Jalen Brooks New Jersey Playtime

Jalen Brooks

The bigger the stage, the better 10-year-old Jalen Brooks performed. The 4-9, 80-pound shooting guard for the Playtime Panthers (Hackensack, N.J.) was named the MVP of the Best of the Best Tournament in Springfield, Mass. during Memorial Day weekend after scoring a championship game-high 26 points against the Long Island Lightning.

Other highlights for Brooks include scoring a game-best 16 to help Playtime knock off the Natural Ballers in the New Jersey state final; he posted 27 points against the Shoreshots in the championship of the Goats Tournament (11U) and fired in 22 points as Playtime wrapped up the 11-and-under division at the Central Jersey Cardinals Tournament.

Brooks, a lefty who uses his speed to attack the basket and an adept touch to finish once he gets there, took home MVP honors again two weeks ago, this time while playing for the Natural Ballers at the Junior National Invitational in Springfield. He strung together a four-game run where he posted 20, 17, 19 and 23 points as the first-year program defeated the Connecticut Basketball Club for the crown

He wrapped up his AAU season last week by scoring 20 points for Playtime in an elimination-game loss against the Kansas City PAL at the Division 1 10U National Championships in Detroit. 

Brooks, who also excels in football, averaged 15 points and four steals per game this season.

Juice All-Stars 14U: 5th Place @ AAU division 1 Nationals

Coach Scott Benjamin, Isaiah Whitehead & Coach Jermain Brown

Juice All-Stars

Texas Titans God Bless Youth Basketball

Coach Scott Pospichal

Religion and Politics isn't too popular in today's Government, but God is the right mix for the Texas Titans program. "The kids need more than just basketball", said coach Scott. "Everything we do is centered around the creator". As God uses coach Scott to preach the good news, in return he's given the strength to deliver wins. He also has the experience that plays apart. He has coached NCAA division 1 and high school teams. In 1983-85, he was assistant men's basketball coach at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. In 1985-86, coach Scott took Auburndale high school to their first state finals in 30 years. All of this was done with permission from God.

Texas Titans 2015 has captured two consecutive AAU division 1 national titles. We definitely see God at work in mankind. "I love your site", said coach Scott. "We saw a lot of familiar faces". Mickey Mitchell is a Texas Titans player featured on Middle School Elite. Mitchell is ranked #8 in the nation, according to Hoop Scoop. Coach Scott says, "we have superb trainers and physical therapist." He has specialist on hand for rehabilitation and prevention of sports related injures. Coach Scott Pospichal is on top of his game. Stay tuned as we bring you more on Texas Titans, one of the top organizations in the country.

Ketaan Wyatt 3rd Grade Basketball Recruiting

Ketaan Wyatt

Ketaan Wyatt Jr. aka KeeWee is 8 years old and resides in Toledo, Ohio. He's a rising 3rd grader at Martin Luther King Academy for boys. KeeWee is a straight  'A' student. He was invited to play for the 9U All Ohio Red AAU Team coached by Alonzo Motley. He's been invited to college basketball camps, including most recently the Tennessee Volunteers. 

KeeWee was the Ball Boy for the Toledo High School boys varsity team. His favorite players are Allen Iverson, Lebron James, Chris Paul, John Wall and Brandon Jennings. KeeWee's dream college is Ohio State University. Kee's pops Keetan says "I want early exposure for my son". Check out KeeWee's highlight video and look for him  to soon be on the national camp scene.

                           

Jackson Davis One And Done!

 Jackson Davis

Boy, can this kid go! Jackson Davis is a 6'8 athletic forward from Louisville, Kentucky. The southernmost northern city in the United States. He's a rising 9th grader at a 4A school, Lafeyette High. "A 4A school means there are a lot of students", said his father Jonathon. Davis is a dance major and a honor student in the performance art program. No wonder he has light feet running the court. Speaking of bball, Leigh Klien of the 5 Star Camp brought his teachings to Davis hometown. The camp had kids from 8 states and overseas. Davis earned the 'Most Promising Prospect' award. He even runs a mile in 5:30. " The last time I did that was a Jr at the University of Kentucky", said Mr. Davis. 

