Atlantic City Showcase Gets Early Attention!

The Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase is on the way. The event will sell out as we don’t have as many floors as we did last year. Please make sure you guys register early. The committed teams are listed below. 

8th Grade Teams 
1. Riverside Hawks 
2. Team Philly 
3. NJ Playaz 
4. NJ Bulldogs (Blue) 
5. Lincoln Park 
6. We R 1 (Future)
7. Hilltoppers Heat 
8. Rising Stars Elite 
9. Philly Triple Threat 
10. Team Rio National 
11. PSA Cardinals (Red) 
12. NJ Pirates 
13. East Coast Elite 
14. Wall 2 Wall 
15. Team IZOD
16. Gym Ratz
17. All Business Sports 
18. Kings Unlimited 
19. Gauchos 
20. Milbank 
21. Team Tornadoes 
22. Hoop Wave Elite
23. Point Pleasant Panthers 
24. Kings Unlimited (2)

7th Grade Teams 
1. Riverside Hawks 
2. NJ Playaz 
3. NJ Bulldogs (Black) 
4. NJ Bulldogs (Blue) 
5. NJ Pirates 
6. NY Gauchos 
7. We R 1 
8. Hilltoppers Heat 
9. Philly Triple Threat 
10. Fidonce Basketball 
11. NY Rens
12. Albany City Rock 
13. T Town Ballers 
14. Kings Unlimited 
15. Team IZOD
16. Team Different
17. The Association
18. Gym Rats 
19. Milbank
20. Courtmasters Elite
21. Point Pleasant Panthers 
22. NJ Bulldogs (Chris)
23. East Coast Elite
24. King Street Kings 

6th Grade Teams 
1. NJ Bulldogs (Black) 
2. East Coast Elite 
3. NJ Pirates 
4. Riverside Hawks 
5. NY Gauchos 
6. Team Philly 
7. AC Boys Club 
8. We R 1 
9. Hilltoppers Heat 
10. Fidonce Basketball 
11. New Heights
12. T Town Ballers
13. Nova 94 Feet Impact Elite 
14. Ring City 
15. CT Express
16. Wall 2 Wall 

5th Grade Team 
1. NJ Bulldogs (Black) 
2. Milbank
3. AC Boys Club 
4. Philly Triple Threat 
5. NY Gauchos (Mitchell) 
6. NY Gauchos (Croft) 
7. Silverbacks National 
8. Team Delaware
9.  Elm City Elite 
10. NY Hornets
11. New Heights 
12. Team Different 
13. East Coast Elite 
14. The Truth 
15.  FCP Elite 
16. West Side Warriors 

4th Grade 
1. Riverside Hawks (White) 
2. Riverside Hawks (Blue) 
3. Riverside 3rd 
4. DC Blue Devils  
5. New Heights 
6. ASA Select 
7. T Town Ballers 
8. Kings Unlimited 
9. 845 Elite 
10. Fidonce Basketball 
11. Team Delaware
12. NY Hornets 
13. NY Gauchos  
14. Wall 2 Wall 
15.  Team IZOD
16. MPO Elite 

Diary Of A Baller: Jaquan Harris (North Brunswick, NJ) Entry #5

Jaquan Harris

What’s Up Basketball Spotlight World, It’s Jaquan Harris and I’m back with my Diary Of A Baller. Here’s how my week went. 

CLASH FOR THE CUP MIXTAPE!

The Clash For The Cup was total fire. Some of the best talent in the region came through and showed their skills. Check out the mixtape below and we will see you guys at the Atlantic City Showcase. 

 

Basketball Spotlight And AGame Sports Apparel Presents: The Landscapers Podcast!

Basketball Spotlight and AGame Sports Apparel has come together to bring you The Landscapers Podcast. The Landscapers Podcast will look at Grassroots Basketball from the top to the bottom. We have exclusive guest coming through with remarkable stories and their intake into the basketball world. Stay tuned as Mike Melton (Basketball Spotlight) and Carl Hines (AGame Sports Apparel) bring you the hot topics and best guest into the basketball grassroots. 

EPISODE 1 MEET THE LANDESCAPERS</a>

EPISODE 2 THE NJ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LANDSCAPE AND PREDICTIONS

EPISODE 3 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEL GRECO WILSON 

EPISODE 4 BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT TOP 10 AAU TEAMS (FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL)

Basketball Spotlight Exclusive: Zion Cruz "I'm Made Different" Episode #1

Hard Word & Pay Off

Zion Cruz is considered one of the top guards in the country. Now TB Media has decided to give us a look into his life. Here is episode #1 “I’m Made Different”. Stay tuned as we bring you upcoming episodes.

