December 10, 2012, 6:39 am
CBC Strikes First Blow CBC Off And Rolling! The “Money Team” felt like they have unfinished business after losing the Grand Finale title last season. So they started off this season with a vengeance. They ran through the Tip Off Classic while defeating a tough Team Takeover squad in the finals. Now they must continue on their successful quest if they want to bring home the title. One and Done! After the Tip Off Classic Tristan Patterson of CBC and Trevon Duval of Team Final both decided to leave their programs and jump over to Team IZOD. Apparently Team IZOD has now stretched out into Delaware and both players want to join their former coach. Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Jermain Samuels (CBC) Jaecee Martin (CBC) Chaylynn Martin (CBC) Tristan Patterson (CBC) DJ Mitchell (Team Takeover) Aaron Thompson (Team Takeover) Andre Boykin (Team Takeover) Quinton Drayton (Team Takeover) Jamir Harris (Playaz) Marcus McClary (Playaz) Leondre Washington (Playaz) Mike Burnett (New Heights) Hayes Kelcher (New Heights) Chris Coalman (New Heights)
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December 10, 2012, 7:19 am
Team IZOD Wins 1st Title As Supreme Team Supreme Team Gets Taste Of Success Team IZOD aka “Supreme Team” got a taste of life when a target his on your back. They were pushed to the limit a few (ECE and Wall 2 Wall) before pulling out the wins. Now moving forward they must understand that teams are motivated to beat them every time they step on the floor. I guess it’s not all fun and games when you at the top. Wall Closing In? Last season I got a phone from the director of Wall 2 Wall claiming they were the new program to watch. I challenged them by putting them in the Blue Division during the AC Showcase. W2W responded with that championship. Next they went to the MDC and made it to the finals. Now they made a return trip to the championship of the Tip Off Classic. It seems to be only a matter of time that they will be holding a banner. Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Javon Quinerly (Team IZOD) Atiba Taylor (Team IZOD) Luther Muhammad (Team IZOD) Jalen Brooks (Team IZOD) Nazreon Reid (Team IZOD) Shackquille Dezonie (Wall 2 Wall) Alex Serrano (Wall 2 Wall) Aidan Ellwood (Wall 2 Wall) Mikey Esquillin (Wall 2 Wall) Mikey Watkins (Playtime) Razeyah Surrell (Playtime) Danilo Djuricic (CIA Bounce) Ignas Brazdeikis (CIA Bounce)
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December 10, 2012, 2:51 pm
Team IZOD Tip Off Champs Team IZOD Ready To Go! Team IZOD 6th Grade came to the Tip Off Classic with a statement to make. They proved their point by mercy ruling each opponent until the finals where they won by double digits. This squad has brought together some of the top 6th Graders in the region and seem to be on a mission to win the Grand Finale crown and AAU National title. Team Nelson Waiting In The Wing! The reigning Grand Finale Champs Team Nelson missed the Tip Off Classic because of football commitments but they are ready to make their debut at the Clash. Many including myself would love to see them tangle with Team IZOD. Maybe will get this see this showdown very soon! Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team AJ Hoggard (Team IZOD) Jalen Gaffney (Team IZOD) Jordan McKoy (Team IZOD) Marc Bruce (Team IZOD) Jagger Zrada (Team IZOD) John Wilson (Team First) Josh Pierre Louis (Team First) Spence Curto (New Heights) Ed Sanchez (New Heights) Dajuan Piper (New Heights) Jalen Echevarris (DEMI) Khalif Battle (CJ Hawks) Alex Klatsky (CJ Hawks) Antione Bryan (CJ Hawks)
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December 11, 2012, 5:23 am
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic has moved from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. We at Basketball Spotlight are happy to be doing our first event in the Quaker State. Teams interested in registering can use the link below. This inaugural MLK Classic will only take a limited amount of teams. Event: MLK Classic Date: January 19th and 20th 2013 Place: Chichester, Pennsylvania Cost: $300.00 (Per Team) Ages: 6th Grade, 7th Grade and 8th Grade Click Here To Register
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December 12, 2012, 6:17 am
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic is scheduled January 19th and 20th in Pennsylvania. Here’s a list of the teams that have committed to this event. 8th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Quincy Douby All Stars 3. Team Flight 4.5.6.7.8. 7th Grade 1. Team Rebels 2. Qunicy Douby All Stars 3. NJ Shore Shots 4. Play hard 5. Wall 2 Wall 6. NWK7.8. 6th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Wall 2 Wall 3. NWK 4.5.6.7.8.