Coach Kerreim Memminger is at the Adidas Super 64 in Los Vegas and has Davis on his 16U Shooting Stars team. Davis headed to Vegas, the day after 5 Star concluded in Lousiville. Though it's two events within a ten day span, Jonathan says " its one long trip". Jackson's grandfather, John Davis, played for Chicago Bulls in the late 60's. His cousin, Arnett Moltrie, is a 6'11 center at the University of Texas El Paso. He's projected to be a first round draft pick next year. Davis who is on top of his game was a top 20 All-Star at the Fab Frosh camp. Davis was also at the Adidas 'It takes 5' 16U tournament in Charlotte. If Davis continues to persevere, John Lucas predicts that he'll be a "one and done".

                                     

Hoop Scoop AAU Top 70 Rankings 14U

Isaiah Whitehead

"We've spent the last three days watching the 2010 AAU Boys National 14-Under Tournament at ESPN's Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, FL and the big story at this year's tournament is the overabundance of athletic big men in the 6'6 to 6'9 range.  And right at the top of the list is 6'7 Frosh Jahlil Okafor from Chicago (Whitney Young) IL, who reminds us in a lot of..." - Hoop Scoop (Click here to read more in the members section)

Shavar Newkirk

Only two players from New York received  ranks at this main event. They made  Hoop Scoop's top 70 list out of hundreds, if not over a thousand competing. Isaiah Whitehead (Lincoln/Juice All-Stars) from Coney Island Brooklyn, New York is #24 and Shavar Newkirk (Rice/Scan) from Harlem, New York is #39. Newkirk, is one of the first top five players we've covered. Whitehead is one of the first players ever mentioned on Middle School Elite. These kids are really good and we'll witness more of their great play, as they venture into high school.

Adidas Jr Phenom The Best Camp On Earth!!!

Have you played on the West Coast in 2010?

The Adidas Jr Phenom National Camp in San Diego California will be the best event this year. The top players in the class of 2015 will be in attendance August 5th-8th. Alonzo Trier (#1), Perry Dozier (#2), Austin Granstaff (#4) and Jerron Love (#10) just to name a few. Some of the top rising 6th and 7th graders will be there as well.

  

Players will be looked at by the top scouting services in the country. Hoopscooponline.com (Clark Francis), Slam magazine, Middle School Elite, Prep Spotlight, Rise Magazine, and Rivals and many more.

Players will get a pair of adidas shoes, (2) professional uniforms, All Meals, and the greatest camp on earth. Rising 8th grader Sonny Lorenzo will be in the gym too. Call 1-951-247-9669 and Register Now.       

Kevin Driscoll Hoop Group Skills Camp!

Kevin Driscoll Hoop Group Camp

Kevin Driscoll, director of Hoop Group Skills Camp is spending the summer of 2010 in the Poconos running the prestigious Hoop Group Skills Camp @ Pocono Invitational. This camp has been running 48 years and has been a training ground for thousands of college as well as professional basketball players. When asked the importance of camp, Coach Driscoll explains how important it is for young players to get away from AAU ball and get to camp and work on their skills. 

"Fundamentally Sound Player are few and far between and its because players don't dedicate enough time to skill development, drills, and repetition", said coach Driscoll. He always has a knowledgeable staff of high school and college coaches to help young players improve their game. In fact, Coach Driscoll who leads the instruction in the Poconos has been a high school and college coach the last 5 years.  

It only takes one trip to the Poconos to see how passionate Coach Driscoll is about teaching basketball to youth players. Whether its drills, techniques, or plays, Coach Driscoll is fully dedicated to the individual improvement of all youth basketball players he has the opportunity to work with. Don't miss your chance of learning basketball and improving your game with Coach Driscoll and the Hoop Group Skills staff @ Pocono Invitational.

Clay Dade Jr All American Camp On The Rise!

 Clay Dade and Michael Beasley

We met with Clay Dade CEO of the Jr All-American Camp and asked him some good questions. He gave us great answers. What do you look for when scouting? Are middle school camps different from high school camps? Find out what Clay Dade had to say in our exclusive interview series only on Middle School Elite.

MSE: What are your closing notes?
     