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

The Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 is listed below. Please remember these rankings are based on our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LANDSCAPERS PODCAST

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

The Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 is listed below. Please remember these rankings are based on our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LANDSCAPERS PODCAST

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

The Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 is listed below. Please remember these rankings are based on our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LANDSCAPERS PODCAST

Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

The Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 is listed below. Please remember these rankings are based on our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LANDSCAPERS PODCAST

Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast

The Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade Top 10 is listed below. Please remember these rankings are based on our opinion and should be taken as such. 

Basketball Spotlight 4th Grade Top 10 Presented By The Landscapers Podcast 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LANDSCAPERS PODCAST

Emoni Bates Showing Off!

8th grader Emoni Bates already going between the legs 😳 @BatesEmoni pic.twitter.com/GwTyUFMrN1

— Overtime (@overtime) February 2, 2018

Diary Of A Baller: Jaquan Harris (North Brunswick, NJ) Entry #4

Jaquan And Friends

What’s Up Basketball Spotlight World, It’s Jaquan Harris and I’m back with my Diary Of A Baller. Here’s how my week went. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale Point Totals Update!

The Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale is back. This exclusive event will bring together to Top 4 point recipients in each grade division. Teams receive points by their placement in the Basketball Spotlight events. Below is the point total list after the Tip Off Classic. The Grand Finale will take place June 23rd and 24th and he winner of each division will win Custom Uniforms Courtesy of AGame Team Apparel. 

Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale Point Totals 

8th Grade Points 
Riverside Hawks (7 Points) 
Team Loaded (7 Points) 
Team Thrill (5 Points) 
NJ Bulldogs (5 Points) 
NJ Playaz (5 Points) 
New Heights (4 Points) 
Team Final (3 Points) 
NY Gauchos (3 Points) 
We R 1 (3 Points) 

7th Grade Points 
New Heights (7 Points) 
Riverside Hawks (7 Points) 
Team Thrill (5 Points) 
Team Durant (5 Points) 
Middletown Finest (5 Points) 
NJ Playaz (4 Points) 
Team IZOD (4 Points) 
Philly Triple Threat (3 Points) 

6th Grade Points 
NY Gauchos Orange (10 Points) 
Jersey City Boys And Girls Club (7 Points) 
Fidonce Basketball (7 Points) 
Riverside Hawks (5 Points) 
Playtime Panthers (4 Points) 
Rising Stars Elite (4 Points) 
NJ Bulldogs (3 Points) 
NY Gauchos Black (3 Points) 

5th Grade Points 
NY Gauchos Croft (8 Points) 
Silverback Nationals (7 Points) 
NY Gauchos Mitchell (6 Points) 
Team Durant (5 Points) 
King Street Kings (5 Points) 
Philly Triple Threats (3 Points) 
845 Elite (3 Points) 
NY Rens (3 Points) 

4th Grade Points 
Riverside Hawks Blue (7 Points) 
Riverside Hawks (3rd) (6 Points) 
New World (5 Points) 
NY Rens (4 Points) 
Philly Triple Threat (4 Points) 
Team Takeover (3 Points) 
Maryland Wizards (3 Points)

What Did We Learn At The Clash For The Cup?

The Clash For The Cup is in the books and it was a great event. It also gave us the chance to learn a few things about after this event. 

 What Did We Learn At The Clash For The Cup?

Team Thrill Is Real! 

Every so often a team comes along that catches our attention because of their style and pure domination. During the Clash For The Cup that team was Team Thrill based out of Baltimore, MD. Thrill punished most of their opponents all weekend with their smothering defense and explosive offensive style. They mercy ruled all but one opponent before cruising to the crown. If there’s a better 8th Grade team in America please point them out. Coach Mookie’s crew have joined the land of elite in terms of nicknames. Introducing Team Thrill AKA Legion Of Dome (LOD).

Garden State Is Guard Crazy! 

After looking over my notes from the Clash it came to my attention that the NJ Class of 2022 is loaded with high level guards. The NJ Bulldogs possess Jaquan Harris, Corey Floyd and Joe Baskerville, NJ Playaz send out talented duo Will Richardson and Desean Lecque. Team Rio Brings Jayden Pierre and Ben Roy to the table while the NY Rens showcase super guard Zion Cruz and Denver Anglin. It seems like the Garden State will be in good hands for years to come.

NY Gauchos Chasing Greatness! 