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December 12, 2012, 11:54 am
Gauchos Keep Tradition Alive Gauchos Return To Glory!The Gauchos knocked off Team Glory to win the 5th Grade Tip Off Championship. Some thought the Choz program was in trouble after last year. But this youth movement sends a message that the Choz aren’t going anywhere. They will be around for a while. Tip Off Classic All Tournament Team Rodney Bailey (Gauchos) Robert Davis Jr. (Gauchos) Daniel Nixon (Gauchos) Damorcos Wotson (Gauchos) Dominguez Stevens (Team Glory) Jomo Goings (Team Glory) Darius Miles (Team Glory) Zion Harmon (Team Glory) Zahree Harrison (Team Phenom) Glenn Sabb (Team Phenom) Dymire Baez (Team Phenom) Richie Greaves (CJ Hawks) Joe Manfredi (CJ Hawks) Malcolm Britt (CJ Hawks)
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December 13, 2012, 5:49 am
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 5th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. Basketball Spotlight 5th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 1. Gauchos: The Pride of the Bronx came to the Tip Off Classic and took home the crown. They have a unique bunch and an experienced coach. Therefore don’t expect them to fall off anytime soon. 2. Team Glory: TG made their Spotlight debut and got all the way to the finals. I don’t think it will be long before they are snapping a picture in front of the banner. 3. RIP City: We haven’t checked them out yet this season but they were so dominant last year that we had to give them some praise. Hopefully we will get them in the fire soon. 4. Team Phenom: Gripper’s young cubs have been ripping it up during the preseason and made it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. Next on deck for them will be the Clash For The Cup. 5. CJ Hawks: Last season the Hawks represented well this year seems to be no let up as they made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic. They will take another shot at it during the Clash For The Cup. 6. DC Assault: DCA also proved to have a good 4th Grade squad last year. Hopefully we can get a glimpse of what they are working with this time around. 7. Team Takeover (Gorham): TT didn’t have their best showing at the Tip Off Classic but with former Coach Of The Year Ryan Gorham at controls its only a matter of time before they get things together.8. On Point Cyclones: OPC brought made some strides at the Tip Off Classic they are a feisty bunch and can’t be taken lightly. 9. Team Takeover: The other Takeover squad had a tough time in their Spotlight debut. Hopefully they can rebound next time around. 10. NYC Rise Panthers: Kats bunch also had a tough time in the shark tank. But he is known to develop some top young talent so don’t close the book on them yet.
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December 13, 2012, 7:53 am
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 6th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such.
Basketball Spotlight 6th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 1. Team IZOD: The newly formed clan won the Tip Off Classic in impressive fashion. They are the early favorite to win the Grand Finale title. We will see them again at the Clash For The Cup.
2. Team Nelson: Nelson will see the first Spotlight action at the MLK Classic. This will be a great tune up for them before entering the Clash For The Cup. 3. ETU Select: The Potomac Valley crew made a final four run at the Tip Off Classic and will be returning for the Clash For The Cup. I still think this is a dangerous squad. 4. Team First: Team First made their Spotlight debut and made it to the championship. It was a great opening appearance for this bunch. 5. Diamonds In A Rough: DEMI made a semifinal run their first time out. Hopefully we get to see them again soon. 6. CJ Hawks: The Hawks had a decent showing with a couple of new faces. They will have another shot at it during the Clash For The Cup. 7. New Heights: NH made it to the quarterfinals of the Tip Off Classic. They are registered to attend the Clash For The Cup in February. 8. CIA Bounce: The Boys from Canada got their first taste of the Spotlight and made it to the quarterfinals. They vow to have a better showing at the Clash. 9. MJ Mavericks: The Mavs had a tough pool featuring the two teams that made it to the championship. They will have a chance to show they can hang during the Clash. 10. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors made it to the championship of the Blue Division. They made a good first impression.
