From The Directors Desk: Joe Chatman (Boston Spartans)

Boston Spartans Program Celebrates

Boston Spartans have developed to one of the top grammar school AAU programs in the New England area. They won a few Basketball Spotlight banners among other championships. Joe Chatman has put together and program that continues on the rise so we decided to sit down with the Bean Town native and find out his secret. 

From The Directors Desk: Joe Chatman (Boston Spartans) 

BS: How was the Boston Spartans AAU program established? 
JC: The Spartans were established in the Spring of 2009. It started out as simply a place where kids can come and workout with me lol, when I actually could still play lol. Parents continually asked me about coaching and starting a youth team. The program grew from 1 team to 5 very solid teams. 

Diary Of A Baller: Terrence "Total Package" Clarke (Boston, MA) Entry #2

Terrence Clarke And Teammates On Trip

How's the Basketball World doing? 

I would like to welcome you all to my second BballSpotlight Diary. This week was a very up and going week due to trips around New England for sports and my team’s basketball tournament. I didn't have classes due to March Experimental Learning Program (MELP) which is something my school participates in every year. We go around New England and learn information about sports. 

St. Anthony Documentary: Part 4

Part Four of Legacy: Bob Hurley introduces viewers to a coach that has transformed Saint Anthony high school into the heartbeat of a tough, unforgiving city, and instilled the values of commitment and success in the more than 200 Friars who have graduated and continued their careers at the collegiate level. Catch the 6-part documentary every Monday - exclusively on SHOWTIME digital platforms.

After Winning State Title As 8th Grader Whats Next For Harmon?

Zion Harmon State Champion

8th Grader Zion Harmon led Bowling Green to the Kentucky High School State Championship. Harmon scored 18 points in the finals which helped Bowling Green win their first championship in school history. Now the question is if Harmon will stay in Kentucky or return to the DMV area for high school? 

Zion’s dad Mike Harmon chimed in, “Zion has a number of options. I will let him grow and develop through the summer with Boo Williams on the Nike 17U EYBL Circuit. Kentucky Basketball, with its high level coaching, unbelievable fans and fervent love the game has been great experience for Zion. Ultimately we have to make best decision for his development” said Harmon. 

So I guess we will have to see what happens next with Harmon and Basketball Spotlight will keep you guys posted.

Basketball Spotlight Alums Grab Gatorade Honors!

The 2016-2017 Gatorade Players Of The Year for each state was announced and Basketball Spotlight is proud to say we have 8 alumnus on the list. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate all the players on this list and the others that were selected. Remember this is a huge honor. 

Jahvon Quinerly (Team IZOD)- New Jersey 
Wendell Carter (Atlanta Celtics)- Georgia 
Mohammad Bamba (Mibank)- Pennsylvania 
Kyson Rawls (Team Nelson)- Delaware 
Jalek Felton (Team Felton)- South Carolina 
Azar Swain (CBC & Expressions)- Massachusetts 
Tremont Waters (Connecticut Elite)-Connecticut 
Marvin Bagley III (We All Can Go All Stars)- California

Diary Of A Baller: Terrence "Total Package" Clarke (Boston, MA)

Terrence "Total Package" Clarke

Hello Basketball World, 

My name is Terrence "Total Package" Clarke. I am blessed and honored to have a chance to give you guys an inside of my life on a weekly basis as an all around person, student, and basketball player! I would like to thank Expressions Elite for putting me to the test to play against the best of the best and BballSpotlight for recognizing the hard work I put in day in and day out in the gym. 

Zion "The Lion" Harmon Game Winners Sends Bowling Green To State Title Game!

The game-winning shot from 8th grader Zion Harmon to give Bowling Green the victory over Scott to advance to the state championship game. pic.twitter.com/mz8HlJOdgC

— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) March 19, 2017

8th Grader Zion Harmon continued his great play during the Kentucky High School Final Four by nailing the game winning shot. His shot helped his team reach the state championship.

"The Bigger Picture" Inside The Life Of Emoni Bates (Episode 2)

Emoni Bates 

Emoni Bates of Ypsilanti, Michigan has become of the hottest name in the country for the Class 2022. This youngster broke o the scene last season with the Toldeo Wildcats and took the country by storm. He w starred at all the top camps in the country including the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp, where he finished as the top prospect. 

