February 11, 2017, 4:29 am
The Jersey Force AAU Program will be holding tryouts for their Spring 2017 season. The dates and details are listed on the flirt above. Contact Jerseyforceaau@gmail.com for questions.
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February 11, 2017, 4:52 am
The Teach Me Classic kicked off in Teaneck NJ and Mr. Spotlight was in the building to award the Player Of The Week with Spotlight uniforms. The Teach Me Classic has turned into the top winter league in the region and Basketball Spotlight is proud to a part of this league.
Teach Me Classic Players Of The Week
13U Ty'laur "Q" Wilson (Ballercise Elite)
Q' is a joy to watch. Last week his team faced a single game elimination in the Quarter Final round and he "Single handedly" turned the game around with a full arsenal: Scoring the Rock, Passing the Pill and Stealing the Show. Mr. "Do It All" will be present in the Semi Final round with a tough out against House Elite / SK with another tough guard to stop their advancement.13U Sha'heed Jenkins (Hilltopper Heat)
Shoti' is what they call him. He is a nightmare for any 1 on 1 defender in the 13U division. He has court awareness and can score the ball with the best. TMC is narrowing down their league play and roll into the Playoffs and All-Star game and he is one of the top guards to keep an eye on. 11U Malcolm Ford, Jr. (Hoop Nation NYC)
MJ is making a name for himself real fast during this season. He's been in several wars and battled against SILVERBACKS, IZOD SPORTS-U and RIVERSIDE in the TMC and has shined bright in every game. He has the total package as a PG and will be facing a rematch in the Semi Finals against PLAYTIME to so see who advances to the big dance of the 11U Teach Me Classic Chip. Mr. Spotlight will be happy to be in the building to watch this....9U Noah Reichitch (MB Ballers)
If you walk in the gym and give him the eye test...don't do it..... think twice, this kid's IQ is at the top of the bracket in our Baby Ballers division. He had a hard fight during the Qtr Final round against Team Izod but had every one of their guards on skates before taking a loss. We will see him in the All-star game at the end of the season.
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February 12, 2017, 5:52 am
Jayden Ramirez
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Division gave a look at some of the top baby ballers in the region. We were excited to see the young fella’s rock. Here’s Part 2 of our top performers from this division.
Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Top Performers Part 2
Jayden Ramirez Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Don’t let the innocent face fool you, this kid is a killer on the court. The combo guard is a scorer and gets it done in a hurry. He gave us a taste of his outside touch in their win versus the NJ Shore Shots as he nailed 2 treys and scored a team high 15 points. This baby baller has skills.
Brandon Srebnik Guard (Riverside Hawks)- Leave this open if you dare! Brandon had a quiet Saturday but came with his ratchet on Sunday. In their pool play showdown with Team Durant Srebnik tickled the twine from deep while draining 5 three pointers. Ja Ja Spruill Guard (Riverside Hawks)- This quick guard is in charge of running the show and making things happen. But when his team needs him to get buckets he will step up like he did against the NY Rens. In that thrilling win he scored a game high 16 points while draining 4 three pointers. This is a talented youngster. Jewel Walker Forward (Team Durant)- Walker was a monster at the Clash For The Cup. He was virtually unstoppable near the tin. He exploded for a game high 26 points in their narrow victory over Riverside Hawks. He also tallied 16 points versus NY Rens and 14 markers against NJ Shore Shots. He was the leading scorer in this division over the weekend. Anthony Saunders Guard (Team Durant)- Saunders entered the Clash with a national rep and showed he deserved it. He had the play making duties and was responsible of setting the table for Saunders scoring prowess for Walker. He’s developing into a nice point guard. Tahmir Mann Forward (Team Durant)- Mann didn’t score much but I’m intrigued in him being a prospect. I like his size and how he runs the floor. He was also a plus on the defensive end.
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February 13, 2017, 4:14 am
Chidi Nwigwe
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Division gave a look at some of the top baby ballers in the region. We were excited to see the young fella’s rock. Here’s Part 3 of our top performers from this division.
Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Top Performers Part 3
Chidi Nwigwe Guard (NY Rens)- Chidi has some serious talent as a youngster. He can score it from anywhere on the court with ease. He went for 22 points versus rival Riverside and 14 markers against a stubborn NJ Shore Shots. This kid can boogie when he has it going.
