2021 NTBA National Champions: Mason Elite 2023
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The Pittsburgh-based AAU program Mason Elite 2023 won the NTBA National Championship Tournament in Myrtle Beach this weekend. These boys have set a standard of consistency over the years and have developed into one of the best AAU basketball programs…
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Continue ReadingThe Pittsburgh-based AAU program Mason Elite 2023 won the NTBA National Championship Tournament in Myrtle Beach this weekend. These boys have set a standard of consistency over the years and have developed into one of the best AAU basketball programs in the state of Pennsylvania. Many of these young men started Varsity on their high school teams or received significant playing time as sophomores this past season. Look for a good amount of them to take the successful experiences this spring and summer into their school campaign as juniors this coming winter.
Mason Elite 2023:
Dante DePante Dante DePante 6'3" | PG Central Catholic | 2023 State PA / Central Catholic HS / 6’1 / Combo Guard
- A scoring machine who has developed an all-around offensive skillset
- He likes to come off screens, knock down the pull up jumper, and hit the floater in the lane
- Dante is a high-level performer on both the high school and AAU scene
Vinnie Cugini Vinnie Cugini 6'2" | PG Aquinas Academy | 2023 State PA / Aquinas Academy HS / 6’2 / Shooting Guard
- He can “light up” the scoreboard in a variety of ways during a game
- A talented offensive player that creates shots in the half-court set
- Vinnie has developed his ball-handling ability as well
Adam Bilinsky Adam Bilinsky 6'3" | SF Norwin | 2023 State PA / Norwin HS / 6’3 / Wing Forward
- A tough, hard-nosed hooper who likes to drive the baseline and finish with slam dunks
- This energetic defender has the skills to cause problems for the defense
- Adam has improved his perimeter shooting which has helped him score in more ways
Michael Pfeuffer Michael Pfeuffer 6'2" | CG Mt. Lebanon | 2023 State PA / Mt. Lebanon HS / 6’1 / Shooting Guard
- His high basketball IQ helps him to lead by example on the court
- An above-average shooter from the perimeter and free throw line
- Michael is continuously working on improving his game
Kellen McDonough Kellen McDonough 6'5" | PF Woodland Hills | 2023 State PA / Woodland Hills HS / 6’5 / Power Forward
- A strong, low post threat who doesn’t shy away from contact during a contest
- He enjoys being the bruiser (football player as well) with hard screens and powerful rebounds
- Kellen looks to keep his teammates motivated with a high energy level
Brady Sulinski / Central Catholic HS / 6’1 / Wing Forward
- His quality defensive rebounding leads to quick transition opportunities for the offense
- A total team player that does a little bit of everything during a game
- Brady brings the work ethic and tenacity to the court every time
Ryan Edwards Ryan Edwards 5'10" | SG Norwin | 2023 State PA / Norwin HS / 5’10 / Point Guard
- A top-notch free-throw shooter with three-point long-distance accuracy as well
- This quick, shifty guard likes to create opportunities for his teammates
- Ryan continues to improve his game each year
Pat Newell / Central Catholic HS / 6’2 / Wing Forward
- He rebounds well on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor
- A tough defender that causes havoc for his opponents
- Pat looks to penetrate the lane and finish at the basket
Matt Gaither / Upper St. Clair HS / 6’1 / Small Forward
- An improving all-around performer that brings 100% effort to every game
- His perimeter ability has become a strong point
- Matt has major hustles and doesn’t hesitate to do the “dirty work” for his team
Kristian Thomas / Central Catholic HS / 5’11 / Shooting Guard
- This long-distance shooting threat can open up the offense with his consistency
- A skilled passer and quality ball-handler
- Kristian looks to find the open player in the half-court set and on the fast break
Noah Mason / Central Catholic HS / 6’0 / Small Forward
- A flat out hustler who gets after it on the defensive end of the floor
- He can score from drives to the hoop and with mid-range jumpers
- Noah uses his fundamentals to always be in the correct spot on the court
Make sure you take the opportunity to check out these boys in the fall/winter for the upcoming high school season. Their individual and team AAU success this spring/summer should lead to some top-level performances.