In this episode of "The Bigger Picture" we take a look at Emoni Bates at the Bates Fundamentals basketball camp which was held in his hometown of Ypsilanti, MI. Emoni takes pride in representing his hometown so for a lot of top players to be competing in his city he had to show out! This episode is basically just an All-Access of the event. In episode 3 we will take a look back at how Emoni Bates became a national name.

8th Grader Zion Harmon Leads Team To Kentucky HS Final Four!

Zion Harmon

How did the #1 8th grader in the country do in his debut at Rupp Arena in the Sweet 16 playing VARSITY? Bowling Green High School starting guard #3 Zion Harmon finished with 17 points, hitting 3 out of 6 from 3-pt. He shot 4 of 5 from the free throw line and also collected 3 steals in the Purples 68-51 win over Graves County.

Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase Almost At Capacity!

The AC Showcase looks like it’s going to be loaded once again this year. This event will feature some of the top teams in the region while also featuring two brackets for each level. Make sure you register early because a sellout is imminent. 

8th Grade 
1. PSA Cardinals 
2. New World (White) 
3. New World (Blue) 
4. Dynamic Disciples 
5. NY Lightning 
6. Team Final (Red) 
7. SJ Titans 
8. Legendary Ballers 
9. Brooklyn Rens 
10. New Heights
11. Rising Stars
12. Baller U
13. We R 1 Bulldogs (White)
14. We R 1 Bulldogs (Blue)
15. Team ICE
16. NJ Playaz
17. Ring City
18. NY Gauchos
19. Expressions Elite
20. NJ Soldiers
21. Hoop Nation (Sportika) 
22. NJ Stronghold 
23. Milbank
24 RYZE Basketball
25. Rough Ryderz 
26. SBA Elite
27. Bulls Basketball (Red)
28. Bulls Basketball (Black)
29. Team Final (Orange)
30. Boston Spartans
31. All Ball Elite
32. NY Dragons
33. We R 1 (Blue)
34. 
35. 
36. 
37.
38. 

7th Grade 
1. Riverside Hawks 
2. New World (White) 
3. New World (Blue) 
4. PSA Cardinals 
5. Team Future 
6. SJ Titans 
7. Team Final (Red) 
8. NY Lightning 
9.  We R 1 (White)
10. Hoop Nation (Sportika) Blue
11. Team IZOD 
12. Philly Triple Threat 
13. Team Magic 
14. We R 1 Bulldogs 
15 Elmcor
16. Team Philly
17. NYC Gauchos
18. Perkasie Knights 
19. Mid Jersey Heat
20. Boston Finest
21. Severn Elite
22. Expressions Elite
23. Hoop Nation (Sportika) Red 
24. Milbank
25. Bulls Basketball 
26. Boston Spartans (White)
27. CMD
28. Brooklyn Rens
29. Rising Stars
30. 6th Man Warriors
31. Dream Chasers
32. Wiz Kids 
33. Team Magic 
34. Unlimited Basketball 
35. NJ Playaz 
36. 

6th Grade 
1.  Team Miller (Trevor)
2. Riverside Hawks 
3. NY Gauchos 
4. New Heights (Blue)
5. Team Final (Red) 
6. Team Delaware 
7. MSU Skyliners 
8. New Heights 
9. Team IZOD 
10. Philly Triple Threat 
11. T Town Ballers 
12. We R 1 Bulldogs (White)
13. We R 1 Bulldogs (Blue)
14. Wee All Stars
15. NC Red Storm
16. Team Future 
17. East Coast Elite
18. SE Starz
19. We R 1 
20. B&B Running Rebels
21. Hoop Nation (Sportika)
22. Milbank 
23. D School Elite
24. RYZE Basketball
25. FCP Hoops
26. SBA Elite
27. Bulls Basketball (Red)
28. Bulls Basketball (Black)
29. Boston Spartans
30. Brooklyn Rens
31. We R 1 (Lehigh Valley)
32. Philly Hurricanes
33. Nike Team Florida
34. Young Legends 
35. 
36.

5th Grade 
1. NY Gauchos (Harris)
2. Riverside Hawks 
3. SJ Titans 
4. New Heights
5. Team Delaware 
6. Team IZOD 
7. T Town Ballers 
8. We R 1 Bulldogs (White)
9.  CMD
10. New World 
11. Hoop Nation NYC
12. Bingo All Stars
13. Ring City
14. 6th Man Warriors
15. Milbank
16. NJ Shore Shots
17. D School Elite
18. FCP Hoops
19. Boston Spartans 
20. Rising Stars
21. Young Legends
22. NY Gauchos (Croft)
23. 6th Man Warriors (MD)
24. NY Gauchos Croft )Black)
25. Brooklyn Rens 
26. 

