BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT NEWS

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase was held this past weekend at Fidonce Skill Development in Philadelphia, PA. We feel that this event was a huge success. It gave the players a chance to display their talents and finally have some fun. Basketball Spotlight will also like to thank the parents for supporting our event especially with these tough times we are living in. We will be providing written and video coverage from this event. Keep in mind that Session 2 will be held November 8th once again at Fidonce Skill Development.

Website Coverage: The player write ups will come in order of grade therefore will be begin shortly with the 8th Graders, then 7th and finish up with 6th Graders. Basketball Spotlight scouts including myself were on hand to check out the talent.

Video Mixtapes: Video mixtapes for those who have purchased them will be sent to you via email or Instagram inbox. Your video will be also posted on all Basketball Spotlight social media platforms. Once again, we would like to thank you for your participation and you can register for Session 2 below if interested.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUPER SHOWCASE SESSION 2

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The Super Showcase Event Was Fire! Here are some clips from the weekend. Individual Mixtapes will be coming shortly! Enjoy! #spotlight4life #supershowcase. I DONT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC!
A post shared by Basketball Spotlight 🏀 (@bballspotlight) on Oct 12, 2020 at 10:57am PDT

Hey, Basketball Spotlight World,

I’m Judah Hidalgo, an 8th Grader from Pennsauken, NJ and I attend Phifer Middle School. I would like to start off thanking Mr. Mike Melton and Basketball Spotlight for giving me the opportunity to do Diary Of A Baller and share my life with you guys.

Last weekend my team (Team Final) and I entered a tournament playing up in the 9th Grade Division. It had been a long time since I played a 5 on 5 game or even ran up and down the floor in a game situation since quarantine. I did pretty good both games but still need to work on some things to get better. I was just happy to be back on the court playing.

Monday, I woke at 7:30 and started my online schooling because we do remote learning. After school I did my homework and went outside to shoot on the shooting machine. I shot five hundred shots from five different spots on the court. Next, I went in my weight room at home before running on the elliptical for thirty minutes to work on my stamina. I worked on small things to improve my game like my balance for my ball handling and agility to improve my defense. After working out I rested for the remainder of the day.

Tuesday, I had the same routine for school but held off doing my homework until later. After school I went to see my trainer Rickey Sullivan (RJS), he’s a great trainer for guards in terms of taking their skills to the next level and doing one on one moves. He also helps me become a better all-around player and scorer. Finally, we did the vertimax and finished up shooting.

Wednesday, after I finished school I went outside and did ball handling and shooting. I shot fifty mid-range from five spots and one hundred three pointers from five spots. My next stop was the weight room where I worked on chest and back. Later I did my homework and studied for my biology test scheduled for Friday.

Thursday, I will back at RJS working on how to get my shot off quicker and handle the ball quicker. I went home and did my homework before studying some more for my biology exam. The next day was my basketball day off so I shot one hundred free throws and rested.

Saturday, I had two games at the Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase which was a great event. I played well both games but must continue to work on my stamina because I got winded pretty quickly. The next day I did my church service and took the day off from shooting. I just went to the weight room and did my leg workouts. I finished the day doing my homework and studying for my upcoming Algebra test.

Thank you, guys for listening to my week and I will see you next week.

Judah Hidalgo

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place this past weekend and was loaded with talent. Here’s our first look at the some of the top 8th Graders.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 1

AJ Dybantsa Forward (Brockton, MA) – Standing at 6’4 with long arms and the ability to be elite on both ends of the floor, Dybantsa was by far the best player and long-term prospect in the building. Looking like he will grow at least 3 to 4 more inches minimum we loved what we saw. He was dominate on both ends of the floor and we were extremely impressed how he willed his team to a victory in his 2nd game over a more talented team. AJ can do it all handling the ball, making plays for others, or getting a bucket for himself with range out to the 3-point line. We love his motor and energy as he plays hard every play. He was the Most Outstanding Player of the 8th grade group.