Clay Dade: I'm really excited about our brand! Jr All-American Camp has grown so much since its start in 2006, just a short 4 years ago! We've had so many great players over that time. Like Michael Gilchrist, the No. 1 high school player in the country, going to Kentucky! Rodney Purvis who has burst onto the high school scene as just a rising sophomore! And so many more! We've enjoyed great success and received tremendous publicity from Hoop Scoop to ESPN to Rivals.com to Scout.com Buckeye Prep and so many more...including now MiddleSchoolElite.com! We are happy to be the elite youth basketball destination of choice for the top junior age players in the nation and we will continue to deliver great programming from our regional camps to our open runs to our prestigious, invite-only national camps.

MSE Next Question: Which class is more competitive in your opinion 2016, 2015 or 2014 and why?

Middle School Elite Puts You On The Tube!

 Let the real exposure begin!

Middle School Elite puts You on the Tube! We'll be uploading exclusive videos from all the events we cover. We've made it easy for you to access our channel, by clicking the YouTube logo on the lower right side of this website. Stay tuned as we bring you more footage of top Middle School Elite student athletes in the nation.

Devin Newton Will Not Lose!

 Devin Newton Junior All-American

Devin Newton resides in Inglewood, California. He's a 12 year old rising 7th grader. Newton attends Frank D. Parent Middle School, where he excels off-and-on the court. Devin Newton is ranked #7 in the nation for the graduating class of 2016, according to Hoop Scoop. He also has a 4.0 Grade Point Average. In 2009, he was the top 6th grader at the Jr All-American camp. Devin has two trainers Harold Jones and Brent Summers. "We do speed training" said Summers from Rim2Rim Elite Training Academy. "Devin is fast and explosive", added Jones. Harold used to play against Paul Peirce at the summer college leagues in L.A and was the assistant marketer for And1. 

"Struggling to come to grips with his own grief, Duane Newton faced the difficult task of explaining to his 10-year old son Devin that his big brother had died, initially withholding that it was while playing the game they both loved." - Evan Barnes

We had the chance to see Devin play, he scores with ease and makes the extra pass to the open man. He has a never give up attitude. Devin's mother Demetra is 6'1 and his father Duane is 6'3. Newton's a serious player and he's on top of his game. He works out extra hard just to escape the harsh reality of his older brothers death. DeShawn, collapsed and died while playing at a tournament in Texas. Duane says Devin has "probably been through more than any kid in the last two years". The truth is that the pain of losing DeShawn will never go away.

P

 R.I.P DeShawn Newton

Tragedy struck Daniel Murphy High School as DeShawn Newton, a 14-year old promising freshman who played on the basketball team, died suddenly on April 26 after playing in a tournament in Grand Prairie, Texas... (Full Article) Los Sentinel.

Inroducing: Hoop Scoop Online!

Middle School Elite had the opportunity to meet Clark Francis and he's on top of his game. We recommend Hoopscooponline.com  for the basketball enthusiast and those seeking exclusive inside scoops on hoops.

The Members Section of HOOP SCOOP Online provides you with everything we publish on a daily basis, plus National Player Lists, Ranking of Recruiting Classes, and State-by-State and Area Reports.  So get your Visa or MasterCard ready and click on Subscribe.  The cost is $49 per month, $125 for three months, $250 for six months, or $499 per year. 13 reasons why

Team Texas AAU Division 1 Contenders

Austin Grandstaff Team Texas

Team Texas (TT) and Austin Grandstaff are at it again! Except this time, Grandstaff is playing on TT 14U in Orlando, Florida. Last week, TT went 6-2 and placed 11th at the 13U AAU nationals in Memphis, TN. Wes Grandstaff is director and coach of the Texas program. Wes is also Austin's dad. 

Grandstaff is ranked 4th in the nation for the class of 2015, according to Clark Francis at Hoop Scoop. He's a skillful athlete with heart and good size. "Austin gets better when he plays against older and stronger kids", said Wes. Stay tuned for more of Austin Grandstaff on Middle School Elite.

Youth Interlock AAU Division 1 Contenders

Austin Tilghman 6'1 Point Guard

Youth Interlock (YI) are from Pennsylvania, the Key Stone state. They're putting in serious work at the 14U AAU division 1 national tournament in Orlando, Florida. Coach Shep told us, "I knew we were ready for the nationals", once his youngsters won the Maryland Invitational Tournament. 