4th Grade 
1. New World 
2. Rising Stars 
3. NY Gauchos 
4. Team Delaware 
5. Philly Triple Threat 
6. We R 1/ Bulldogs
7. FCP Hoops
8. Philly Hurricanes 
9.
10.
11.
12. 

St. Anthony Documentary: Part 3

Part Three of Legacy: Bob Hurley introduces viewers to a coach that has transformed Saint Anthony high school into the heartbeat of a tough, unforgiving city, and instilled the values of commitment and success in the more than 200 Friars who have graduated and continued their careers at the collegiate level. Catch the 6-part documentary every Monday - exclusively on SHOWTIME digital platforms.

Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel is listed below. This ranking is just our opinion and should be taken as such. Here is the 5th Grade top team. 

Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Playtime Panthers: PP has always been one of the top baby baller programs around and this year is no different. After a runner up showing at the Tip Off Classic they took home the crown at the Clash For The Cup. 

2. Riverside Hawks: The Hawks won the Tip Off Classic and finished in the final four of the Clash For The Cup. They will be prime for the Atlantic City Showcase. 

3. Hoop Nation NYC: This talented bunch finished runner up at the Clash For The Cup and have become a good rival for the Playtime Panthers. They are scheduled for the AC Showcase. 

4. Team Durant: TD came to the Spotlight Clash and made a great impression with a final four run. This DMV crew is ready to go. Hopefully they will head down to the Atlantic City Showcase. 

5. Silverbacks National: I like this crew. They weren’t at the Clash but will be ready to put their rep on the line at the AC Showcase. 

6. NJ Shore Shots: NJSS made a good run at the Tip Off Classic. I love some of the pieces they have. They might be a great surprise during the Atlantic City Showcase. 

7. NY Gauchos: The Choz have one of the best teams on paper. Now they will bring everything together for the Atlantic City Showcase. I hope they are ready because the field is loaded. 

8. Team IZOD: IZOD had a couple of tough loses at the Clash For The Cup. I’m sure they will be ready when they travel down to the AC Showcase. 

9. Milbank: “The Bank” has some serious young talent. They are capable of giving anyone a good game. We will see how they respond in the Atlantic City Showcase. 

10. NY Rens: The Rens bring their game each time they step on the floor. Doesn’t matter that they are playing up most of the time.

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel is listed below. This ranking is just our opinion and should be taken as such. Here is the 6th Grade top team. 

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Riverside Hawks: RH returned to the top of the list after winning the Clash For The Cup crown. They got some of the top players in the region and should be a favorite in the AC Showcase. 

2. Team IZOD: Team IZOD won the Teach Me Classic crown after making a semifinal run during the Clash For The Cup. They also will be attending the loaded AC Showcase. 

3. Team Durant: This talented bunch made their Spotlight debut at the Clash For The Cup and made it to the final four. They are a scary team once they get their flow going. 

4. Boston Spartans: BS made their name known during the Clash for The Cup. They have to be considered one of the top teams around. They are not to be slept on. 

5. NY Gauchos: The Choz looked good as they made a quarterfinal run at the Clash For The Cup. They will be bringing their talents down to the AC Showcase. 

6. New Heights: NH showed they had it together at the Clash For The Cup and should be a more dangerous team during the Atlantic City Showcase. Things should be thick down there. 

7. Courtmasters Elite: CE has one of the most talented teams in the region. They showed they could get things done against anyone. 

8. Milbank: One of the most exciting young teams around. They will also be a dangerous team at the AC Showcase. 

9. NY Rens: I like this bunch. They lost a few close games at the Clash For The Cup but still has a chance to make a serious run at the AC Showcase. 

10. Elmcor Basketball: I saw this squad at the Teach Me Classic championship game. They have some talented pieces.

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel

The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel is listed below. This ranking is just our opinion and should be taken as such. Here is the 7th Grade top team. 

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. Team RIO National: TRN made it to the quarterfinals of the Clash For The Cup after losing one of the best guards in the region due to injury. They should be full strength in Atlantic City so we can see what they got. 

