Attention Coaches,
Basketball Spotlight has decided to add roster sheets to our registration. Teams will be required to have a copy of their roster along with other player documents (Birth Certificates and Proof Of Grade). If a protest occurs teams will be required to produce a copy of their as well as the required documents. Protest Cost is $80 and must be done before the game.
The 8th Grade Orange division at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic is stacked like pancakes. Some serious questions definitely will get answered this weekend. Here’s a look at the teams involved.
Tip Off Classic 8th Grade Preview
CBC: The “Money Team” looks like the early favorite to defend their Tip Off Classic crown. Their roster is thick and they even have a deep bench. We expect them to be in attack mode from the beginning.
Team Final: The Grand Finale Champs will be looking to return to the #1 spot in our rankings. They will have a tough task during pool play with a city rival on Saturday and Nike affiliate (Playaz) on Sunday.
Team Takeover: TT looks to be ready for this winner take all format. They have experience and the talent to run the table. I’m looking forward to watching them tangle with Expressions.
Expressions: Speaking of the X. The Beantown boys are here to spoil the party. They are coming off a championship game loss to CBC in Massachusetts so they should be hungry for some get back.
St. Michaels: This group is flying under the radar but actually enters this event with the most 8th Grade experience. If they catch fire at the right time they could snatch our first banner of the season.
DC Assault: DCA will be ready to chomp on some competition. They are very eager to win their first Spotlight crown and have the loaded crew to get it done.
CIA Bounce: We didn’t actually lay out the welcome mat for our international guest. They have a serious pool including St. Michaels and DC Assault. But I know they wanted to play some heavy comp.
Playaz: The Terminator and crew should be exciting to watch. I’m looking forward to their match up with Team Final on Sunday.
New Heights: MH has added some pieces since last season and should be a dangerous team in this event. True hustle and execution will be the key to their success.
Blue Magic: Formerly MABC this group has been yearning for the Orange Division for a while. The earned their right now I hope they can handle the heat.
Team Melo: TM earned their right to be in the Orange Division after a strong showing at the AC Showcase. Now they have to swim with the sharks. Hopefully they will survive.
Milbank: “The Bank” will anxious be get off to a good start and maybe make another run to the Grand Finale Final Four.
The 7th Grade Orange division at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic should be a dandy. The pools are stacked and with only one team advancing every game will count. Here’s who is in the building.
Tip Off Classic 7th Grade Preview
Team IZOD: All right enough talking has been done about this “Supreme Team”. Now it’s time to get it done on the floor. The 7th Grade field is very deep so there’s a chance they could get knocked off.
Riverside Rens: Billy Council's squad sports a National top 10 ranking under their belt. They are also hungry for their first Spotlight banner. This weekend could be their time to shine.
Playtime Panthers: These boys have regrouped and added some pieces. I see a real interesting matchup with Riverside Rens Sunday on the horizon. I like the size they have brought in.
Mass Shooting Stars: MSS has been in action for most of the fall but now they will face some serious competition. They will have to knock off some top teams to make it to the winners circle on Sunday.
Team Takeover: Veteran Coach Kevin Wormley has returned to take over this squad. He has a MDC banner under his belt and heavy Spotlight experience. Don’t be surprised if they make a deep run.
Metro Sixers: It’s been a few years since the Metro Sixers have been in the Spotlight but now they return ready to tangle. Let the games begin.
Diamonds In A Rough: This squad has been making some noise in their area now we will see what they are really made of. They have some serious competition to bang out against.
Wall 2 Wall: W2W made a name for themselves last year now they will be looking to snatch a Orange crown. They got their player personnel situation together so they should be back afloat.
Team Melo: TM has a chance to tackle the Supreme Team early on. They will need to bring an all out effort to get the job done.
ECE: East Coast Elite returns with a cast of talent which helped them win the Division 2 National title. They will be looking at a long awaited rematch with Team IZOD on Sunday.
