Basketball Spotlight Feature: Niko Williams Ready To Battle The Best!

Niko Williams (Oklahoma)

The Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom just got a commitment from one of the top 7th Grade guards in Oklahoma. Niko Williams of Moore, OK is ready to bring his talent to battle the best at the Future Phenom Camp in District Heights, MD. Williams who rocks with Impact Basketball has an impressive resume including finishing as the #1 shooting guard at the 2013 Adidas Jr. Phenom Camp, Mid South Jr. High School Offensive Player Of The Year and Male Student Athlete of the Year. During the season he averaged 15 points per game and sported a 4.67 GPA. 

Williams joins a select group of top players in the country that have earned invites to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. The combination of competition and exposure for this event is unmatched by any other venue in the country. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight brings you other top players that will be trying to make a national at the Future Phenom Camp August 23rd and 24th. Don’t miss a chance to bang with the best. 

Click Here If You Have Game!

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 8th Grade Top Performers

Nazi Reid (Team IZOD)

The Class of 2018 capped off their Basketball Spotlight tournament careers at the Grand Finale. Here’s a look at who make our list of top performers in their final appearance. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 8th Grade Top Performers 

Nazi Reid Forward (Team IZOD)- The top prospect in the region once again turned in an impressive outing. He showed dominance on the defense end by blocking shots and snatching near double figures in rebounds. On the other end of the floor he ran the floor well and finished off a couple of plays above the rim. I also see he has become more comfortable pushing the rock up the floor and trying to make decisions. His stock should only continue to rise as he enters the high school ranks.

Jahvon Quinerly Guard (Team IZOD)- Quinerly changes gears depending on the time and importance of the game. When his team has the game under control he will kill you with the pull up or step back jumper. But when his squad needs a push that’s when he attacks the rim and scores in traffic while absorbing contact. He turned things up in the second half of the finals finishing with 12 points. He has put together a spectacular season and should be a name to know once he reaches the high school level.

Luther Muhammad Guard (Team IZOD)- Muhammad finished the Grand Finale off with a dunk. Yes he threw it down. Once known as purely a defensive stopper, Luther has put in the work and improved his offensive game. His shot is now falling from the perimeter and he’s showing some decision making skills at the point. It will be interesting to see how he develops.

Luis King Forward (Team IZOD)- Another intriguing prospect with this bunch. He has stepped up his rebounding ability and actually looks good playing on the weak side of Reid. I think he’s still a few years away from a finished product but I know colleges are going to be intrigues by his size and perimeter potential.

Ja’Quaye James Guard (Playaz)- James did work in the semifinals and championship game. The NY product runs the show like a true veteran and gets into the lane at the drop of a hat. Once he drives past the defense he usually makes good decisions in terms of dishing the rock and scoring with the floater. He’s one of a few 8th Grade point guards in the region that is ready to run someone's varsity team next year.

Armoni Sexton Forward (Playaz)- Sexton was in attack mode on Sunday. He’s one of the quickest leapers in the region and was relentless on the glass. As he gets ready for high school he needs to work on tightened up his ball handling and playing under control. But all and all he will be a good prospect for anyone to snatch up. 

Markquis Nowell Guard (Playaz)- Nowell teamed with James to give the crowd a real treat. In the semifinals he got hot from deep even nailing treys off the dribble. I like the explosiveness he shows when attacking the cup and he’s showing some point guard instincts that were in question before. He has been a very exciting player throughout his Spotlight career.

Tavon Jones Guard (Playaz)- Jones is a born scorer and he showed this during the semi-finals. While some of his teammates froze up against IZOD’s zone Jones tried his best to keep things close. He finds a way the slide through defenders and stretch out for buckets. He’s the type of guard that can let the floater go from any angle or spot on the floor. He also doesn’t back down against any competition thrown his way.

Antwan Butler Guard (WE R 1)- Word of him being the next great point guard from Philadelphia is confirmed by this writer. The Playaz threw all types of defenses at Butler but couldn’t stop him from doing damage. He combines ball handling, size, speed and power when attacking. His play making ability stood out in their semifinals loss. He also finished with 16 markers versus the Playaz.

Chris Cropper Forward (WE R 1)- As Big Jamal battled foul trouble Cropper stepped up to help the Delaware boys climb out of a big hole early. He operated from the foul line area and the baseline. His athleticism and touch were his best weapons. He’s a little undersized for a big forward but he still gets it done. Sort of a Quentin Richardson type of player. He finished with a game high 24 points.

Rashard Staten Forward (New Heights)- At first glance Staten is difficult to figure out. He has the build of a combo guard but gets things done along the blocks and baseline. He used some nice moves and power to disrupt IZOD’s potential shot blockers. He was surprising fresh face to see Sunday. He tallied 14 points in the loss.