Youth Interlock is a competitive bunch, they should rank well amongst the top teams in the nation. YI beat MABC and Jersey Magic to go 2-0. They have some talented pieces in Austin Tilghman, Shepard Garner and Larenz Thurman. Stay tuned as we bring you more on Youth Interlock and top Middle School Elite players.

Shepard Garner 6'0 Combo Guard

Panthers Select AAU Division 2 Contenders

Nick & Tyus

Coach Will of the Panthers Select 2014 flew from Texas to Orlando, Florida to take it all. They have a nice back court in Nicholas Thomas and Tyus Momoh, a crafty point guard. Thomas was a top 20 player at the Adidas Phenom 150, while Ajon Efferson and Alex Robinson won co-MVP. Look for Nicholas Thomas at the KO Basketball camp in Philly. Stay tuned as we bring you more on the AAU nationals D1-D2.

Lebron James Video Featuring Jerron Love

This is a Middle School Elite exclusive with Lebron James. Courtesy of Dime Wars, check out Jerron Love in NewBo's (New Black Over Class) a CNBC special hosted by Lee Hawkins. Stay tuned as we bring you more on Jerron Love, the most talked about youth student athlete in America.  

Jerron Love will be at the NYC Combine August 1, adidas Jr Phenom camp in California Aug 5-8 and KO Basketball camp in Philly Aug 20-22. Here's your chance to play with him or against him!

KO Elite Basketball Camp Philadelphia 2010

KO Elite Camp is going down August 20-22, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA for rising 6th-11th Graders 2012 - 2017

Event will be held at Competitive Edge Sports Complex Complex

Players receive Full Uniform & 5 games - Every player will be Ranked

All-Star Game - All-American Team - National Rankings - Trophies & Awards

Come & Play against the best players in the Nation!!!

Great Instruction, Great Competition & National Exposur!!

Top High School Coaches performing station drills !!!

Top Instructors

Notable Guest Speakers

 

Media / Scouting Services

Clark Francis - Hoop Scoop

Allen Rubin - Hoop Scoop

Patrick Stanwood - Hoop Scoop

Check Ball Magazine

Middle School Elite

Philadelphia Inquirer

KO Ranking Service

Buckeye Prep Report

Contact: Info@kobasketball.com or 1-800-479-9305

Kobe Gantz Basketball2Business

 Kobe Gantz Back2Basics

Kobe Gantz  is a 12 year old, rising 7th grader. He's 5'3  and a point/shooting guard in the class of 2016. Gantz attends Lincoln Middle School where he's a honor student. Kobe's father Boobie is head coach of his sons team' Back2Basic' in Lancaster, Pa. The four day sleep away 'Hoop Group Camp' for Gantz in the Pocono's ends July 15th, but the next day he leaves for 12U AAU Nationals in Hampton, Virgina. Gantz is hitting the road with the Central Penn Ballers. Their first game is against Georgia Stars, the runner-up in last years tournament.

We spoke with Gantz dad, Boobie and he says, "Kobe has a great desire to be the best basketball player in the country". "Hopefully we can get him into some other camps this summer", Boobie added. If Kobe becomes as talented as the player he's named after, we may see him in the N.B.A. Kobe's a bright kid who's well spoken and knows what he wants in life. Stay tuned as we bring you more of Kobe Gantz and Middle School Elite players.

Middle School Elite Goes Google!

As we take lead in this rapidly developing market, we've added a special feature to the upper right of our site. It's a Google search tool, which allows someone to find out if they're on our website. If you search your name and can't find anything, it means you're not on www.middleschoolelite.com. If you aren't sure whether we've written about you, just Google your name in the search box. 

Contact Info: middleschoolelite@yahoo.com or 1-347-275-6595.

Selassie Tyler Bourne 'Born and Bred' In Brooklyn

Juice All-Stars 12U FunSport Championship

Selassie Tyler Bourne is his name and New York is his game. The youngster is from Brooklyn and plays tough for an inner-city kid. His ball handle grabbed our attention; he will try to put it on you. How do we know he's good? We watched how defenders reacted to his dribble, they sought to contain him immediately. Therefor he's going to be nice in the future, period. His father, Mr. Bourne is coach for the 12U Juice All-Stars team sponsored by Under Armor. Tyler is entering the 6th grade at the Joseph  B. Cavollaro I.S.281 in Bensonhurst Brooklyn. 

