Allentown Wins Basketball War Against Bethlehem

Elusive Deandre Tillett sinks Becahi free throw. 

This weekend was a treat for high school basketball fans, who got to see three high school teams from Allentown measure up against three Bethlehem schools for baller bragging rights at the 12th annual Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic. Allentown schools may struggle on the gridiron, but a basketball court is a different story. Hoops City, which hosts one of the best summer leagues in the northeast at Cedar Beach, won two of the three games.. These were league games, too, so they count.

For me, it was great to see so many young men whom I remember watching as tots. They are a great group, and as far as I'm concerned, they are all winners.

Becahi defeats Dieruff, 73-60. -  After a disappointing season last year, the reinvigorated Golden Hawks seemed to catch the Huskies completely off-guard. Senior Kweku Dawson-Amaan effortlessly scored 27 points by somehow always be in the best post position. He was no show-off, either. He just did his job. Just when Dieruff would bottle up Kweku, Senior Miciah Fraction would take it downtown. Nine of his 13 points were three-pointers. Beca is going to be very tough this year.

Vikings Plunder Freedom, 55-42. - If this game had ended at the first quarter, Freedom would have won. Nick King sent in a three-point buzzer beater from half-court as the quarter ended, giving the Patriots an 11-6 lead. But after that, it was all Central or perhaps i should say is was all Zay Jennings. This diminutive senior was everywhere, and ended the game with 28 points, including four 3-pointers. This very talented team is also very young. Eight of the 11 varsity players are just sophomores. One of them is big Shackylle Dezonie, who looks more like an NFL lineman than a basketball player. He scored 11.

Canaries Fly Through Liberty Hurricane, 72-62. -  Liberty has some great players like sophomore Alex "the Iceman" Serrano, who just goes out and scores. But how do you defend against an offense that includes Talek Williams (30 points) and Tyrese martin (20 points)? The answer is you don't. Allen dominated this summer at Cedar Beach and is on ots way to a great season.