The Basketball Spotlight Tournament Series was amazing this year. It’s now time for us to release our end of the season awards. We would like to thank everyone for their participation and we look forward to seeing you guys next season. Let’s begin with the players that competed on the 8th Grade level.
2019-20 8th Grade Postseason Awards Winners
Team Of The Year: Team Final
This talented bunch left no doubt as they ran through the Tip Off Classic and Clash For The Cup. They possessed the correct amount of talent combined with the toughness and coaching to get things done. They fought off some good competition to get the two crowns. They earned the Team Of The Year Honors.
Coach Of The Year: Nate Hodge (Team Final)- Hodge did a great job of managing talent and purpose with this bunch. He had the players attention and they would go through a wall for him. I seen him develop his coaching skills in Team Final for years and he has a bright future ahead of him.
Player Of The Year: Ian Jackson (Wiz Kids) - Jackson’s 8th Grade year was outstanding. Slam Dunk Breast Cancer MVP, J.E.M. Holiday Classic Championship (MVP), Tip Off Classic Championship (Blue Division MVP) and Spring Invitational Championship (Orange Division MVP). Jackson proved to be a big timer winner and performer on the big stage. Congratulations Ian for your Player Of The Year honors.
Most Outstanding Player: Ahmad Nowell (Team Final)-Nowell waited for the Spotlight circuit to shine but wasted no time as he led Team Final to Championships in both the Tip Off Classic and Clash For The Cup. The powerful guard displayed scoring, play making and the ability to lead the team. He flat put gets it done.
Most Improved Player: Kabrien Goss (T Town Ballers)- Goss snatched the MVP Award at the Slam Dunk Breast Cancer. He went on the numerous middle school events with Foundation Academy while also helping T Town Ballers win the Clash For The Cup Championships (Blue Division MVP).
Playmaker Of The Year Award: Elliot Cadeau (Long Island Lightning)- Cadeau put on show during the Tip Off Classic and the Spring Invitational. Elliot’s handle is legit and explosive. He displays top notch court vision and the ability to vision in traffic or above the rim. It would be tough to argue his presence on the court.
Defensive Player Of The Year: Nahkeem Singleton (Team Spartans)- Singleton used his frame to clog the lane, block shots and hammer the glass for rebounds. He anchored the pesky Spartans defense which many teams had to respect.
Prospect Of The Year: Nassir Cunningham (NJ Scholar Elite)- Cunningham is a high-level prospect that can do about anything on the court. Standing at 6’6 he has a pretty stroke from three and is playing above the rim. He is very long and athletic which helps him on both ends of the court.