Omar Silverio Guard (New Heights)- Silverio led NH in scoring with 16 points in their semifinals loss. He’s a smooth guard that plays within the team’s system. He has breakdown and finish at the cup ability. I also like his size for the position he plays. 

Idan Tretout Guard (New Heights)- Tretout is another big guard on this New Heights roster. He can score in a variety of ways including from deep. Idan seems to be comfortable playing with guard spot and contributing.

Basketball Spotlight Feature: Boy Wonder Bound For Future Phenom Camp!

Zahree "Boy Wonder" Harrison 

Zahree Harrison aka Boy Wonder has become a national name on the basketball scene as he showed his top skill level at several camps around the country. Now the Philadelphia native is ready for the ultimate challenge and heading to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp to face the best players in the nation. The 6th Grade class has many top players in the nation but Harrison is up to the challenge and ready to let the world see. “I think this will be good for Zahree because there will be a lot of talent in one place and he will get a chance to play against the best. This will give him another opportunity to show he is one of the guards in the country” said his father Torre Harrison. 

Philadelphia has always been known to produce big time guards and Harrison seems to be headed on that track. The Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp will feature the absolute best players in the country so he will be thoroughly tested. Stay tuned as we bring you more of the top players headed to the camp of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to battle against the best on August 23rd and 24th in District Heights, MD. 

Click Here If You Have Game!

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 7th Grade Top Performers

Anthony Harris (TTO)

The 7th Grade Division of the Grand Finale was stacked with talent. Here’s our list of top performers from this past Sunday for the Class of 2019. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 7th Grade Top Performers 

Anthony Harris Guard (Team Takeover)- Team Takeover was in deep trouble versus Rio in the finals until Harris sprang into action. He used his speed to spear head the pressure defense and collect several steals. On offense he pushed the rock in transition and used a mature pull up to cash in. The energy he brought to the floor could not be matched and helped his team take home the ultimate banner. He refused to let them lose. He finished with 19 points including two treys in the finals.

Mehki Long Forward (Team Takeover)- Long also stepped up in the finals as TTO made their big come back. The lanky forward attacked along the baseline and used his length to score. He’s showing more confidence handling the ball and making decisions. I believe when it’s all said and done he might be one of the best prospects in this stable.

Justin Moore Guard (Team Takeover)- Moore didn’t have a spectacular weekend but he did make some plays down the stretch to help his team get the victory. He was able to get to the bucket and draw some fouls which had him visiting the charity stripe early in the game and converted a couple buckets in crunch time.

Josh Watts Guard (Team Takeover)- The announcer called Watts “The Spark” and he was correct. This kid came off the bench and instantly went to work. He can hurt you with the deep ball or scoring in traffic. He’s very offensive minded which it what TTO needs if they want to make a serious run at a National title in Memphis.

Jamir Young Guard (Team Takeover)- Young also was instrumental in TTO making their comeback. He got things done on the defensive end by causing a few turnovers. He also got out on the break with a couple finishes. I like this kid’s floater and the way he competes. He’s another good sparkplug off the bench.

Bryan Antoine Guard (Team RIO)- When Antione's game is flowing he looks like one of the best combo guards in the country. When he is finishing at the rim you could see the potential oozing from his veins. He showed some range on his outside shot and attacking ability off the dribble. Mark my words this kid has a chance to be a budding star. He hit four treys in their semi-final win while finishing with 26 points.

Mikeal Jones Forward (Team RIO)- Rio were without Scottie Lewis so Jones went straight to work. He carved out position on the post and used good footwork to convert. He enjoys using his body to breakdown shot blockers and drawing fouls. I like the motor he played with and how hard he worked on the boards. He looked like he was in POY form.

Ahmadu Sarnor Guard (Team RIO)-Sarnor was a beast Sunday. His body control and strength allowed him to score whenever he wanted. The shot blockers were at his mercy as he maneuvered in mid-air and still finished off the glass. He showed some take over the game potential and seemed impossible to keep out the lane. He had a great showing. Introducing Ahmadu “The Warrior” Sarnor.

Jalen Gaffney Guard (Team RIO)- Gaffney now has the primary job of running the point and he had his moments. Since I rarely see him in this role I was a little surprised his court vision and passing instincts were on this level. He was able to get everyone involved and get out on the break. This next step will be for him to learn how to manage games while running the show.

Jordan McKoy Guard (Team RIO)- McKoy led the scoring attack in the finals as Rio jumped out to a huge lead. He’s one of the best transition scorers in the country. He does most of his damage when slashing through the lane and getting to the tin. With Lewis out this type of production will need to happen on a nightly basis.

