The PA Rebels 14U AAU basketball team article below is sponsored by the Rebels Basketball Academy.
The PA Rebels 14U squad continued its tradition of excellence.
After experiencing nothing but success during the summer of 2013, the Rebels were back at it again this past summer, capturing several championships during the open period in July when college coaches are permitted to be in attendance.
The Rebels won the championship of the Basketball Stars of America Shootout in Pittsburgh and also the 14U Silver Bracket of the Hoop Group Jam Fest in Manheim, Pa., which included over 75 teams in the Rebels’ age bracket.
“We saved our best for last and peaked at the perfect time,” Rebels’ coach Adam Bowen said. “We beat the top 14U team in Canada to win the BSA Pittsburgh championship, and that seemed to give us a new level confidence going into Manheim which was the most important tournament of the season.”
The squad includes some of the brightest young talent in Lower Bucks County and the SOL. Leading the way is Neshaminy freshman Chris Arcidiacono, younger brother of Villanova standout Ryan Arcidiacono. Chris is already leaving his mark for the Redskins, scoring in double figures in each of the varsity’s first two games this season.
Other Rebel players on the Neshaminy roster are Charles Dominick, who swings between varsity and jayvee, and Anthony Papeo (JV). Four Rebels’ players are members of Council Rock North’s junior varsity: Matt McAlister, Mark Anastasi, Ryan Campbell and Harry Wyatt. Rounding out the Rebels’ roster are Christian Jabbar, a member of Council Rock South’s freshman team, and St. Joseph’s Prep players Mike Hagan, Vince Busico, Kyle Thompson and James Leible.
Arcidiacono, Hagan and Leible were named to the all-tournament team at the Hoop Group Jam Fest. Hagan was the MVP.
“Chris showed great leadership as our point guard and captain all tournament,” Bowen said of Arcidiacono. “When he plays well, we win.
“Hagan saved his best performance of the season for the championship game, and his MVP recognition was well deserved. He dominated offensively and defensively – inside and outside.
“Leible has size and toughness that is unmatched at this level. He plays very hard, his teammates follow his lead, and players like him are in high demand.”
In attendance at the championship game were St. Joseph’s University head coach Phil Martelli and Binghamton University associate head coach Ben Luber. Luber was a first team all-state selection during his high school playing days at Council Rock where he set school records for career points (1,969), assists (562) and steals (236).
For the season, Arcidiacono led the team in assists and was tied for the team lead in points. Leible tied for the team lead in points and led the Rebels in blocked shots. Hagan was third in points scored and led the Rebels in rebounding. McAlister led the team in charges drawn, and Busico led the Rebels in steals.
The young Rebels are looking to following in the footsteps of siblings who have gone before them. Ryan Arcidiacono is the starting point guard for a Villanova University team ranked in the top 10 of the nation, averaging seven points and four assists. Charles Anastasi, the older brother of Mark Anastasi, received a starting nod for Harvard University this season.
The Rebels’ biggest win of the season just might have come off the court. The team gave back to the community, raising as a team over $2,000 for the Bucks County-based charity Fund a Cure for Pancreatic Cancer.
“This was our first time connecting with a local organization and it was a great success,” Bowen said. “We look forward to building relationships with additional local organizations moving forward. It’s important for the boys to know our team is about more than just basketball.”
The Rebels are looking forward to an exciting 2015 when the squad will attend several of the nation’s top invitation-only tournaments and also will compete in AAU Regional Mid-Atlantics and AAU Nationals in Orlando.
To learn more about the Rebels Basketball Academy, please visit the academy’s web site by clicking on the following link: http://www.rebelsbasketballacademy.com/Rebels_Basketball_Academy/Home.html
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