High Rallying The Troops For Coach Carter

DuJuan High Walks The Sideline During A Recent Shabazz Game

On Jan 1st 2012, Shabazz High School Basketball Coach Hasaan Carter died from an embolism, just days after surgery for a brain aneurysm. Since then his best friend and college roommate Dujuan High has taken over the head coach duties. He continues to motivate the squad while dealing with the loss of his best friend. This is a great story and personal to me since I also lived with both of these guys for two years in college.

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Basketball Spotlight 14U Midseason Report

We are at the midseason point of the Basketball Spotlight Road to the Grand Finale. We have had some great moments thus far and this is our midseason report. Please keep in mind we still have a few events left and these awards are not final. Here’s our 14U report.

Basketball Spotlight 14U Midseason Report

Hottest Team: DC Assault

After coming up short at the Tip Off Classic “The MOBB” rebounded to win the Clash For The Cup and the MIT. They should have the points to qualify for the Grand Finale final four but probably will be playing 15U in the spring. It will be interesting to see if they will travel up to play for the ultimate prize.


Surprise Team: Playaz Basketball Club

To go from nonexistent to making it to two Spotlight final fours is very impressive. Both times they were eliminated by a talented Team Scan. They currently have 6 Grand Finale points so that should be good enough for at least a 4th seed. I do believe a MDC showing will definitely help their chances.

Player Of The Year Frontrunner: Temple Gibbs (Team Scan)

TJ took home MVP honors for Funsport and for the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic. His hot play has Team Scan the team to beat in the Northeast. Now he must stay persistent and keep the momentum going into the second half of the season. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of the kid.

Surprise Player: NyRhique Smith (Playaz)

His ability should come as no surprise him being able to carry a start up Playaz team into relevance should be noted. He stepped his scoring up since coming over from the Gauchos but also still makes teammates better. If he gets a couple of championships under his belt he could really make a push for Player Of The Year. This race should be very interesting.

Player Of The Year Candidates
Temple Gibbs (Team Scan)
Devonte Green (Team Scan)
NyRhique Smith (Playaz)
Joe Hampton (DC Assault)
Alani Moore (DC Assault)

Grand Finale Final Four Predictions: DC Assault, Team Scan, Playaz, East Coast Elite

Basketball Spotlight 13U Midseason Report

We are at the midseason point of the Basketball Spotlight Road to the Grand Finale. We have had some great moments thus far and this is our midseason report. Please keep in mind we still have a few events left and these awards are not final. Here’s our 13U report.

Basketball Spotlight 13U Midseason Report

Hottest Team: CBC

The “Money Team” won their first banner at the Tip Off Classic and came within points of winning the Clash For The Cup. Right now they have to be the favored to win the highly contested 13U Grand Finale title, anything less than that might be a personal let down for this talented bunch. Now they will have to perform while having the pressure of getting chased by the Top 13U teams in the country.

Surprise Team: Team Takeover

I knew they looked good on paper but I didn’t anticipate they could put things together this quickly. They won the championship at the Clash For The Cup while also recently finishing runner up at the MIT. Having missed the Tip Off Classic the chances of this group actually qualifying for the Grand Finale might be tough. The point system will definitely come into play.

Player Of The Year Frontrunner: Jaecee Martin (CBC)

Many felt Martin was the POY last season but this time around “Mayweather” came out swinging. Leading his team to two championship appearances and one banner looks great on his early resume. Now he must stay focused and understand that he is only half way home to winning that ultimate Grand Finale Championship.

Surprise Player: Quade Green (Team Final)

Green moved over to Team Final this year and adjusted to the top level competition. Team Final has yet to win that Orange Division title but had good showings in both Basketball Spotlight events. Now he must continue to step up his game because he’s no longer a secret on the circuit.

Player Of The Year Candidates
Jaecee Martin (CBC)
Quade Green (Team Final)
Nate Pierre Louis (Team IZOD)
Andre Boykin (Team Takeover)
DJ Mitchell (Team Takeover)
Ismail Charles (CBC)
Paul Person (Milbank)
Shimore Stern (Broward Sharks)

Grand Finale Final Four Predictions: CBC, Milbank, Team Final, Team IZOD

Diary Of A Baller: Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ) Diary #26

What’s up basketball world, I am back once again to tell you how my week went.