Jebron Harris Forward (North Brunswick, NJ) – Harris came to the Super Showcase with a big reputation to back up and he did just that. He is a combo forward that can play inside or outside. We loved his improved ball handling and great decision making when he grabbed the rebound and led the break either dishing to an open teammate or scoring himself. His jumper looked good out to the 3-point line where we saw him knock down a few. He also understands how to use his body and move people out of the way when finishing around the basket.

Deuce Maxey Guard (Willingboro, NJ) – One of the Top 5 Point Guards in the 8th grade age group, Maxey understands how to control the game from the lead guard spot. He can be a scorer, or a facilitator based on the needs of his team. He can get to the rack or knock down the long ball which we saw him make multiple threes during the event. He has crisp ball handling skills with well above average passing ability.

Judah Hidalgo Forward (Pennsauken, NJ) – Hidalgo is a long wing forward that is a very skilled player. He has a nice jumper from beyond the arc, but he can also handle the ball well enough where can blow by a defender his size or bigger and finish at the rim. If a smaller defender is on him, he can take them down to the post. We like his high basketball IQ. He got off to a slow start in the first game but when he got warmed up, he started really to be effective the remainder of the event.

Kevair Kennedy Guard (Philadelphia, PA) – Kennedy knows how to play the game. He plays hard on both ends of the floor. He seems to always be around the ball as he had multiple steals and we also saw him dive on the floor for a loose ball. He made a great one-handed pass off the dribble through the whole defense for an easy layup to one of his teammates. He also made a few great look ahead lead passes for easy buckets. Kevair can get his and score in bunches. He always makes the right winning play.

Tai Turnage Guard (Queens, NY) – Turnage is a slender guard that probably one of the most efficient and effective guards we saw because he plays to his strengths. He always keeps his dribble as he navigates the defense. He is a very crafty scoring guard that knows how to finish at the rim over much taller and stronger defenders. One of the best parts of his game is his elite jump shot that he knocks down from mid to long range at a high clip.

Tamarr Washington Guard (Cape Cod, MA) – Washington is a lightning fast point guard that is always putting pressure on the defense. From end to end he might have been the fastest guard with the ball in his hands. He can finish at the rim as he is always in attack mode or he can make the pass for the assist. He also can be a pest guarding the other team’s point guard. His motor is on another level.

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Dwayne Ruffin Jr. cane through the Super Showcase and made his claim as the best guard in the region. Few in attendance could dispute this. Ruffin was wicked! @giftedkiddwayne I DONT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC.
A post shared by Basketball Spotlight 🏀 (@bballspotlight) on Oct 13, 2020 at 9:03am PDT

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place this past weekend and was loaded with talent. Here’s our second look at the some of the top 8th Graders.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 2

Travis Upchurch Guard (Bridgeport, CT) – Upchurch was arguably the best point guard in attendance. He is very explosive with a quick first step. He has elite ball handling skills and can knock down the jumper out to the 3-point line. Travis is at his best attacking the paint or in transition. He is extremely hard to stay in front of which enables him to break down the defense on demand. He played with extreme confidence.

Naiim Parrish Guard (Manalapan, NJ) – Parrish is a crafty point guard that we believe has a bright future. He was a top 3-point guard in attendance because he could do it all. With an extremely high IQ he was very efficient and effective on both ends of the floor. Naiim showed his ability to drive into the paint and kick to open shooters and how he could finish at the rim through contact.

Jordan Pierce Guard (Bridgeport, CT) – Jordan was a big scoring guard that could really get buckets. He knocked down multiple 3 balls both off the catch and off the dribble. He was also able to blow by his defender and finish through contact when another defender tried to rotate over. We liked how he stayed aggressive attacking the defense looking to score in a variety of ways.

Jordan Ghee Guard (Totowa, NJ) – Ghee has been known as one of the better jump shooters around and he backed that up by knocking down multiple 3 pointers along with some mid-range shots. But what really stood out was his improved ability to create his own shot off the bounce. We saw him attack the basket more frequently than in the past and we loved his step back off the dribble. His game is progressing nicely.