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December 13, 2012, 10:44 am
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 7th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. Basketball Spotlight 7th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 1. Team IZOD: The Supreme Team takes over the #1 spot after winning the Tip Off Classic impressively. They faced some tough competition and left with the title. Right now they are the favorite to win the Grand Finale crown. They will be in action again at the Clash For The Cup. 2. DC Assault: DCA hasn't got underway yet because of school ball. Hopefully we will get a look them at a tournament in the near future. 3. Wall 2 Wall: A trip to the Tip Off Classic finals makes this squad look legit. They have a good chance of taking home the MLK crown before heading into the heated Clash. 4. Playtime: PP looked impressive at the Tip Off Classic with a final four appearance. They have an improved squad and should be a force to reckon with this year. 5. CIA Bounce: Bounce had a final four run which ended with a classic battle with Team IZOD. CB will be looking for some revenge at the Clash For The Cup. 6. Metro Sixers: MS made a good run at the Tip Off Classic. They lost a tough battle to CIA Bounce and will be looking to rebound at the Clash. 7. New Rens: NR dropped a few spots after and 1-2 weekend at the Tip Off Classic. We know they are a better team than they showed. We haven’t seen the last of them. 8. Mass Shooting Stars: The undermanned MSS took a tough hit the Tip Off Classic. They are anxious to get back in action at the Clash and prove they are among the best. 9. ECE: East Coast Elite had tough treading at the Tip Off Classic. They were missing some bodies so we will give them another chance to prove themselves at the Clash. 10. 6th Man Warriors: The Warriors made their debut and left with some impressive wins. They will be back at it during the Clash.
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December 13, 2012, 11:56 am
The Basketball Spotlight Top 10 8th Grade teams are listed below. Please remember these rankings are just our opinion and should be taken as such. Basketball Spotlight 8th Grade Top 10 Presented By AGame Team Apparel 1. CBC: While others talked the “Money Team” came to the Tip Off and took home the title. They survived a hard fought championship game versus Team Takeover. We will probably see them again at the AC Showcase. 2. Team Takeover: TT did damage during the Tip Off Classic before eventually losing in the finals to CBC. They came to play and knocked off some impressive teams in route to their championship loss. 3. Playaz: PBC moves up after making a final four trip during the Tip Off Classic. They have one of the best scoring guards in the region and he gives them a chance to win any game. 4. New Heights: NH made a big jump after making it to the final four of a Tip Off Classic. They have star studded roster but work very well together. 5. DC Assault: DCA got tripped up in pool play by New Heights but we feel they will be looking to make a push at the Clash. They got some great pieces so they will be big return in Feb. 6. Team Final: TF had a less than expected weekend. They took pool play losses to PYO and Playaz moved them down a few spaces. 7. St. Michaels: SM aka Team IZOD showed some good signs at the Tip Off Classic. I think they will make a strong run during the Clash. 8. CIA Bounce: The Bounce took a tough loss to Team Takeover. So they have said they will not leave the Clash without the Cup. 9. Expressions: The X went 1-2 but they did have a tough pool. We expect them to have a better showing at the Clash. 10. Jersey City Boys Club: JCBC has the hunger to make some noise. They are in the Top 10 but can they stay there?
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December 14, 2012, 5:53 am
Damon Harge has been a name to know on the camp circuit for years. The North Carolina product is currently playing high school basketball as a 7th Grader. Check out some of his highlights from this past summer.
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December 14, 2012, 6:18 am
Zahree Harrison (Team Phenom) Paul Gripper has coached some top guards in his time including former Villanova star and current Philadelphia 76er Malik Wayns. Now Gripper returns with his latest backcourt stud by the name of Zahree Harrison AKA Boy Wonder. Harrison runs the show for Team Phenom 5th Grade squad that has won several tournaments and made it to the final four of the Tip Off Classic. Harrison also impressed with his play at John Lucas Camp back in September. Gripper feels that Boy Wonder has the tools to be next in a long list of top guards coming out of Philly. “I think he’s smaller version of Malik Wayns but with a better outside shot at this age. He needs to increase his on the ball defense and speed when pushing the rock. If he continues to develop his athleticism he has a chance to be one of the better ones down the road” said Gripper. Basketball Spotlight will be keeping an eye on Boy Wonder as he will join his squad at the Basketball Spotlight Clash For The Cup. Stay tuned as we bring you more top young talent on the horizon.
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December 14, 2012, 7:37 am
When we gave Harry Giles “The Stamp” and listed him as the #1 player in the country few other sites agreed with our assessment. But after he destroyed the USA trials people started jumping on the bandwagon. Now check out this vicious dunk over this kid. Can’t believe Giles is only 14 years old. Scary!
