The 2021 Northeast Classic
New Jersey has always produced top-tier Basketball talent. This year, The Northeast Basketball Club and NJ Hoop Recruit hosted the first annual Northeast Classic which was held at the Bethany Community Center in Washington Township, NJ. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, New Jersey has had to move accordingly. Although affected, Basketball activities in the state have continued on but with many limitations. This event was indeed a bright spot in a year of uncertainty, and the young men who were selected to play had a ball competing against their peers.
Trevor Harris (L) and Justin Delaney (R) of Northeast Basketball Club and NJ Hoop Recruit, Respectively, hosted some of the best players in the country for the first annual Northeast Classic. Photo by Cal Griffin
The day consisted of a few different events which included a Slam Dunk contest and King of the Court contest. The entire roster was loaded with Division 1 prospects and coached by Social media influencer, Jesse “Filayyy” Jones, and former NBA hooper Gary Forbes. A few days before the actual game, there was a player draft where each coach picked up the players that they wanted on their team. Both teams were stacked and the coaches traded light friendly competitive jabs at each other which continued during the actual game.
The event went off without a hitch. As soon as I stepped foot in the gym you can see the players warming up and prepping for battle. All of the players were elite in their own right. After a quick warm-up, it was time for the coveted Slam Dunk contest. These kids can absolutely fly! LSU commit Brad Ezewiro and Illinois bound RJ Melendez seemed to be the favorites in the contest. That is until Ziare Wells and Elijah Perkins stepped up to the plate. Those guys stepped up and did dunks that are you could only see on TV. In the end, it was Ziare Wells who went home with the trophy.
North vs East: 1st annual Northeast Classic Photo by Cal Griffin
The main event was upon us. Unlike many All-Star type games, this game had defense. These players were hungry and it showed. The Gary Forbes Team East had the height, with guys like Brad Ezewiro (LSU Commit) and Samson Johnson (UConn Commit) tipping the scale at least at 6’8 or above. Team Filayyy had the skilled guard play with guys like RJ Melendez (Illinois Commit), Elliott Cadeau (‘24 of Bergen Catholic), and Simeon Wilcher (‘23 of Roselle Catholic) suiting up. It would be a very entertaining game with both teams trading buckets up until the closing seconds of the game.
Ben Roy of Manasquan was ready to go as soon as he walked in the gym. Photo by Cal Griffin
With three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, coach Gary Forbes’ Team East had possession of the ball down by one point. Announcer Mr. Talk Spicy set the scene by telling everybody to get their phones ready. Manasquan Point Guard Ben Roy inbounded the ball and the rest is history. Hudson Catholic guard Tahaad Pettiford broke free and called for the ball. With the clock dwindling, Pettiford got the ball about 22 feet away from the rim and hoisted a game-winning shot that hit nothing but net. Pettiford and his team celebrated a great win and got Team East their first win of the Northeast Classic by the score of 130-128.
Guest coaches Jesse “Filayyy” Jones talks trash to Gary Forbes in the fourth quarter. Photo By Cal Griffin
A huge thank you are in order for Justin of NJ Hoop Recruit and Trevor of Northeast Basketball Club for the hospitality. It’s no doubt that Basketball needs New Jersey‼️ Salute.
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