Pitt Summer Slam Fest: Standouts

<p>This past weekend AAU in Western Pennsylvania hit the courts running on Friday night. The Adidas Pittsburgh Summer Slam Fest was held in Monroeville, PA with over 100 teams participating in the event. While strict guidelines were followed with coaches, officials, and non-participating players wearing a mask, the competition was intense. You would expect the teams to be a little rusty, but not these kids. The boys were ready to get back into live game action and it showed throughout the weekend with many players looking like they never missed a beat from the last two months. The high school divisions were extremely competitive and some of the coaches were willing to provide information on their best players throughout the weekend tournament.</p> <p>These players obviously were not just playing video games or just sitting around doing nothing for the quarantine period. The standouts are listed below:</p> <h6> </h6> <h6><strong>Class of 2021</strong></h6> <p><br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991034" first="Wes" last="Kropp"] (Penn Hills)<br /> - This skilled forward is a match-up nightmare in the post, while running the floor with the ability to get to the rim.<br /> <br /> Eddie Daniels (Penn Hills)<br /> - A talented guard who can control the game and score, while playing tough, hard-nosed defense.</p> <h6> </h6> <h6><strong>Class of 2022</strong></h6> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991230" first="Ryan" last="Lang"] (Knoch)<br /> - A knock-down shooter with unlimited range and a quick release to change the momentum of a game.<br /> <br /> Matt McDonough (North Allegheny)<br /> - This quick, skilled guard can facilitate and handle the ball well while possessing a quality mid-range jumper.<br /> <br /> Nick Lydic (Erie Prep)<br /> - A guard/forward who can score in a variety of ways with the ability to play good defense.<br /> <br /> Trey Neal (Fox Chapel)<br /> - A skilled guard/forward who can balance offense and defense ability.</p> <h6> </h6> <p><strong>Class of 2023</strong><br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991332" first="Daemar" last="Kelly"] (Penn Hills)<br /> - An extremely athletic guard/forward who can beat you off the dribble, with a good mid-range shot, while playing top-notch defense<br /> <br /> Kellen Mcdonough (Woodland Hills)<br /> - A big body player with good footwork able to finish in the post.<br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991350" first="Damon" last="Astorino"] (Ambridge)<br /> - An overall team player who can play all 5 positions on the floor, while averaging a double/double on a consistent basis.<br /> <br /> Dante Depante (Central Catholic)<br /> - This guard has a high motor who has a long-distance range and a high basketball IQ.<br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991389" first="Michael" last="Pfeuffer"] (Mt. Lebanon)<br /> - A guard who can shoot off the dribble and control an offense.<br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991373" first="Drew" last="Sleva"] (Montour)<br /> - A shooting guard who has deadly range, with the ability to set up his teammates.<br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="991394" first="Cam" last="Griel"] (Fox Chapel)<br /> - This creative point guard looks to get everyone involved and has a high motor.<br /> <br /> </p> <p>This upcoming weekend will be another highly competitive AAU tournament. Check back for more information on our Western PA basketball players...</p>