Fahmir Ali Guard (Team Final)- Ali showed some court vision and ball handling in the beginning of the semifinals game. He has good instincts and plays with maturity when controlling the tempo. He does have to work on his emotions when things are not going right. The point guard must be the most focused person on the floor.

Tariq Ingraham Forward (Team Nelson)- Ingraham punished TTO in the paint during the beginning of their semifinal loss. He has improved on his touch and footwork. His turnaround and baby hook were tough to defend. If his teammates were able to able to make better entry passes things could have got ugly for TTO.  

Special Note: All the players in the above article impressed us enough to earn invites to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. Use the link below to register.

  Click Here If You Have Game!

Diary Of A Baller: Cameron "The Prince" Reddish (Norristown, PA) Entry #6

Cameron "The Prince" Reddish

This week wasn't one of the most exciting weeks. I did my summer reading everyday, even though I didn't feel like it. And after I was done my reading, I would workout with a strength and conditioning trainer to get stronger, faster, better agility, and stuff like that. 

Once I finished working out, I went to open gym and worked on things, like going to the basket strong and finishing through contact; just working on my game. I could tell that the strength workouts were working because it was a little easier for me to finish. I was just glad to know that I was progressing. This week basically was filled with work and things that will help me excel later in life. Off to Atl for the FabFrosh camp. 

I'm out! 
 Cameron Reddish

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 6th Grade Top Performers

Elijah Everett (Team IZOD)

The 6th Grade Division of the Grand Finale presented us with some of the best players in the 2020 class. Here’s a look at what players impressed us at Trenton Catholic on Saturday. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 6th Grade Top Performers 

Elijah Everett Forward (Team IZOD)- This 6’6 youngster totally dominated the championship game. His size gave Team Nation fits in the paint. He blocked or altered every shot in his area and was a rebounding machine. On the offensive glass he provided his team with many second chance opportunities and scored on put backs himself. IZOD might have the next version of Nazi Reid coming through. This kid’s ceiling is very high.

William White Guard (Team IZOD)- White also had his best game in the finals. Team Nation tried to apply pressure and White went through it like a hot knife through butter. Once he broke through the defense his play making ability was on full display. He seemed to be enjoying dishing the rock to his team full of scorers. I was certainly impressed with his play.

Zion Bethea Guard (Team IZOD)- No 6th Grader in the region is hotter than this kid right now and at the Grand Finale he handled his business. Bethea did most his damage attacking along the baseline and using the floater to convert. When scoring in transition he uses supreme body control to hold off shot blockers. His physical frame is one of his main weapons.

Niels Lane Guard (Team IZOD)- Lane continues to be one of the smoothest scorers in the region. He fills the lane well in transition before stretching out for buckets. I like his size at the wing spot and only expect him to get longer. Team IZOD need to invest in this kid because I think he’s a budding prospect.

Shane Dezonie Guard (Team IZOD)- Shane capped off a terrify season with a good showing at the Grand Finale. His fluid game seems to be a natural fit for the off guard position because he can shoot it well and glides to the basket in traffic. He has improved his breakdown ability and explosiveness off the dribble. Next on list should be his lateral movement when playing defense.

Luke Kolaja Forward (Team IZOD)- The long southpaw is a good addition to this group. He was able to hit the short face up shot and convert after getting offensive rebounds. He played well on the weak side of Everett. He’s a key addition if they want to make a run during the AAU Nationals in Hampton.

Trey Patterson Guard (Team Nation)- Patterson made things look easy as they cruised in the semifinals. His high arching jumper was falling and he was able to use his size to dominate in transition and on the blocks. His skill set is there but I do think he needed to assert himself a little more in the finals versus Team IZOD. But I’m sure this trigger will always be on as he matures.

Qaadir Maneri Forward (Team Nation)- Maneri tried to end IZOD’s dreams on his own and looked like he might pull it off in the first half. Qaadir looked to have the defense baffled as he bullied his way to the hole and scored at will. What’s respectable about his game is that he’s built like a forward but can push the pill like a guard. He was like a freight train going full speed.

Nashaun Holmes Guard (Team Nation)- Holmes still displays when the meanest pull up games around. Defenders try to knock him off the ball but his frame won’t allow that. He also gives shot blockers problems when he throws his body into their chest before trying to score.

Taj Parland Guard (Team Nation)- Parland court vision and ball handling making him a joy to watch. He broke down defenders like they were sleep walking. His basketball IQ helps him pass the rock at the right time and stay away from traps. His array of moves and decisions had the crowd loving him.

Elijah Malloy Forward (We R 1)- You have to love the way this youngster competed despite the score. He still hit the boards hard on both ends of the floor and tried to score inside. He really had his motor on full display. 