Bourne is a smart player and an inquisitive person. He's keen of his surroundings. On-and-off the court he's a survivor and on top of his game. Tyler will be at the Middle School Elite combine Jim Couch Foundation showcase with Paul Hoover on August 1, 2010. Stay tuned as we bring you the next Middle School Elite student athlete.

NYC High School and Middle School Elite Combine Featuring Paul Hoover

 Middle School Elite Presents the Jim Couch Foundation Basketball Showcase with Paul Hoover

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2010

MARTIN LUTHER KING HIGH SCHOOL

66^TH STREET AND AMSTERDAM AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

 
NYC HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

BASKETBALL COMBINE

CHECK IN: BOYS AND GIRLS H.S.

TIME: 8:45 AM

GRADES 9-12

CHECK IN: BOYS AND GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

TIME: 3:00 PM

GRADES 6-8

Participation Fee: $30.00

Invited: ESPN, NCAA, MAXPREPS, RIVALS, NYCHOOPS.NET, SCOUT.COM, HOOPSCOOP.COM, PRIVATE AND PREP MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL REPS.

For more information contact: jim.couch.foundation@gmail.com or 1-917-517-3854 

 If you know like we know then be there!
Stay tuned as we bring you full coverage

Joel Berry and Kejuan Johnson Peach Jam Tournament

Left - Kejuan Johnson

Middle School Elite regional scouts are live at the Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina. Remember, we're the only 'national youth' website in existence. Before we'd let Joel Berry out the bag, not too many people knew of him on a national level. Berry's made a name for himself, as the top rising 9th grader in the country. Very soon, you'll hear Berry's name mentioned by scouts who tend to follow our lead.  

As we reported earlier, Johnson and Berry are playing with 16U 'Each One Teach One', coached by Reggie. E1T1 is sponsored by Amare Stoudemire, a NBA player who recently signed with the New York Knicks. Well, Kejuan Johnson went straight to work at the 3 position and caught four pretty dunks in one game. The highlight of the day is when Johnson slammed it on Jarnell Stokes a 6'8 muscular forward from Memphis, TN. Stokes plays for Memphis YOMCA and he's ranked #7 for the class of 2012, according to Rivals.com. Johnson finished that game with 15 points. Impressive for a 13 year old.

Joel Berry did his thing; nevertheless, he started off a little sluggish. He didn't catch a dunk, but he made several assist to demonstrate his passing skills. We observed Berry applying excellent defense as well. He averaged 10 points a game playing up with athletes 17 years old and younger. " I adjust easy and tomorrow I'll have a better game", said Joel Berry on his way to the locker room. It's going down in Georgia and Middle School Elite is in effect. Stay tuned as we bring you reports, on both of them, at the Peach Jam. Look for the Joel Berry Sr. interview, coming soon. Joel Berry and Kejuan Johnson exclusive on MiddleSchoolElite.com.

Middle School Elite's own Lil LeBron Shawn Jones!

Shawn Jones

Middle School Elite featured Funsport, Isaiah Whitehead, Thomas Holley and Shawn Jones on our site. Soon, we'll feature Taquan "Face" Givens who plays on the NY Gauchos. Coach Mike called me the night before the story came out and said " Shawn's going to be in the Daily News paper". Stay tuned as the middle school elite market starts to boom!

 Shawn Jones with Jerron Love (mvp) at Hoop Group Jr Elite camp

By Michael J. Feeney Daily New Staff Writer

The Knicks missed out on King James, but they still have a shot at Lil' LeBron. And he's right in their own backyard. Shawn Jones, a 15-year-old Bronx hoops sensation, is quickly making a name for himself playing against adults in city tournaments. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound point guard has a room full of trophies and even scored 62 points in one game against his peers. Coaches and his mom are already calling him Lil' LeBron."He's like the next LeBron. He's a beast!" said coach Mike Barry. "He's got natural attributes that you can't teach. He's a phenom -- like a lil' junior LeBron. He's the real deal." Shawn will start on the varsity team this fall at St. Raymond High School for Boys in the Bronx after earning a full scholarship. His mom, Roxanne Jones, 48, said her son has been bouncing a ball around the house since he was 6. "He loves the game. He has a passion for it," she said. "The Knicks don't need LeBron, they can take Shawn Jones. He's a little LeBron. He's better than LeBron!"... Read More and see video Daily News

Sonny Lorenzo Rising 8th Grade Player

                               Bumper & Irv Gotti


They analyze players and question the calls from referees. Irv can give you an accurate scouting report, while Bumper has seen it all from Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair and Lance Stevenson making it pro. 

