the 2012 event. With pool play action tipping Saturday morning across three age groups, games extended late into the evening, setting the stage for championship bracket play on Sunday. DunkDog.com was in the gym to catch all the action and has the exclusive Day 1 recap!
SATURDAY’S STANDOUT PERFORMERS
NYRHIQUE SMITH – 6’2/175 WG – PLAYAZ – CLASS OF 2016
Capable of playing either guard position, Smith is a smooth prospect with deceptive athleticism, and makes his presence felt in a major way on the offensive end. He can get to the rim at will but is also quickly gaining confidence with his jumper as his range continues to improve. His teammates also benefit from his ability to penetrate, as Smith has excellent vision, and is a creative passer in the lane. More silky than explosive, there is a hint of effortless efficiency found in Smith’s game that many elite prospects seem to possess. His stock is definitely on the rise and he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself as one of the headliners in the 2016 class this spring and summer.
ANTHONY CARR ‘Tony’ – 5’8/150 PG – PHILLY TRIPLE THREAT – CLASS OF 2016 Carr’s poised and inspired play has continued to turn heads in the Northeast and he has easily solidified his place among the region’s top floor generals. Still trying to lead his team into the winner’s circle consistently, Carr and his Philly Triple Threat teammates picked up a huge win against Team SCAN during the first day at Clash For The Cup. While undersized, Carr is a leader, knows how to play, and isn’t afraid to be vocal with teammates when needed. His stock is certainly on the rise and it’s time he’s recognized among the elite eighth grade prospects from the Philadelphia-metro area.
JOSEPH HAMPTON ‘Joe’ – 6’6/230 PF – D.C. ASSAULT – CLASS OF 2016
He started slow, but Hampton responded nicely in his match-up against Canada’s Justin Jackson. He’s involved on the offensive end, competing for touches on the block, and has a great pair of hands and feet. Known as a powerful finisher who doesn’t shy away from contact, new to Hampton’s game was his willingness to step out and knock down the occasional perimeter jumper. Ironically, a reasonable comparison is to D.C. Assault class of 2013 forward Kris Jenkins, as Hampton is similarly considered an elite prospect because of his current production, but should be monitored closely with regard to his ultimate ceiling as a prospect.
JUSTIN JACKSON – 6’6/210 WF – Y.A.A.A.C.E. – CLASS OF 2016
In his second trip to the States in three months, Jackson once again impressed with his play, and overall ability. Still very much a ‘tweener’ at the forward position, his skill set and tendencies continue leaning more in the direction of him ultimately settling on the perimeter. However, Jackson has natural rebounding tools, and it will be important that he use his length and quick lift to continue asserting himself on the boards. A capable shooter out to the stripe, when he tightens his handle and begins playing with a greater sense of urgency, we’re talking about yet another Canadian prospect that could potentially rise to elite status on the recruiting radar.
ALANI MOORE – 5’9/170 PG – D.C. ASSAULT – CLASS OF 2016
A powerful and aggressive guard, Moore is a compact floor general with a great feel and mature approach. Not exceptionally gifted physically, Moore is still a capable defender and adequately pressures opponents in the half-court. Comfortable and confident as a primary ball-handler, he is a great set-up man, always looking for an opening in the defense where he can make a scoring move or an accurate pass. Moore can also finish plays at a surprisingly high rate, whether he’s absorbing contact at the rim or knocking down the open jumper. While is sometimes struggles against lengthier and more athletic guards, he’s a dominant playmaker at the eighth grade level.
SATURDAY’S SURPRISE PERFORMERS
DAVEYON BARNES – 6’4/200 WF – E.T.U. WARRIORS – CLASS OF 2016
A well-built forward who roams the paint and perimeter, Barnes’ game has taken major strides in the last year. Always a dominant athlete (his emphatic tip-dunk against Team Final is evidence), his skill set is rounding into form, as he is putting on the floor from the high post, and made some nice passes in transition. He’s a physical rebounder and defender, and should definitely be classified as a competitor, as his emotional balance swings not only with wins and losses but also his touches from possession to possession. A physical specimen, Barnes must continue to sharpen his skills, but he’s simply a force on the eighth grade level.
TYLER SCANLON – 6’5/185 WG – TEAM TAKEOVER – CLASS OF 2016
Scanlon has spurted a few more inches since last year and his second stint on the eighth grade circuit has him playing with a newfound confidence. A reliable catch-and-shoot sniper on the perimeter, Scanlon is beginning to attempt some moves off the bounce, and had his positive moments in the open court on Saturday at the Clash. His strength and toughness with the ball, combined with his improved decision-making and passing ability on the wing are an impressive package for a young prospect but he’ll still need to continue developing his handle.
GILBERTO CUE – 5’11/180 PG – NEW RENAISSANCE – CLASS OF 2016
A strong and compact lead guard with ample confidence and a stroke from deep, Cue is also capable of making some explosive plays off the dribble. He has a knack for finding openings in the defense and can explode through those gaps to create for himself and others. He has quick feet and a powerful lower body which allows him to absorb contact and be a crushing defender. His feel for the point guard position is steadily improving and he’s a fearless competitor. Cue has a tendency to be streaky good or streaky bad and as he finds a consistent balance of positive productivity he’ll attract even more attention on the recruiting radar.
VINCENT KEMP – 6’6/225 PF – EAST COAST ELITE – CLASS OF 2016
Teaming with 6-foot-6 Khalir Johnson to form the new East Coast Elite frontcourt, Kemp made his presence felt during the first day at the Clash For The Cup. A big-bodied forward with developing skills, Kemp surprised as he transitioned end-to-end, and finished his attempts around the basket. While several of his teammates have received more ink, Kemp is a prospect in his own right, and will only improve. Though he’ll need to improve his conditioning and athleticism, typical strength training should provide Kemp an imposing physique, which will also help his confidence on the hardwood. His expanding role on his competitive squad is a sign of things to come.
TYRONE COHEN – 6’3/175 WF – NEW HEIGHTS NYC – CLASS OF 2016
The owner of an impressive motor, Cohen brings great energy to both ends of the floor, and is a capable rebounder and finisher at the rim. The lefty has a well-rounded game, making effort plays on offense, and snatching up fifty-fifty balls defensively. He’s developing confidence with his handle and made some impressive passes from the perimeter on Saturday at the Clash. Cohen anticipates nicely away from the ball, therefore he’s reliable in pressure defenses, and his length and tenacity frustrated opponents when he defended on the ball. As he finds consistency with his jumper, expect Cohen to become an intriguing prospect moving forward.
