Paterson Catholic’s versatile swingman Fuquan Edwin has committed to playing his college basketball at  Seton Hall University.The 6′6″junior narrowed his choices to  Providence College and the Hall before making his decision. When asked the reason,Fuquan gave three main points. 1.) ” The fact that it was close to home and his family and friends can see him play often.” 2.)Loves the up and down style that  Coach Bobby Gonzalez implements. 3.) ” Can play again with his friend and former highschool teammate, sophomore point guard Jordan Theodore. Whatever the reason, Hoops Journal hopes that it’s a great marriage for both player and team.  Edwin can now focus his attention on pursuing a state title for P.C. next year.

                The Just June tournament that ran for the month of  June showcased a few of the area teams and gave an idea of what’s in store for the coming highschool season. Team’s that participated in the Paterson Recreation and the Playaz Club sponsored event were Paterson Catholic, Teaneck, Don Bosco Prep, Hackensack, Eastside, Englewood, Passaic and Newark Eastside. The championship was played by Pat. Cath. and Teaneck. Teaneck played well in the 1st half, behind the shooting of Kyle Steinbergin,Jonathan Blue,soon to be sophomore Chris Jones and the tough work displayed by New York City transfer, Travon King.The 2nd half was dominated by P.C. behind the play of Fuquan Edwin, Myles Mack, Jermaine Peart, Kyle Anderson and especially the play of 6,9″ Derrick Randall who’s hustle on both ends of the floor spearheaded the Cougars attack. Randall,s energy, especially defensively helped him win player of the game honors as P.C. won 75-63. Throughout the month many  gave notice to the type of players they look to be next year. For instance, Mack has taken his game to another level. All ready an all Passaic County player the upcoming Jr. has opened up the eyes of many division 1 major colleges.  Edwin, who has committed to Seton Hall University was the co-m.v.p. of the league along with Don Bosco Preps  Jr. Vaughn Gray, who has also taken his game to another floor.Gray led  Prep into the semi finals averaging 24pts. a game during the month long season season. The schools also have  Gray on it’s radar. Other players that have shown the expansion of their games were Hackensack’s Bright Mensah and Alex George, Prep’s Yuri Wright, Teaneck’s Owen Barnes, Blue, Steinbergin and Jones, Eastside’s Terrell Spaulding, Allen Dantzler and Travon Johnson, Passaic’s Tyshawn Pickett,Najee Salaam and Reggie Penney, Englewood’s Zachary Anderson and Paterson Catholic’s,  Randall,  Anderson, Peart and Jhamir White. The fun part of the league was watching the development of a few young player’s that are headed to highschool and got their first true awakening playing against older, more experienced varsity players.They included Hackensack’s Chris Meyers and Eugene Marshall, Don Bosco’s D. J. Foreman and Paterson Catholic’s Kavon Stewart and Reggie Cameron.

        In a spectacular display of young talent, the 7th annual Blowup Tournament ended up being a showcase for the Jimmy Salmon ran Playaz basketball club’s 12u, 13u and 14u teams. The tournament featured a number of strong teams around the metropolitan area (New Heights, Metro Hawks, Brooklyn Ballers, K.B.R.Fliers) and from around the northeast coast from as far as Washington D.C.( D.C. Assault) to Connecticut (Conn. Elite) to Springfield, Massachusetts(S.E.C.C.). The three day tournament became a showcase for the three Playaz teams involved. The 14u group solidified their position as the best team in the state, pulling off yet another chip (5th of year) and the  12u squad, the state champs in their age group also showed their worth with a chip in the tournament. The pleasant surprise group was the 13u team. Although they fell in the chip against D.C. Assault, they showed a different spark throughout the weekend. Playing without one of their best players in Nassir Barino, the Playaz 13’s, who have been up and down this a.a.u. season found new intensity and put on probably their best performances of the year. In the loss to Assault they trailed by as much as 12, but rallied to tie the game at 35 before falling 37-35 on two free throws by game M.V.P. Corey Henson. D.C. Assault had a deep, balanced team that had no player score more than 6 points in the contest. The Playaz got great efforts from Nadi Beciri, Jawaan Carter, Isaiah Briscoe and Xavier Fulmore. The Playaz 12u team played in what was the most exciting game of the day against S.E.C.C. Led by Sherman Alston (25pts., 5stls.) and Javon Rawls (22pts.,4stls) the Playaz full court pressure and high intensity proved too much for the Massachusetts team to handle as they were a 62-55 victor. Alfonso Gee and Asem Johnson also contributed big in the contest. 6′4″ Chris Baldwin led S.E.C.C. with 18 points. Alston walked away with the M.V.P. of the game. The Playaz 14u team met up with a talented and game K.B.R. Fliers squad from Neptune, N.J. After a close 1st half, the Playaz big three of Reggie Cameron, Josh Marquez and Kavon Stewart took over. Cameron (16pts., 10rebs) and Marquez (19pts., 7rebs, 4stls) did the scoring, while Stewart ran the show. They never looked back, winning going away 53-39. The 14u’s also got solid play from DeAndre Noble, Amir Maddred and Isaac Williams. The Fliers were led by Evan Hubbard with 15 points and got strong contributions from Keshawn Rice and Fuquan McDonald. Marquez’s effort in the game earned him the M.V.P. As a whole it was a solid weekend for the Playaz Basketball Club.