Bumper and Irv may act their age, but they don't look it, when out watching the youngsters compete. Isaiah Whitehead's uncle, Bumper, travels with him out-of-state for tournaments. Bumper has a good perspective of the game and deep roots into Coney Island Brooklyn basketball.

Irv Gotti Lorenzo has a 'die hard' attitude for winning. A million games won are a million records sold. Irv's son, Sonny Lorenzo can finish in the paint and he's a good defender. Sonny's 6 ft and growing fast, but for high school he'll have to transition from 2G to 1G.

Sonny Lorenzo

Sonny will be suiting up with Isaiah Whitehead and playing on The Juice All-Stars 14U team at the AAU nationals in Florida. Also, Sonny will be attending the Adidas Jr Phenom camp in San Diego California this Aug. Stay tuned as we list more players attending this much anticipated event.          

QUAI 54 Tournament in France

My good friend Ryan Mendez from Streetball.com is involved with basketball, as he was in his Stanford University final four days. Ryan partnered with Greg Johnson a founding team member of Brand Jordan and both are doing big things. Quai 54 was held outside of America, but created basketball news that traveled throughout the world. Ryan and crew was in France to hold their tournament but check out footage of players like "The Golden Child" throwing it down.   

So here is part II of the Quai 54 Slam Dunk contest. Guy Dupuy, Kevin Kemp aka "The Golden Child" and John Clark are featured in the mix.

The footage in the first part of the video was filmed on my subway ride from Hotel California to Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, France.

I really enjoyed the ride to and from my hotel. I never imagined in my mind that Paris, France had so much graffiti art. It was surreal to say the least and got me thinking.

Anyways, here is part II of the Quai 54 2010 slam dunk contest. The video features new music by Paul Wall called, "My City." Read more and see dunk contest.

Adidas Jr Phenom Camp Spots Available

Parents and Coaches,

We are looking for a few more elite players to attend our camp. If you know of any special players that are not signed up and are looking to attend please contact our office so we can get them approved by our regional camp directors.

adidas Jr Phenom Camp August 5th-8th 2010 

Rising 6th- Spots left 1

Rising 7th- Spots left 1

Rising 8th is sold out!!!!

Players will be looked at by the top scouting services in the country. Hoopscooponline.com (Clark Francis), Slam magazine, Middle School Elite, Prep Spotlight, Rise Magazine, and Rivals and many more.

Playing against most of the Top Nations talent

Players will get: Pair of adidas shoes, (2) professional uniforms, All Meals, and the greatest camp on earth
 

Call now to register (951) 247-9669 office

www.adidasjrcamp.com

www.phenom150.com
www.phenombootcamp.com

www.phenomelitecamp.com

"Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude"

Middle School Elite!

We've brought you five exclusive write ups on some of the top players in the nation. Shavar Newkirk from NY, who featured in a Bounce magazine article, soon after he appeared on MiddleSchoolElite.com. Kejuan Johnson from Atlanta GA, arguably the best 7th grader in the nation. Jashaun Agosto, the talented and highly publicize 12 year old from Seattle Washington. Zach Radz, the 518 phenom and Alonzo Trier aka Zo from Texas, the #1 player in the country for class of 2015.

Here's the next five top players we'll be writing about in no particular order.

• Dakari Johnson (Kentucky)
• Jerron Love (New York)
• Devon Newton (California)
• Jackson Davis (Kentucky)
• Malacha Richardson (Pennsylvania)

Adam Zagoria A Star Journalist!