Mekhi Ragland Forward (Orange, NJ) – Ragland is agile power forward with a great touch. He rebounds, runs the court and is great around the rim. He finishes through contact because he knows how to use his body to create space. We also love his soft baby hook and we saw him knock down a good looking 3 pointer. Mekhi is highly effective playing to his strengths.

Badara Diakite Forward (Elmont, NY) – Diakite is a long 6’8 forward that was the tallest player in attendance. He is remarkably effective on both ends of the floor. He rebounds and blocks shots defensively and offensively he can score the ball around the rim. We liked is aggressive nature and how he tried to dunk on his defender. We feel he has inches to grow and with continued development he will be a problem for opposing teams for years to come.

William Felder Guard (Willingboro, NJ) – Felder is an active guard that plays with a high level of energy on both ends of the court. We love how he locks up on defense getting steals and turning them into offense. Offensively he attacks the seams of the defense and finishes at the rim. He is also deadly in transition. Will’s style of play is what coaches need and want on their teams.

Basketball Spotlight has teamed with Lunae Clips to bring a Super Showcase special. Now players wishing to have highlights from this event can purchase them in advance. Pre-purchase of highlights gives the player the opportunity to leave the event with some great memories. The highlights will be sent to the player for the own usage such as Instagram, Facebook on other social media platforms. The highlights will also appear on all the Basketball Spotlight and Lunae Clips social media platforms. Take advantage of this opportunity for the great memories.

Item: Super Showcase Highlight Video (Up to 1:00) Perfect For Instagram
Cost: $99.00

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE MIXTAPE

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place this past weekend and was loaded with talent. Here’s our third look at the some of the top 8th Graders.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 3

Desmond Bellot Jr. Guard (Quincy, MA) – Bellot was a fresh face that we have never seen before, and he was in the running for the top point guard in the event. This smooth floor general had nice size and a high basketball IQ. He used a variety of finishes at the basket and he knocked down many 3 pointers. We saw him hit his defender with a hesi dribble and then finish with a one hand scoop along with another beautiful finish on the break while challenging a defender. We also like the fact that he will mix it up on the glass and help his team rebound.

Adam Conheeny Guard (Portsmouth, RI) – Adam is a crafty guard that plays the game with a high level of passion. We saw him blow by his defender multiple time and finish with the left hand. He is also highly effective on the break using a quick burst to get to the basket and finish. Any coach would love to have Conheeny on their squad as he brings that competitiveness every time he steps on the floor.

Destine Evans Forward (Trenton, NJ) – Evans was one of the tallest forwards in the showcase. He was a strong athlete that could move very well causing mismatches for the opposing team. He could finish very well around the basket and rebounded at a high clip. Destine knew how to post up so his guard had a good angle to get him the ball in scoring position.

Semaj Long Guard (Maplewood, NJ) – Long was one of the fastest guards in the showcase. He could push the ball end to end very quickly creating easy buckets for his team. He finished at the rim with either hand. Semaj did not shy away from contact when attacking the basket. Long likes to get buckets but he can also get his teammates involved distributing the basketball.

Austin Spencer Forward (Norwood, NJ) – Spencer is a long wing forward that can do it all. He is very athletic as he almost converted on a dunk. He plays on both ends of the floor as we saw him have many blocked shots during the showcase. We liked his ability to pass the ball as he always has his head up making some long lead passes down the floor for easy baskets. Austin can knock down the 3 ball which is so important in today’s game.

Steven Nixon Jr. Guard (Wilmington, DE) – Nixon Jr. is a nice passing point guard that loves to get his teammates involved. In a showcase setting it is refreshing to see a point guard make the right plays keeping his teammates happy versus just trying to shoot every time down the floor. We liked how he used the bounce pass off the dribble to set up scoring opportunities for others. When Steven looked for his shot, he picked his spots using his highly effective floater game.

Zayier Dean Guard (Oakhurst, NJ) – Dean is a combo guard that loved to attack the rim from the baseline. He is a good passer understanding the importance of making the right play to get the best shot every time down the court. He is at his best getting to the rim in the half court or in transition.