The Gauchos 6th Grade crew has won the Tip Off Classic and Clash For The Cup. They have gone undefeated through both events which is significant because no team has ever gone through the entire Spotlight circuit without taking a least one loss. The Atlantic City Showcase, Memorial Day Classic and Grand Finale stands in their way of greatness. Will the Choz run the table?

DMV Showing Dominance! 

During the Clash For The Cup it was evident that the DMV area had some dominant teams. They won the 7th Grade (Team Durant) and 8th Grade (Team Thrill) championships. While also impressing us with the play of Team Loaded and New World. The area is loaded with serious talent for teams and players. You can put this area up against any around the country right now.

Spotlight Alums Antoine and Lewis Put On Dunkfest!

Ranney defeats TRN 76- 52
advancing to the #SCT semi-finals. @Scott_lewis_23 & @BryanAntoine_ were literally dunking EVERYTHING! pic.twitter.com/DFrZBD813u

— NJ Basketball (@NJHoopRecruit) February 18, 2018

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Best Of The Best & All-Tournament Team

The Clash For The Cup had some good talent in the 6th Grade Class. Here’s our Best Of The Best and All Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Best Of The Best 

Best Performer: Nas Simmons (NY Gauchos)- Simmons put in the work to help The Choz win back to back Spotlight tournaments. He showed he could boogie with the best of them. 

Best Prospect: Jaylen Mayo (JCBC)- Mayo was a man-child over the weekend. He fought off double teams and sagging defenses to get buckets. 

Best Playmaker: Dwayne Pierce (NY Gauchos)- Pierce is a supreme playmaker. He makes things happen with his all-around play. This kid does it all. 

Best Shooter: Gabe Ferencz (Rising Stars Elite)- Gabe showed off his mean ratchet throughout the weekend. He isn’t afraid to pull the trigger from anywhere. 

Best Scorer: Umar Sabree (Fidonce Basketball)- Sabree got buckets as usual. He drained shots from all over the floor. He’s a certified bucket getter. 

Best Floor General: Naim Parrish (NJ Shore Shots)- Parrish is known to get everyone involved. He sets the tempo and sees the floor with the best of them. 

Best Defender: Donovan Freeman (JCBC)- The rim protector was a problem for the opposition all weekend. His length presents a lot of problems. 

Best Fresh Face: Jordan Howe (Rising Stars Elite)- Howe made his splash at the Clash and now he’s on our radar. We will be keep our eye on him moving forward. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade All-Tournament Team 

Nas Simmons (NY Gauchos) 
Dwyane Pierce (NY Gauchos) 
Danny Carbuccia (NY Gauchos) 
Aamyr Sullivan (NY Gauchos) 
Johnuel Fland (NY Gauchos) 
Umar Sabree (Fidonce) 
Anthony Finkley (Fidonce) 
Khaafiq Myers (Fidonce) 
Jaliek Mattox (Fidonce) 
Jaylen Mayo (JCBC) 
Donavan Freeman (JCBC) 
Malcolm Ford, Jr. (JCBC) 
Jayden Ramirez (Riverside Hawks) 
A.J. Rodriquez (Riverside Hawks)

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Best Of The Best & All Tournament Team

The Clash For The Cup had some good talent in the 7th Grade Class. Here’s our Best Of The Best and All Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Best Of The Best 

Best Performer: Ace Valentine (Team Durant)- Valentine’s Day came early as Ace lead the crew to the Clash For The Cup. Kid can flat out get it done. 

Best Prospect: DJ Wagner (Team Final)- Wagner showed it’s definitely in the genes. DJ can score from all three levels but also possesses point guard principals. 

Best Playmaker: “Slick” Nick Padilla (Riverside Hawks)- Padilla had the crowd buzzing with his showman style. If you love wiggle in the game check out “Slick” Nick. 

Best Shooter: Dylan Seay (NY Rens)- This kid showed he could shoot the lights out. His size makes it a little easier to get it off. 

Best Scorer: William Norman (NJ Bulldogs)- Norman got busy all weekend putting up heavy numbers. Once he gets started the points just pile up. 

Best Floor General: Christian Bliss (NY Rens)- Bliss quarterbacked his squad to the final four. He literally coached his squad on and off the floor. 

Best Defender: Imeru McManus (New Heights)- McManus can guard multiple positions and hit the glass hard. His play helped them reach the final four. 

