When Hoop Group’s Summer Jam Fest tips off later today at suburban Lancaster’s massive Spooky Nook Sports, several Harrisburg-based AAU teams will be part of the 68-team field chasing championship hardware.
Two sides — Team Pennsylvania and Central Pennsylvania Elite — will bounce into today’s fray a little weary since they were involved in Hoop Group’s two-day Summer Classic East event earlier this week in King of Prussia.
Both dropped their opening-round contests, falling into the consolation bracket.
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Mike Pilsitz’s Team PA will begin its championship quest today at 4:15, meeting the C.J. Eagles. Should Team PA prevail, they will play Saturday morning (9 a.m.) against the New York City Jayhawks or S.J. Blitz.
Shane Sweigart’s CPE side also will open at 4:15, squaring off against the Long Island Lightning. If CPE advances with a victory and remains in the winners’ bracket, they’ll play against Saturday morning (9 a.m.) against the D.C. Thunder, Team Vandy Hill or Mid-County Basketball School.
Tigh Savercool’s South Central Select group will make its Summer Jam Fest debut at 3 p.m. against the same Dream To Achieve team CPE defeated 70-53 in its first Summer Classic East consy. Should SCS move forward, Savercool’s once-beaten bunch will collide with Philly’s Team Final Blue at 5:30.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TEAM PENNSYLVANIA/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA ELITE
SOUTH CENTRAL SELECT
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Eli Brooks, Spring Grove, 5-11 sophomore — Not only is Brooks the son of a coach, but those fronting college programs might want to take not that he’s also the grandson of a long-time coach. So there’s plenty of quality DNA flowing through this youngster’s veins — and we haven’t even discussed his blossoming floor game just yet nor his high hoops IQ. Brooks sports plenty of marketable qualities (handle, shooting stroke, cool demeanor) and his glowing resume already has Mount St. Mary’s on full alert.
Sam Powery, East Pennsboro, 5-11 junior — True lead guard with an unshakable exterior and plenty of smarts — Powery ranks No. 1 in his class at East Penn — who facilitates first and thinks finish later. Also has a good first step that allows him to shake defenders and get into the paint. Solid player who won’t back down from any challenge or opponent.
James Williams, Bishop McDevitt, 6-6 junior — Recent addition to the SCS squad who has grown several inches since McDevitt’s terrific 2013-14 season ended in the state playoffs. Long wingspan will allow him to impact defensively, but also has the agility and mobility to get out on the break and finish along with the ability to score from the wings or back someone down in the post.
Austin Yetter, Palmyra, 6-0 junior — Scrappy kid with tremendous work ethic and plenty of want-to who can really stroke the basketball. Loves the corner jumper, canning plenty while leading Palmyra in scoring last winter. Capable defender who will get after adversaries with the same drive he shows offensively.
Jordan Purcell, Carlisle, 6-1 junior — Much-improved player with plenty of athleticism who seems to get better with each and every workout. Does plenty of things well at both ends of the floor, but is especially adept at being able to guard just about anyone he encounters. Additional experience should fuel big upside.
Other South Central Select players include Central Dauphin’s Theo Braddy, a 6-5 junior who can finish in numerous ways; Gettysburg’s Max Lampe, a 6-3 junior who can play both backcourt spots effectively; Harrisburg’s Ahkee Cowan, a dependable 5-10 junior with terrific defensive skills; CD East’s A.J. Perez, a wide-bodied 6-2 junior with plenty of instincts and a high hoops IQ; Carlisle’s Rakhi Dockens, an athletic 6-1 junior who can rack up big numbers in a hurry; and Harrisburg junior Nasir Johnson, a 5-10 defensive dynamo.
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