Rising Stars and Championship Dreams: Bet On Us Claims First Valley League Title

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | August 24, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media

This past Sunday, the Valley League Championship delivered an electrifying day of basketball, community, and celebration of talent—from rising high school stars to seasoned professionals. Held in a packed gym buzzing with energy, the event kicked off with the much-anticipated Rising Stars Showcase, setting the stage for what would be a memorable championship.

Rising Stars Shine Bright

The Rising Stars Showcase featured some of the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region’s top high school talent, each player bringing intensity, skill, and heart to the court. The list of standouts was deep, including:

• Tahir Edmondson (ACCHS)

• Mason Marfil (Liberty)

• Zayvien Vaz and Alanai (Catasaqua)

• Eshaun Tung and Caleb (EEACS)

• CJ Lowe (Whitehall)

• Will (Liberty)

• Eli McCollin (LaSalle)

• Dame, Zah, and Joshua Ramos (William Allen)

• Carmello Khuu (Northampton)

• Damere (Salisbury)

• Cameron Hines (Pennington School)

• Xavyon Wimberly (William Allen)

• Noeah Newsome (EEACS)

• Derwyn Davis (Louis E. Dieruff)

• Tru Goodwin

  Marcell Stapler (Pocono Mountain East)

Among them, two players rose to the top with MVP honors:

• Eshaun Tung of Executive Education Charter School exploded for 24 points and was named MVP for Team Hillard, earning himself an autographed Darrun Hillard jersey, a gesture made possible by Hillard himself and 6X Sports.

• Tru Goodwin of Pocono Mountain East took home MVP honors for Team Martin, rewarded with two Brooklyn Nets tickets courtesy of Tyrese Martin and the Brooklyn Nets organization.

These young athletes not only showcased their individual talents but also exemplified the bright future of Lehigh Valley basketball.

Bet On Us Takes the Crown

Following the youth showcase, the main event took center stage: the Valley League Championship game. Last season’s runner-up, Bet On Us, returned with a vengeance—and some added firepower.

The team made a statement by bringing in professional standout AJ English, who put on a scoring clinic, dropping 41 points and leading Bet On Us to their first Valley League title. English's performance was a masterclass in scoring and leadership, galvanizing his team to close out the win in dominant fashion.

The runner-up, Kohl's World, didn’t go down without a fight. The team was spearheaded by the dynamic Robert “Man Man” Smith, a Delaware State University product, who delivered a strong performance and kept the game competitive until the final buzzer.

A Day to Remember

From the young prospects in the Rising Stars Showcase to the fierce competition in the championship final, Valley League Championship Sunday was a celebration of community, talent, and love for the game. The event also underscored the importance of mentorship and opportunity, with pro players like Darrun Hillard, Tyrese Martin, and AJ English not only inspiring but directly supporting the next generation.

As The Valley League continues to grow, so does its impact—on and off the court. And if this year’s finale is any indication, the future of local basketball is brighter than ever.

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