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December 14, 2012, 11:43 am
Zion Harmon (Team Glory) During the Tip Off Classic Team Glory reached the finals of both the 4th and 5th Grade divisions. Some of their success can be attributed to point guard Zion Harmon. Many people consider Harmon as the best 4th Grade player in America. Last season he led his team to the 3rd Grade AAU National title. Harmon game is advanced for his age and his coach Douglas Dormu agrees, “Zion’s basketball IQ is very high. He has great mental and physical strength that he uses well on the floor. He even shows great poise playing against 7th and 8th Graders. He has a unique ability to read defenses and make smart decisions quickly” he finished. Dormu saw Harmon’s Basketball IQ develop right before his eyes, “When I saw Zion cutting the nets after winning the AAU Championship it took me back to when he was five years old. He would come to my practice with the Team Glory older team and just sit there and study the game. He would always beg his father for a chance to play on a team and win championships” said Dormu. As much success as Harmon has had Dormu makes him understand that his basketball road is just getting started. “Zion needs to work on his communication skills especially with teammates. He also needs to work on his midrange spacing. I think if he continues to work hard and keep his head straight he should win several more championships” he finished. Basketball Spotlight will be keeping our eye in Harmon for the next few years. Should be some exciting times.
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December 17, 2012, 5:25 am
Lucas Driving Through The Lane! Hello basketball world! This week was crazy. So let’s get to it. On Monday and Thursday morning before school I started my day at Obe’s gym. Like always it was a great workout and I will continue to go to him to improve my strength. At his point the main thing that I have to improve in my game is my strength, and I will strive to get stronger. I’m not sure if I mentioned it or not but my mom works out with me! Sometimes she can’t keep up, but she does the best she can. I’m really proud of her because the workouts are very hard! On Tuesday my school watched a play about the birth of Jesus. It was performed by the Maranatha Actors. The actors always pick people from the audience to be a part of the play. I got picked to play Joseph, Jesus’ father. So that was fun. On Thursday I had my first school game of the year. I had to sit out of the first quarter because some of my friends and I were talking and fooling around during our Christmas concert and play which was held last Friday. The play was long and when you’re sitting with your five best friends, it’s hard to keep quiet and not act up. As you can see, our school is very strict, so next time I just won’t talk as much. It was very hard to sit out for the first quarter, but I made the most of it by scoring over 30 points in 18 minutes in a tight win. Friday I helped out at a local pantry that provides food for the needy. Christmas meal packages and Christmas presents for children were being prepared for local families. After that my mom took me to ESYC to get some shots up. My friend, Moshe, was there so my mom was happy that she didn’t have to do all the rebounding. We worked out together for 90 minutes. Saturday was a very hectic and fun day. My parents took me and my friend, Talek, to Funsport in Brooklyn to play with Team Reading, PA. We played an extremely tough team (PYO). We lost by one point. None of our team played well, including me. But the highlight of the day was when I received from Mr. Rivers the Under Armour Spine Bionic shoes because my GPA was 98, the second highest in the league. Thank you very much, Mr. Rivers! I love these shoes! Right after the game, we had to rush back to Allentown to play my ESYC Travel League game. It was some ride because my mom kept telling my dad to drive faster and he kept yelling at her that he was driving fast enough. What a crazy ride back. We just made it to the game at half-time. My team was down by two. Because I didn’t feel I played well at the last game at FunSports, I took my anger out in this game by scoring 35 points in the 2nd half. With seconds remaining in the game, we were down by two and I was fouled driving to the basket. I made both free throws so the game went into overtime and we ended up winning by 4. Yesterday I went to church in the morning, did some homework, and then went to my ESYC game. This was a tough game because the team had a lot of ninth graders players. It was a dog fight to the end and we ended up winning by 3 points in overtime! What a game! I spoke with my parents about the horrible shootings in Connecticut. We were so shocked. I’m sure you all feel the same. I wonder when God is going to return. I wish he would come soon. Our world is just crazy right now. Please continue to pray for the families who have lost loved ones and for the other people who were involved in this tragedy. So that was my week. This will be my last diary. I had a great time telling you guys about my life. Thank you for all the love following each diary and thank you for taking the time to read it. I really appreciate Mr. Melton giving me a chance to do this diary for the past 12 weeks! Keep working hard on the court and in school and in everything you do, give God the glory!
