Roundball Classic’s Rising Stars game to feature some of area’s top juniors, sophomores

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Friday, May 10, 2024 | 3:29 PM

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For the first time officially, the annual Roundball Classic all-star basketball event will feature multiple underclassmen games for juniors and sophomores.

Rosters were announced for the “main event” game, the Rising Stars feature game, which will be 8 p.m. May 26 at North Allegheny.

The Blue team will be coached by New Castle’s Ralph Blundo. His players will include juniors Zion Moore of Belle Vernon, Rowan Carmichael of Avonworth, Ralphie Blundo of New Castle, Nate Wesling of Baldwin, Isaiah Jeter of Central Valley, Lucas Stanley of Union, Michael Santicola of Moon and Courtney Wallace of Neighborhood Academy; and sophomores Dave Kwiat of Neshannock, Josh Pratt of Aliquippa, Julian Semplice of Chartiers Valley, Nick Trklja of Thomas Jefferson and Damian Harrison of New Castle.

The Red team, coached by South Allegheny’s Tony DiCenzo, will include juniors Tori Grooms of Uniontown, RJ Sledge of Imani Christian, Rhaki Lum of Lincoln Park, Brady Mayo of Beaver, Calvin Winfrey of Central Catholic and Donte Tisinger of Johnstown; and sophomores Tyler Peppin of Seneca Valley, Drew Cook of South Allegheny, Christian Williams of Central Catholic, Grant Spacciapolli of Pine-Richland, Bobby Fadden of Mohawk and Eric James of North Hills.

There are several other underclass games — about 160 players, organizer Allen Deep said — and those will be played May 23-24, at North Allegheny.

Teams will practice May 21-22, at Rize Sports in Leetsdale.

The Roundball Classic, which features the top senior boys and girls players from the WPIAL, City League and District 10, will be May 25-26, at North Allegheny.

The schedule and rosters can be viewed here.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.