Others To Watch For: Playaz, CIA Bounce, New Heights, Team Final and 6th Man Warriors
The 6th Grade division at the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic is loaded with teams and talent. Here’s a preview of the teams that will be making the march for the crown.
Tip Off Classic 6th Grade Preview
ETU Select: These boys supposed to be the best the Potomac Valley has to offer. Tyler Brelsford and Jahmir Young control the backcourts while Terrence “Big Smoove” Williams and Tyrese Jenkins will clog up the paint. Teams will be gunning to take them out.
Team IZOD: This squad has brought together some of the top players in the region. Reigning POY Jalen Gaffney and AJ Hoggard have been joined in the backcourt by Jordan “The Real” McKoy. That might be enough fire power to run the table in anyone’s tournament.
CJ Hawks: Guards Alex Klatsky and Brian Antione have received some scoring help from combo guard Khalif Battle. This tournament will be an interesting test for the Hawks. But they should be okay they been in the fire before.
Team First: Another first year program from the Big Apple has a dynamic backcourt of John Wilson and Josh Pierre Louis. They should bring a lot of excitement and quickness to Lakewood, NJ.
Mid Jersey Mavericks: MJM won a Blue Division crown now they have to bang with the big boys. We will get a firsthand look on how much heat they can handle.
Diamond In A Rough: This squad is supposed to be the team to beat from the New England area now they will make their Spotlight debut. I hope they are ready for the real fire because here it comes.
New Heights: This veteran squad seems to always stick around to at least the semifinals. Let’s see if they can continue this magic in Lakewood.
Team Melo: The B’More boys are ready to make some noise and they have a tough pool to tangle in. Hopefully they have can survive in the trenches.
CIA Bounce: The Canadian Boys come in highly touted so now it’s time to show and prove on the stage. Lights, camera, action it’s on.
The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Orange Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool Q 1. CBC 2. New Rens 3. JCBC 4. Team Melo
Pool R 1. Team Final 2. PYO 3. U Play (Canada) 4. Playaz Basketball
Pool S 1. DC Assault 2. New Heights 3. Expressions 4. Milbank Flyers
Pool T 1. St. Michaels 2. Blue Magic 3. CIA Bounce 4. Team Takeover
The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Orange Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool J 1. Team IZOD 2. Team Melo 3. Team Final 4. ECE
Pool K 1. Playtime 2. 6th Man Warriors 3. Playaz 4. New Rens
Pool L 1. Team Takeover 2. Diamonds In A Rough 3. CIA Bounce (Red) 4. Wall 2 Wall
Pool M 1. Metro Sixers 2. CIA Bounce (Black) 3. New Heights 4. Mass Shooting Stars
The Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Orange Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool E 1. Team IZOD 2. MJ Mavericks 3. Team First
Pool F 1. CIA Bounce 2. New Heights 3. Team Melo
Pool G 1. CJ Hawks 2. Gauchos 3. Diamond In A Rough 4. ETU Select
Sunday December 2nd 9:00 AM 3RD E-3RD F (GC 1) 12:30 PM 1ST E-2ND F (GC 1) POOL E 12:30 PM 1ST F-2ND E (GC 2) POOL F 1:40 PM G1-G4 (GC 1) 1:40 PM G2-G3 (GC 2) 4:00 PM POOL E – 2ND G (GC 1) SEMIFINAL 4:00 PM POOL F -1ST G (GC 2) SEMIFINAL 6:20 PM 6TH Grade Orange Division Championship (HGH 3)
GC: Georgian Court University 900 Lakewood Avenue Lakewood Township, NJ 08701
HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753
The Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool A 1. BYAA Bulldogs 2. Gauchos 3. Team Glory
Pool B 1. Playtime Panthers 2. CJ Hawks 3. NYC Rise Panthers
The Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool C 1. Team Phenom 2. On Point Cyclones 3. Team Takeover (Orange) 4. Gauchos
Pool D 1. Team Takeover (Gorham) 2. CJ Hawks 3. NYC Rise Panthers 4. Team Glory
The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Blue Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool U 1. Hoop Nation Elite 2. Quincy Douby All Stars 3. Brooklyn Badgers
Pool V 1. Philly Flight 2. Hilltoppers Heat 3. Black Mambas
Pool W 1. MCB ELITE 2. Brooklyn Lions 3. Hoop Heaven Elite
Sunday December 2nd 9:00 AM 3RD U-3RD V (AA) 9:00 AM 3RD W-3RD X (AS) 12:30 PM 1ST V-2ND U (GR) POOL V 12:30 PM 1ST U-2ND V (AA) POOL U 1:40 PM 1ST W-2ND X (GR) POOL W 1:40 PM 1ST X-2ND W (AA) POOL X 4:00 PM POOL U-POOL X (GR) SEMIFINAL 4:00 PM POOL V-POOL W (AA) SEMIFINAL 6:20 PM 8TH GRADE BLUE CHAMPIONSHIP (HGH 2)
GR: Gregory School 201 Monmouth Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
AA: Amerigo A. Anastasia School 92 Seventh Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
AS: All Sports NJ 1750 Brielle Avenue Ocean Township, NJ 07712
HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753
The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Blue Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool N 1. CIA Bounce 2. Quincy Douby All Stars 3. Team Rebels
Pool O 1. Play Hard 2. CMEK 3. On Point Cyclones
Pool P 1. Milbank 2. NYC Rise 3. JCBC 4. NWK
Saturday December 1st 9:00 AM N1-N2 (GR) 9:00 AM O1-O2 (AA) 11:20 AM N1-N3 (GR) 11:20 AM O1-O3 (AA) 1:40 PM N2-N3 (GR) 1:40 PM O2-O3 (AA) 5:10 PM P1-P2 (GR) 5:10 PM P3-P4 (AA) 7:30 PM P1-P3 (GR) 7:30 PM P2-P4 (AA)
Sunday December 2 9:00 AM 3RD N-3RD O (GR) 10:10 AM P1-P4 (GR) 10:10 AM P2-P3 (AA) 11:20 AM 1ST N-2ND O (GR) POOL N 11:20 AM 1ST O-2ND N (AA) POOL O 2:50 PM POOL N-2ND P (GR) SEMIFINAL 2:50 PM POOL O-1ST P (AA) SEMIFINAL 5:10 PM 7TH Grade Blue Division Championship (HGH 4) GR: Gregory School 201 Monmouth Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
AA: Amerigo A. Anastasia School 92 Seventh Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740
HGH: Hoop Group Headquarters 1930 Heck Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753
The Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Blue Division Schedule is listed below. We tried our best to grant schedule request. Please make sure you arrive early for your scheduled games.
Pool H 1. Riverside Church 2. Brooklyn Kings 3. Team Final 4. NWK
Pool I 1.Beyond The Lines 2. 6th MAN Warriors 3. Wall 2 Wall 4. JCBC
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic Schedule will be posted this evening. Due to the amount of teams we cannot grant many schedule requests for this event. Also please keep in mind that Orange Division request are granted for teams that have performed well on the Basketball Spotlight circuit or have a national reputation on the AAU scene. Teams in the Blue Division can gain access to the Orange Division by proving they are too dominant for Blue Division competition. Finally, registering after the deadline can result in your team being left out of the Orange Division or tournament all together. The Orange and Blue Division concept was created to make competition even while giving the teams the best experience possible.
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic is filled to capacity. We would like to thank everyone that showed interest in this event. The tournament schedule will be posted tomorrow evening. Stay tuned for previews for this event and we look forward to seeing everyone Saturday.
Hello basketball world. I’m back with another diary. My week was a long and fun one. So here it goes.
