Coming into summer league play, Aidan Ellwood viewed the landscape of his team at Northampton, and he began to undertake a new role.

The lone senior and returning leading scorer, Ellwood understands it simply won’t be about putting the ball in the basket.

“We’re young,” said Ellwood describing his team. “We have a lot of the younger guys realizing their roles. But we are starting to come together as a unit.

“I know I have to be a leader. As a point guard, it really comes naturally. I really have embraced the role and the younger guys respect me. I just want to help them out and they are adjusting well.”

Ellwood was part of an effective one-two punch last season with center Morgan Heffelfinger, who graduated in June. Now, the main offensive output basically is on him.

“I know I have to go out and score,” Ellwood said. “I have to do what I can do for the team. It will be different, but I am ready to take that challenge. Scoring comes pretty natural to me.”

Head coach Coy Stampone also is quite aware of the current situation.

“Aidan (Ellwood) is our engine,” said Stampone. “He is one of the top players in the Valley and we will count on him. We’re seeing more players beginning to develop and step up around him.”

Being in the spotlight doesn’t seem to bother him.

“I am not worried about that stuff,” said Ellwood about being recognized as one of the top players in the area. “The only thing is that I don’t like to hear the word ‘pressure.’ I just go out and play and let what happens happen.”

Ellwood is optimistic his team can return to the district playoffs this winter after they missed the mark last year after they struggled own the stretch. He made his return to the program after transferring to Allentown Central Catholic at the end of the previous season.

“Coming back last year was easy for me,” said Ellwood. “Coach Stampone really made the transition very easy for me. He always has been there. In fact, the coaching staff has been great.

“It was disappointing not making districts. We needed a consistent third scorer besides Morgan and myself. Someone needed to take that role and it hurt us in the end. I think this team is recognizing that and I think it will be different this year.”

Ellwood wants to play basketball in college and has been contacted by several Division II and III schools. He plans to major in accounting.

Along with playing on Northampton’s summer squad, Ellwood is a member of East Coast Power, a traveling team based in King of Prussia that features some of the top players in the greater Philadelphia area.

In the meantime, he has his energies focused on making it a memorable season for him and the rest of the Konkrete Kids.

“I like what I am seeing so far,” he said. “It has been a busy summer. Everyone is coming around and I think we’ll be alright.”