We’re starting to get jacked up for the third annual Mail Tribune All-Star Basketball Classic. And so are the players, judging from conversations with many who have played before and will be back. There are two games on Saturday, March 20, at Kids Unlimited. The girls play at 5:15 p.m. and the boys at 7. Proceeds go to Kids Unlimited.
The games feature top players from all classifications — 6A through 1A — in Southern Oregon playing alongside one another for the only time in their careers. Here’s a lineup of the boys and girls who have committed to play. Bear in mind, we’re still contacting players, but this indicates we’re off to a good start.
Boys: South Medford’s Josh Havird, North Medford’s Michael Levos, Grants Pass’ Ronnie Fields, Ashland’s Adam Pavlich and Jordan Resch, Crater’s Josh Dalton, Eagle Point’s Logan Winter, Phoenix’s Skyler Reagan and Alex Young, Hidden Valley’s Cody Krauss and Taylor Bars, Illinois Valley’s Roger Hults, Cascade Christian’s Colton Cochran, Rogue River’s Brendan Schoner and Butte Falls’ Harley Casillas.
Girls: North Medford’s Karissa Dixon and Alyssa Maurer, South Medford’s Kylie Towry, Grants Pass’ Heather Wonsyld, Ashland’s Allison Gida, Crater’s Jen Noon and Leona Steel, Phoenix’s Kelsey George, Hidden Valley’s Dana Powell, Cascade Christian’s Aleena Cesaro, Rogue River’s Kelly Maxey, Butte Falls’ Mariah Moore and Prospect’s Alexis Zeller,
As with the past two years, we’ll turn the selection of the starter’s over to a fan vote. Once the rosters are established for the Rogue and Siskiyou teams, fans will be able to go on our Web site and vote for starters on each team. It’s proven to be quite popular, and the leading players last year eclipsed 500 votes.
Here are highlights from the 2009 games:
Boys: Ashland’s Talon Haggard was MVP, scoring 19 points to lead the Rogue team to a thrilling come-from-behind win. For the Siskiyous, South Medford’s Mitch Singler poured in 27 points and North Medford’s Josh Pecktol amassed 20 points and 17 rebounds.
Girls: MVP Brittney Newcomb of South Medford scored 20 points to lead the Rogues to victory. Ashland’s Allison Gida paced the Siskiyous with 12 points.
Keep watching for more details and circle March 20 on your calendar for a great event that goes to a great cause.