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place this past weekend and was loaded with talent. Here’s our final look at the some of the top 8th Graders.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 4

Jaylen Harrell Forward (Boston, MA) – Harrell was one of the best all around players in the event. He affected the game in a multitude of ways. He is one of those guys you can call a 5-category player when you look at the box score. He can handle the ball and has a nice mid-range jumper off the bounce. Jaylen has good court vision being able to play a point forward position. Defensively he rebounds, blocks shots and is continually active causing problems for the opposing team.

Osa Idada Forward (Brockton, MA) – Osa is a strong forward that rebounds everything enabling his team to get out and run on the fast break quicker. He is highly active with a high motor on both ends of the floor. His energy permeates throughout his team. Idada finishes at a high rate around the basket and with hard work he will continue to evolve on the offensive end.

Devan Williams Guard (Uncasville, CT) – Williams was probably the player that we saw play the hardest every play throughout the showcase. He was rewarded with multiple wide-open layups because he ran the floor so hard. He was able to knock down many 3 pointers throughout the event and he also showed his great court vision with some elite level passes. Devan also rebounded at a high rate for his position. He is a coach’s dream.

Amir Panagiotis Guard (Pawtucket, RI) – Amir was one of those players that was always around the ball. The big guard had a high motor and we saw him dive on the floor for a loose ball. He was always in attack mode and he was great in transition. Panagiotis also had the ability to knock down the 3-point shot.

Sean Akey Guard (Elmont, NJ) – Akey is a big guard that displays a nice jump shot. We like how he rebounds and pushes the ball downhill making the correct decision either passing or scoring. We saw him make one of the nicer passes of the event when he made a no look bounce pass on the break for an easy two points. He also kept his eyes up and made a few nice lead passes for easy baskets.

Jacob Carmona Guard (Englewood, NJ) – Carmona is a big scoring guard that attacks the rim hard. He plays with toughness and we like how he uses his spin moves off the dribble to get to the rim in the half court. Jacob is always looking to attack the defense and score in bunches. He also excels finishing in transition.

Myles Blackley Forward (Summit, NJ) – Myles is a sturdy wing that has a nice handle for his size. He can grab the rebound and lead the break. We like his ability to stretch the floor and knock down the 3-point shot. He is a mismatch because he can take a smaller defender off the dribble or take a bigger defender out to the perimeter.

Hey Basketball Spotlight World,

It’s Judah and I’m back to share more of my story with you guys.

On Monday since it was a holiday, I didn’t do too much working out so I was working more on my form shooting and to get my arc better and shot quicker.

Tuesday, I started back up on online school and after I finished school, I had a game at eight at total turf to keep me in shape and my stamina up, after that I came and did my work and rested.

Wednesday after I finished school, I had another game for total turf and after I played that game, I went on an elliptical machine to keep me in shape.

Thursday after school I went running for three miles outside. After I had finished running, I worked on my ball handling and worked on going downhill, doing acrobatic finishes and getting into a mid- range jumper.

Friday after I finished school I kind of took the day off but I still got 500 threes up but after that I chilled for the rest of the day to give my body a day’s rest.

On Saturday I had to go to marquee hoops camp, it was a good camp with a lot of division one coaches helping out with the camp sessions. I had three games on Saturday. Performed well in my first and second game but just ran out of gas in my third game but we still went 3–0 in our games.

On Sunday I went back to the camp and it was playoffs and we won and went to the championship but lost in overtime. I had a lot of fun at that camp because I met new people from all over so it was better competition but much better for my game to develop.

But that’s it for me this week, once again thanks for bringing me back to do Diary of a Baller, love to be here and glad to be back here so until I come back, I’m out!!

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 8th Grade Division had 80 ballers and they went hard. Our Spotlight scout Drew Brelsford was on hand and decided to give his Top 10 based on Players Performance.

