Check out this 12 year old kid by the name of Damon Harge. Youngin is already playing varsity ball and giving dudes buckets. Remember the name Damon Harge because in the year 2018 he will be a top recruit or possibly a lottery pick if they change the NBA Draft rules back.

Maann, this Marcus Lovett Jr. kid is amazing! He is a sophomore PG and sometime in January he went up against Aaron Holiday, the little brother of Philadelphia 76ers’ Jrue Holiday. Both Aaron and Marcus are top sophomores in the country! They both ended up in the 40 point range but watch the video to see who gets the best of who!

Update: Marcus Lovett’s dad may make him sit out the rest of the year due to grades. Come on young man don’t waste this talent!

Be sure to watch the US Army All-American Bowl this Saturday, January 5th at 1pm. Playing in this game is a good friend of mine from Cleveland Heights, Shelton Gibson. Players such as AP, Tebow, Ted Ginn Jr, Ray Williams, Donte Whitner, Desean Jackson, Andrew Luck, Reggie Bush, and many others have all played in this game.

When Urban Myers got the job at Ohio State last year his first scholarship offer went to Shelton Gibson. Check out some of his highlights right here.

There’s a video circulating the internet of 5th grader Julian Newman who may just be the youngest HS basketball player. Julian is averaging 13 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals a game as a point guard for Downey Christian High School (3-3, this season). We’re not sure about the quality of the competition but it’s still impressive either way. Congrats Julian!

Being that I work with kids, this is a touchy subject and hurt my heart to see it happen. As a native Clevelander, I have been hearing about Tony Farmer since he stepped on the court as a freshman star at Garfield High School in Garfield Heights, OH (A suburb of Cleveland). Tony is a 6’7 gifted wing player ranked nationally with offers from schools like Michigan, West Virginia, Illinois and other Division I schools.

One morning not too long ago, he decided to put his hands on his girlfriend. He kicked, punched, and dragged her and it was all caught on tape by her apartment complex. He was just sentenced this week to three years in prison for his actions. Tony was supposed to be starting his senior year of high school not going to prison.

I hope all you kids out here pay attention to this story and THINK BEFORE YOU ACT. One bad decision could change your life forever!

Read more about the Tony Farmer story here. You can also find out more information about domestic violence prevention and how to help victims of domestic violence at The Hotline.

What do you think should be done when people need help like this?

Check out my piece on SLAMonline about one of the best players in the 2014 class…

After taking home the Tennessee Division 1 Class AA high school championship, Jalen Lindsey got right to work in order to prepare for spring AAU ball. He scored 21 points in his Christ Presbyterian Academy’s 78-64 win over Mitchell, but he refused to become content and soak in the championship effort. Instead, Jalen trained hard and geared up for a set of grueling months ahead.

His work ethic and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. Although his AAU team, the Georgia Stars, failed to reach the EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam, Jalen led his team in points scored and field goal percentage. He certified himself as one of the premier wings in the nation for the class of 2014 and has continued his success after the spring AAU season ended.

Jalen earned a spot at the NBPA Top 100 camp due to his impressive performances in the EYBL circuit. He came into camp ranked by national scouting services anywhere from 18-27 in the country for the 2014 class. He more than stood his ground against the other elite athletes and was voted on by the players at the camp to the All-Camp Team. He benefited from the structured environment and left his mark amongst the current and former NBA players at the event.

“I really liked the experience at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. I don’t get very many chances to have former NBA players find weaknesses in my game and tell me what I need to work on,” Jalen explained. “The camp was almost even better off the court from a learning perspective of breaking down film, getting to know guys who had successful NBA careers, and hanging with teammates.”

With an improving offensive skillset, a lengthy frame, and big time athleticism, Jalen has no shortage of schools asking for his commitment. Alabama, Providence, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida all have inquired about the 6’7 wing. Jalen claims no time-table for his decision and plans on waiting at least another year before really figuring out his recruiting process. For now, he wants to keep expanding his game and

“I’m still definitely wide open with the recruiting process. I want to see what schools start picking up interest after July,” Jalen said. “I just want to go out in July and let my play speak for me. Hopefully I start getting interest from a few more places, but I’m very happy with the list of schools already recruiting me. “

When did you first start playing basketball? Who first introduced you to basketball?

My family introduced me to basketball as early as I can remember.

What position do you play? What do you like about playing basketball?

I play the 2 but prefer to play the point guard. I like the team aspect and being able to control the game.

What’s your workout schedule like? How often do you spend time in the gym?

I workout on the weekends for about 3-4 hours.

What is your favorite free-time activity besides basketball?

I like chilling with the family and playing video games.

How do you balance your schoolwork and practice?

I break it up into sections.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I listen to country music.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

Spain, so I could test out my Spanish and also to meet new people (girls).

What people have helped you the most in your basketball career so far?

My family.

Besides playing professional basketball, what other careers interest you?

Plastic surgeon.

Do you play any other sports besides basketball?

No, but would like to try soccer.

If you could describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be?

Gregarious.

What words of advice would you give to players younger than yourself?

To do your best in school so you can be successful.

If you had to ask LeBron one question, what would it be?

What’s your mindset when you are on the court?

The spring AAU recruiting period finished with a bang across the whole country. Events such as Nike’s EYBL in Hampton VA, Philly’s Hoop Group Jam Fest, St. Louis’ Battle of the Arch, and the King James tournament in Ohio all sported a solid group of teams with hundreds of division one players. Indianapolis’ Adidas Spring Classis proved to be no different.

Sporting teams from across the country, the Adidas Spring Classic had the star power and the depth to make a competitive and entertaining tournament from day one. I missed pieces of the tournament while providing coverage of the Pacers-Magic game, so I missed a few games I wanted to check out. Here are some of the top performers that I saw from the weekend….

17U

Bronson Koenig (Wisconsin Swing): The MVP of the tournament, Koenig put on an offensive display that rivaled anything I’ve seen all year. He carried his team to victory against a previously undefeated Eric Gordon All Star’s squad and dropped a whopping 33 points in the championship game against the Michigan Mustangs. Whether it be a three point bomb, a mid range pull-up, a floater, a reverse layup, or a dunk, Koenig has every type of shot in his arsenal. Koenig played like he wanted a spot in the McDonald’s All American roster. If he keeps up that type of play, he may very well get there…