Best Fresh Face: Mackenzie MgBako (Riverside Hawks)- This kid opened our eyes up. He’s truly an intriguing prospect. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade All-Tournament Team 

Ace Valentine (Team Durant) 
Amani Hansberry (Team Durant) 
Del Jones (Team Durant) 
Cameron Gillus (Team Durant) 
Nathan Guerengomba (Team Durant) 
Nick Padilla (Riverside Hawks) 
Mackenzie MgBako (Riverside Hawks) 
Jomani Wright (Riverside Hawks) 
Caleb Crawford (Riverside Hawks) 
Nico Andrews (Riverside Hawks) 
Dylan Seay (NY Rens) 
Dante Green (NY Rens) 
Christian Bliss (NY Rens) 
Imeru McManus (New Heights) 
Jaiden Williams (New Heights) 
Kenny Satterfield Jr. (New Heights)

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Best Of The Best & All Tournament Team

The Clash For The Cup had some of the best talent in the 8th Grade Class. Here’s our Best Of The Best and All Tournament Team. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Best Of The Best 

Best Performer: Jarace Walker (Team Thrill)- Walker made a point to show he arguably the best player in the country. He put on a show. 

Best Prospect: Jaquan Harris (NJ Bulldogs)- Since Walker took home MVP, we will give the best prospect nod to Harris from Jersey. The big point guard versatility will take him a long way. 

Best Playmaker: Will “The Real Deal” Richardson (Playaz)- “The Real Deal” was worth the price of admission. The kid has a lot of game with him. 

Best Shooter: Christian Winborne (Team Thrill)- Winborne stroke kept the defense on their heels and he torched the zones. He can knock it down from a different area code. Best Scorer: 

Best Scorer: Issac Gonzalez (New Heights): Gonzalez is known for getting buckets and did it again at the Clash For The Cup. He’s one of the best scorers in the country. 

Best Floor General: Rodney Rice (Team Loaded)- Rice ran the show all weekend for Loaded. His size makes him real intriguing at the point. 

Best Defender: Sammy Scott (Team Thrill)- Scott gave ball handlers fits all weekend. He locked in a like pit bull. He was a nightmare for the opposition. 

Best Fresh Face: Favour Aire (New World)- The 6’10 8th Grader caused a lot of chatter around the gym at the Clash. He was a problem especially on the defensive end and a name to know in coming years. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade All-Tournament Team 
Jarace Walker (Team Thrill) 
Sammy Scott (Team Thrill) 
Christian Winborne (Team Thrill) 
Antonio Hamlin (Team Thrill) 
Andrew Rheubottom (Team Thrill) 
Issac Gonzalez (New Heights) 
Chisom Okpara (New Heights) 
Lucious Gibson (New Heights) 
Jaquan Harris (NJ Bulldogs) 
Corey Floyd (NJ Bulldogs) 
Will Richardson (NJ Playaz) 
Desean Lecque (NJ Playaz)

Baby Baller: Alert: Judah Bontemps (Riverside Hawks)

NAME: JUDAH BONTEMPS 

AAU TEAM: RIVERSIDE HAWKS 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: TYPICAL AT EVERY SPOTLIGHT EVENT THAT WE HAVE TREMENDOUS GUARD PLAY. THE RIVERSIDE HAWKS JUST SO HAPPEN TO HAVE A NUMBER OF GREAT GUARDS ON ONE TEAM, BUT DON'T LET THAT TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM YOUNG MR JUDAH. EVEN WHEN HE’S ON THE SAME TEAM WITH THOSE OTHER GREAT GUARDS HE'S STILL "THE PG" ... JUST SO FLAT OUT STRONG AND SKILLED WITH THE BALL IN HIS HANDS. THIS YOUNG DYNAMO IS ELECTRIC IN THE OPEN FLOOR. ALREADY DISPLAYS THE BBALL IQ TO TAKE WHAT THE COACH DRAWS FROM THE CLIPBOARD TO THE COURT. ROUTINELY BEATS THE PRESS WITH HIS SPEED AND BALL HANDLE SAVY. BUT WHAT I LIKE MOST IS HIS "WANT" TO HAVE THE BALL IN HIS HANDS IN THE PRESSURE SITUATIONS. ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVS.

Baby Baller Alert: Johnny Magna (Riverside Hawks)

NAME: JOHNNY MAGNA AKA "TV JOHNNY" 

AAU TEAM: RIVERSIDE HAWKS 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: THE BIGGER THE GAME THE BIGGER THIS KID PLAYS. SO THAT'S HOW I CAME UP WITH THE NICK MANE "TV JOHNNY" THIS KID WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS PG OR SG. SHOOTS THE BALL EXTREMELY WELL WITH RANGE. HANDLES THE BALL WITH THE BEST OF THEM. JUST ASK THE KID HE AND 1 MIXED TAPPED AND MADE FALL IN THE SEMI FINAL GAME AND HAD THE GYM GOING CRAZY. WEATHER ITS A CLUTCH 3 OR A BIG ASSIST TV JOHNNY DELIVERS ON THE BIGGEST OF STAGES.