Super Showcase 8th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

1. AJ Dybasta Forward (Brockton, MA)

2. Travis Upchurch Guard (Bridgeport, CT)

3. Desmond Bellot Jr. Guard (Quincy, MA)

4. Jaylen Harrell Forward (Boston, MA)

5. Mekhi Ragland Forward (Orange, NJ)

6. Jebron Harris Forward (North Brunswick, NJ)

7. Naiim Parrish Guard (Manalapan, NJ)

8. Judah Hidalgo Guard (Pennsauken, NJ)

9. Deuce Maxey Guard (Willingboro, NJ)

10. Jordan Pierce Guard (Bridgeport, CT)

The 7th Grade Division of the Super Showcase was loaded with talent and gave us a chance to see some new faces. Here’s our first look at the Class of 2026 top performers.

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Richard Rosa Guard (Paterson, NJ)- Rosa has grown a couple of inches and is playing at a different gear. He demonstrated blow past skills and the ability to finish in traffic. Right now, Rosa controls the game as a true floor general but also can take over the contest when needed. He will be tough to contain on the AAU circuit this year.

Jalen Maldonado Forward (Elizabeth, NJ)- Maldonado showed up just in time for tip off. The bruising forward went right to work. He carved out position inside while scoring and hitting the glass. He also showed some improvement of putting the rock on the deck and creating his own shot. He’s a load the handle when he’s driving the pill.

Ryan RJ Smith Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- I was super impressed with this point guard. He was our first time watching him but he stayed in attack mode. He knew how to split the defense and find his shot or set up others. He’s Philly toughness stood out as he didn’t back down to any competition. Keep an eye out for this kid.

Kyon Coles Jr. Guard (Long Pond, PA)- Coles was another prospect we viewed for the first and was totally impressed. The lanky wing puts it on the deck comfortably while making moves. He showed he could create space and his own shot. The future looks very bright for this kid.

Amare Rose Guard (Warham, MA)- Rose proved to be a deadeye shooter from anywhere. He pulled up past the 3-point line and confidence and accuracy. He also showed he could finish in transition and in the half court set. This kid has an offensive arsenal.

Malik Myatt Forward (Philadelphia, PA)- Myatt first impressed us with his defensive prowess he knew how to time and block shots. Then on the offensive end he was able to get the rim and score the pill. He’s another budding prospect out of the basketball enriched city.

Micah Gordon Guard (Plainfield, NJ)- Gordon is a shifty floor general that knows how to lead a team and rarely turns the rock over. His style of play stood out in this up and down environment. He definitely knows how to get rid of defenders off the bounce.

The 7th Grade Division of the Super Showcase was loaded with talent and gave us a chance to see some new faces. Here’s our second look at the Class of 2026 top performers.

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Bryce Presley Forward (Bensalem, PA)- Presley performed liked the best forward in the building. The southpaw finished off passes with ease and even create his own opportunities off the dribble. He runs the floor like a deer with power and he has hands like a wide receiver. If he keeps growing the sky is the limit.

Stephen Ashley Wright Guard (Wilmington, DE)- Ashley-Wright came and right away separated himself from his peers. The aggressive guard has good size and a unique natural scoring ability. He has some wiggle in his game and can drop buckets from all three levels. He’s very exciting to watch on this level and I look forward to seeing him again.

Kareem Anthony Guard (Elizabeth, NJ)- It looks like Coach Colicchio from Elizabeth might have his point guard of the future. Anthony is a blur with the rock and also can make defenders disappear. He appears that he could be a pass first point guard but does have some scoring in his arsenal. He used the showcase to introduce himself to the Spotlight world.

Patrick Otey Guard (Westwood, MA)- Otey grew a few inches since the Future Phenom Camp and was in attacked the Super Showcase. He has a supreme offensive arsenal including being able to finish with either hand. His size makes him a natural for his position and it seems like Expressions has another big-time prospect on the horizon.

Pat Feamster Forward (Wyncote, PA)- Feamster has some big time potential. He has good size, skills and motor. I like his deep range stroke and ability to finish at the hole. Something tells me this kid will be a name to know for some years to come.

Matt Johnson Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Good luck staying in front of this guard, because Johnson has an array of dribble moves that allows him to get in the lane. Kudos to his trainer because this youngster has legit footwork combined with a good feel for the game. Philly has guards galore.

