Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Nick Padilla
The 7th Grade Division at the Atlantic City Showcase was the toughest by far. Here’s a look at our Top Performers from the event.
Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Nick Padilla Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Padilla is having a POY type season and he didn’t slack up in Atlantic City. He did his usual damage running the show and controlling the tempo but also got buckets when he team needed it most. He tallied 18 points against Fidonce, 20 against Team IZOD in the semifinals and another 16 markers versus East Coast Elite in the finals. “Slick” Nick is literally munching on the competition this year.
Jomani Wright Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Mr. Wright also saved his best play for the big games at the AC Showcase. The high scoring southpaw used his quickness and range to pick apart the opposition. He nailed two treys on his way to 14 points versus Fidonce, two treys and 16 markers versus NJ Playaz and three treys and 20 points in the semifinals versus Team IZOD. When he’s on he a real problem slow down.
Mackenzie MgBako Forward (Riverside Hawks)- Mgbako didn’t put up huge scoring numbers but it’s obvious he was one of the best prospects in this division. His fluid approach on the perimeter had spectators calling him little KD. He’s definitely a matchup problem for opponents. Once his body fully develops NY might have a true stud in their future.
Tarik Watson Forward (East Coast Elite)- Tarik Watson is in the class of 2024 playing up in 2023. Plays on the Loaded East Coast Elite Team. He stands 6’3” tall and dominates the inside of the paint. He maybe the best in the class of 2024 playing on the circuit right now. He has excellent foot work and finishes at the rim at a high percentage. The thing we like about this player is that he seems to like playing inside and getting it done. Tarik has bright future and has the potential to be one of the best players in the country. He was able to dominate the inside play all weekend long and help to lead East Coast Elite all weekend.
Korbyn Samuels Guard (East Coast Elite)- Korbyn Samuels is a slender guard that can get to wherever he wants on the floor. He is an excellent finisher while attacking the rim and has nice pull-up game. He stands 6’2” inches and has a great motor. His athletic ability makes him a great rebounder and shot blocker from the point guard spot. His ability to see the floor and get his teammates easy passes to finish around the rim is tremendous. If Korbyn game continues to progress he has a bright future and will one of the best guards in the country.
Akil Watson Guard (East Coast Elite)-Akil Watson class of 2023 is a very good player that can attack the rim and pull-up for midrange shots. He has excellent vision and always seem to find the open players. Akil played excellent in the championship game grabbing rebounds and finishing around the rim. He stands 6’2” inches and has nice size to play the wing. His full potential is untapped and we look forward to seeing Akil grow as a player.
Jermain McCray Guard (East Coast Elite)-Jermaine McCray is a dominate player that helped East Coast Elite get to the championship. In their semifinal match-up we saw Jermaine dominate the game finishing with layups and pulling up for array of midrange shots. He has strong body that helps him to absorb contact as he is going to rim. Jermaine stands 6’1” and is a good defender that guard usually any spot on the floor.
Arthur Harris Guard (East Coast Elite)- Arthur Harris is good wing that can knock down shots and finish at the rim with ease. He has nice jump shot that he utilize when the defense is sagging off. Arthur has the potential to be really good wing or point guard if continues to work hard. He also has uncanny ability to score the ball from anywhere on the floor and that is special.