Clash For The Cup Highlights: Rice Cooking At The Clash!

Rodney Rice

Rodney Rice stock is on the rise and he showed it during the Clash For The Cup. The big guard proved he could also run the point and score the rock when needed. Check out his highlights and stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Clash For The Cup.

Spotlight Alum Quinerly Commits To Villanova!

Basketball Spotlight is proud to announce the Alum Jahvon Quinerly has committed to Villanova University. Quinerly spent his grammar school career starring on the Spotlight with Playtime, Team Elite, King Street Kings, and Sports U AKA Supreme Team. The point guard took home several titles while claiming the Spotlight POY as an 8th Grader. His play has edged his name in stone of Spotlight legacy. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate Jahvon and his family on this commitment and for all his future endeavors. Remember this is just the beginning and continue to work hard. Stay tuned as Basketball Spotlight bring you more former stars making their college commitments.

Dreams Do Come True 🙏🏼 @theunguarded #HappyVDay

A post shared by Jahvon Quinerly (@jelllyjq) on Feb 14, 2018 at 5:33am PST

Diary Of A Baller: Jaquan Harris (North Brunswick, NJ) Entry #3

Jaquan Harris

Hello Bballspotlight World, 

It’s Jaquan Harris and I’m Back with Week 3 of my Diary Of A Baller. Here’s how my week went. 

Monday: I woke up at 6:00 like usual getting ready for school. I had to be focused because next week I have exams and I have to good on it there’s no other option. The school day was one of the days that I really had to work hard and make sure I understood everything that I was being told. So, when I got home I studied until I had to go to boxing at 7:00. I ended the day with my family watching basketball as usual. 

Baby Baller Alert: Jermel "Mel Mel" Thomas (845 Elite)

NAME: JERMEL THOMAS 

AAU TEAM: 845 ELITE 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP

BREAKDOWN: THIS KID IS ONE OF 3 PG'S THAT CAME THROUGH SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK IN THEIR AGE DIVISION AND THEY ALL IMMEDIATELY CATCH YOUR ATTENTION. BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS KID KNOWN AS MEL ,,,,, DYNAMIC WITH THE BALL IN HIS HANDS ,,,,, HE CAN DO WHATEVER HE WANTS HE WANTS AT THIS LEVEL ….. THIS KID CAN SCORE AT WILL OR HE CAN BE THE PERFECT EXTENSION OF A COACH BY RUNNING THE TEAM AND GETTING EVERYONE ELSE INVOLVED ….. THIS KID VERY WELL MAY BE THE BEST PG IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF NY, AS HE GROWS SO WILL HIS LEGEND …… HE CHRIS MULLIN SEND THE OFFER RIGHT NOW ,,,,, TRUST ME

Baby Baller Alert: Jahmil Owusu (Riverside Hawks)

NAME: JAHMIL OWUSU 

AAU TEAM: RIVERSIDE HAWKS 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: JUST MAY BE THE BEST GUARD AT HIS AGE IN THE STATE OF NJ. OF COURSE HE DISPLAYS THAT CLASSIC NORTH JERSEY BALL HANDLE, BUT DON’T LET THAT FOOL YOU. ITS NOT JUST “FLASH” OVER SUBSTANCE WITH THIS KID. HES ALWAYS THE MOST SKILLED KID WHEN HES ON THE COURT BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HES ALSO THE SMARTEST KID ON THE COURT AS WELL. SO HERE I GO AGAIN BOOK IT ….. TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS POST …. MARK IT DOWN RIGHT NOW. HE WILL ONE DAY BE RATED THE #1 RATED HIGH SCHOOL PG IN THE STATE OF NJ IN THE NEXT 4 TO 5 YEARS! …. HEY KEVIN BOYLE REMEMBER A KID NAMED KYRIE WHATS HIS NAME?

