When the basketball game between Whitehall and Allen got pushed indoors last Thursday, the playground aspect managed to creep into Zephyr Gymnasium as the Canaries won a highflying, high-scoring affair.

Usually the teams play at Cedar Beach in Allentown as part of the Stellar High School Summer Basketball League, but threatening weather brought them to Whitehall’s gym. That didn’t stop Allen’s Talek Williams from bringing a little Rucker Park inside with him during the second half. Once Williams stole the ball from Jackson Buskirk around half court, he broke for the basket, and just inside the foul line tossed the ball high off the glass, caught it, and then slammed it down for a rim-rattling dunk.

That play came late in the second half as Allen held off Whitehall for the 69-63 victory. The loss drops the Zephyrs to 5-3 in the summer league.

Both teams are coming off winning seasons, and both rosters are full of experienced varsity players who have devoted their summer to playing in the Stellar league.

Head coach Corey Frantz said that they’ve been getting great numbers for every game. He said that since they have so many returning players, it’s tough getting minutes for everyone. That includes both junior varsity and varsity players.

“We’re thrilled that they’re all coming and we’re trying to get them all minutes,” said Frantz.

The summer league is also a time when underclassmen try to make an impression on the coaching staff. Frantz said that Ethan Parvel has made the most of his time on the court.

“He’s played well,” said Frantz.

Additionally, Jordan Harrington is another varsity player who’s been contributing this summer as well.

In the game against the Canaries, Frantz said they didn’t shoot the ball very well in the second half. He said they also took quick shots once they gained possession.

“Against a team like Allen who can get up and down the court in transition, you need to be a little more selective on the offensive end, and they weren’t that,” said Frantz.

Allen’s athleticism up and down their roster gives them the ability to pressure the ball throughout the game.

“The have bodies who come at you in waves, and after a while that pressure wears you down,” said Frantz.

Frantz said that they handled the pressure well, but Allen’s rotation kept fresh bodies in the game and that took its toll.

Frantz said the summer is more about the big picture. It’s a time to get the younger players exposed to varsity action, and for veteran players to work on their game. It’s getting them acclimated to Whitehall basketball.

“We’re trying to grow our program,” said Frantz. “When it comes to December it might be a different story but for now we’re trying to give kids opportunities.”

Allen relied on their experienced vets to help them win the game as Tyrese Martin finished with 30 points.

Whitehall’s relied on vets Buskirk, Zach Gilbert, Charles Hudson, Devin Martinez and Mikey Esquilin.

Esquilin’s summer schedule is busy, dividing his time between Amateur Athletic Union Boys Basketball and the Whitehall varsity team. Esquilin said that it’s been productive offseason.

“It’s going real well,” said Esquilin. “A lot of hard work going into it between AAU and everything.”

Esquilin is a player who can beat a defender off the dribble, attack the basket and finish, as well as shoot from the outside. However, he sees a lot of room for improvement, especially in his perimeter game and that’s what he’s been working on this off season.

“My jump shot is the one thing I’m really trying to improve on,” said Esquilin. “If I can improve that, I can really start to become a complete player.”

Esquilin also likes to get his teammates involved and is happy to distribute the basketball. In fact, he’ll take an assist over a bucket at times, but admits he’ll probably need to score a little more this season.

With their varsity starters all returning, Esquilin knows they have an opportunity to have a special season.

“I feel like we have that chemistry, and we’ll be a stronger, more organized team this year,” said Esquilin.