Monday I had a half-day of school, so I got to go home early. When I got home I did my homework, I ate, and then I did some ball handling and got some shots up in my driveway. On Tuesday I had another half-day. I worked out with my trainer, Obe, before school. And after school, some of my friends came over to my house. We had a lot of fun. We went to Pizza Hut, played football, and we also watched one of my favorite movies, “The Waterboy.” We even visited my grandmother, Lulu. After my friends left, it was time for some hard work. I had a great and productive workout at a local gym.
Brandon Davis is an 8th Grade big guard from Los Angeles, CA. I got a chance to watch some of his highlights and like some of the things I see. The first noticeable thing is the fact of him being so unselfish and the instincts to make the right pass at the right time. He only decided to put on his scoring hat when he didn’t see an easier bucket coming from a teammate. That trait is rare nowadays because most guards have a scoring first mentality. I also loved his overall feel for the game and ability to score. If he continues to improve and grow, California will have another baller on the horizon.
Basketball Spotlight would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Lets put the basketball and sneakers up for a day and spend this time with the ones that matter. This is the time to be very thankful for all that we have in life.
Current players and Spotlight alumni were getting their last heavy preseason skill work in. Micah Lancaster brought his elite skills training to Monroe Sports Center to this past weekend. Basketball Spotlight was in the building and saw of the region’s top players working hard through all of Micah’s innovative training techniques.
This weekend Micah really emphasized high level footwork and off-hand development with the use of his medicine basketball.
Karl Towns headed the class of former Spotlight alumni along with several of his St. Joe’s teammates. Current spotlight players included Zion Harmon, Noah Charles, Jamir Harris, Bryan Antoine, Khalif Battle, Alex Klatsky, Alex Morton, Alex Bajohr, and Johnny Venturi.
Micah’s next return to NJ will be for his signature summer camps and the 2013 Super Skillcase in Atlantic City.
Hello Basketball World! Sunday night I got back very late from Brooklyn, NY. That’s why my diary is a day late. I’m playing in the JR FunSport League as a guest player with Team Reading, PA. We went 2-1 on Sunday losing to Team Scan and overall we are 4-1. I played well and the second game I was named the Player of the Game. Since I was named the Player of the Game last week (and already received a FunSport shirt), my Mom got the Funsport shirt. She really liked that and wore it proudly the rest of the day! Shout out to Coach Ricky for thinking of my Mom!
I continue to get in my morning workouts before school. Obe has been really helping me gain the strength and conditioning that I need to get to the next level of my basketball game. I have been working with Obe for 3 months now and have gained almost 20 pounds. I have asked Mr. Melton to include a picture of Obe this week and as you can see he has spent a lot of time in the gym.
My Dad was away this past week at a big trade show for all the Amusement Parks around the world. He works for Skee-Ball; the game all of you guys have played at Chuck E Cheese or amusement parks. Skee-Ball also makes the SuperShot and Nothin’But Net Basketball Games that are in all the Dave and Buster’s. I really miss my Dad when he is away. Not only because I miss the basketball workouts he puts me through, but because he helps me with my Algebra 1 homework. On Wednesday night I faxed the worksheet to him that I had to complete and he spent an hour with me on the phone going over the problems with me. Thanks Dad for always being there for me.
Friday I received my report card for the first marking period. Thank God I got straight A’s and made the Principal’s Honor Roll. My goal is to make the Principal’s Honor Roll for my entire Middle School years. I have three more marking periods to go to achieve my goal. Friday night I spent some time with my grandmother, LuLu, watching more 3rd Rock From the Sun shows. We just love to laugh together.
Saturday was a big day for the 8th grade Team Final. We had our tryouts at The Shipley School during the afternoon. The gym was packed with talent. There were 35 boys that came to try out. Coach Orlando had us doing some conditioning and skill work, but we mostly played 5 on 5 games. The games were intense and a lot of fun. I will not name any names, but there were some well- known players that came to the tryouts and want to be a part of Team Final this year. Coach Orlando and Coach Burton said at the end of the tryouts that it was going to be extremely difficult this year to pick the team. Thank you to coach Phil for allowing us to have the try-outs at Shipley.