                                                        NAMES OF SOME OF TALENT SEEN DURING WEEKEND!

                                                                                                           12u’s

Playaz:   Javon Rawls,  Sherman Alston,  Devin Gilbert,  Alfonso Gee,  Asem Johnson,  Markis McDuffie,  Aaron Abraham,  Jordan Thomas         Metro Hawks:  Jermaine Bishop,  Tyree McGlocklin,  Shaun Vick        S.E.C.C.:  Chris Baldwin,  Charles Davis,  T.J. Brantley,  Quadir Anderson,  Jake Ross,  Justin Stewart         Connecticut Elite: Roy Kane, Channing Thomas 

                                                                                          13u’s

Playaz:   Juwaan Carter,  Nadi Beciri,  Isaiah Briscoe,  Xavier Fulmore,  Donte Brewington,  Dereck Williams, Travon McGuire,  Najee Clayton            Brooklyn Ballers:  Tyrone Johnson,  Neuby  St. Hillare       Metro Hawks:  Jerry Mejia,  Khalik Howell,  Hassam Rorde     Connecticut Elite: Tajh Eaddy,  Larry McKinney,  Ian Gardner,  Eric Damon- Bowen, Lucien Fortier    D.C.Assault:  Corey Henson,  Darius Speaks,  Kevin Goode,  Anthony Mosley, Reggie Parker, Lennard Freeman,  Devin Steele, Malik Morgan,  Darian Anderson, Marcus Derickson,  Tumi Onaghise, Marvin Stewart.

                                                                                             14u’s

  Playaz :  Reggie Cameron,   Kavon Stewart,   Josh Marquez,  DeAndre Noble,  Amir Maddred,  Isaac Williams    New Heights:   Isaiah Lewis,  Jordan Washington,  Jerrell Harris      Metro Hawks:  Travis Flagg, Joel Hernandez    K.B.R. Fliers:  Fuquan McDonald,  Keshawn Rice,  Jaheem Woods,  Evan Hubbard    Brooklyn Ballers:  Terrence Samuels, Shamik Sheppard, Jordan Fukes

                                            

    From the minute Justin Crosgile put a DePaul Catholic H.S. jersey on you knew he was something special because he could make the game look so easy. At 5′10 Crosgile has become one of the most proficient scorers in Passaic County history. Justin became the first person to go over 2,000 points in his career since N.B.A. veteran Tim Thomas did it for Paterson Catholic H.S. He also is unselfish and a great passer who kept his teammates alert at all times. His great highschool career makes him Hoops Journal’s 1st Northern New Jersey Player Of The Year. His incredible career has gotten him a scholarship to St. Joseph University. He is the type of player that can seem like he’s had a mediocre game, then you look at the stat sheet and he has off the charts numbers. He spent most of his career being double teamed and still at the end of the day he has gotten the job done. Got to the semis of the Parochial A Championship, before losing to St. Peter’s Prep. A game in which he finished his career with 43 points and 10 rebounds. The sky is the limit for Crosgile and his College coach has already said he expects him to contribute right away. In a year when their were so many great area players, Justin Crosgile stands on top.

