Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2
Jalen Hammond
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 2 of our 8th Grade Top Performers.
Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2
Jalen Hammond Guard (NY All Americans) – Last time we saw Jalen he was running with his primary team the PSA Cardinals which didn’t play in the event so he was playing with a onetime put together fill in team to get some extra run. He did just that as he was arguably the top Point Guard playing in the 8th grade division. Hammond navigated the pick and roll like a cagey veteran maneuvering through the defenses basically getting to the basket at will all weekend long. His game is smooth and calculated and he can finish at the rim with either hand through or around contact. He also is an above average passer and can knock down his pull up jumper but right now his bread and butter is getting to the rim. Jalen has nice size and is a good defender using his length and quickness and can rebound well for his position. He scored a team high 12 points in the game we watched.
Mohammed Aminu Forward (Dynamic Disciples) – This athletic forward was always in attack mode. He had probably the highest motor we saw all weekend. Standing at about 6’6 he would grab the rebound and go coast to coast and finish at the rim. In transition he was dunking everything and on defense Mohammed used his long arms to block and contest shots and also get in the passing lanes. Aminu has a nice stroke from the free throw line and he was one of the top scorers in the 8th grade division with 23 against HC Elite and 31 against Xpressions. He was one of the new faces that emerged at the Spotlight and we look forward to tracking his progression.
Kingsley Akinfeleye Guard (Dynamic Disciples) – Kingsley is a long athletic combo guard that excels in transition. In the half-court game he is more of a slasher but can knock down the mid-range jump shot and he has a nice stroke from the free throw line. On the defensive end he has the ability to be a lock down on ball defender. In the quarterfinal contest we watched he had 15 points.
Nasier Camp Forward (Boston Spartans) – Camp is a 6’7 long combo forward that looks like he might grow a few more inches. We saw him rebound at a high level and score on put backs on the offensive end. We also saw him grab a rebound and lead the break making a nice bounce for an assist. He looked to be a top long term prospect with oozing potential.
Rayvon Weir Guard (Milbank) – Weir was the catalyst that helped get Milbank to the final 4 of the Tip of Classic and this past weekend was no different as he carried the scoring load to help lead his team back to the Final 4 of the Clash for the Cup. He is a strong compact combo guard that loves to get the rack either in transition or in the half court. He showed that he can knock down the 3 point shot also as he made two in the quarterfinal that we watched. Rayvon had 22 points against a tough HC Elite team.
Dwayne Jones Forward (Milbank) – Jones is an undersized forward that does the dirty work for his Milbank team that doesn’t have a true big man patrolling the paint. He rebounds and scores around the basket at a high rate. Dwayne also does a formidable job guarding a player on the other team that is usually bigger than him. He tallied 12 points in the game we watched.