Wednesday was my first day back to school after having 5 days off. We didn’t do much different during the school day and all classes went well, although I did have a quiz in music that I completely forgot about. Luckily it wasn’t too difficult and I believe I will get at least a B. The reason I forgot all about the quiz in music is because we rarely get quizzes. I know poor excuse, I messed up for sure! After school I didn’t go to school practice, instead I went to the gym and got shots up for 2 hours. My dad and I haven’t been happy in the way I have been shooting; therefore I put up a bunch of shots. I shot it off the dribble, off the catch, mid-range, long range, and in close. When I was done I went out to lift for 30 minutes until my dad came to pick me up.

Friday, I had a workout with Julian. I was supposed to have one on Wednesday however we got the times mixed up. Friday’s workout we didn’t really focus on one section of my body that needs improvement, but instead he alternated different workouts. I thought this was good because I worked on everything so my whole body felt the workout not just one part.

Saturday, I had to wake up at 8 to get to practice by 10:30 AM in Burlington. For the first hour and thirty minutes of practice we worked on our individual skills. I did a lot of drills in the post since I usually have kids that are smaller than me or not as strong as I am guarding me. Working on a post-game will make me much better because the points in the paint are much easier, rather than making moves, avoiding double teams and then trying to get to the basket to score the ball. At around 12 we reviewed our plays and sets. Practice was supposed to end at 2 PM but since I had a school game at 3 PM against Immaculate Conception I had to leave at 1 PM. We beat the team by a lot which was good because our coach wasn’t there and he would be happy to hear the good news. I had a good game and my teammate Matius had 23 so he was bragging the whole time after the game about how many points he scored.

Sunday my dad woke early concerned because he discovered there was a Facebook page under Tyus Kid Mamba Battle, but It turns out somebody made a fake Facebook with my name and picture. I don’t know who and I don’t know why but I thought it was crazy. My dad and step-mom were very upset about the page. Therefore if you see the Facebook page don’t think it is me because I don’t have one. I spent most of my Sunday filling out my application for Gill St. Bernard. This took me about 2 hours to do. I thought I was done, but I saw that I had to write a 200 word essay, luckily I can write it about any topic I want. I was thinking to write it about what I want to be when I am older like my dad, I mean my dad’s age. I had another school game at 6:15 Sunday evening and it did not go down well. I think it might have been the worst game I ever played and believe me; I have had some bad games before over the years like everyone else, even my idol Kobe. To sum up my poor performance last night, I just showed up and did not work hard at all and nothing went well.

Here is a quote that my dad read and he passed the quote on to me."Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard". We won the game easy but I stunk as my dad would say.

Peace, this is Tyus Battle signing off.

Basketball Spotlight 12U Midseason Report

We are at the midseason point of the Basketball Spotlight Road to the Grand Finale. We have had some great moments thus far and this is our midseason report. Please keep in mind we still have a few events left and these awards are not final. Here’s our 12U report.

Basketball Spotlight 12U Midseason Report

Hottest Team: Team IZOD

After 7 Tournaments and 7 Championship Game appearances few can argue about the “Fly Guys” success. When the smoke cleared they took home 5 titles including the MIT and Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic banner. Right now they have to be the favorite to win the Grand Finale crown especially after acquiring forward Tyrek Chambers.

Surprise Team: East Coast Elite

ECE currently leads in the point total for the Grand Finale final four. They won the Baby Baller MLK Classic and collected points from the other Spotlight events. They have one of the top players in the region on their roster so they are always a threat to win it all. In June they might have a chance to take home the trophy that counts.

Player Of The Year Frontrunner: Markquis Nowell (Team IZOD)

After scoring 37 points in the finals of the Tip Off Classic Nowell went on to take home MVP honors of the MIT. There are some other players that are close because of individual accolades put Nowell teams success helps him get the early nod. He still has a half of season to go but is off to a very good start.

Surprise Player: Luther Muhammad (KSK)

Muhammad showed some promise last year but now he’s with a new team and playing a new position. Both changes have worked out well for Luther has new transformed to the wing and won MVP of the Clash for the Cup and Riverside tournament. His play has helped King Street Kings take home both championships.

Player Of The Year Candidates
Markquis Nowell (Team IZOD)
Luther Muhammad (KSK)
Jalen Brooks (Team IZOD)
Atiba Taylor (KSK)
Jamal Whittlesey (ECE)
Jalen Lecque (Playtime Panthers)



Grand Finale Final Four Predictions: Team IZOD, East Coast Elite, King Street Kings and Playtime.

Basketball Spotlight 11U Midseason Report

We are at the midseason point of the Basketball Spotlight Road to the Grand Finale. We have had some great moments thus far and this is our midseason report. Please keep in mind we still have a few events left and these awards are not final. Here’s our 11U report.