  When the new highschool season began , Kennedy Highschool’s Shondell ” Mush” Stewart came in with a new attitude. Already a strong talent, Shondell had to make a mental adjustment. He had to be a player who didn’t let things effect him on the floor like in the past. Because of this the 6′1 junior swingman took his game to another level. He led the N.N.J.I.L. in scoring and played his best in big games. Stewart is Hoops Journal’s 1st Passaic County Player Of The Year because of his tenacity all year. Stewart added the ability to put the ball on the floor to compliment his already deadeye outside shooting. He became a 1,000 point scorer and has another year to add to that. He has the opportunity to have some strong D-1 programs recruit him if he continues to improve like he has. The kid can flat out score and we’re looking forward to even better next year.

       Javae King -Gilchrist made his transfer to his hometown of Teaneck H.S. from Queen of Peace H.S. the smartest move of his young basketball career. Gilchrist went on a ride for the ages as he led Teaneck H.S.  to a Group 3 North State Championship and a Bergen County Jamboree title. For this he is Hoops Journal’s 1st Bergen County Player Of  The Year. Gilchrist earned his stripes by beating Eastside H.S. on a jumper at the buzzer the first game of the season. He went on from there, being an unselfish floor leader  who kept his teammates happy and still managed to take over games late. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and it carried over to his teammates, as they took his lead to make it a season to remember. Gilchrist, a senior is not sure of his college destination, but any school will be happy to have this 6′1 guard suit up for their program.

Hoops Journal is proud to announce it’s 1st annual All North Jersey Basketball Team. The criteria is simple: Had to have seen team twice or more. Unfortunately, not able to see everyone that many times, so if your favorite player missed the cut (my bad!) Here’s the list!

 

 

Fuquan Edwin – Paterson Catholic  jr.- This junior swingman helped P.C. finally get over the hump of beating  St. Anthony’s H.S. in the Parochial B semis. He could always be counted on to play big in big games. Future D-1 player

Myles Mack – Paterson Catholic  soph. – This sophomore guard plays beyond his years and is considered a clutch player who plays with no fear. His improved perimeter play and intelligence with the rock makes him a future D-1 player.

Karon Abraham – Eastside H.S. -sr. – This Robert Morris University recruit is a nightmare because of his shooting range and ability to put it on the floor. The best midrange shooter in the area, can also distribute the rock. Led Eastside H.S. to a Group 4 North State title. Scored over 1,700 points in career.

 

Dave Robertson -West- Eastside H.S. – sr.- His knack for being around the basketball made West a tenacious player to defend. Uncanny ability around the basket, despite his 6′1″. Improved his outside shot tremendously. Teamed with Abraham to form one of best duos in the area.

Asmar Edwards- Kennedy H.S.- sr.- Like West has a sense for where the ball is. Improved his range, but the best thing about Edwards is his ability to guard any position on the floor and his pure hard work. Seldom takes a play off. Is a stat sheet stuffer.

 

Vaughn Gray -Don Bosco Prep- soph.- This 6′4″ swingman is about to be recognized as the king of Bergen County basketball. Gray has improved his game, being able to beat people off the dribble and knock down the midrange shot. He is definitely a future D-1 player

Maynard Freeman- Passaic County Tech- sr. – Freeman has made himself one of the best in the area largely because of his hustle and desire. Only 5′7 Freeman is a strong kid who can get to the rack, but main threat is his set shot three. Scored 47 in a game this year, including 10 treys.

Mike Dudas- Don Bosco Prep- sr.- Dudas is a smooth shooting lefty with a nice perimeter game. Can knock down three’s and was Prep’s most consistent jump shooter. Had ability to hit big shots late , including a three at the buzzer to defeat Mahwah H.S. in Bergen Jamboree quarter finals.

Jason Rosenberg- Wayne Valley H.S. jr.- A true point guard in every sense of the word, Jason is a floor general who has good passing ability and great leadership skills. One of top assist makers in the area.

