About
East Coast Panthers is an elite basketball organization that runs an AAU basketball program, summer camps, winter camps, high school leagues, and winter league tryouts. The program also offers Just Basketball Academy one-on-one training and group comprehensive training that covers proper dribbling, passing, footwork, rebounding, shooting, and defense. Some players and teams take part in unique traveling experiences to locations including Boston, MA; Atlantic City, NJ; Orlando, FL; Louisville, KY; and Spooky Nook, PA.
• Ages: 8–13 years old
• Schedule: Winter Camp on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with program hours Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Established in 2011, East Coast Panthers operates year-round basketball programs at several practice sites and uses a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with high-quality courts and top-tier equipment. All campers receive a T-shirt, a basketball, and prizes. The program’s mission is to inspire and empower young athletes through basketball, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and excellence on and off the court.
Highly skilled high school and college instructors teach the techniques used in the program. The leadership team includes Chris DiCintio (President & Founder), Larry Rheingold (Vice President, Head of AAU), Lou DeMello (Director of Leagues), and John Cavaliere (Head Basketball Trainer). Staff credentials include Chris DiCintio’s involvement with high school basketball for over twenty-five years, Larry Rheingold’s coaching experience for the better part of 25 years and his role as Assistant Men’s Coach at Concordia College for the past two seasons, Lou DeMello’s nearly 30 years as an Athletic Director and Basketball Coach/Trainer, and John Cavaliere’s 12 years of coaching college and prep school basketball.
On-court instruction includes proper dribbling such as crossovers, splits, and change of direction; passing with attention to release point, extension, and recognition for using proper passes; footwork for layups and post play; rebounding with techniques like “catch it up/keep it up,” chin on the ball, and outlets; shooting with focus on proper form, rotation, follow through, and balance; and defense including stance, angle of approach, and help side responsibilities.
East Coast Panthers runs fundraising events that raise money to give athletes in need scholarships and serve as social events for the East Coast Panthers community. The Cigar Dinner and Auction is a fundraising tradition described as a night full of food, laughter, and giving back, and it raises money for underprivileged kids.
Parent testimonials describe the coaches as knowledgeable and caring about each player’s development, and they report growth in skills and confidence on and off the court, as shared by John Decker of Geneseo College. Another parent, Mike Demello of Concordia College, states that the program exceeded their expectations, notes a supportive environment and professional coaching, and mentions an emphasis on character building as well as basketball skills.
Last updated February 6, 2026.
• Ages: 8–13 years old
• Schedule: Winter Camp on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with program hours Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Established in 2011, East Coast Panthers operates year-round basketball programs at several practice sites and uses a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with high-quality courts and top-tier equipment. All campers receive a T-shirt, a basketball, and prizes. The program’s mission is to inspire and empower young athletes through basketball, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and excellence on and off the court.
Highly skilled high school and college instructors teach the techniques used in the program. The leadership team includes Chris DiCintio (President & Founder), Larry Rheingold (Vice President, Head of AAU), Lou DeMello (Director of Leagues), and John Cavaliere (Head Basketball Trainer). Staff credentials include Chris DiCintio’s involvement with high school basketball for over twenty-five years, Larry Rheingold’s coaching experience for the better part of 25 years and his role as Assistant Men’s Coach at Concordia College for the past two seasons, Lou DeMello’s nearly 30 years as an Athletic Director and Basketball Coach/Trainer, and John Cavaliere’s 12 years of coaching college and prep school basketball.
On-court instruction includes proper dribbling such as crossovers, splits, and change of direction; passing with attention to release point, extension, and recognition for using proper passes; footwork for layups and post play; rebounding with techniques like “catch it up/keep it up,” chin on the ball, and outlets; shooting with focus on proper form, rotation, follow through, and balance; and defense including stance, angle of approach, and help side responsibilities.
East Coast Panthers runs fundraising events that raise money to give athletes in need scholarships and serve as social events for the East Coast Panthers community. The Cigar Dinner and Auction is a fundraising tradition described as a night full of food, laughter, and giving back, and it raises money for underprivileged kids.
Parent testimonials describe the coaches as knowledgeable and caring about each player’s development, and they report growth in skills and confidence on and off the court, as shared by John Decker of Geneseo College. Another parent, Mike Demello of Concordia College, states that the program exceeded their expectations, notes a supportive environment and professional coaching, and mentions an emphasis on character building as well as basketball skills.
Last updated February 6, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.