JT Lindi Guard (West Harrison, NY)- Lindi is another pass first point guard with some flair. He has unique court vision and will handle the rock with anyone. This kid loves the competition and will be a great addition for any coach.

Mickell Taylor Guard (Teaneck, NJ)- Taylor brought some North Jersey swag to this event. He understands that he must be in attack mode in this type of event. Mickell plays the game at a great pace. I like his combination of scoring the rock and setting up teammates.

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 8th Grade Division had 40 ballers and we saw some new talent. Here’s a look at the Top 10 based Player Performance.

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

1. Richard Rosa Guard (Paterson, NJ)

2. Bryce Presley Forward (Bensalem, PA)

3. Stephen Ashley Wright Guard (Wilmington, DE)

4. Pat Feamster Forward (Wyncote, PA)

5. Patrick Otey Guard (Westwood, MA)

6. Kareem Anthony Guard (Elizabeth, NJ)

7. RJ Smith Guard (Philadelphia, PA)

8. Matt Johnson Guard (Philadelphia, PA)

9. Kyon Coles Jr. Guard (Long Pond, PA)

10. JT Lindi Guard (West Harrison, NY)

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Division had a ton of young talent. It gave us a great chance to take a look into the future. Here is our first look at the top performers from this grade level.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Korey Francis Guard (Wilmington, DE) – Francis is a big point guard that has a high basketball IQ. His game is years ahead of his age as he has an advanced feel for the game. He is good in the open court and can fight off the physical bump of the dribble as he gets to anywhere he wants on the court. Korey is exceptionally good in the open court or attacking the rim in the half court. His passing skills are elite, and he rebounds well from the guard position. Francis was the Most Outstanding Player in the 6th grade division.

Bryce Clark Guard (Lumberton, NJ) – Clark gets the rock and goes putting pressure on the defense. He is aggressive and seems to always be around the ball on both ends of the floor. He rebounds very well for a guard and gets a lot of offensive rebound put backs. Bryce plays great defense and really can pass the ball on the offensive end along with scoring in bunches.

Yasir Turner Guard (Philadelphia, PA) – Tuner is a guard that is small in stature but is tough as nails. He locks up on the defensive end and causes fits for the opposing point guard getting the ball up the court. Offensively he has a nice-looking stroke from three and he also can attack the rim effectively.

Jarrod Denard Guard (Philadelphia, PA) – Denard is a big guard that turned some heads at the showcase. He is a very patient player that takes what the defense gives him. He can get his teammates involved using his nice passing ability or he can use his size to attack off the dribble and finish through contact.

Zaquan Cullers Guard (Trenton, NJ) – Cullers is a big power guard that had to play bigger in the showcase guarding bigger post players and playing a different role offensively that he is probably not used to. We could see his ball skills and his ability to handle the rock and create for his teammates. He is one of those players that will do anything to help his team win.

Dallas Baldwin Guard (Edgewater, NJ) – Baldwin is a smaller guard that was tenacious on defense. We saw him make multiple steals and then making lead passes ahead for easy buckets. He plays with a high IQ and he understands how to get to the rack either converting or getting fouled.

Jakeem Carroll Guard (Chester, PA) – Carroll is a good point guard that can handle the ball and make on time passes for assists. Jakeem uses moves on moves like his hesi crossover to get to the basket at will. We saw him finish at the basketball multiple times with either hand.

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Division had a ton of young talent. It gave us a great chance to take a look into the future. Here is our second look at the top performers from this grade level.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Dwayne Ruffin Guard (Philadelphia, PA) – Ruffin challenged Korey Francis for the Most Outstanding Player in the 6th Grade. He is a point guard with great court awareness that is always around the ball. He was using his elite ball handling skills to get anywhere he wanted on the court. Dwayne was knocking down 3 pointers or freezing his defender with his bag of moves and blowing by them for easy finishes at the rim. We look forward to watching this kid over the next few years.