Adam Zagoria

Adam is a huge fan of Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones and Allman Brothers Band. He love's Rock-n-Roll and basketball. Who knows, he might write about you in high school, college or the NBA. St. Anthony coach Bob Hurley says "Adam sees the story behind the daily happenings", so obviously he knows about the players featured on MiddleSchoolElite.com. We're obliged to share Adam's work with you for the support he's given us.

 

Adam Zagoria covers the New York Knicks and Big East hoops for NBA.com and SNY.tv. He also appears as a Big East Basketball Insider on SNY and 1050 ESPN Radio. He is an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sports Illustrated and Basketball Times.Go to ZagsBlog.com

Kejuan Johnson the Face of Middle School AAU Basketball

Who's Joel Berry?

Some hype followed the AAU national in Memphis, TN but the top players weren't there to steal the show. Middle School Elite's such as Kejuan Johnson, Perry Dozier, Tyler Dorsey and Jerron Love just to name a few of Clark Francis top 10. On the contrary, Alonzo Trier and Austin Grandstaff handled their business on Team Texas and came in 11th place. Trier is the highest rank player in the country for the class of 2015, according to Hoop Scoop .

So, who are the real challengers?

"Kejuan plays a high school schedule" said Tommy. "You can't compare that to 13U competition" he added. Johnson plays with Joel Berry, the top 8th grader in the country for the class of 2014. Last week, they played at the John Lucas high school international camp for juniors and seniors in Houston TX. Now, they're gearing up to play with Each One Team One 16U team at The Peach Jam in Augusta, GA and The Nike Super Showcase in Orlando, FL. Tommy says "Berry's a goon" because he intimidates opponents.

Kejuan Johnson is the face of AAU basketball in more ways than one. His picture was supposedly displayed at the tournament, making it enticing for players to purchase a frame in their image. "When people saw Kejuan's picture they thought he was at AAU nationals" said Tommy. Stay tuned as we bring you more of Kejuan Johnson and look for Joel Berry to be a main feature on National High School Elite.

Middle School Elite 13 Year Old Referee

Brahima the worlds youngest ref

Brahima is an outgoing 13 year old boy and is simply known as The World's Youngest Referee. Brahima was one of the attractions of the Quai 54 streetball tournament.

He showed some nerve but overall did a great job refereeing the Streetball games for someone of his age and won the respect of players and basketball coaches. Check out the next issue of Crossover Magazine for an in depth interview with Brahima. Brahima's swagger on the court while refereeing the games reminded me a little bit of ...

Click Streetball.com to read more and also, check out Brahima playing 1-on-1 with Chris Paul.

Shavar Newkirk The Re-Birth of Rice High School!

The Best Kept Secret

Middle School Elite saved the best for last. Shavar Newkirk is one of the best rising freshmen players in the country. Newkirk was born and raised in Harlem, NY. He's a 5'10 point guard with a Rondo type build and wiry arms. He causes havoc when in the passing lanes, swiping at the ball and blocking shots. Well, Newkirk will be attending Rice, a  powerhouse high school close to where he lives. "I want to win three title championships" said Newkirk. In his humble ambitions, he realizes a difficult task awaits him. He'll definitely be a main feature on NHSE.

"Shavar is a big name in the city", said Maurice Hicks, former head coach at Rice. Now, he's currently in charge of the basketball operations at St. John University. Shavar has gained MVP status, as a legit point guard. He's a student-athlete on top of his game. Newkirk's a winner on the court and in the classroom.

In 2005 and 2006, Newkirk won two AAU division 2 national championships. Shavar's father, Shameek says those experiences gave his son a winning mentality. " I'm focusing on getting him ready for the next level" said Shameek. Newkirk is no stranger to the gym, he actually enjoys exercising. He's either working out with a personal trainer or at practice with Team Scan. He's a team oriented, pass first point guard who rebounds. He shoots the ball well and is capable of attacking the rim with his weak hand. Kemba Walker is a player we can't forget but Shavar Newkirk is a name we'll  remember. The updates of Newkirk's success will be exclusively on National High School Elite. 

NY Gauchos Jr Elite team

Coach Anthony Williams 9U Crew

The Members of Gauchos 9U (Williams) travel from their homes throughout the NY area to develop at the  Historic Gauchos Gym in the South Bronx, NY. From this gym base, they branch out across the Tri-State area to compete against top competition.  The composition of the members of this team truly reflects the rich cultural diversity of the City of New York. This diversity enhances the athletic and social experiences of the team members and their families.

