It had been a little while since the Emmaus High School boys basketball team was out on the court. The Hornets finished the Lehigh Valley Summer League regular season in early July and did not compete at the Bash at the Beach Tournament in the middle of the month.

But Emmaus was back in action two weeks ago playing in the A-town Throwdown at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown.

The Hornets had a successful run, going 3-0 in pool play. They beat Reading 44-41 Thursday as Jake Ross and Ben Grochowski each netted 12 points. Emmaus defeated Bartram 45-25 Friday behind 12 points from Noeah Newsome and downed Pocono Mountain West 35-32 Saturday morning with 12 points from Kellen Hafner.

The victory against the Red Knights was a special one for head coach Eric Luckenbill. Reading is a perennial state title contender and last won the PIAA 6A crown in 2023.

“I have an enormous amount of respect for Reading,” said Luckenbill. “I’m a Berks County guy and you know how well-respected that program is, and it just was an honor to play them. I felt that we played together as a unit like they always do. We really trusted each other and saw the growth that we had going on all summer that game.”

In the playoff part of the tournament on Sunday, Emmaus took down Fels in the first game, 43-32, and then beat Allen 29-24. The run came to an end Sunday afternoon in the semifinal round, losing to Malvern Prep.

Luckenbill is pleased with the weekend and the summer overall.

“I love these players and this program,” Luckenbill said. “We had a great group last year. First year is always tough. We took our lumps last year and played in a lot of close games. That’s only helped us this summer in playing in a lot of good games against some good teams.”

The roster is set up for success with a ton of experience and talent as upperclassmen. “We have three seniors that are becoming great leaders, and then we have a large group of 12-13 juniors who are really talented,” said Luckenbill. “These guys are all coming together and playing Emmaus basketball. And in just my second season as head coach, it is nice to see.”