Paterson……. The Playaz 15u basketball team(pictured below) beat a game New Heights(N.Y.C.) team 79-72 to win the Tuneup A.A.U. Tournament ” CHIP’. The Playaz got a huge game from 6’4 Shacore Edwards who lit Heights up for 35 points in the contest. Edwards offset the hot shooting of New Heights 6’1 guard Isaiah Lewis who rang up 31 points himself. Edwards(pictured),who was named M.V.P. of the tournament got it done inside and out. The Playaz reached the chip by defeating Team Philly of Philadelphia 74-66 behind balanced scoring led by 6’6 swingman Reggie Cameron’s 21 points, Josh Marquez 16 and 11 apiece from Gino Thorpe and Edwards and got strong guard play from 5’10 point Kavon Stewart.. Dominick Reid led Philly with 21 points and Hanif Sutton added 12. Heights reached the finals by beating the New Jersey Pirates 57-53 as 6’7 power forward Jordan Washington scored 14 points to lead Heights. Raekwon Kelly led the Pirates with 14. Lewis won the Sportsmanship Award while Washington, Marquez, Stewart and Shamiek Sheppard all made the All tournament team. The addition of Thorpe and 6’8 “big” Mike Young has made the Playaz 15 team even more imposing. The Playaz 16u team played respectable throughout the weekend, losing to the eventual champs,The Gauchos of N.Y.C. the 16’s showed signs behind the play of  Dallas Englin, Davon Jacobs, Grant Ellis, Zaire Williams and newcomer Tyreke Carey. The Playaz program will take their show on the road, traveling to Los Angeles, California Memorial Day Weekend as the 17u team will join the other squads to the west coast. 

 Paterson…….. The Playaz Club A.A.U. basketball hosts it’s 2nd annual Tune-up Tournament for it’s 9th/ 15u and 10th/16u teams at Kennedy Highschool in Paterson, N.J. The games will begin Saturday at 9am and go on throughout the day culminating in the championship for each age group Sunday. Some of the teams involved in the tournament are New York A.A.U. powerhouses New Heights, N.Y. Panthers, The Gauchos and The Long Island Lightning and Washington D.C. A.A.U. power D.C. Assault. Some of the local talent in the tournament from the Playaz are for the 15u team, Josh Marquez #23( Depaul H.S.) and Reggie Cameron and Kavon Stewart(both pictured), who are both undecided on their next Highschool due to the closing of Paterson Catholic. The 16u team consists of Dallas Englin(Seton Hall Prep) and Paterson’s Davon Jacobs( Depaul) and Zaire Williams(Newark Academy).The 15u team in particular are considered one of the best around after winning the Boo Williams tournament in Virginia early in the A.A.U. season. Come see some of the best young talent in the metropolitan area this weekend!

Paterson, N.J…………. Paterson’s Tarik Robinson(pictured left) held a recruitment day showcase for area kids that are still unsure of their college basketball situation. Robinson, who has played professionally overseas invited Division 2 and 3 schools and Junior Colleges in the area to attend the event. Many Bergen and Passaic County highschool stars decided to show their wares in front of the coaches in hopes of catching one of the scouts eyes.

Here are a few of the area players that shined in the games.

Shondell Stewart -Kennedy H.S.-  Probably attending Miami Dade Juco for a year. Shondell was his usual high powered self doing it from inside and out! 

Tyshawn Pickett- Passaic H.S.- Showed his entire repertoire showing his outside shot to go along with his inside power game

Andre Blackwood- Paramus Catholic H.S. – Can flat out shoot the rock! And showed that to the schools that were in attendance!

Najee Salaam- Passaic H.S.-  Showcased his athleticism with couple of strong moves to bucket and finishing with dunks!

Owen Barnes- Teaneck H.S.- Showed his ability to run the show, specifically on the break! Underrated outside shooter!

Kyle Steinbergin – Teaneck H.S.- Showed his long range capabilities the entire night. Unlimited! Also above average defender!

Chris Albuquerque – Eastside H.S.-  Showed nice post moves around the basket, but must finish more consistently. Good rebounder!

Other notable Players In Showcase:

Marquis Matthews -Eastside, Terrell Spaulding – Eastside, Janif Green – Eastside, Alex Brown – Formerly Paramus Catholic,  Jaemille Barnes- Kennedy H.S.,  Jordan Wade- Paramus Catholic