MSE: What are your teams most recent tournaments? 

Coach Williams: Within the last months my team has participated in various AAU tournaments. NY Regionals: DC Assault Classic, MIT, NY Gauchos Pre-Nationals; and Game Over Classic. As well as a host of NYC local tournaments.  This team has collected a total of 5 championships with the most recent additions being; NY 9u Metro Regionals and Game Over Classic.

MSE: How do you get your team and players better?

Coach Williams: We also still have our kids working on individuals skills. Right now we are focusing more on team chemistry; so we can be better collectively.  We will be getting involved with more strength, agility and conditioning workouts. Typically in the off season we practice twice weekly; combined with weekly individual skills workouts.

MSE: What are the future plans for your team? 

Coach Williams: The future plans for this team is quite simple: Continue to challenge my kids as a team; pushing and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Sky’s the limit for this team as we have a great core of kids in our midst and the foundation has been laid.  We will continue to work hard as a team, building on our fundamentals and playing against the better competition.  If you want to be the best you have to beat the best.

MSE: What are your goals for your team?

Coach Williams: Continue to provide these kids with an experience while playing the game of basketball; and developing a team that can compete and win on a National level.

Coach William's been consistent for years and his 9U team is rated the #1 AAU team in the NY Metropolitan area. "In particular, our team shows great educational and athletic promise amongst its members. Through tremendous financial support of many individuals and businesses, the team has been able to travel across the U.S to compete in numerous high profile events; including the upcoming AAU National Championships in Orlando, FL." said Coach Williams.

Middle School Elite Shooting Camp with Paul Hoover! "No More Misses, Now ONLY Swishes"

Director of Pro Shot

"Theres a ton of recruiting websites, you know this quite well. Most just publicize players and really don't have any hands on regarding the development on that player. What if Middle School Elite did showcase camps where the most important aspect is improving that player (guard camp, shooting camp)"- Paul Hoover. We think it's a great idea!  

Paul Hoover is considered one of the premiere shooting coaches in the United States. Coach Hoover, founder and director of Pro Shot Shooting System, has guided hundreds of collegiate and professional players in the art of shooting. Coach Hoover has also authored, “Pro Shooting Secrets” which is the largest and most in-depth shooting book to date. Considered a revolutionary book on shooting, it has been read by hundreds of collegiate and professional players and coaches.

Paul has also produced the successful DVD, “The Focused Shooter.”During the past three years, Coach Hoover and Pro Shot have traveled across the United States teaching shooting fundamentals. He has hosted “Pro Shooting Secrets” basketball camps and clinics throughout the United States and Canada (44 States and counting). Known as “Basketball’s Traveling Road Show,” Coach Hoover and Pro Shot have hosted hundreds of shooting camps and clinics during this time.

Paul has successfully head coached teams at all levels. He guided various high schools teams for 16 years in Southern California. During this span, he directed his teams to 300 wins and 12 league championships. Known for their excellent shooting ability, Coach Hoover’s teams set scoring records at four different schools.

Coach Hoover has also head coached many years in the NBA Fila Summer Pro League in Long Beach, CA (three seasons) and the “Say No” Collegiate Summer League (nine seasons) in Los Angeles. During this span, Paul’s “Say No” team produced six future NBA first round draft choices and dozens of players that would later play professionally.

After spending his entire coaching career in Southern California, Paul and Pro Shot have recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio to be closer to the Midwest, South and East Coast. Coach Hoover is a 1989 graduate of California State University Long Beach (BA English).

"My shooting camps are the best.  Every camp I put on I have a handful of players who have been to well know camps/clinics hosted by shooting coaches and trainers.  I ask them...at the end of each camp tell me what camp is better...I have NEVER had one camper say the other camp is better", Hoover told me.

Paul Hoover wants to expose you to his instructions. MSE will select a few players from classes 2014, 2015 and 2016 for a 2-3 hour session with Hoover. This is an exclusive closed door event and its no cost to you. If you're a coach, parent, player in the New York Tri-State area and would like to participate, please email us at middleschoolelite@yahoo.com or call 1-347-275-6595.