 Special Note: All the players in the above article impressed us enough to earn invites to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. Use the link below to register.

  Click Here If You Have Game!

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 5th Grade Top Performers

Justice Williams (Team Nation)

The 5th Grade division of the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale featured a lot of young talent new to the Spotlight website. It gave us a great look into the future of Basketball Spotlight. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 5th Grade Top Performers 

Justice Williams Guard (Team Nation)- If first impressions are lasting then Williams gave me something to think about. The lead guard is as smooth as they come and plays with the confidence of a kid older in age. He sliced through the defense and made the correct pass or scored at will. The way be broke down defenders and had enough skill level to finish set him apart from other guards in this event. His game can translate for years to come. His play earned him an invite to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. 

Tristan Jeffries Forward (Team Nation)- The Mr. Memorial Day winner also brought his game to the Grand Finale. He finishes with the best of them but also showed a little willingness to put the pill on the floor. He lit things up in the finals finishes with 15 markers and he also showed up in the semifinals against We R 1. This name will be one to remember in the next few days. The Future Phenom Camp is calling his name.

Zion Cruz Guard (Team Nation)- The big guard loves to flash his ball handling and can play either guard position. During the weekend it seemed unfair to see him pushing the rock in transition. The defense was too weak to stop him from getting to the cup or setting up teammates. Size matters with Cruz and we want to see that size in Maryland at the Future Phenom Camp.

Elizah Perkins Guard (Team Nation)- Team Nation caused many turnovers during the weekend and Perkins played a major role. The athletic guard played the passing lanes and plucked ball handlers. On the offensive end he ran alongside Williams while finishing off plays and making things happen with the rock in his hand.

John Camden Guard (Team Final)- In the semifinals Camden proved to be a double threat (inside/outside). He can score after penetrating or hit an outside shot. He plays with a lot of aggression and toughness when handling the pill. Sometimes he penetrates too deep and gets into trouble but he will learn how to pick is spots better as he matures.

Kyle McCord Guard (Team Final)- McCord once again showed he can shoot the rock. His sweet spot seemed to be the corner and he let it go. His shooting stretched the defense and made the Hilltoppers pay for double teaming or slow rotation. This kid has range.

Jordan Longino Guard (Team Final)- Longino was a scoring machine in the semifinals. He powered through defenders and had enough strength to finish off at the rim. He’s a streaky scorer and gains confidence once he gets going. As he gets older he will have to decide whether he will become a point guard or scoring guard.

Jaden Pierre Guard (Hilltoppers Heat)- Wow, Pierre breaks down the defense like few in his class. He exploded through the gaps and showed good pass first instincts. When the defense over played his passing he had the presence of mind to drop the floater. His breakdown ability was something to watch. I can't wait to see him again.

Christian Cevis Guard (Hilltoppers Heat)- Cevis shot the pill well in their loss to Team Final. He showed good range and accuracy when the ball was rotated his way. He knows how to step in well once he receives the rock.

Ryan Ruame Guard (Hilltoppers Heat)-Ruame is a Steve Nash type point guard with some flair to his game. He made it his business to get into the lane and dish the rock when someone was open. He has a good shot from the perimeter be only had one opportunity. He should have received the rock a little more.

David Cuttino Guard (WE R 1)- The Delaware squad had a tough day but Cuttino played to the final buzzer. He dribbled through the pressure defense and made some good passes. He’s still young so he couldn’t complete some of his plays but when his body matures he should be a fine guard. Keep an eye on this kid.

Griffin Barrouk Guard (WE R 1)- Barrouk also showed some promise on Saturday. He nailed the deep ball when it was rotated his way. I love the poise and confidence he showed in this high paced game. 

Special Note:
All the players in the above article impressed us enough to earn invites to the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. Use the link below to register. 


 Click Here If You Have Game!

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 8th Grade Championship Recap: Supreme Team Goes Out In Style!

Team IZOD Repeats 

Team IZOD has a huge second half as they defeated Playaz Basketball Club 53-37 to win the Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Grand Championship. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals and giving us a very memorable Basketball Spotlight season. Stay tuned as we bring you the top performers and much more from the Grand Finale. 


Click Here If You Have Game!

Basketball Spotlight Grade Finale 7th Grade Championship Recap: Team Takeover Makes Incredible Comeback!

Team Takeover Gets It Done!

Team Takeover came back from an 18 point deficit to defeat Team Rio National 64-61 in overtime to win the Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Grand Championship. Basketball Spotlight would like congratulate both teams for making it to the finals and giving us a great show. Stay tuned as we bring you the top performers and much more from the 7th Grade division of the Grand Finale.

Click Here If You Have Game!