Baby Baller Alert: Kiyan Anthony (NY Gauchos)

PLAYER: KIYAN ANTHONY 

AAU TEAM: NY GAUCHOS 

GRADE: 5TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: LONG GUARD/WING COMBO WHO IS FUNDAMENTALLY SOLID WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND COURT SAVVY. ALREADY KNOWS HOW TO GET DEFENDERS OFF BALANCE WITH GREAT FOOTWORK AND TRIPLE TREAT POSITIONING. ONCE HE GROWS AND DEVELOPS THE STRENGTH TO EXECUTE WHAT HIS MIND IS ALREADY DISPLAYING HE WILL BE A KILLER ON THAT BASELINE/ WING EXTENDED.

Baby Baller Alert: Markell Alston (NY Gauchos)

NAME: MARKELL ALSTON 

AAU TEAM: NY GAUCHOS 

GRADE: 5TH 

POSITION: FORWARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: ATHLETIC STRONG WING WHO WAS A DEFENSIVE NIGHTMARE AT THE TOP OF THE GAUCHOS PRESS. STRONG DRIVER WITH THE ABILITY TO FINISH AROUND THE RIM, THROUGH CONTACT AND OVER SIZE. ALREADY MUCH STRONGER THAN THE COMPETITION IN THIS AGE GROUP, MARKELL POSSESSES VERY LONG ARMS AND HUGE FEET FOR HIS SIZE. WHICH LEADS ME TO THINK HE WILL HAVE A MONSTER GROWTH SPURT. IF THIS KID GROWS TO 6'7-6'8 JUST BOOK IT ....

Baby Baller Alert: Judah Hildalgo (We R 1)

NAME: JUDAH HILDALGO 

AAU TEAM: WE R 1 

GRADE: 5TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: THE DO IT ALL COMBO GUARD DEFENDS ALL 5 POSITIONS, PLAYS IN THE FRONT COURT ON DEFENSE, BUT IS STILL THE TEAM PG ON OFFENSE. EXTREMELY HIGH BBALL IQ FOR THIS AGE BRACKET DEFINITELY A PLAYER TO WATCH.

Clash For The Cup Highlights: "Slick" Nick Sizzles At Clash!

Nick Padilla

Nick Padilla has turned it on this season and showed it at the Clash For The Cup. He dazzled the crowd while helping Riverside Hawks reach the finals. Introducing “Slick” Nick Padilla. Check out his highlights and stay tuned because we have more coverage to come.

Baby Ballers Alert: Jordan Skyers (845 Elite)

NAME: JORDAN SKYERS 

AAU TEAM: 845 ELITE 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: THE OTHER HALF OF THE DOMINANT 845 ELITE 4TH GRADE BACK COURT THAT’S JUST FLAT OUT HARD TO DEAL WITH, BUT I WANT TO PAY ATTENTION AND LISTEN UP CLOSELY ,,,, MARK THIS DOWN, TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS POST JORDAN SKYERS IS ABSOLUTELY THE REAL DEAL. I HAVE WATCHED SOME VARSITY STARTING GUARDS WHO DON’T PLAY WITH THIS KIDS PACE & FEEL. WHEN I'M MAKING MY ROUNDS ALL AROUND THE CLASH SOON AS I SEE THIS KID HE MAKES ME STOP AND PAY ATTENTION.

Baby Baller Alert: Orlando Morris (Riverside Hawks)

NAME: ORLANDO MORRIS 

AAU TEAM: RIVERSIDE HAWKS 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

EVENT: CLASH FOR THE CUP 

BREAKDOWN: NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME AT THE PURE SKILL LEVEL OF THESE KIDS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE. THIS KID UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF USING A REVERSE BALL DRIBBLE, CRAB DRIBBLE AND A HESITATION DRIBBLE NOT JUST TO SCORE BUT TO BACK OUT OF TRAFFIC AND GET HIS TEAM OUT OF BAD SITUATIONS THAT MOSTLY LEADS TO TURNOVERS. PLAYING WITH ONLY FOUR STARTERS TOWARDS THE END, AFTER HAVING A COUPLE OF HIS TEAMMATES FOUL OUT THIS KID NEVER WAVERED IN HIS RELENTLESS APPROACH AT MAKING SURE HE GOT THE BALL IN HIS HANDS NOT ONLY TO BREAK DOWN THE OTHER TEAMS PRESS BUT I FEEL MORE SO TO CALM HIS TEAM DOWN AND INFUSING THEM WITH CONFIDENCE THAT HE WOULD MAKE THE RIGHT PLAY TO KEEP THEM AHEAD. YOU CAN EASILY TELL HES A COACHES KID, VERY HIGH BBALL IQ ON THIS ONE. … DID I FORGET TO MENTION HE 8 YRS OLD?