2. NY Gauchos: The Choz loaded up their roster and won the Clash For The Cup title. They will looking to grab another crown when they travel down to America’s Playground for the AC Showcase. 

3. New World Unlimited: NW made it to the finals of the Clash For The Cup. They are knocking on the door of a championship and might get it done at the AC Showcase. The field will be loaded. 

4. PSA Cardinals: The Cardinals lost in the final four of the Clash after losing to eventual champion NY Gauchos. They also are slated for the loaded Atlantic City Showcase. 

5. Team Takeover (Black): TTO made it to the final four of the Clash For The Cup before losing a thriller to New World. They have one of the most talented squads in the region and will be reckoned with. 

6. Riverside Hawks: The Hawks present all kinds of problems for opponents. They made a quarterfinal run during the Clash For The Cup and now will looking to the banner down at the Atlantic City Showcase. 

7. Team Final: TF has some of top talent in the region. They got knocked off in the quarterfinals of the Clash For The Cup. Hopefully we see them soon back at the Spotlight. 

8. NJ Shore Shots: This is fun group to watch. Regardless of the competition they come hard and leaves everything on the floor. 

9. Team Future: The Chester based squad came through and won the 7th Grade Blue Division Championship. Their next stop will be the loaded AC Showcase. 

10. Boston Spartans: The Spartans had a tough pool at the Clash For The Cup. But I like the talent I saw on their squad. Keep an eye on this bunch.

FUTURE OF JELLY FAM ON DISPLAY!

Isaiah Washington, Jermel Thomas and Karriem Thomas

Basketball Spotlight Alums Isaiah Washington and Sid Wilson are current members of the JellyFam Movement. Their movement has taken the country by storm and now they have decided to look into the JellyFam future. Isaiah Washington and Jelly Fam member Sid Wilson  Workout with Reim & Mel Mel (Jermel Thomas and Karriem Thomas. Jermel is Class of 2026 & Karriem is Class of 2023) at the place where "Jelly" all began. I’m so proud of all these kids and wish them the best.

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel!

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel is listed below. This ranking is just our opinion and should be taken as such. Here is the 8th Grade top team. 

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 

1. NY Rens: The NY Rens new additions has pushed them into one of the top teams in the country. They ran through the Clash For The Cup and mercy ruled every opponent. Moussa Cisse, Shane Dezonie and Tristan Jeffries were great pickups. 

2. Team Takeover: TTO finished as runner up at the Clash For The Cup. They have some serious players such as Trevor Keels, Victory Naboya and Chase Davis. Their tradition will greatly carry on. 

3. New World Unlimited: NWU is probably the best defensive team in the country. They have been totally dominant playing in leagues and other events. When you add the Tip Off Classic Championship to their resume it makes them look even better. 

4. Milbank: “The Bank” has been one of the most consistent teams in the region. They made the final four in the Tip Off Classic and Clash For The Cup. They are a real scrappy squad that plays with energy. 

5. PSA Cardinals: The Cardinals return to Spotlight action for the Atlantic City Showcase. They have one of the front lines in the region and will be looking to return to the top. 

6. Team Final: TF showed us something during the Tip Off Classic. Hopefully we will see them soon maybe in the Atlantic City Showcase. 

7. Dynamic Disciples: I like the energy this new squad brought to the table. Mohammed Aminu is a nice shooting guard they you need to keep an eye on. 

8. We R 1 Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are one of the toughest teams around and showed me a good showing at the AC Showcase. 

9. NJ Playaz: The NJ Playaz showed some worth at the Clash For The Cup. Amare Marshall is turning into a wing guard to know in the Northeast. 

10. Expressions Elite: The X didn’t have a good showing during the Clash For The Cup but should be ready to go once they hit the AC Showcase.

St. Anthony Documentary Part 2

Part Two of Legacy: Bob Hurley introduces viewers to a coach that has transformed Saint Anthony high school into the heartbeat of a tough, unforgiving city, and instilled the values of commitment and success in the more than 200 Friars who have graduated and continued their careers at the collegiate level. Catch the 6-part documentary every Monday - exclusively on SHOWTIME digital platforms.

Sheraton Hotel To Host Atlantic City Showcase!

The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase once again will be hosted by the beautiful Sheraton Hotel. The hotel sits right in the middle of the Atlantic City Shopping Outlet stores and has long been the place to stay in America's Playground. Make sure your register quickly for your room because they will be going quickly. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ROOM