Basketball Spotlight Midseason Report

Hottest Team: Playtime Panthers

Playtime won the Baby Baller MLK Classic while finishing runner-up at the Tip Off Classic. They have two of the top players in the region on their squad along with a solid supporting cast. They are virtually a lock for making into the final four of the Grand Finale. Now the heat will be on to see if they could achieve the ultimate crown.

Surprise Team: ECE-NJABC

Before the season started NJABC wasn’t looked at as one of the top teams but with a key acquisition things started to change. The South Jersey crew won the Tip Off Classic and made it to the final four of the Baby Baller MLK Classic. They also should make it to the final four in June. Don’t be surprised if they end up winning it all.

Player Of The Year Frontrunner: Jaheim Tanksley (Playtime Panthers)

Tanksley won MVP of the Baby Baller MLK Classic while also helping his team reach the finals of the Tip Off Classic. The top notch point guard has a tremendous will to win and does whatever he needs to get it done. He loves the big lights and performs well on the stage.


Surprise Player: Trevon Alderman (Team Nelson)
Alderman made his debut during the Baby Baller MLK Classic by helping Team Nelson reach the finals. He has an aggressive style that helps him stand out among his peers. He has fitted in with his new teammates well and we should see more from him and them in the near future.

Player Of The Year Candidates
Jaheim Tanksley (Playtime Panthers)
Anthony Hoggard (ECE-NJABC)
Jalen Gaffney (ECE-NJABC)
Jordan McCoy (Playtime Panthers)
Trevon Alderman (Team Nelson)
Fahmir Ali (Team Rebels)




Grand Finale Final Four Predictions: ECE-NJABC, Playtime, Team Rebels and Team Nelson.

Augustin Getting It Done In Georgia

Aaron Augustin (Atlanta, Georigia)

Aaron Augustin the #1 point guard in Georgia has been putting in heavy work during his final year in middle school. Augustin scored 15 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and the Lions pulled away for a 57-41 victory that gave them the Gwinnett County middle school boys championship and an unbeaten season Thursday night at Parkview High School.

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In The Spotlight: DJ Mitchell (Team Takeover)

Name: DJ Mitchell

AAU Team: Team Takeover

Position: Shooting Guard

Class: 2017

Breakdown: Mitchell is beginning to separate himself has the top 2017 prospect in the DMV area. He previously had the reputation as just a finisher but at the MIT he showed me the ability to create space off the dribble and go right into his shot. He had a good showing in their quarterfinal win against Team IZOD by attacking the basket and scoring from all three levels.

Nelson Leads School To Championship

Nelson's Double-Double Paved The Way

Sa’eed Nelson scored 31 points and dished out 11 assists to lead Emma C Attales MS (Absecon) to a 56-43 victory Northfield Middle School to win the Northfield Classic. Nelson is currently rated as one of the top guards in NJ and is considering several schools including St. Augustine Prep.

Nelson was happy with the victory and his teammate’s effort. “It was a big win for us last night because they beat us a few weeks ago. My teammates and I played hard and stepped it up. It was a total team effort and we were able to pull out this tough win." Basketball Spotlight will keep you posted on Sa’eed's progress along with other top stars of tomorrow.

In The Spotlight: In The Spotlight: Jahbril Price-Noel (Riverside Hawks)

Name: Jahbril Price-Noel

AAU Team: Riverside Hawks

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Breakdown: Riverside has a wealth of talent but Price Noel might be the best prospect. He has the basketball frame that most recruiters marvel about combined with the natural instinct to make plays. As he gets older he will pick up the necessary aggression to become that top notch player. Keep an eye out for this kid.

In The Spotlight: Justin Winston (Team IZOD)

Name: Justin Winston

AAU Team: Team IZOD

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Breakdown: The Team IZOD guards might receive many of the headlines but Winston’s presence is a very important piece. During the MIT he proved a true problem on the post. He established position and finished close lay ups he also anchored the press while altering or blocking numerous shots.

AC Showcase Flashback: Giles Leads Team Felton To Title

Harry Giles scored 24 points and dominated the game on both ends of the floor while leading Team Felton to the AC Showcase 13U crown. This was Harry’s Basketball Spotlight debut and he left a huge impression on America’s Playground. Which player will step up this year to carry their squad to victory? We will see in a couple of weeks.