Baby Baller Alert: Mickell Taylor (Playtime Panthers)

NAME: MICKELL TAYLOR 

AAU TEAM: PLAYTIME PANTHERS 

GRADE: 4TH 

POSITION: GUARD 

BREAKDOWN: SUPER TOUGH KID WITH AN EXCELLENT BALL HANDLE AND A SUPER SOFT TOUCH AT FINISHING AT THE OVER SIZE AT THE RIM. DISPLAYED BIG TIME HEART AND CHARACTER IN A TOUGH LOSS TO THE EVENTUAL 4TH GRADE CHAMPS IN RIVERSIDE.

Baby Baller Alert: Stephon Ashley-Wright (Wilmington, DE)

Name: Stephon Ashley-Wright 

Grade: 5th 

Position: Point Guard 

Event: Delaware Middle School Explosion 

Hometown: Wilmington, DE 

Breakdown: Ashley-Wright showed he was rated Top 5 at the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. He breezed through defenders and scored with a flurry of finishers. He was the start of the Future Game at the Delaware Middle School Explosion. This youngster has a unique package of skills and will be a joy to watch for years to come.

Imagine getting a full minute highlight reel out of just 8mins of game play, impossible right?

Not if your Stephon Ashley - Wright@BBallspotlight @TheHoopGroup pic.twitter.com/mCo31y0evf

— DE Bball Explosion (@bballexplosion) February 13, 2018

Baby Baller Alert: Jezelle "Gee Gee" Banks (Wilmington, DE)

Name: Jezelle Banks 

Grade: 3rd 

Position: Point Guard 

Event: Delaware Middle School Explosion 

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Breakdown: Banks stole the show during the first Future Game exhibition at the Delaware Middle School Explosion. She ripped several ball handlers while converting buckets on the other end. Gee Gee will be force to reckoned with on the girls scene in years.

Delaware Middle School Explosion Game 2 Recap

Masud Stewart

The Delaware Middle School Explosion took place Sunday and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. In Game 2 the Black Team Defeated the White Team 81-73. Here are the top performers we saw from Game 2. 

Delaware Middle School Explosion Top Performers Game 2 

Black Team MOP – Masud Stewart Guard (Wilmington)- It’s always great to discover new talent and I was say this kid really impressed me in Delaware. Stewart was a offensive problem at the Delaware Middle School Explosion. In the beginning he attacked the cup especially in transition, using his solid frame to absorb contact before finishing. Then he let us see his outside shooting which he can do in rhythm or off the bounce. I don’t know what team this kid will rock with but someone will be getting a gem. He tallied a game high 25 points in the victory.

Delaware Middle School Explosion Game 1 Recap

Demere Hollingsworth

The Delaware Middle School Explosion took place Sunday and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. In Game 1 the Black Team defeated the White Team 65-49. Here’s a recap from Game 1. 

Delaware Middle School Explosion Top Performers Game 1 

Black Team MOP- Demere Hollingsworth Forward (Wilmington)- The strong forward forced his will on the competition. Offensively, he crashed the glass, got put backs and scored off of dimes from teammates. He scored through contact and showed good touch. He wasn’t simply a back to the basket player he also could put it on the deck and attack off the bounce.

Clash For The Cup Highlights: Harris Having His Way!

Jaquan Harris @ The 2018 Clash For Cup 🏆 BUCKET ✅ @jaquanharriss__

A post shared by Basketball Spotlight 🏀 (@bballspotlight) on Feb 10, 2018 at 3:55pm PST

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Naim Parrish

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup gave us a look into the bright future of the players in this region. Here’s Part 3 of our top performers from the Clash. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

Naiim Parrish Guard (NJ Shoreshots) – Parrish puts you in the mindset of a young Steph Curry. He is a combo guard that can flat out score the ball. He uses his nifty handles to get where he wants on the floor and isn’t afraid to let it fly from deep. He finished with 13 points in the game we watched.

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Clash For The Cup Top Performers Part 2

Jaylen Mayo

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup gave us a look into the bright future of the players in this region. Here’s Part 2 of our top performers from the Clash. 

Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Clash For The Cup Top Performers Part 2 

Jaylen Mayo Forward (JCBC) – Mayo was the most dominant force in the 6th grade division. His size, strength, and toughness allow him to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. Jaylen rebounds everything and finishes through contact when he receives an entry pass or gets an offensive rebound. Defensively he is an eraser blocking shot after shot and he converts his free throws as he was 5 for 6 in the game we saw. He finished with 23 points in the game we watched.