I’m really looking forward to Thanksgiving this week. My aunt, uncle and cousin are coming to visit
from South Carolina. The only family member that won’t be at our house for dinner will be my cousin, Tyler. He is an Army Ranger serving in Afghanistan. We miss you Tyler and are so proud of you!
I want to thank God for giving me so many blessings; my family, friends, great teammates and coaches. We will remember all those who lost so much from Sandy and pray that they can get their lives back in order very soon.
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic registration deadline is today. In our efforts to make this event the best we can we must strictly enforce this deadline. Therefore any team not fully registered will be in jeopardy of losing their spot. Thank you guys once again for supporting our events and we look forward to seeing December 1st and 2nd.
Skillcase Analysis: Yes, I’m moving Swain over to an eventual point guard. He has shown improvement in terms of getting passed defenders and making team first decisions. This is great strides for a player that was a spot up shooter in the past. Battling with Martin every day in practice should benefit Swain greatly.
I'm Possible Training presents New York City Elite Skills training camp with NBA Skills Coach and National Skills Trainer DJ Sackmann hosted by NY Gauchos.
"DJ Sackmann is quickly rising as one of the worlds best skills trainer." Micah Lancaster, NBA Skills Coach.
Led by NBA Skills Coach and National I'm Possible Skills Trainer, DJ Sackmann, players will have the opportunity to be trained with world renowned skills, drills, and original training methods. Certified by Micah Lancaster and I'm Possible Training, DJ's resume includes working directly with NBA players like Mario Chalmers, Evan Turner and Andre Barrett.
Date: December 15/16 Place: Eagle Academy For Young Men 4141 3rd Avenue
Bronx, NY 10475 Cost: $125 Time: 9:00am-12:00 5/6 Grade 1:00-4:00 7/8 Grade
Click Here To Register
Last season Team Final got hot at the right time on the Basketball Spotlight circuit. They won the MDC in impressive fashion then went on to knockoff CBC and capture the Grand Finale banner. Now as they enter the 2011-12 campaign they are marked as one of the teams to beat going into the Tip Off Classic. Coach Orlando Hildago seems anxious to enter this event, “I’m glad the basketball season is upon us and there’s no better stage to start it on than the Tip Off Classic. Last year we had a successful run and even though the road is tougher with so many good teams in this event we are looking to have a great showing” he finished.
Team Final seems ready for the Road To The Grand Finale.
Stay tuned as we bring you more teams and players that will entering this event. The Tip Off Classic is scheduled for December 1st and 2nd. Don’t miss the action.
Skillcase Analysis: The pint size point guard did more than hold his own against the competition. He has the ability to stay away from dangerous situation while still being able to attack and affect the game. For a youngster he plays the game at his pace and has some sneaky athleticism for his size. His basketball IQ and toughness compensates what he lacks in size.
Skillcase Analysis: A sparkplug guard with a lot of bounce to his game. He attacked the gaps in the defense and wasn’t afraid to show some flair in his handle. This kid plays with the correct combination of energy and smartness. Before reaching high school Joe does need to work on his strength and tighten up his outside shot.
Jaecee “Mayweather” Martin started his road to Player Of The Year by leading the Money Team to the Tip Off Classic crown. He left the Tip Off Classic with MVP honors while going on to lead CBC to the Grand Finale Championship game. Can he help CBC repeat with a Tip Off Classic Crown? We shall see in a few weeks. Stay tuned as we bring more memorable moments from the Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic.
Skillcase Analysis: Jackson came to the Super Skillcase to show the up north players what the south is made of. The point guard has some impressive moments especially when he penetrated lane and made things happen. He was strong enough to absorb contact and still finish off his plays. I also like the leadership qualities he showed on the floor during games and drills.
Skillcase Analysis: This rangy kid used his long arms to be a menace in the passing lanes and alter opponent’s shots. Offensive he showed some promise though he does need to be a little more aggressive when he has the pill. Working on his skills while also playing in the competitive Potomac Valley area should only make him better long term.
