Embracing Change: Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase Moves Indoors

Summer basketball has a new home as the Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase takes center stage at the Whitehall-Coplay School District this year. For over 30 years, Cedar Beach in Allentown has been synonymous with this prestigious tournament, but a decision to innovate has ushered in an exciting and fresh chapter.

Hosting 20 big-school varsity teams and six small-school teams, along with a JV tournament featuring 15 teams, the showcase promises thrilling competition. The action kicks off Thursday night, featuring a double-elimination format that leads to the championship games held on Sunday evening. Glen Klein, the tournament director, explains, “We’ve got a lot of heat outside this week and the great thing is I don’t have to worry about it.”

The Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase transitions indoors for unprecedented comfort and competition.

A New Era at Whitehall High School

The choice to relocate from Cedar Beach to Whitehall High School is more than a logistical shift; it’s a move to enhance the player and spectator experience. With four indoor courts—the main gym’s Dick Tracy Court and three auxiliary facilities—players and fans can enjoy the tournament free from the unpredictable summer weather. “This year, we have air conditioning. It’s a huge improvement,” Klein added.

The tournament has strong community backing, and its major sponsors include Service Electric Cable and St. Luke’s University Health Network. Additionally, local businesses like Biaggio’s restaurant and Cuzin’s Pub & Grill have stepped up to foster a great atmosphere of community engagement.

Community Support and Legacy

Derrick Brickhouse, a former standout for Allen High and owner of My Medicare Life, has pledged support to the tournament. His background as a player who experienced the tournament in its formative years translates into a commitment to current athletes. “I’m very excited to be involved; I want to give back to the basketball community,” Brickhouse emphasized.

The presence of strong local sponsorship resonates deeply during discussions around community support. “Small businesses have always been involved,” he said, drawing from his own experiences.

Allentown Central Catholic Eyes Three-Peat

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the two-time defending champions, Allentown Central Catholic. Coach Dennis Csensits believes in the spirit of competition and unity that the tournament fosters. “Our guys look forward to the tournament. It brings a lot of people together and there’s a good sense of community,” he remarked as the team prepares to kick off their journey.

A Star Between Games

With standout players like Lucas Mushrush and Jahrel Vigo, expectations are high for Central Catholic, even with the absence of Vigo, who will be competing with the Puerto Rican U17 national team. While they miss his contributions, opportunities arise for other team members to rise in prominence during critical moments.

“It’s about finding ways to blend new players into our system,” Mushrush shared, expressing the excitement of the upcoming matches that promise to be challenging yet beneficial for team cohesion. Their first encounter is against Delaware Valley, setting the tone for the games to follow.

KenPom’s Statistical Insights: Gonzaga Takes a Stand

As summer tournaments fill the basketball calendar, the shift in focus to college basketball’s storied programs has fans discussing the placement of teams in prestigious ranks. Gonzaga continues to affirm its status, ranking sixth in KenPom’s all-time college basketball rankings, a testament to their resilience and caliber after 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

Gonzaga’s consistency puts them firmly among college basketball’s elite programs.

Over the years, Gonzaga has managed to stand out despite being in a mid-major conference. With a remarkable record of success, including two Final Four appearances, the Bulldogs have become a benchmark for consistency in performance. Their achievements shine even brighter when weighed against programs with multiple championships that have faltered in various seasons.

The Rise of Gonzaga

What sets Gonzaga apart in KenPom’s rankings? Consistent appearances in high-stakes tournaments and a commitment to building talent through rigorous recruiting. The program’s ability to nurture talent without relying heavily on five-star recruits showcases their unique approach to player development over the last two decades.

As discussions continue to swirl around blue blood programs, Gonzaga’s place in the conversation becomes clearer. Few teams can match their stability and execution on the court, providing hope to aspiring programs eager to follow in their footsteps.

Looking Forward

As the Cedar Beach Basketball Showcase commences, it isn’t merely a tournament; it’s a celebration of community, young talent, and competitive spirit. With a fresh venue and strong support from local businesses, players, coaches, and fans are poised for an exhilarating weekend of basketball.

The efforts of the community and the promise of thrilling matchups set the stage for the tournament’s enduring legacy. With the eyes of basketball enthusiasts on Whitehall, this year’s showcase represents a beacon of hope and talent in the sport, uniting all through their shared love of basketball.

Let the games begin!

Thursday Night Schedule

• 6 p.m. Games: Delaware Valley vs. ACHS (Dick Tracy Court); Quakertown vs. Bangor (Middle School)
• 7 p.m. Games: Liberty vs. Phillipsburg (Dick Tracy Court); Easton vs. Hazleton (Middle School); Salisbury vs. Panther Valley (Zephyr Elementary School)
• 8 p.m. Games: Notre Dame-Green Pond vs. Pocono Mountain East (Dick Tracy Court); Easton JV vs. Panther Valley JV (Auxiliary Gym); Nazareth vs. Southern Lehigh (Middle School); Dieruff vs. Emmaus (Zephyr Elementary School).

The blend of excitement, community spirit, and summer heat makes basketball thrive like never before, ready to shine in the sunlight of Whitehall.