News Summary

The Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase makes its return to Allentown with 27 teams participating. However, attendance has declined compared to last year’s 64 teams. Hosted by Glen Klein, the event showcases local high school talent at the Whitehall-Coplay School District. This year’s tournament honors community figure Billy Lentz and aims to improve scheduling for future events. Excitement builds for upcoming games at the annual showcase despite challenges faced in attendance.

Allentown Welcomes Back Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase, But Attendance Struggles

Allentown, Pennsylvania is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated “Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase” returns for its second consecutive year. Hosted by Glen Klein, the event takes place at the cozy confines of the Whitehall-Coplay School District complex, specifically at the Dick Tracy Court and Zephyr Elementary School. The indoor setting makes for great basketball without the worry of unpredictable weather driving away fans and players alike!

A Weekend of Challenges

Despite the thrilling atmosphere, Klein is feeling the pressure this year. He acknowledges that he may have picked a less-than-ideal weekend for the showcase, and as a result, the number of teams has noticeably declined. This year’s event features only 27 teams, a significant drop from the robust 64 teams that participated in the past. These teams are divided into three categories: 12 in the big-school division, 8 in the small-school division, and 7 in the junior varsity (JV) tournament. The more substantial numbers from previous years are sorely missed, and Klein is taking notes for the future!

Who to Watch

For those eager to see some fresh talent on the court, Klein has lined up some exciting matchups. Defending big-school champion Parkland is ready to show its stuff, but it’s worth noting that last year’s small-school champ, Holy Cross, won’t be present. Meanwhile, first-year coaches like Eric Luckenbill at Emmaus, Jake Waylen at Northern Lehigh, and John Arcidiacono at Southern Lehigh promise to bring new strategies to the game.

In terms of individual player performances, keep an eye on Kellen Bauer from Northern Lehigh. He has been lighting up the scoreboard and is the summer league’s leading scorer, with multiple games of 30 or even 33 points! Notre Dame-Green Pond, fresh off a win against Allen, is also competing in the small-school division, showcasing formidable talent.

Weekend Schedule and Championship Hopes

The tournament promises an action-packed weekend with a full lineup of games scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Prepare for an exciting series of showdowns leading up to the championship games on Sunday! The small-school title will be decided at 4 p.m., closely followed by the much-anticipated big-school championship.

Community Support

Klein has worked hard to secure support from various local businesses, with Service Electric Cable TV stepping up as the marquee sponsor for this year’s showcase. Their involvement helps keep the spirit of high school basketball alive, showcasing the community’s love for the sport.

A Heartfelt Tribute

This year’s tournament also takes a moment to honor a true community gem. The showcase will be dedicated to the late Billy Lentz, a former star at Salisbury High who passed away earlier this year at the age of 71. Lentz was a long-time friend of Klein, and this dedication serves as a poignant reminder of the connections that sports create.

Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, Klein is eager to consult with fellow coaches to choose better dates for future tournaments. He hopes to avoid conflicts with other popular events such as PhillyLive! and the busy AAU tournament schedule. Scheduling has certainly proven to be a challenge, but with a collaborative approach, Klein is optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead.

And of course, for those already excited about more basketball action, mark your calendars for the upcoming A-Town Throwdown, set for July 24-27 at Cedar Beach in Allentown. It’s going to be an exciting summer for basketball fans!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Racine Park High School Boys Basketball Team Prepares for State Tournament
Cedar Rapids Takes the Crown in High School Baseball Rankings
High School Baseball Tournament Results in New Jersey Revealed
Southland High School Baseball Rankings Update: Week 6
Portsmouth High School Runner Faces Assault Charge Over Baton Incident
Local High School Sports Teams Achieve Remarkable Victories

Additional Resources