Skillcase Analysis: Morton was formerly known as a spot up shooter but now I see he’s trying to become more of a play maker. He showed more confidence handling the ball and creating opportunities to his teammates. Hopefully he will continue in this process to round out his game. Practicing some of the dribbling techniques he learned at I’m Training will help him greatly.
Austin Colbert During The Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic
Basketball Spotlight Alum Austin Colbert has decided to attend the University of Illinois. Colbert participated in the 2009 Basketball Spotlight All Star Classic and topped our list as the #1 prospect in the region. Colbert went on to play at St. Patrick’s, Hotchkiss in Connecticut and now Gill St. Bernard. He traveled the AAU circuit with Team Final.
Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Austin Colbert on his decision and wish him well in the future.
Skillcase Analysis: The Delaware product showed excellent range on his jump shot. He also proved that he could finish in traffic and enough handle to get past defenders regularly. He has a scoring mentality inside a point guards body.
Skillcase Analysis: Some kids are just gifted with some special talent and this youngster might be one of them. The lanky guard has a feel for the game that can’t be taught. He understood how to use his size to see over defenders while both scoring and passing. Once he stretches out the Potomac Valley should have another name to know coming down the pipeline. Remember where you heard it first.
Skillcase Analysis: Weise showed all the attributes of being a coach’s son. He worked hard in the drills and displayed a high basketball IQ. He made his way around the floor with quick and decisive moves while also being a vocal leader. His future as a floor general seems bright.
Skillcase Analysis: There are not many that can dominate the game the way Muhammad does on this level. During the Super Skillcase it was much of the same. After he went hard during the drill sessions he punished defenders in game play. At times he seemed to be toying with the competition. He scored the ball from all three levels and was a hawk on the defensive end.
Nike Pre Draft Camp (PDC) is an exclusive ‘pro-styled’ athletic coaching and training program. The design of PDC is to cultivate and discover new learning for youth and parents. PDC is modeled after a variety of Nike Skills Academies hosted by LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Vince Carter and Deron Williams. PDC offers the nuances of understanding and function within an elite basketball system and program.
Date: Saturday November 24, 2012
Place: John F. Kennedy HS
Address: 61-127 Preakness Ave
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Time: CAMP IS FROM 9AM – 3PM
DOORS OPEN AT 8AM FOR CHECK IN
Ages: 7th Grade Thru 12th Grade
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Skillcase Analysis: Gall was a blur of speed with the rock in his hands. He got through the rigorous drill work successfully and took those tools into game play. It was difficult for defenders to cut him off once he was in attack mode. He literally became a one man fast break when pushing the rock up the floor.
Malik Zachery an 8th Grader from Syracuse, NY traveled to the Super Skillcase and represented the Orange Nation well. During this video he showed all parts of his game. He has the chance to be a special player down the road. Check out his video from the East Coast Super Skillcase.
Skillcase Analysis: Klosk continues to turn the corner in becoming a big name on the grammar school circuit. At the Super Skillcase during the skill session he demonstrated the hard work that is needed to reach his goal. During the game play he tickled the twine with his pretty outside shot but be he also shown confidence in making plays off the dribble. I also like how he’s starting to stretch out physically.
Skillcase Analysis: Hamlet totally dominated at the Super Skillcase in Atlantic City. He was a total matchup problem because he was too big for the smaller forwards and too quick for the shot blockers. He also continued to expand his game out to the perimeter which could lead to a scary prospect down the road. This year might be his coming out party.
Skillcase Analysis: During the Super Skillcase Salzberg played an all around good floor game. He scored the ball, made good passes and understood how to move without the rock. His game possesses a lot more substance than flair. He simply has a nose for the ball and understands what to do once he touches it. Hopefully we will be able to see a lot more of him soon.
