Neptune…..The Playaz Basketball Club had their Spring Fling Session III Tournament and in the end New Heights of New York A.A.U. club and Team Takeover Of Washington, D.C.stole the show in the 15u and 17u finals! New Heights surprised a talented Playaz Gold(17u) team 51-50! Marquis Barnett was fouled with 1.7 seconds left and made 1 of 2 free throws to give New Heights the win! The Playaz had control most of the game but Heights Joel Angus caught fire from the three line, knocking down 5 big ones! He finished with 17 points in the game! When they missed Barnett and Jimmy Hall crashed the boards hard to give them second opportunities, as Barnett’s game winning free throw was a result of an offensive rebound! Kyle Anderson led the Playaz with 15 points in the game, while Derrick Wood added 12! Hall, Anderson, Wood and Savon Goodman all made All Tournament, while Angus was the Player of the game! New Heights Point guard Tyliek Kimbrough was the Tournament Most Outstanding Player! New Heights got to the “Chip” by defeating D.C. Assault 55-45 in the semifinals! Kimbrough led the game with 18 points, while Jordan Goodman led Assault with 14 points! The Playaz reached the finals by defeating Team Takeover 17’s 74-60 as Chris Jones led the scoring with 17 points, including 5 “triples”, Goodman and Wood scored 14 and Anderson added 11! The 15u final was a good one between Takeover 15u and New York’s Juice Crew! Takeover survived in overtime to beat Juice 58-57! Allante Holster led the scoring with 14 points! He was voted Player of the game, Jordan Abdur Ra’ouf was the Tournament M.V.P.! Drake Goddard made All tournament for Takeover! Isaiah Whitehead, considered one of the best 15’s in the country made All Tournament for Juice Crew, as well as Mike Williams! Juice got in the final by beating  the Playaz 15u due to 24 points by Chancellor Ellis and 21 by Whitehead! Rashard Figures led the Playaz with 21 points! Takeover beat Sports U 62-46 as Abdur Ra’ouf scored 19 points! Quadir Moore scored 12 points to lead Sports U!

NOTES:  The Playaz 17u team looked impressive throughout the tournament, before being stung by New Heights! They will head to the Boo Williams next weekend to begin the Nike EYBL A.A.U. summer tournament! This will be their first games in the EYBL! The Playaz 16u team impressed this weekend playing in the 17u tournament! They won in pool play, surprising Baltimore Elite 17’s in one contest and reaching the quarterfinals,before losing by one in overtime to eventual champs New Heights 17u! The Playaz 14u team also impressed reaching the 15 Silver championship before losing to Team Philly 15u team! Both Playaz teams will be heading down to Virginia for the Boo Williams! Juice’s Whitehead proved to be the truth this weeekend as he displayed an array of talent! Handle, jumper and an art for making big shots!

   Hoops Journal is proud to announce it’s 3rd Annual All North Jersey Team! The team includes players from Bergen, Passaic and Hudson County! Criteria is simple: Had to have seen player at least twice or more! Unfortunately, not able to see everyone, so if your favorite player missed the cut( MY BAD!)! The First Team will be Bergen County!

                                        ALL NORTH JERSEY: BERGEN COUNTY

1.)    WESLEY DICKINSON  Jr. – Dwight- Englewood : Led Dwight-Englewood to a 28-3 record and was a consistent double-double player! Has a nice quick step going to the basket and is also a strong defender! Only a Junior, will be a Division 1 player in the future!

2.) JUSTIN HARRIS  Sr. – Paramus Catholic: The 6’8 Harris was a beast in the post for Paramus Catholic, finishing the season averaging 17.6 points and 11.4 rebounds! His wide body was tough to handle and he has a soft touch around the basket! Finished as a 1,000 point scorer and is looking to play at Illinois State or Hofstra next season!

3.)  JOEL HERNANDEZ  Soph.- Teaneck: Joel came on the scene this year to team with Chris Jones and give the Highwaymen a 28-3 record enroute to a North 1 Group 3 title! He is explsive to the rim and can knock down the open shot! Averaged 14.4 points and grabbed 11.4 boards a game!A Division 1 prospect!

4.) CHRIS JONES  Jr.- Teaneck:  Jones took his role as a go to guy to heart for Teaneck this year in leading them to a 28-3! A deadly medium range shooter who can knock down”triples” and can finish at the basket, Chris is on his way to being a Division 1 player as he already has a lot of interest!

5.) SHANE McLAUGHLIN  Sr. – Old Tappan:  Shane is the leading scorer in Old Tappan history with 1,203 career points! He has left a strong legacy and done big things over the last 3 years! Averaged 19.3 points a game and 6 assists a game! One of the best point guards in the area!

6.)  JEMAL MOSLEY  Jr.- Don Bosco Prep:  Jemal got better and better as the season went on and peaked around Bergen County Jamboree time! Jemal is a tough player to guard and has a knack for getting in the paint for short jumpers! Averaged 15.2 a points a game and 4 assists this season!

7.) VIN O’BIERNE  Jr. – Wood Ridge:  O’Bierne averaged 21.3 points and 12.5 rebounds for a team that averaged 80 points a game and helped them win the North 1 Group 1 state title! Can run the floor and knock down the medium range shot! Already has 1,300 career points!

8.) CHRIS OROZCO  Jr.- Tenafly:  Barring injuries, Chris will leave Tenafly next year as a 2,000 point scorer! He can shoot the jumper, but more importantly has a knack for getting to the foul line! He averaged 21.7 points , 10 rebounds and 5 assists  during the season and has 1,501 career points! Is getting Division 1 looks!

9.) DAVE ROSADO  Jr – Saddle River Day: You have to give a guy who leads the state in scoring some props! Dave came from Paterson Catholic and averaged 26.3 points a game! His play helped Saddle River Day to the State playoffs! Is an energy player who tries to bring it every night!

10.) RYAN VELEZ  Sr. – Elmwood Park: One of the purest shooters in Northern New Jersey,Velez also can go off the dribble! Was a fun watch as he averaged 18.8 points and 8.5 rebounds1 Could have scored more, but very unselfish and probably should have taken over the game! Finished his highschool career with 1,430 points!

 NOTE: Missing Vin O’Bierne’s Picture!

    In an acknowledgement of a special Highschool career, Hoop Journal would like to recognize  6’5 swingman Vaughn Gray! Gray is another one that’s more than a basketball player! He is also family! Vaughn has been family since he was 8 years old and watching him develop into the man and player he has become has been a special treat! He is a product of the Paterson Rec League, the Playaz Basketball Club and in particular is part of the Positive Impact Basketball family! Also a member of the “L”(remember Vaughn)! He played his first three highschool years at Don Bosco Prep and truth be told, Dominated Bergen County!!! He then went to St. Benedict’s to finish his career and got a full ride to George Mason University! Vaughn is a smooth baller with one of the quickest first steps in the business and it will be more than utilized on the college scene! But on a personal note, Vaughn has a certain stature and presence that makes you know that whether on or off the court, he will be a success! Thanks Vaughn, for being more than just a baller! It has been a pleasure to be a part of your circle! Will always be there for you!