Jezelle Banks Guard (Wilmington, DE) – Banks was quick with the ball and could finish through contact. She understands mismatches and would find the angle to make the interior pass to the post player on her team for easy baskets around the rim. We saw her attack the defense and convert a nifty no look pass. Jezelle locks up on defense and is a gritty competitor

Xavier Thompson Guard (South Plainfield, NJ) – Xavier is a long guard that looked to be one of the better long-term prospects in the 6th grade. He has a smooth game possessing good court vision. He knows how to attack the gaps getting to the basket. Thompson has a nice stroke from distance as he knocked down multiple 3 pointers.

Hazaiah Barbour Forward (Elizabeth, NJ) – Barbour is a nice size wing forward that can handle the rock. He grabs the rebound and pushes the ball leading the break. He has a nice floater and can finish in traffic. He used his spin move to get to the basket and he had good body control attacking with some acrobatic finishes.

Jahlil Thedford Forward (Thorndale, PA) – Jahlil is an agile strong bodied wing forward that knows how to play the game. He always seems to make the correct play. He is highly active on both ends of the floor. At his size we like his ability to handle the ball and pass the rock making plays for his teammates.

Jaden Craft Guard (Downingtown, PA) – Craft is more of a prospect at this point in his development. He is all arms and legs and looks like he has a bright future with continued development. This long skinny guard showed flashes that he will be one to watch over the next few years.

Sean Turner-Savage Guard (Ewing, NJ) – Sean is a lefty true point guard that has great court vision. He did not play his best during the weekend, but he showed flashes of why he is considered a top tier floor general. He is great a surveying the floor and taking what the defense gives him. He can knock down the 3-point shot or attack the defense getting into the paint and either dishing to an open teammate or shooting a floater over the opposing big.

Wassup,

Basketball Spotlight I’m back and on week three of Diary of a Baller.

Monday after I finished school, I didn’t do a lot of working out because I had a lot of school work so I went outside and took one hundred free throws. Then I came in did my homework and went to go lift in my home gym. I did my arms and shoulders workout before going back to study.

Tuesday after I finished school, I went into the weight room again and worked on my legs and a stronger core. I finished my work out and did my homework before I went outside and worked on my mid-range shot.

Wednesday after I had finished school, I went to a workout for one of the top schools in PA (stay tuned). I’m still getting used to the speed of high school game but getting better as time goes on.

Thursday after I finished school I had to go to another open run for another top school in PA and got with the flow of their style of play.

Friday after school since it rained and I couldn’t go outside so I went into my weight room. I did a chest and back workout and after I finished that I went in my basement. Down in the basement I worked on my ball handle with getting it quicker and losing the ball less.

Saturday, I woke up early in the morning to go to a one on one workout with my trainer coach Rickey Sullivan, and when I came home, I did the homework I had to do. And since it was Sunday after I finished church, I took that as my off day and gave my body a rest from workout out and doing any homework.

But that’s it for me for this week I’m glad I got a chance to do this but I’ll be back next week!!

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Division had a ton of young talent. It gave us a great chance to take a look into the future. Here is our last look at the top performers from this grade level.

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Kyndal Riley Guard (Wilmington, DE) – Riley is a big guard that is a mismatch problem. Defensively he rebounds and blocks shots all game long. Offensively he can dribble, pass and score. Kyndal rips the rebound down and pushes the rock leading the break seemingly always making the right decision with the ball. He is like Lebron James at the 6th grade level and was one of the Top 3 players in the showcase.

Tahir Connor Forward (Elizabeth, NJ) – Connor is a long forward that affects the game by playing to his strengths. He rebounds the ball and keeps it high so that smaller guards cannot try and grab the ball as he is finding his outlet. He scores on a lot of offensive rebound put backs. He showed the ability to put the ball on the ground and attack the rim. His next level of development will be to extend his range on his jump shot.

Jett Harrison Guard (Philadelphia, PA) – Harrison is a big athletic guard that has an advanced feel for the game. When he plays you can tell that he is examining the floor with his high basketball IQ and the game seems to come easy to him. Jett can do a little bit of everything on the floor right now. He is a combo guard that makes winning plays and as he continues to develop, we expect him to be one of the better guards in the region for years to come.