Kayden Mingo Guard (NY Rens)- Mingo received national acclaim at the AAU Nationals last year and he has kept the momentum going this season. During the Clash For The Cup he was able to get buckets and run the show. He’s a beast in the transition game and can finish with the best of them. He tallied 13 points against Riverside Hawks and 11 markers against the NJ Shore Shots. Chase Timberlake Guard (NY Rens)- The crafty point guard sets the table and constantly fed both Mingo and Nwigwe most of the weekend. He’s a throwback floor general that understands his role and loves being the quarterback of this squad. Naim Parrish Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Parrish was one of the smoothest guards in the building. He glides to the hole with ease while scoring or drop dime to a teammate. He knows how to score in traffic or behind the arc. We are just seeing the beginning with this kid. Mesean Williams Guard (NJ Shore Shots)- Williams was one of the natural point guards in the building. He has the handle and court vision to be a name to know in the next few years. I enjoyed watching him get into the lane and make things happen. He also got into the scoring column with a team high 14 points versus Riverside Hawks and 10 markers versus Team Durant. Ronald Richardson Forward (NJ Shore Shots)- Richardson isn’t afraid to mix it up inside. He showed soft touch around the cup and the ability to run the floor. I watched him up and close when they played Team Durant and he tallied 12 points in their one point victory. Jermel Thomas Guard (Milbank)- We rarely write about 3rd Graders but this kid is the exception to the rule. He’s very poised as a youngster and has a unique feel for the game. He was not only able to hang with the 5th Graders but he stood out at times. I enjoyed watching his court vision and scoring prowess..
AJ Bernard Guard (Milbank)- Beranrd showed he had range on his shot while pulling it from very deep. His outside shot was needed to stretch the defense. He has good size for his position and looks very comfortable on the wing. He’s one of the guards we will definitely keep an eye on for the future.Bernard Bowen Jr. Guard (Milbank)- Bowen is a tough pesky guard that plays hard on both ends of the floor. He has good penetrating skills from the point guard position and will step out and knock down the jumper from behind the arc. The 4th Grader stepped up big on the stage.
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February 13, 2017, 6:32 am
Willie Rivera
Willie Rivera came to the Clash For The Cup and put up numbers for New World while helping them reach the finals. He scores from all three levels and gets busy in transition. Check out his highlights and stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Clash For The Cup.
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February 14, 2017, 3:57 am
Adrissa Throws It Down!
Hey Basketball World!!
My week started off with concentrating on my school work. I had a history midterm and I think I did very well. I studied a lot over the weekend so I am looking forward to seeing my grade. After school, I had a school game, I didn't really score but I was getting my teammates in involved and we won the game. On Tuesday, had a normal day at school nothing much going on, but after school I had a school game, we played well I had about 8-9 blocks and got the W. We're undefeated, I am confident we can win it all.
On Wednesday, we had a half-day at school. So I went to go play basketball in the park and I had a good time.
On Thursday, I didn't go to school because the blizzard, I think there was 8 inches of snow so I stayed home all day babysitting my siblings. We were watching movies and having fun. I haven't played with them in while because I've been studying, working out or playing so it was good to get that tine in with them. Without their support, it would be so much harder to succeed. They really motivate me and support me all the time and they will always be there.
This weekend, my PSA Cardinals team and I had 3 games in the Made Hoops tournament. Our goal was to go 3-0. We first played New Jersey Playaz, we played very well, especially on defense. We were determined. Our second game we played Connecticut select and we continued to play well, moving the ball and playing defense.
Our third game was on Sunday against Team Final. It was an early game which I hate and it was every cold but it is what it is and we had to man up. Team Final played well but we were determined to end our last Made Hoops Session undefeated and we're able to get the W. This weekend was a great weekend for my team and me. Coach Greg always talks about setting short term and long term goals and we accomplished our short term goal of going undefeated this weekend and looking forward to accomplishing a long term goal for the year of winning this tournament.
I just want to say thanks to everyone who followed my diary thus far and thank you to BBALLSPOTLIGHT for giving me this opportunity to share my life with all of you.
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February 14, 2017, 5:43 am
Ben Roy
Ben Roy used the Clash For The Cup to show the world he could shoot with the best of them. He drained jumpers off the bounce and with defenders running at him. This kid has a mean ratchet and the heart to play against anyone. Check out his highlights and stay tuned as we bring you more coverage from the Clash For The Cup.
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February 15, 2017, 4:37 am
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Division had some of the top players in the region. Here’s our Best Of The Best and All-Tournament Team from the event.
Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Best Of The Best
Best Performer: Moussa Cisse (NY Rens) Cisse dominated the Clash For The Cup on both ends of the floor. He dunked everything in sight and blocked everything in his way. He was the talk of the event. This name will not die anytime soon.