Mike Friedberg- Pascack Hills H.S.- sr.- Smooth 6′6 forward can stroke it with the best of them. Good rebounder despite lanky frame. Part of the best success Pascack Hills has ever had. Will be attending Emory College next year.

Jake Wolfin- Pascack Hills- sr.- The other half of Pascack Hills dynamic duo, Jake is a clutch player who constantly made big shots throughout the season. High IQ player who loves to compete. True gamer.

Andre Blackwood- Paramus Catholic H.S.- jr.- Blackwood is a straight up problem! Can knock down the three or put it on the floor. He also had the knack for making clutch shots. Has the potential to be a D1 player.

 

Steve Lequerica- Wayne Hills H.S.- sr.- When it comes to shooting, Steve can knock it down with the best. A 1,000 point scorer, Lequerica has been one of the best players in the area for the past 2 years,but somehow sneaks under the radar.

Julius Defreese- Mahwah H.S.- sr.-  One of the best athletes in the area, Defreese is a heads up defender who can get to the basket at will. A very strong finisher around the rim.

Joe Efese- St. Joseph H.S.-sr.- This 6′6 shot blocker has an underrated jump shot. Probably the best low post defender in the area, Efese will be putting his skills on display at Central Connecticut Univ. next year.

Zachary Anderson- Englewood H.S.- jr.- This 6′3 scorer will be giving Gray a run for best player in Bergen County next year. A forgotten man because of the struggles of his team this season, he has the ability to be something special. Has uncanny range from deep.

Bryant Lewis- Eastside H.S.- sr.- Sometimes the forgotten man, the Ghosts usually went as Bryant went. The quarterback of the team, the better he played, the better the team got. Played his best ball late in the season. Very strong floor game.

Tyshawn Pickett- Passaic H.S.- sr.- Tyshawn is a true competitor with a division 1 game. He can shoot it with any one and doesn’t back down. Can put up numbers when he gets it going.  Carried Passaic throughout the year, including 2 wins against Eastside H.S.

 

Jayon James-Paterson Catholic- jr.-Jayon finally put his physical ability to his basketball IQ. One of the smartest players in the area, James can put it on the floor and is an exceptional passer. P.C. usually went as he went, so a 26-5 record means he was getting it done.

 

 

 

Lance Brown- Paterson Catholic H.S.- sr.- Injured most of the season, Lance gets this award and acknowledgement because of his perseverance throughout the year. He never quit on his team even though he already had a scholarship to Fordham University. Tried to give it a go a few times and even though he wasn’t 100% still gave his all. As good a character kid as you will find.

           The Playaz Basketball Club’s 15u, 16u and 17u teams took their show on the road this weekend as they matched up against some of the top A.A.U. teams in the country at the Boo Williams Tournament in Hampton, Va. Each group proved they were ready for the challenge, playing up to the level of competition. The 15u group played well, going 2-1 for the weekend. Dallas Englin led the way for the 15’s, playing consistently in all three games. The 15’s took a tough loss from a squad from Canada which cost them a trip to the quarter finals. The 17’s were in a very tough pool and but came prepared. Fuquan Edwin and Isaiah Epps were the stars for the 17’s. They had a big win against Seattle Rotary club,led by Josh Smith and Tyler Wroten. Smith is Rivals #1 ranked player in the class of 2010. They loss in the quarterfinals to Athletes First who were led by Austin Rivers and Bradon Knight. The 17’s look like a team that’s going to get better as the A.A.U. season progresses. The pride of the Playaz basketball club seems to be the 16u team. They went down to Virginia and came back with the “Chip”.  They won the title with a 76-63 win over the St. Louis Eagles. This team has an understanding of the game that is not often seen. Even though many of them can go off at any time, they truly seem to put team ahead of “self” and that’s why this will be one of many chips for this team this season. Myles Mack led the way this weekend, exploding for 31 in one contest. He was not alone, as Myles Davis, Charles Oliver, Derrick Randle and Kyle Anderson all had their moments to shine. In all, Director Jimmy Salmon can be happy with what he saw from these teams did this weekend, although we know not completely satisfied.