Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Moussia Cisse

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division featured some of the top players in the country. Here’s a look at Part 1 of our 8th Grade Top Performers. 

Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Moussa Cisse Forward (NY Rens) – Every Spotlight tournament a new top talent seems to emerge. Moussa was the guy this past weekend in Neptune, NJ that was introduced to the country and he immediately has to be put in consideration as a Top 5 player in the Class of 2021. Standing at 6’11 he already shows above average skill on the offensive end with a nice jump hook, has a nice stroke from the free throw line, and is a good passer out of double teams. He has a high motor and rebounds everything. One play we saw him grab a rebound and go coast to coast for the finish. Where he brings the most value is on the defensive end as he blocks everything and he anchors the middle of the Rens zone defense making it hard for any team to get to the rim. Possibly the best play of the weekend was in the championship when Cisse ran a Takeover player down from behind and blocked their shot into the stands. He finished with 10 points in the championship and 17 points in the semifinal.

Shane Dezonie Guard (NY Rens) – Dezonie is a big combo guard standing at about 6’4 with a solid frame that allows him to absorb contact when he is finishing at the basket. Right now he is at his best finishing in transition with either hand. Shane has a nice stroke for the free throw line and he can knock down the occasional three ball. He makes good decisions and takes what the defense gives him. Defensively he has the ability to guard one through four at this level. He tallied a game high 17 points in their championship win.

Tristan Jeffries Forward (NY Rens) – Jeffries is a strong wing forward that does a little bit of everything for his team. He can handle the rock, passes it well, finishes at the rim and can knock down the open shot out to the three point line. We saw him lead the break one time and drop a nifty no look pass off to one of his streaking teammates filling the lane. Another play we saw him drive the lane and put up a nice soft floater over the shot blocker. Jeffries can also cause problems for opponents on the defensive end when he is locked in.

Justin Glover Guard (NY Rens) – Justin is a nice size wing guard that can be considered a specialist for his team. He is the best shooter from the three point line and in today’s game that is very important as teams aren’t afraid to pack it in and play zone. Glover hit two in the championship and three 3 pointers in the semifinal. He can really stroke it from deep.

Tyreke Morris Guard (NY Rens) – Morris has a game that any basketball coach would like. He plays hard and seems to always make the right play. He is a utility guy for his team as he can play multiple positions on the floor. Tyreke has good court vision as we saw him drive full speed and kick out to an open shooter and he also made a nice cross court pass for an assist. He also has range out to the 3 point line and can finish at the rim either in transition or in the half court.

Trevor Keels Forward (Team Takeover) – Keels is a skilled combo forward that is a walking mismatch. He has to be in the conversation as one of the Top 20 players in the class of 2021 as every time we see him he gets better and better. Standing at 6’5 with a strong but agile frame he can play inside or outside. He never forces the action instead he always seems to make the right play whether it is facilitating for a teammate or getting a bucket for himself. We saw him finish over the Rens big shot blocker with a nice running hook and then we saw him knock down a picture perfect three pointer. Every contest we watched he finished with 12-15 points and arguably was the best player on the court. With inches to grow we feel Trevor has a bright future if he continues to work hard.

Victory Naboya Forward (Team Takeover) – Right now more potential than production, Victory stands 6’8 and he affects the game mostly on the defensive end rebounding and blocking shots. He can run the floor well and finish around the rim with dunks. Naboya has a high motor and is an important rim protector for his nationally ranked Takeover Team. We feel his best days are ahead of him.

Chase Davis Guard (Team Takeover) – Chase is a big athletic guard that when we watched him the first few plays in he threw down a dunk on the break. Right now you can classify him as a wing guard that excels in transition or slashing to the basket in the half court. Davis can also guard all three perimeter positions.

Kino Lilly Guard (Team Takeover) – Kino is a valuable piece to any team as he can play on or off the ball. He can be your primary point guard running the offense or Lilly can move to the wing especially against a zone and be a three point threat. Right now he is Takeover’s best 3 point shooter. He also is a willing defender able to cover either guard position.