Best Scorer: Mohammad Aminu (Dynamic Disciples) Aminu made his Spotlight debut and got after it quickly. He got buckets against some of the best talent in the region. He reminded us of a little Dwayne Wade.
Best Prospect: Trevor Keels (Team Takeover) Keels as evolved into something serious. He continues to grow and can score from all three levels. He showed he has a game that can translate to the next level easily. Reminds me of Corey Stokes that attended Villanova.
Best Floor General: Kurt Henderson (Expressions Elite) His team fell short of expectations but Henderson showed he could handle the rock against the best. He gets anywhere he wants on the floor and will drop a dime at any time.
Best Playmaker: Jalen Hammond (NY All Americans) Hammond was able to score and set up teammates. He played with a burst of energy and some flair. It was a guest appearance but he still helped them reach the final four.
Best Shooter: Justin Glover (NY Rens) Glover stretched the defense all weekend while nailing some big treys in the semi-finals. He made teams pay for doubling down on Cisse.
Clash For The Cup 8th Grade Top 15 Performance Rankings 1. Moussa Cisse (NY Rens) 2. Mohammad Aminu (Dynamic Disciplines) 3. Trevor Keels (Team Takeover) 4. Jalen Hammond (NY All Americans) 5. Shane Dezonie (NY Rens) 6. Kurt Henderson (Expressions Elite) 7. Amare Marshall (NJ Playaz) 8. Tristan Jeffries (NY Rens) 9. Victory Naboya (Team Takeover) 10. Rayvon Weir (Milbank) 11. Kingsley Akinfeleye (Dynamic Disciples) 12. Kyle Colbert (HC Elite) 13. Nasier Camp (Boston Spartans)14. TJ Morris (NY Rens) 15. Justin Glover
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February 15, 2017, 9:50 am
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup Mixtape features some of the top players in the region. The top players features Moussa Cisse, Zion Cruz, Shane Dezonie, Jalen Hammond, Terrence Clarke, Kurt Henderson, Justin Glover, Knasir McDaniel, Kam Rodriquez, Jayden Pierre, Willie Rivera, Antonio Sellers, and Ben Roy. Enjoy these young players showing their skills on the biggest stage.
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February 16, 2017, 6:45 am
Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 7th Grade had a variety of players perform at the highest level. Here’s our Best Of The Best and Top 15 Player Performance Rankings.
Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Best Of The Best
Best Performer: Antonio Sellers (NY Gauchos) The highly ranked forward showed he was worth the ink as he had a dominating weekend. He takes control of the game in so many different ways. Most of all he led them to the championship and took home the banner.
Best Prospect: Jalen Duren (Team Final) The lanky forward showed once again that he has a chance to be a special player. As his play making skills continue to develop he will be something real scary.
Best Scorer: CJ Riley (Riverside Hawks) If you want a bucket I think you need to call on this kid. His quickness and athleticism allows him to finish over or around most shot blockers. His knack to score is was evident as he averaged more than 20 markers per game.
Best Shooter: Ben Roy (NJ Shore Shots) Roy range was on full display at the Clash. He isn’t afraid to pull up in the heat of a big game. He has the confidence and swagger to pull the trigger against anyone.
Best Fresh Face: Willie Rivera (New World) Rivera put in that work in his Spotlight debut. He can score the rock and set things up for teammates. He also has the physical attributes to be a nice prospect the next few years.
Best Playmaker: Issac Santiago (PSA Cardinals) Whether he was scoring or running the show, Santiago once again led his squad to a deep run. His smoothness is something to see and his feel for the game is a good look. He’s putting together a great season.
Best Floor General: Devin Dinkins (Team Takeover) The heady point guard takes good care of the rock and usually makes the right decision. I love his court vision and ability to score in the flow of the game.
Clash For The Cup 7th Grade Top 15 Player Performance Rankings 1. Antonio Sellers (NY Gauchos) 2. Willie Rivera (New World) 3. CJ Riley (Riverside Hawks) 4. Issac Santiago (PSA Cardinals) 5. Joe Medlin (NY Gauchos) 6. Christian Watson (Team Takeover) 7. Jalen Duren (Team Final)8. Maleek McNeil (PSA Cardinals) 9. Kam Rodriquez (NY Gauchos) 10. Ben Roy (NJ Shore Shots) 11. Rodney Rice (New World) 12. Tyler Hawkins (PSA Cardinals) 13. Devin Dinkins (Team Takeover) 14. Francisco Mattei (NY Gauchos) 15. Henry Adissa (New World)
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February 17, 2017, 4:01 am
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Division featured some future stars down the road. Here’s a look at our Best of The Best and Top 15 Player Performance Rankings. Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Best Of The Best
Best Performer: Caleb Crawford (Riverside Hawks) Crawford has been putting on for years and he gave this bracket a taste during the Clash. He scores like we breathe. His back to back 24 point performances (semifinals and championship) says it all.