Grand Finale Point Update

The Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale point system is listed below. Teams gather points by their results in Basketball Spotlight events. 4 teams from each age group will advance to the Grand Finale which will be tentatively slated for Saturday June 16th. There will be a $50 registration fee for each team playing in this event. Good luck to all teams.

14U Grand Finale Points
Team Scan (9 Points)
DC Assault (9 Points)
Playaz (6 Points)
East Coast Elite (4 Points)
Team Takeover (3 Points)
ETU Warriors (3 Points)
Philly Triple Threat (3 Points)
Gauchos (2 Points)
New Rens (2 Points)
KSK (2 Points)

13U Grand Finale Points
CBC (9 Points)
Milbank (6 Points)
Team Final (6 Points)
Team Takeover (5 Points)
DC Assault (3 Points)
Team IZOD (3 Points)
New Rens (3 Points)

12U Grand Finale Points
East Coast Elite (10 Points)
Team IZOD (9 Points)
KSK (9 Points)
Playtime (8 Points)
New Rens (7 Points)
DeMarcus Cousins Blue Devils (6 Points)
Riverside Hawks (3 Points)
PWC (3 Points)
NJ Shore Shots (3 Points)
NC Running Rebels (2 Points)

11U Grand Finale Points
Playtime (9 Points)
Team NJABC (8 Points)
Team Nelson (4 Points)
Team Rebels (3 Points)
New Rens (3 Points)
New Heights (3 Points)
CJ Hawks (2 Points)
Severn Elite (2 Points)

America's Playground Getting Early Attention (Don't Miss Out)

Our next stop on the Basketball Spotlight circuit will be the Atlantic City Showcase. In the past this event has been one of the most mysterious tournaments. The unthinkable always seems to happen with a favorite getting sent packing. Make sure you register early because we will have limited spots for this event.

Event: Atlantic City Showcase
Date: April 7th and 8th
Ages: 10U Thru 14U
Cost: $375 (A Team)

Click Here To Register

In The Spotlight: Tyler Bourne (New Heights)

Name: Tyler Bourne

AAU Team: New Heights

Position: Point Guard

Class: 2018

Breakdown: New Heights was a surprising champion at the MIT and Bourne’s was one of the main reasons. Tyler scored 17 points in the championship including 10 in the final two minutes of play to help them defeat #2 Team Takeover by 1 and took home MVP honors. Bourne has been making big shots and plays ever since playing on the circuit. The Brooklynite isn’t afraid of the big stage or moment.

In The Spotlight: Donovan Evans (NC Running Rebels)

Name: Donovan Evans

AAU Team: NC Runnin Rebels

Position: Guard

Class: 2018

Breakdown: The NC Running Rebels made a splash at the MIT and Evans was one of the reasons. The scoring guard is a blur in transition with the ability to finish or knockdown shots. He wasn’t on this squad during their Spotlight visit so we are looking forward to see him in the real fire.

In The Spotlight: Mikey Watkins (Team IZOD)

Name: Mikey Watkins

AAU Team: Team IZOD

Position: Guard

Class: 2018

Breakdown: Watkins did a great job running the show as his team won the MIT. His production doesn’t show up in the stat book but it’s needed for their team to be successful. Mikey makes sure everyone touches the rock and calms the team down when things get a little crazy. Team IZOD won a couple of close games this past weekend and wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t in control.

Word On The Street: Harge Ending Grammar School Career?

When You See Me You Know Its On!

A lot of things are going on around the AAU world right now. So we decided to hit a couple of our sources and bring you another “Word On The Street”. Remember some of this information is from reliable sources including those directly involved.When You See Me You Know It's On!

Harge To Play 15U?

Damon Harge created national buzz with his style of play and by actually playing varsity basketball as a 6th Grader. Now the rumor mill out of North Carolina says that Harge might be leaving the grammar school AAU circuit alone all together and playing 15U in the spring. I hope this is not the case because I was looking forward to watching Damon compete against his peers at the 12U Nationals.

Chambers Gets Fly?

The rich got richer as it appears that forward Tyrek Chambers has decided to come across the water and join Team IZOD 12U Aka “Fly Guys”. Chambers was spotted at the MIT watching and cheering as the “Fly Guys” marched to their MIT Championship. This acquisition might have given Team IZOD the punch they need to win the Grand Championship and make noise at the AAU Nationals.

More Juice?

