A local Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) boys' basketball program is playing its cards right.

With teams mostly made up of players from Lancaster-Lebanon League schools, the Lancaster Aces are entering the summer on a heater.

At the East Coast Super Regional Showdown in King of Prussia on May 24 to 25, the Aces' 16U team finished first and the 17U team placed second.

Both squads will participate in the AAU World Championship on Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6, at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. "The 17-under team did that last year for the first time, and the boys really loved it," said Abby Tillie, who operates the Lancaster Aces with her husband, Darren.

It was a highly successful spring for the Aces. The 17U squad won the title at the Mid-Atlantic Super Showdown in West Chester on April 5 and 6. Both Aces teams won the Zero Gravity Empire State Showdown title in New York and excelled at the Philly Clash in Oaks.

The Lancaster teams have not needed an ace up their sleeves. "I think the success is because of a lot of heart, determination, and willpower to give all their effort," said Darren, who is the head coach of both squads. He also credits his assistant coach, Elijah Robinson Sr.

The Aces 17U roster is composed of Solanco High School students Kayden Tillie, Isaiah Wright, and Kiran Ludgate; Hayden Martin from Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S); Elijah Robinson Jr. from Octorara; Julien Severino from Penn Manor; Luke Waas from Cocalico; Brandon Bromfield from Church Farm; and Angelo Martarano from Manheim Township.

Lancaster's 16U squad is Garrett Wagner and Sam Harper of Solanco; Lebanon's Alec Wolf, Elliot Schappel, Robert Santiago, and Daryan Rodriguez; Micheal Leonardo of McCaskey; and Cody Stoltzfus, who is a homeschool student.

The Aces usually practice on Wednesdays and Fridays at Carter & MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster. Tournaments take them all over the East Coast, including South Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey. "That helps us get a lot better, so if we get to college, we're used to that environment," Kayden said.

His dad, Darren, praises Kayden's competitiveness. "He's a leader, very vocal on the court which is always needed," said Darren. "He's a solid rock player. It's not always about scoring. He'll do the defensive work also. He's a team player at the end of the day."

Kayden and Isaiah have played in the same backcourt for many years. "I've coached Isaiah for quite some time," said Darren. "He's like family to us. He's a quick player, and he likes to be a leader, also. He's a floor general, and he has heart. He wants to win, and he wants to better himself."

Garrett lauded the Aces' culture. "It has helped with my confidence and development as a player and a teammate," he said.

Sam added, "It's fun because we've been playing together all these years. It helps my try new moves and stay ready for school ball."

Hayden is a rising senior at L-S. A chance meeting with Kayden set the stage for joining the Aces. "I was playing at the Y (Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA) and they had a tryout, and I just happened to be there. Ever since then, it's been great."

Darren stated, "Hayden is a great guy, also. He's very colorful. He's emotional in a way, and he always uses his emotions positively on the court. He always hustles. He's a grit player. He'll get in there and play against big guys, even though the matchup may not be favorable to him."

Julien is in his third season with the Aces. "He's one of the nicest kids I've known," Darren said. "He brings a lot of positivity to the team. He's always smiling and plays with heart. These guys give their all out on the court, and I can't ask for more than that."

A 2025 graduate of Penn Manor, Julien will continue running his pressure-washing business while beginning an internship with state Sen. Scott Martin.

Elijah Jr., who is transferring from Octorara to St. Mark's in Delaware for his junior year, is in his first season with the Aces. "It's been amazing," he said. "It feels like family."

Darren said, "Elijah is taking on the challenge of playing up on 17U team. He's a very good guy and always looking for an opportunity to come in and better himself. He's a workhorse and a tough guy."

The Lancaster Aces organization was founded by Mike Schmelder, and it was originally intended for at-risk youths. At Schmelder's request, the Tillies joined the group at the end of 2021. "Solanco didn't have an AAU program," Darren said. "Our son (Kayden) had gone into basketball head deep, so we decided it would be a great opportunity to do that."

The Tillies said they are grateful for the sponsorship of Hayden's parents, Scott and Amber Martin, and Amber's business, Woo-Cat. "They have been amazing," Abby said. "They both do so much."

For more information about the Aces, email Abby at abbymoran70@gmail.com or go to @lancasteraces on Instagram.