Best Floor General: Christian Bliss (Riverside Hawks) Bliss’s court vision ranks among the best in the country. He patiently runs the squad while surveying the floor. He’s not the quickness but may be one of the smartest and most effective in the land. Kid is a pure winner.
Best Scorer: Jaiden Williams (New Heights) This kid got buckets all weekend. He was a total matchup problem for anyone in his way. When New Heights were in tough games Williams stepped up to deliver each time.
Best Fresh Face: Amari Hansberry (Team Durant) Hansberry made his Spotlight debut and was tough to deal with. He dominated the post and averaged a double-double all weekend. He is definitely on our radar from this point on.
Best Shooter: Dajon Burton (Boston Spartans) Burton used his size to nail the long ball all weekend. His outside shooting turned the Spartans into a legit threat to win the tournament.
Best Prospect: Sebastian Robinson (Team IZOD) Robinson has the poise and posture of a player much older. He game is geared to translate to the next level. He’s going to be a big name on the scene for years to come.
Best Playmaker: Ace Valentine (Team Durant) Valentine gets it done from the scoring or point guard role. He drops dimes from anywhere on the floor and will turn on the scoring switch when his squad is in need. He’s a proven commodity on the Spotlight scene.
Clash For The Cup 6th Grade Top 15 Players Performance Rankings 1. Caleb Crawford (Riverside Hawks) 2. Amari Hansberry (Team Durant) 3. Jaiden Williams (New Heights) 4. Christian Bliss (Riverside Hawks) 5. Ace Valentine (Team Durant) 6. Sebastian Robinson (Team IZOD) 7. Rico Andrews (Riverside Hawks) 8. Dajon Burton (Boston Spartans) 9. Jayden Reid (NY Gauchos) 10. Tahaad Pettiford (Team IZOD) 11. Dante Green (NY Rens) 12. Chardonnay Hartley (Milbank) 13. Dwayne Pennicooke (Elmcor Basketball) 14. Joe Glanton (NJ Racer) 15. Naazir Robinson (New Heights)
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February 17, 2017, 9:04 am
The Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup 5th Grade gave us a good glimpse of the future. Here’s a look at the Best of the Best and Top 15 Player Performance Rankings.
Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Best Of The Best
Best Performer: Ty Carnegie (Playtime Panthers) Carnegie showed the total package during the weekend. When he got hot from the perimeter resembled a young Steph Curry.
Best Passer: Braylin Sanjurjo (Playtime Panthers) This kid has to have eyes in the back of his head because he drop dimes from every angle. He gets a kick out of letting teammates score.
Best Prospect: Keith McKnight (Playtime Panthers) McKnight versatility was apparent at the Clash. We believe he will venture out to the wing and continue to develop a nice looking prospect.
Best Shooter: Brandon Srebnik (Riverside Hawks) Brandon showed the range from behind the arc. Once he set his feet it was bombs away. He has one of the best ratchets in the region.
Best Playmaker: MJ Ford (Hoop Nation NYC) Ford is confident ball handler, passer and scorer. The bigger the stage the bigger his performance. He has a star quality in his game.
Best Defender: Jalen Munson (Hoop Nation) Munson was not only a scorer but he also was a beast on the defensive end. He caused turnovers from the press and played the passing lanes well.
Best Fresh Face: Jewel Walker (Team Durant) Walker was a scoring machine over the weekend. He was a beast in the paint. He used his soft hands and touch to torch opponents on the blocks.
Best Scorer: Chidi Nwigwe (NY Rens) Chidi played up but it didn’t matter to the shooting guard. He has the size and athletic ability to get buckets. Nwigwe has the look of a nice prospect down the road. He averaged close to 20 points a game.
Best Floor General: Mesean Williams (NJ Shore Shots) I like the way this kid handles the rock and make decisions. He’s confident to play his game and control the game with his tempo. He’s a constant contributor.
