While the goal in tournaments like the recent Stellar "Catch A Rising Star" Basketball Showcase is to advance as far as possible, Catasauqua's exit from the field on Sunday morning didn't indicate the Rough Riders' run wasn't a success.

Eric Snyder's team - who lost four senior starters from last season-went 2-2 over the course of the tournament before falling to Whitehall by four early on Sunday morning, after that scheduled game for Saturday night was postponed due to weather.

"The goal is to always win as many games as possible, and if possible, to get into Sunday," said Snyder. "That means you won a couple games. But a lot of it depends on your bracket."

The Rough Riders opened the tournament with a 42-26 victory on Thursday night against Liberty's junior varsity team. A loss to Allen on Saturday began the day, but the Rough Riders responded with a victory over fellow Colonial League foe Palmerton.

"It was nice getting four games," said Snyder. "We played Allen on Saturday and we were overmatched in that one. But obviously we won the other two and we battled Whitehall all the way until the end."

Senior-to-be point guard Brandon Purrone is the lone returning starter for the team, and was one of a number of Rough Riders who had solid showings in the tournament. His improved jump shot has really caught the eye of Snyder, and he believes Purrone's ability is continuing to grow.

"He makes us go," said Snyder. "He's an excellent passer, and to his credit, he has significantly improved his jump shot this year. Teams last year backed off of him and said go ahead shoot jump shots. And to his credit, he was able to get to the basket more often than not.

"His jump shot, that was the one thing holding him back. If he can carry that into the winter, where he shoots as well in the winter as he did this summer, then he's going to be very tough to guard."

Paryss Marshall has been active on the boards for the Rough Riders, and he's one of four seniors-along with Purrone, Derrick Bond, and Ra'Von Burton-who will be relied upon come the winter. His tournament play and offseason progression has impressed Snyder as well.

"Paryss Marshall has turned into a bull on the boards and just his overall play," said Snyder. "His rebounding and strength has really come to the forefront this summer."

SportsFest's Atown Throwdown basketball tournament will begin on Thursday, and the Rough Riders will open up play against Delaware Valley Charter at 7 p.m. They'll also face Lake-Lehman at 4 p.m. and Central Catholic at 7 p.m. on Saturday.