New Heights 13U won the MIT by defeating Team Takeover but I received some news that might change the landscape of this squad. Apparently the Juice All Stars will be returning next month. Since many of the players from this New Heights squad have Juice roots it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

In The Spotlight: Jalen Lecque (Playtime Panthers)

Name: Jalen Lecque

AAU Team: Playtime Panthers

Position: Combo Guard

Class: 2018

Breakdown: There was some good guard play at the MIT but few plays with the determination of Lecque. No matter the competition or situation Lecgue plays the game like it’s his last. He led a furious Playtime comeback attempt during their quarterfinal loss to NC Running Rebels. He plays the scoring role for this squad but will eventually become a point guard once he hits the high school circuit. Any coach would love to go into battle with this kid.

In The Spotlight: Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover)

Name: Aaron Thompson

AAU Team: Team Takeover

Position: Guard

Class: 2017

Breakdown: Being a former point guard I might be a little bias but Thompson is a joy to watch. His court presence and ability to drive, draw and dish makes him a true rarity in today’s game. He doesn’t waste time over dribbling and showing off for the crowd but instead attacks the lane and delivers laser passes to waiting teammates. Just when Team IZOD tried to make a run during their quarterfinal game Thompson close the door by driving the lane at will.

In The Spotlight: Shelton Applewhite (Team IZOD)

Name: Shelton Applewhite

AAU Team: Team IZOD

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Breakdown: Applewhite has found his role with this high scoring squad. He understands that it’s important for him to knockdown the jumper from the foul line area and attack along the baseline. He has put together two spectualar weekends. His athletic ability makes him an intriguing prospect among scouts. As his game progresses Team IZOD should only keep improving which is scary because they already are running through much of the competition.

In The Spotlight: Dorian Hardy (Riverside Hawks)

Name: Dorian Hardy

AAU Team: Riverside Hawks

Position: Forward

Class: 2018

Breakdown: Hardy has been developing great at his new home. His confidence in his low post game was very apparent during the MIT. I love how he catches the rock and goes right into his moves. The lefty has a feathery touch close in and displays nifty footwork. He still has a long road ahead but seems to be off to a good start.

MIT 12U Championship Recap: #1 Team IZOD Makes Statement

"Fly Guys" Win Another Crown

Markquis Nowell scored 27 points and Jalen Brooks added 12 markers as Team IZOD defeated Maryland Scholars 59-53 to win the MIT 12U Championship. Brandon Madison scored 23 points in the loss. Here’s a breakdown of their route to the title.

Pool
Beat Shooting Stars 53-36
Beat Next Level 68-22
Beat Maryland Spartans 68-20

First Round
Beat Team Takeover 43-41

Quarterfinal
Beat Riverside 45-44

Semifinal
Beat Running Rebels 53-38

Finals
Beat Maryland Scholars 59-53

MIT 14U Championship Recap: "The MOBB" Rolls Again

DC Assault Adds MIT To Their Trophy Case

#1 DC Assault continued their winning ways by winning the Maryland Invitational Tournament. Congratulations to “The MOBB” on their success and Joe Hampton for winning another MVP crown. Here’s a breakdown of their road to the crown.

Pool Play
DCA 64 Jersey City Boys Club 36
DCA 49 Southern Kings 21

Bracket Play
DCA 55 Baltimore Nike Elite 33
Quarter-final DCA 76 New Rens 57
Semi-final DCA 72 VCB 28
Championship DCA 64 Pureto Rico Playmakers 55

MVP Joe Hampton

Basketball Spotlight Video Feature: Harge Balling In High School Game

The internet darling and camp phenom Damon Harge recently played in a high school game and showed some impressive skills for a 6th Graders. Check out some of his work in this high school contest.

Diary Of A Baller: Tyus "Kid Mamba" Battle (Edison, NJ) Entry #25

What’s up basketball world!

Monday, I worked out with Julian and it was probably the toughest workout I had since I’ve been working with him. We did everything from legs and core to flexibility and upper body. The toughest part of the workout was probably the moving rows. The reason it was so hard was because I had to do rows while walking twenty yards at the same time. After the workout I went to the court to put up shots for about 30 minutes until my dad picked me up.

Wednesday I had school and practice. I have been very impressed in the way we have been playing. We have been playing together well,, and causing a lot of turnovers. We still need to work on everyone remembering the plays and making layups.

Thursday was my last day of school for the week. So, as soon as I got home I sat down to relax and played Modern Warfare 3. At 5pm, I had to get off and go to the gym because I had another workout with Julian. We did a lot of circuit workouts so I got in a lot of reps. He also taught me how to dead lift to help me with my lower body. I first started out with 30 pounds on each side just to get the hang of it and understand the right form, but I then worked my way up to doing sets of 10 of 80 pounds which is a good start but I still know I could have done more. After the workout I got in some more shots and played one on one against a few of the people in the gym and against my dad.