Clash For The Cup 5th Grade Top 15 Player Performance Rankings1. Ty Carnegie (Playtime Panthers) 2. MJ Ford (Hoop Nation NYC) 3. Keith McKnight (Playtime Panthers) 4. Jewel Walker (Team Durant) 5. Jalen Munson (Hoop Nation NYC) 6. Chidi Nwigwe (NY Rens) 7. Braylin Sanjurjo (Playtime Panthers) 8. Jayden Ramirez (Riverside Hawks) 9. Anthony Saunders (Team Durant) 10. Mesean Williams (NJ Shore Shots) 11. Brandon Srebnik (Riverside Hawks) 12. Naim Parrish (NJ Shore Shots) 13. Luther Bolden (Hoop Nation NYC) 14. Kayden Mingo (NY Rens) 15. AJ Bernard (Milbank)
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February 20, 2017, 6:10 am
Westside Warriors
In one of the best games of the day. Westside Warriors defeated Playtime Panthers 28-17 to win the Teach Me Classic 10U Championship. Congrats to both teams for making the finals and competing well for the championship.
MVP: Jermel Thomas (Westside Warriors) Thomas is one of the most polished third graders we seen in the country. He’s poised and can either score or drop and impressive dime. I can wait to see him grow up on the Spotlight circuit. He seems to have a bright future.
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February 20, 2017, 6:57 am
Team IZOD
Team IZOD used a big second half to pull away from Elmcor Basketball 41-30 to win the Teach Me Classic 12U Championship. Congratulations to both teams for making to the championship of a tough league.
MVP: Tahaad Pettiford (Team IZOD) The lefty was on fire up in Teaneck. He knocked down the trey ball when the rock was rotated his way and score several times in transition. When he gets hot he can light it up quick. He gets crazy buckets against.
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February 20, 2017, 9:42 am
The Tigers
The Teach Me Classic 9U Championship took place Saturday and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. The Tigers held on in tough game to defeat NYC Scrubs 20-19. Congratulations to both teams for making the finals.
MVP: Rich Rosa (The Tigers) Rosa did some damage with the ball in his hands. He’s considered a ball guard on this level and used his height to score. Hopefully we will see him and The Tigers in the near future. We like we see with his kid.
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February 20, 2017, 10:05 am
Hoop Nation NYC And Playtime Panthers
Hoop Nation NYC and Playtime Panthers have developed a good rivalry recently and since these guys split the last two games at the Teach Me Classic they decided to share the 11U Championship. We congratulate both teams for playing hard throughout the league and showing great sportsmanship by sharing the title. Stay tune as we have more profiles from the Teach Me Classic.
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February 20, 2017, 11:33 am
Hilltoppers Heat
In this epic rematch battle, Hilltoppers Heat prevail in overtime over Milbank to win the Teach Me Classic 14U Championship. Hillttoppers gained an early 1st half 16 point lead before Milbank stormed back behind the hard work of Kaden Norton, who earned Sportsmanship Player of the Game, before losing in overtime 54-52. William Richardson earned the game MVP for H.Heat with 25 points and received help from Mike Williams with 18 points.
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February 20, 2017, 12:20 pm
Milbank Flyers
Milbank Flyers went on a big run to defeat NY Rens 51-43 to win the Teach Me Classic 13U title. Congratulations to both teams for making it to the finals and putting on a good show. Stay tuned as we bring your more coverage from the Teach Me Classic.
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February 20, 2017, 3:49 pm
Basketball Spotlight loves to bring you guy’s impressionable videos about the basketball culture. Two of the top programs and biggest rivals in New Jersey have released documentaries about their team’s and the purpose of their programs. St. Anthony and The Patrick School have storied programs so please tune in and support their effort.
St. Anthony
Part One 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.The Patrick School
The Patrick School is the No. 1 team in New Jersey and is seeking a Tournament of Champions title in late March, which would be the school’s sixth. The school has produced numerous NBA players, including Kyrie Irving and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and the current team has five Division 1 signees, including Kentucky-bound 7-footer Nick Richards, a McDonald’s All-American; Minnesota-bound shooting guard Jamir Harris; Monmouth signee Marcus McClary; and Tulane-bound big men Bul Ajang and Buay Koka. Uncommitted senior Jordan Walker is the team’s point guard. I’m extremely proud to debut the documentary, “The Patrick School: TOC or Bust.” The short film is Directed by Anthony Kuzviwanza of Fresh Focus Film and I’m the Executive Producer.
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February 21, 2017, 5:16 am
Name: Chris Suber
AAU Team: Westside Warriors
Class: 2025
Position: Point Guard
Breakdown: Suber was super off the bounce while attacking the hole in their game against Playtime Panthers at the Teach Me Classic. He has a good feel for the game and doesn’t mind getting teammates involved. He also can score a bucket if needed.
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