The Stellar "Catch a Rising Star" Basketball Showcase is set to tip off this Thursday through Saturday at Allentown's Cedar Beach and defending champion Freedom will have plenty of work to do in order to defend their title.

Head coach Joe Stellato is certainly aware of the difficulty that comes with the tournament, as well as dubious task to repeat as champions.

With all three local Bethlehem teams squaring off in summer league action at Cedar Beach, the real preview of what teams may have this winter comes this week.

"We know it's going to be very difficult to win this tournament again," said Stellato. "We have a team that is returning two starters from last year, so we're still trying to find ourselves as well. The one thing we have in commonwith last year is that we weren't playing well throughout the summer until we got to Stellar. I hope that's something that can happen again."

Liberty head coach Chad Landis has his team near atop the summer league standings at 6-1 and will use this weekend as a true gauge for his overall talent.

"Stellar is always a great tournament and one that our kids look forward to playing in," said Landis. "It's a good opportunity to see what we have improved on so far this summer and what we need to get better at."

Bethlehem Catholic is getting its full plate of summer basketball, as the Hawks are 4-2 at Cedar Beach and 5-3 in the men's league at North Catty.

This weekend, however, will be a big test for Becahi, as they look to keep momentum going from last seasons achievement of reaching the District 11 3A championship.

"You really get to test where your team is mentally and physically," said head coach Mike Frew. "It's a long weekend of hoops. We hope to be playing basketball on Sunday and then anything can happen. Like a lot of teams, we feel this is an attainable goal, but you have to bring the intensity every game."

That will be true for everyone, which is something that Freedom is certainly aware of after getting through the gauntlet last year.

"I don't know what to expect from our guys this year outside of them playing hard," Stellato said. "That's all I want to see from this group."