Jeremiah Camara Guard (Reading, PA) – Camara is a big strong guard that is at his best attacking the rim. He has a good mid-range jumper of the dribble. His ball handling skills are good enough that he can be a secondary ball handler for his team. As he continues to extend his range out to the 3-point line he will be a mismatch problem for opposing defenses.

Wilson Udo Guard (Westchester, PA) – Wilson is a high IQ player that makes the right play to help his team win. He can handle the ball and we like his passing ability and unselfishness. Udo finished at a high percentage around the rim either getting all the way to the rim or using his floater game when a shot blocker was protecting the paint.

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Division had 40 ballers and the future looks bright. Our Spotlight scout Drew Brelsford was on hand and decided to give his Top 10 based on Players Performance.

Super Showcase 6th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

1. Korey Francis Guard (Wilmington, DE)

2. Dwayne Ruffin Jr. Guard (Philadelphia, PA)

3. Kyndal Riley Guard (Wilmington, DE) - 2028

4. Bryce Clark Guard (Lumberton, NJ)

5. Hazaiah Barbour Guard (Elizabeth, NJ)

6. Xavier Thompson Guard (South Plainfield, NJ)

7. Jezelle Banks Guard (Wilmington, DE)

8. Jarrod Denard Guard (Philadelphia, PA)

9. Jakeem Carroll Guard (Chester, PA)

10. Jeremiah Camara Guard (Reading, PA)

The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Session 2 kicks off November 8th. Below is the teams and coach listing for the 6th Grade Teams (Class of 2027). Please be aware of game and check in times because of Covid 19 precautions. Please clear out after your games for safety reasons.

SCHEDULE

9:00 AM CHECK IN

10:00 AM PROVIDENCE VS UCONN (CT 1)

11:00 AM PROVIDENCE VS ST JOHN’S (CT 1)

12:00 PM UCONN VS ST JOHN’S (CT 1)

TEAM NAME: PROVIDENCE

COACH NAME: LAKEISHA SUTTON

1. DWAYNE RUFFIN JR.

2. SEAN TURNER SAVAGE

3. NONYE NWOBU

4. JORDAN WISE-JONES

5. TYLIEF WASHAM

6. JADEN COOPER

7. SEAN WHITE JR.

8. TORIAN CONNER

9. ANTONIO JULIANO

10. ANDRE ROBINSON

TEAM NAME: UCONN

COACH NAME: KYLE CARMICHAEL

1. SANTANA HODGE

2. JAKEEM CARROLL

3. RYAN MELNICZAK

4. XAVIER THOMPSON

5. HAZAIAH BARBOUR

6. XAVIER FAUNTROY

7. JARED VELEZ

8. TYLER SUTTON

9. NEVIN BROWN

10. KING ARNOLD ROBINSON

TEAM NAME: ST JOHNS

COACH NAME: DOC CHEW

1. JAMIR CONOVER

2. DESHAUN HOLDEN

3. JASIR TYLER

4. REGGIE MOORE

5. BELLVIN SMITH

6. BRYCE CLARK

7. SEMAJ STONE

8. KOREY FRANCIS

9. AASIM MITCHELL

10. NAZIR TYLER

PLACE: FIDONCE DEVELOPMENT GYM

3640 G ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19134

SUPER SHOWCASE SESSION 1 HUGE SUCCESS!

SUPER SHOWCASE MIXTAPE PART 1

Diary Of A Baller: Judah Hidalgo (Pennsauken, NJ) Entry #1

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 1

Dwayne Ruffin Jr. Sizzling At Super Showcase

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 2

Super Showcase Mixtape Special (Session 2)

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 3

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 4

Diary Of A Baller: Judah Hidalgo (Pennsauken, NJ) Entry #2

Super Showcase 8th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Super Showcase 7th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 1

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 2

Diary Of A Baller: Judah Hidalgo (Pennsauken, NJ) Entry #3

Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase 6th Grade Top Performers Part 3

Super Showcase 6th Grade Top 10 Player Performance Rankings

SUPER SHOWCASE SESSION 2 6TH GRADE ROSTERS AND SCHEDULE (CLASS OF 2027)