All-Star Saturday Attracts Statewide Talent

West All-Stars-Champions

For the first time in its 15 year history, the All-Star Saturday middle school game featured players from as far away as Cleveland and Cincinnati.  Although the event is traditionally a local event, we decided to upgrade the talent level by selecting the better players from across the state. Also new this year, the game featured a combination of both 7^th and 8^th graders.

East All-Stars

The middle school game was close the entire game, but the West all-stars edged out the East by a score of 67-65. The leading scores for the West included EJ Williams who finished with a game-high 14 points and the MVP nod, followed by Jayvon Graves (13), Darious Coker (10), Tommy Schmock (8), Seth Goodson (7) and Turner Horn (5). The East squad enjoyed more balanced scoring, as Juan Elmore led with 7 points, while 4 other players (Kelvin Calhoun II, Jabari Perkins, Garrett Tipton and Tyrell Ajain) all finished with 6 points. Besides EJ Williams, who showed he could also dominate 8^th graders as well, Jabari Perkins continued to impress this evaluator, and his play on Saturday proved that his performance at the Grassroots tournament last week was no fluke. Look for Perkins to be added to our Top 30 player list when we update it in a few weeks. I also have to mention Cincinnati’s Matt King who flashed surprising athleticism when he threw down a 2 hand banger in transition.

EJ Williams (7th) MVP

The game also spotlighted a match up between the top three 8^th grade point guards in the state with Tommy Schmock, Tyrell Ajain and Keegan Seban. Also, a couple of Ohio’s elite 7^th grade floor generals were in the house with Kane Cooper and Ty Wiley. Finally, I’m going to have to pay more attention to Darious Coker whose super smooth game caught my eye on Saturday. Add Jayvon Graves’ name to that same list, as his play on Saturday put him in MVP consideration

The following players participated in this year’s game. West All-Stars: Tommy Schmock, Jarious Ward, Turner Horn, Jayvon Graves, Antown Smith Jr., Darious Coker, Seth Goodson, David Fitzgerald, EJ Williams, Chase Rankin and Ty Wiley. East All-Stars: Keegan Seban, Dylan Dupler, Tyrell Ajain, Matt King, Jay Joseph, Taj Clark, Isaiah Speelman, Garret Tipton, Jabari Perkins, Kane Cooper Kelvin Calhoun II and Juan Elmore.

High School Game Winners

The high school game featured a roster full of high flyers, including South High School’s Omar Diop who wowed the crowd with creative dunks during the slam dunk contest. Led by Reynoldsburg’s Wendell Davis’ game-high 32 points, the West squad got the 105-99 win and bragging rights. The other leading scores for the West included Akron bound Aaron Jackson who finished with 17 points, Deondre Martin who added 14 points and Cyguil Tucker who added 12 points. The top scorer for the East was Beechcroft’s Patrick Ngene who dropped 20 points, followed by Africentric’s Kenny Robinson who had 19 points, Northland’s Armani Towns with 18 and Omar Diop who added 12 markers.

East All-Stars (High School)

A shout out goes out to Madison Green who took home MVP honors in the 9-11 grade division.  Yes she’s a girl, but she proved that she can ball with the boys! Thanks to all of the players for participating in Saturday’s event.

Middle School All-Star Game Video
Middle School All-Star Game Video #2
Photo Gallery