The Middle School Elite New York City Camp transpired in the Co-op City, Baychester area at Truman high school in the Bronx, New York on Saturday, March 12, 2016. From the commence of check- in (9:00 a.m.) to the event’s conclusion (5:00 p.m.), the MSE NYC Camp was well-organized.  

Hundreds of people filled the gymnasuim including frisky grammar and middle school hoopers who commuted from California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and throughout New York. 

An astonished Coach Barry who was one of the camp facilitators said, “I’m shocked these many people from outside the city traveled to Truman in the Bronx.”

Guns Down Life Up, a NYC based peace organization had a handful of jubilant staff distribute GDLU brand adjustable hats, colorful tee shirts, slogan wristbands and educational literature to everyone. 

The introduction was led by coach Andre Edwards from Long Island, New York, who anxiously told campers, “If you don’t have good grades, you have to start working now to make yourself available to high school and college coaches looking for good student athletes.”

He then popped an indirect question to them, “Do you know that seventh and eighth graders are recruitable.” 

The talented players in class of 2020 and 2021, without interest or offers, realized they had to ramp up their recruitment. And class of 2022, ’23 , ’24 & ’25 athletes understood they, too, would soon be prospects.

MSE witnessed young ballers gradually elevate their game within a six hour time span. Oftentimes, instructors stopped campers during workouts to demonstrate proper execution. “Dig your shoulder into the defender’s chest and explode for the layup,” advised coach Edwards who changed from business attire into a sweatsuit midway through camp.

Another passionate MSE coach even halted a five-on-five game to make campers run suicide-laps after they failed to play favorable team ball. 

Adults comprehended the meaning of the MSE Camp as well. Some parents congratulated the function’s director on his son being voted Freshman of the Year in college, while others focused on equipping their prodigy with knowledge and exposure for significant leverage. 

“I appreciate you guys camp and having my son there to perform..I hope that he played well and he can get some love on you guys page..thanks,” said the father of Kalik Sharpe, who won MVP in the 6th grade division.  

With the world’s media watching, we were diligent to not overlook campers who might otherwise be successful later. So we considered each player’s ability and rated based on subsequent potential.  

Here is a breakdown on some of the top performers and MVP’s at the MSE NYC Camp last weekend:

MSE NYC CAMP 8TH GRADERS

Jeremiah Mobley (NY) is a shifty point guard who kept defenders on skates with his ball wizardry. He hypnotized opponents, and then blew by them with catlike quickness. Mobley finished difficult shots through hard body contact. Despite his diminutive size, he earned MVP in 8th grade.  

Tayshawn Anderson (NY) is a 6-1 point guard who put in major work all day. He was competitive in his match up against a physically smaller Mobley. Anderson repeatedly launched deep treys and whizzed passes to cutting teammates. He played with the heart of a lion. 

Jadan McNaughton (NY) ran the floor on fast breaks looking for the middle or outlet. He posted for a entry step around or overhead lob pass. Once the pill touched his paws, he drop stepped or hook shot. McNaughton is a developing true center. 

Dajuan Legros (NY) is a wiry, scrappy player who relished tenacious man-to-man defense. He used his long arms to protect passing lanes, to get steals and to recover loose balls. He’s ambitious to compete with and against the best. 

Rashaun Malloy (NY) is a chiseled combo guard who was active on both ends of the court. He can score from anywhere within shooting range on the floor. Malloy is steadily learning the nuances of basketball. 

TJ Scaffidi (NY) is a newcomer who caught our eye late at camp by making tough buckets appear ABC. He outmuscled aggressive players while desperately boxing out to clean glass. 

Teywan Hailey (NY) was a bully in camp mowing down opponents without fouling. If he dedicates added hours inside the gym and classroom refining his skills, sky is the limit. 

MSE NYC CAMP 7TH GRADERS 

Javier Contreras (NY) is a big-body athlete proficient at reading and dissecting defenses. The MVP made acrobatic put-backs while punishing opponents with pure physicality. Contreras stock increased after breaking a trap with a “bowling ball” bounce. 

Takel Jackson (NY) played rather sluggish historical  first outing, but improved the second and third game. Following several shot attempts, Jackson resorted to a fade away jumper as MJ.

Daniel Simms (CT) showed signs of greatness in front of onlooking scouts. He’s tall, long, athletic and mobile. Simms held the goose neck form on his jumper to illustrate perfect technique. 

Joseph Harrison (NY) constantly spun in the lane finishing with a bank-shot or underhand layup. He ball faked to create space, and broke a double team when he dribbled through his legs and behind back. 

Keith Fraser (NJ) swished threes after his quick double jab step. He finished off-balance lay ups,  and scored with floaters over bigs closing out. Moreover, he went straight at defenses instead of dodging.

Travian Montanez (CT) is an unselfish point guard who distributed to open teammates. Moving without the ball, he screened away and set picks. When handling the ball, Montanez kept his dribble low with his weak-side forearm shielding or protecting it.

MSE NYC CAMP 6TH GRADERS

Kalik Sharpe (NY) grabbed MVP because he translated workstation skills into organized games. He pound dribbled the ball for good reaction time to either shoot, pass or go. He didn’t shy away from body contact either. Sharpe will be a player to watch now and forever. 

Justin Ferman (NY) landed a quick first step on his guardsman with a half-spin hesitation. He incorporated a stop-and-go dribble which had defenders staggering. He competed with plenty swag and mojo. 

Will Groot (NY) was peerless at the MSE NYC Camp. He overwhelmed lessor opponents with height and strength. Groot can be a future phenom in the making.

Mycah Lambert (CA) has a good feel for the game as though he was a coaches son. Has a quick in-and-out dribble for continued motion. Lambert’s knee aggrivated him earlier in camp, but he mentally sustained the pain to foster a warrior reputation.

Ryan Bisano (NY) found the open man in transition and half-court set. The ambidextrous athlete made left and right hand finger roll layups. His stop & pop at both elbows was fundamentally sound. 

Cameron DePetris (NY) is somewhat flashy, but gets the job done. He played the game Monkey In The Middle to catch flying balls over his head. DePetris fired shots subsequent to luring defenders asleep. 

Efrain Davila (NY) left the defense behind him as he penetrated territory. His scoring prowess is a one-bounce-pull-up. On secondary breaks, Davila used smarts and skill to beat the play.

MSE NYC CAMP 4TH & 5TH GRADERS

Isaiah Bown (NJ) was ultimately picked for MVP in the 5th grade group. He’s a deceptive playmaker who released jumpers after opponents thought he was going to pass the ball. He dazzled the crowd with an overall good game.  Expect Brown to ring bells in the near future.

Lamiek Cullum (NY) battled amongst trees down-low where he finished strong at the hoop. He used his whole body to finish shots. He also has a high IQ. 

AJ Miles (MA) is an impact athlete who left his blood, sweat and tears on the hardwood. He made the extra passed in order to get teammates involved, though able to find his shot. Miles crossed over defenders into hard screens for him to exploit the gaps in zones.

Michael Anderson (2024/NY) earned MVP honors in the stacked 4th grade unit. He got ten-dollar bill for honors, whereas fellow award recipients were given a trophy. Anderson violently snatched the basketball out the hands of dribblers, and verbally communicated on defense. He was equally attractive on offense. 

TeShawn Bumpers (2024/NY) was good at two-ball cone drills. He used his index finger to direct teammates in congested traffic. He either had defenders ride his hip or on their heels when choosing to score the ball.