16U Mason Elite: Pitt Jam Fest Young Guns
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Now we touch on the 16u Mason Elite program as the Pitt Jam Fest information races forward this week. This AAU organization has only one team under its belt, but what a team! There are a good amount of quality…
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Continue ReadingNow we touch on the 16u Mason Elite program as the Pitt Jam Fest information races forward this week. This AAU organization has only one team under its belt, but what a team! There are a good amount of quality players in this group who contribute on a regular basis to their team’s success on the court. A balanced squad that works extremely well together from the experience of playing together for years. Listed below are some of the main guys from Mason Elite.
Mason Elite 16u ballers from the weekend:
Adam Bilinsky, 6’3 guard/forward – Norwin High School (Class of 2023)
Kellen McDonough, 6’5 power forward – Woodland Hills High School (Class of 2023)
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA , 6’2 guard/forward – Aquinas Academy High School (Class of 2023)
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA , 6’1 combo guard – Central Catholic High School (Class of 2023)
Michael Pfeuffer Michael Pfeuffer 6'2" | CG Mt. Lebanon | 2023 State PA , 6’1 combo guard – Mt. Lebanon High School (Class of 2023)
Ryan Edwards, 5’11 guard – Norwin High School (Class of 2023)
Noah Mason, 6’0 guard/forward – Central Catholic High School (Class of 2023)
The whole program of Mason Elite is a family atmosphere on and off the court. These boys stick together and the chemistry continues to develop as the years of playing together move forward deep into high school. When they walk into the gym their look is not imposing by any means, but remember looks aren’t everything. Once the ball is tipped off at half court and Mason Elite gets running, the motion offense and transition game become at times unstoppable. The overall hustle and teamwork of these fellas are extremely impressive to watch during a contest. The stars of the show can light it up from beyond the arc, knock down the mid-range jumper, penetrate to the basket, and finish on the break…
Let’s start with the hard-working slasher Adam Bilinsky. Watch for him to drive baseline and finish with a slam, while still having the ability to make that mid-range jumper. He has developed into an all-around performer. How about the big guy Kellen McDonough? This kid doesn’t back down from any opponent. Kellen brings that toughness from the football field to the basketball court with the ability to block shots, rebound well, and set hard screens. That brings us to Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA , one of the top scorers in the state of Pennsylvania. He likes to get out on the break and hit the pull-up jump shot or drive the lane while finishing at the basket. These three continue to lead the team on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
Next, we take a look at the highly talented offensive hoopers of the Mason Elite program. Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA never is shy when it comes to shooting the three-ball from deep range. If he comes off a screen the shot is almost an automatic bucket. His sidekick Michael Pfeuffer has similar long-range shooting on the perimeter. His ability to knock down the open jumper with consistency gives this team two deadly forces in the backcourt.
As we move forward, another guard Ryan Edwards has the ball-handling and passing skills to create opportunities for his teammates. Also, he is an excellent free throw shooter. While guard/forward Noah Mason does a little bit of everything for Mason Elite with his hearts and hustle.
Mason Elite 16u came on the scene a few years ago, but the chemistry these boys have developed over a short period of time has grown into an elite program. The name “elite” definitely fits with the Micah Mason organization.