My dad left Friday to go down to Florida work related. There was no school on Friday so coach called for school practice. Practice went well we reviewed plays and worked on a little bit of individual drills. At the end of practice we played 5 on 5 and coach decided to play as well. To end the practice we ran about 10 sprints thanks to my little brother because he was playing soft and he wasn’t running his sprints hard.

Over the weekend I had a game at 2pm against Immaculate Conception. We ended up winning by 40 and I finished up the game having over 20 points. After the game I went to my mom’s house but she had to go to work at 6pm, so my uncle and I went to the movies. I saw “The Woman in Black” while my uncle saw “Safe House”. I thought the movie was alright. It only made me jump once or twice but I think what made it scarier was that I was the only person in the theater due to it being out for a few weeks.

Next week is our first week of playoffs so I will make sure to tell you all how we do. This is Tyus Battle singing off.

Peace

Basketball Spotlight Video Feature: Tanksley's MVP Performance At Baby Baller MLK Classic

Jaheim Tanklsey Shows Why He Was MVP Of The MLK Baby Ballers Classic

Jaheim Tanksley was awarded the MVP of the Baby Ballers MLK Classic and after watching his footage it’s easy to see why. His basketball IQ, skills and court savvy is beyond his years. Right now he has to be one of the most feared ball handlers on the 11U level. The scary thing is he’s just getting started.

Basketball Spotlight Texas Report: Stars Are Born Top Performers Part 2 (By Paul Miranda)

Jacob Valero (Houston Defenders)

The Stars Are Born Tournament took place this past weekend and Basketball Spotlight's Texas scout Paul Miranda was on site for the action. Here's Part 2 of his exclusive report.

Stars Are Born Top Performers Part 2

Jacob Valero #4 Houston Defenders Select 2016
Jake “the Headacke” was just that for all of his opponents. His strength in the paint was visible and undeniable scoring from the post. He used great skill with his body in out-rebounding his man. Ball handling in the open court and flashing several unreal passes to teammates for easy lay-ups were breathtaking. The 6’0” stud knows how to ball in any role.

Tristen Wallace #6 DFW Defenders Select
Remember this name, Boss Wallace, this 6’2” bionic looking young talent kept pouring the points on for his team game in and game out. The ‘Boss was bullying his way to easy buckets and showed that he can hit the midrange and three point shot with just as much ease. Another young raw talent that’s on his way to being one of the most talked about players from the state of Texas.

J.R. Adams #13 Houston Defenders
This youngster was doing it big, game after game, and possession after possession, his presence was felt. He led his team to the final four with a blue collar style of effort on both ends of the court. He came up with loose balls with several dives to floor and in the bleachers. . He handled the ball and dished the ball for easy lay-ups for his teammates. He knocked down several big time shots. Dude did it all for his team, all tournament long.

Tyrone Stewart #13 Louisiana Elite
This young man was fun to watch, he could run the floor and finish for tough shots. Despite his lack of size for his position, he rebounded the ball very well and he defended the post with extreme authority. Young man had nice post moves and dictated everything on the offensive side. Showed outstanding athleticism and proved that he is an up and coming talent from the bayou state.

Courtney Lark #21 Houston Defenders Select 2016
This 6’2” high flier was nothing short of spectacular. He had several dunks that had everyone in the building buzzing about his potential. He was also a huge factor on the boards. His air-walking ability defied all gravity laws even on the defensive end with several blocked shots


Shea Patterson #35 McAllen HoopDawgs
This kid doesn’t look like much when you see him, but when he hits the floor, his game looks a lot like former NBA great Chris Mullins. Kid can score from anywhere. He displayed showmanship from his ball handling to finishing strong inside and outside. I absolutely loved the chip on his shoulder that intimidated a lot of his opponents.

Kelvin Henry, Jr. #12 Louisiana Elite
This PG held his own against some of the elite guards in the tournament. His ability to attack the basket and keeping his dribble alive to find easy scores for teammates or get his own shot off was astonishing. He defends like his opponents owe him money and he’s demanding payment.



Brian Moore #18 Houston Defenders
One of the hardest working young men in the state of Texas. This kid brought it on both sides of the ball. He has always had a reputation of being a tough defender with extreme athleticism, but this past weekend, he unveiled an explosive offensive game. Jump shot was deadly and he knew how to get to basket from any angle. He also displayed a great feel for being a floor general.