Missed Super Skillcase? Train with Micah Lancaster this weekend in the Lehigh Valley or Monroe, NJ
The nation’s top skill trainer is making his last trip to this region for 2012. Get ready for your season and elevate your skills now. Basketball Spotlight will be at the training event to see who is working on their game!
Boys and Girls
Grades 3-12 Saturday Nov. 17th ∧ Sunday Nov. 18th
The Basketball Spotlight Tip Off Classic registration deadline is November 19th. Any team that’s not full registered on that date will be in danger of being left out of this event. We have limited space so please make sure you register quickly.
Skillcase Analysis: Rubino has a nice step back jumper combined with some good driving ability. He showed he could weave his way through traffic while delivering some on time passes. Once he realizes how good he can be he will give opponents fits down the road. We would just advise this youngster to stay aggressive.
Skillcase Analysis: Guerrero can do it all on the grade level. His game does need a little polishing but it’s nothing that I’m Possible Training can’t work out. Once everything comes together for this youngster he could become a legit scoring machine from the wing position.
Skillcase Analysis: Foote is a big kid that possesses good hands. Once his body fills out hopefully with a growth spurt to match, I can see him becoming a serviceable post player. Right this baby baller needs to keep working hard like he did during the training session and keep conditioning as a top priority.
Skillcase Analysis: There was no match for Reid inside during the Super Skillcase. He swatted shots like King Kong knocked down planes. He also was willing to show off his ball handling skills by pushing the pill and creating opportunities. If he continues to focus on this area of his game there’s no telling the level this kid could reach. He has a chance to be a national recruit one day with hard work.
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup is right around the corner. This event is our second leg on the Road To The Grand Finale and has become one of our most high profile events. February 2nd and 3rd the top teams in the country will gather in Neptune, NJ to fight for the right to take home the cup. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this serious action. Only 12 teams per age group. (8 For 5th Grade)
Event: Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup Place: Neptune, NJ Price: $375 (3 Game Guarantee) Ages: 5th Grade Thru 8th Grade
Skillcase Analysis: Carey can definitely go! He played either guard spot effectively at the Super Skillcase. While in point guard mode he spotted cutting teammates and dropped a few dimes in transition. When it came to scoring he had a smooth rhythm and seemed to glide when the rock was in his hands. He traveled to AC to get better and get Spotlight’s attention and he seems to have accomplished his mission.
Skillcase Analysis: The suburban New Yorker is a slick passer and gets his opponents and teammates to play at his pace. His feel for the game stands out and he should be a point guard to look at in the future. I’m looking forward to watching this guard in his comfort zone on his AAU squad. They will be attending a few Spotlight events.
The AAU season has come to an end but not before making some noise. There have been some interesting developments over the past few weeks that could shake up things going into next season. Here's a look at what's buzzing in the streets.
ECE-NJABC Moves To Team IZOD?
That’s right the #10 5th Grade Team in America has moved over to Team IZOD. Word also has it that at their first tryout they had some of the top 6th Grade players in the region in attendance. Seems like their trying to follow the same format as the “Supreme Team”. We will definitely keep you guys posted as this interesting story develops.
Team Scan Snatches NY Trio
Team Scan has made another move to get back to the top of the 8th Grade field. Word from NY is that TS has snatched Team ABBO talented tri of Paul Person, Keshaun Ellis and Tyresse Whitaker. Sean Morris from Connecticut will also be making the trip to the Bronx, NY based squad. This move if true will definitely have TS back into the thick of things.
Pierre Louis To Team Takeover?
The saga of Nate Pierre Louis continues, now sources tell me that the high scoring guard has decided to run with the mighty Team Takeover. This move might send TT over the top. Now point guard Aaron Thompson has another bona fide scorer to feed. Wow. We will definitely keep you guys posted as this story develops.
The complete Skillcase gallery with over 1500 images by renowned sports photographer Lucas Noonan is now online. These portrait quality images are 20x the resolution of smartphone pictures. They are great for holiday cards, Fatheads, or posters!