Clash For The Cup Highlights: Introducing Will "The Real Deal" Richardson

Will "The Real Deal" Richardson

I got word from Will Richardson’s father Mike that he was coming for the crown this year and I must say the kid has been on fire. He looked great at the Clash For The Cup so check out his highlights. Introducing Will “The Real Deal” Richardson.

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Nas Simmons

The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup gave us a look into the bright future of the players in this region. Here’s Part 1 of our top performers from the Clash. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1 

Nas Simmons Guard (NY Gauchos) – Simmons was getting buckets all weekend. Every time we looked he was finishing at the rim or hitting a jump shot. He always seemed to be out in front on the break receiving a pass from a teammate or he was pushing the ball finishing himself. Nas used multiple spin moves to finish in traffic. He definitely was playing fast and looked like he was having fun in the Gauchos fast paced style of play. He finished with 23 points in the championship and he seemed to live at the FT line making 8 of 10 free throws.

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3

DJ Wagner

The 7th Grade Division of the Clash For The Cup produced some of the best talent in the region. Here’s Part 3 of our top performers from the event. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 3 

DJ Wagner Guard (Team Final)- The comparisons to his grandfather and father will be coming and rightfully so because this kid can go. I handle, shooting and movement resembles his father but his size seems to leaning towards the elder Wagner. Of course, he can score from all three levels but I was really impressed with his ability to finish with his off hand. He finished off several drives with the left and made it look easy. This kid will be on the national scene for years to come.

Clash For The Cup Highlights: Gonzalez Going Hard!

Issac Gonzalez

Issac Gonzalez has been on a tear since the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp last summer. During the Clash For The Cup he showcased some serious talent. Check out his highlights and remember to stay tuned because we have tons of coverage still coming!

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Dylan Seay

The 7th Grade Division of the Clash For The Cup produced some of the best talent in the region. Here’s Part 2 of our top performers from the event. 

Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2 

Dylan Seay Guard (NY Rens)- Dylan had a big weekend for the NY Rens. He’s a natural matchup problem because of his size. He also shoots the rock with good accuracy from the perimeter. I like when he is flowing with aggression and attacking the defense. His game definitely stood out in our eyes. He drained 3 treys against Riverside Hawks in the semifinals.

In The Spotlight: Kyle Hicks (Expressions Elite)

Name: Kyle Hicks 

Position: Point Guard 

AAU Team: Expressions Elite 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Hicks is a sturdy point guard with nice size. He plays with a good pace and he can either be a scorer or a facilitator. He likes to get into the teeth of the defense and makes plays. Kyle has a good handle and always seems to have command of the game. We also like him as a very good defender that can cause problems for the opposing teams point guard.

In The Spotlight: Chandler Wilson Jr. (Expressions Elite)

Name: Chandler Wilson, Jr. 

Position: Shooting Guard 

AAU Team: Expressions Elite

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Wilson is the long range sniper for his team. The lefty has great range and a nice form. In the game we watched he knocked down three 3-pointers. What also intrigued us about him is that he has very long arms looking like he will grow a lot more. His length makes him a potential lock down defender being able to guard multiple positions.

Diary Of A Baller: Jaquan Harris (North Brunswick, NJ) Entry #2

Jaquan Harris Getting Busy

What’s Up, Basketball world it Jaquan Harris and I’m back for another week of Diary Of A Baller. Here’s how my week went. 

Monday: Back to the same routine up early for school. Monday was the day after my tournament so I was pretty tired and sore but I couldn’t let it affect me in school. I had to fight through it and still get done what I had to do. After school I had boxing at about 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. I do boxing to help my cardio and so I can get more aggressive on the court. I enjoy it a lot it’s a good change to do something other the basketball. 

Jersey Force AAU Tryouts Coming Up!

The Jersey Force has turned into one of the top AAU programs in the Tri-State area while sending numerous players to Division 1 colleges. They have tryouts coming up. Check out the dates on the flyer above. For more information Contact JStein10682@gmail.com or visit www.jerseyforce.com.

In The Spotlight: Prince Samuels (Expressions Elite)

Name: Prince Samuels 

Position: Forward 

AAU Team: Expressions Elite 

Class: 2022 

Breakdown: Samuels emerged this summer at the Future Phenom Camp showing that he could be considered one of the top forwards in the New England region. He is a wing forward that can handle, pass and shoot which makes him a match up problem. Right now his size and strength allows him to attack the basket and finish through contact. We like his IQ and feel for the game and with continued development we believe we will continue to hear from Prince for years to come.