The Emmaus boys basketball team has had a strong start to its summer season. With only one loss on the year, coming in an overtime game against Central Catholic, the Green Hornets have been getting contributions from several players, including some newcomers to the varsity program.

Josh Artis is one of those newcomers who came up big in a 54-43 summer league win over Quakertown last Tuesday night at Parkland High School as games were played inside because of rain.

Artis, who was inserted into the starting lineup without Joey Polczynski, was a force down low and scored eight points, while collecting eight rebounds and two blocks. His defense also helped start fast breaks for easy baskets on the other end of the floor.

Jacob Scarnulis also had a big night. He tallied 13 points along with six rebounds, with three 3-pointers.

"They're both young guys and they're still developing," said junior guard Matt Kachelries. "They're playing well and doing a good job for us. If we're missing some players, those two are stepping up and getting the job done."

Kachelries, along with his brother David, led the offense in getting up and down the court and making plays on both ends.

Matt Kachelries notched 11 points with two 3-pointers, and David Kachelries contributed a game-high 17 points in the win.

Matt, who was injured last summer and did not get to play many games, is finding a groove this time around while becoming an upperclassmen.

"I feel strong this year, better than I felt a year and a half ago," said Kachelries. "I feel good about this summer leading up to this coming season. I want to be more of a leader and communicate more to my teammates. I'm looking forward to helping this team."

After trailing early 5-0, the Green Hornets found some rhythm and took the lead back at 6-5, and never looked back. Leading 29-18 at halftime, Emmaus held an advantage as high as 24 points at 48-24 midway through the second half, but the Panthers battled back and made it a game.

Quakertown got it down to just nine with about two minutes left, but Emmaus weathered the storm with some timely shooting from David Kachelries and Scarnulis.

"They just kept playing, they wanted to win bad," said Kachelries. "Coach called a timeout and he just told us to play with more intensity and just play our game. We adjusted and were able to pull this one out."

Jacob Feiertag added five points, two rebounds and three assists for Emmaus.

The Hornets followed Tuesday's win with another on Thursday against Bangor. Emmaus is in first place in the Stellar Summer League Big School Division with a 7-1 record. Parkland (6-2) looms right behind with several other three-loss teams not far back.

The Stellar League regular season games conclude in two weeks with playoffs scheduled for after the July Sportsfest and Stellar Tournaments.