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December 17, 2012, 11:55 am
NyRhique Smith (Monmouth Regional) The high school season kicked off this weekend and a few Basketball Spotlight Alums from the Class of 2016 got busy. Here’s a look at trio of frosh that got busy on the varsity level in New Jersey. NyRhique Smith (Monmouth Regional)- Monmouth Regional didn’t win a game last season but Smith has gotten them off to a great start after a 26 pt., 6 rebs, and 4 assist performance in their 72-55 win over St. John Vianney. “La Smoove” knocked down 3 treys in victory. Bryce Aiken (Pope John XXIII): Aiken put on show at the Hoop Group Tip Off Classic. “Capo” drilled in 24 points, and handed out 7 dimes while taking home MVP honors in his team’s loss to Roselle Catholic. Aiken’s stock is on the rise. Tyus Battle (Gil St. Benards)- Battle had a good all around performance with 14 points and 14 caroms in his team’s loss to the Patrick School. The Hoop Group awarded Battle as his team’s MVP for the game. “Kid Mamba” should have some exciting moments this year.
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December 18, 2012, 10:43 am
LD Rebels Headed To Barclay Center The LD Rebels knocked off New Heights and PYO to make it to the Funsport Jr. Pros Championship vs. CBC at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY. Lloyd Daniels the Coach of the LD Rebels is very happy to make the appearance, “Many people felt with only had a two man team but we showed today that all our players were capable of. Now we have a chance to get to the Barclay Center and play against a great team in CBC” Daniels said. Funsport Jr. Pros director Rickey Rivers gave his input on LD Rebels chances of winning the championship. “LD Rebels has a chance to win because of the leadership of Nate Pierre Louis. He refuses to lose when he laces them up. The moment is big and his motor is high. The key is his partner Losini Kamara. If he steps out in these bright lights CBC is in trouble” he finished. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate LD Rebels for making it to the finals and also congratulate Rickey Rivers and his Funsport Staff for a successful season.
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December 18, 2012, 11:28 am
CBC Will Face Upset Minded LD Rebels CBC aka “The Money Team” made a Funsport Championship by beating the Canarsie Blue Devils and New Rens. They will face the LD Rebels at the Barclay Center on Sunday. Coach Reggie Hatchett as always thinks his boys will be ready. “Funsport is a very prestigious league and we are just happy to be a part of it. The LD Rebels have two of the best 8th Graders in the country (Nate and Losini) along with a great coach so we anticipate a dog fight at the Barclay’s Center. My guys are prepared and will compete in every possession. We didn’t join Funsport to compete, we came to win it all and add this great accomplishment to our basketball resume” he finished. Ricky Rivers director of Funsport chimed in on CBC chances of winning; “CBC has a chance to win because they are supposed to. The top team in the Northeast is not supposed to lose to a team only together three weeks. It falls on the shoulders of Jaecee Martin who is arguably the best 8th Grade point guard in America. He has yet to take his game to another gear this season but I hear the Nate Pierre Louis brings out the beast in him” said Rivers. Basketball Spotlight would like to congratulate CBC for making it to the finals and also congratulate Rickey Rivers and his Funsport Staff for a successful season.
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December 19, 2012, 5:08 am
The Basketball Spotlight MLK Classic is scheduled January 19th and 20th in Pennsylvania. Here’s a list of the teams that have committed to this event. 8th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Quincy Douby All Stars 3. Team Flight 4. ESYC5. Playtime Panthers6.7.8. 7th Grade 1. Team Rebels 2. Qunicy Douby All Stars 3. NJ Shore Shots 4. Play hard 5. Wall 2 Wall 6. NWK7. 8. 6th Grade 1. Team Nelson 2. Wall 2 Wall 3. NWK 4. Team Glory5.6.5th Grade 1.CJ Hawks 2. Team Glory 3. Team Glory4.5.6.
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December 20, 2012, 8:04 am
Julian Newman Julian Newman, a 4'5" 5th grade hoops prodigy out of Downey Christian School in Orlando, Florida, has been tearing apart varsity opponents that are 6 and 7 years older than him. He leads the state of Florida in assists at 11.5 a game and is 19th in the nation in that category. Recently, he scored 14 points, dished 8 assists and had 3 steals against Agape Christian which is one of the top private schools in the Orlando area. Two months ago, he scored 91 points in only 3 quarters of a middle school game which led to his move to varsity.
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