by Steph Wood

COURTLAND
On March 18, the Kids Kab Hoops and Cheer League hosted their first All-Star Weekend at Riverdale Elementary School in Courtland.

All-Star Weekend began on March 17 with social media congratulatory posts of the players who were chosen as representatives from each team.

At 10 a.m. that Saturday, the Midget Division All-Star East and West teams competed. The East, coached by William Brown, was victorious over the West, coached by Midget Coach of the Year, Ray Tucker, with a score of 29-18.

The Junior Division All-Star game started at 11:30 a.m. The West, coached by Junior Division Coach of the Year, Eric Benton, beat the East, coacheed by Anthony Wiggins, with a score of 57-56.

After the regular season, 16 players from each division were chosen by the Board of Coaches to represent the league in the first All-Star game. Those players were then divided into two teams in each division, the East and the West.

The Midget East Team All-Stars selections were Timothy Jones, Nasir Williams, Adin Brown, Christian Spivey, Tyler Cabral, Davon Dundlow, Zachary Stewart, Willie Murphy and Savion Graham.

The Midget West team was comprised of Zavien Malone, Jaleel Woodley, Zaveon Bynum, Jaquar White, Ian Fowler, Javionte Lynch, Bryson Sharbor, Tyler Branch and Jayden Jenkins.

The Junior Division East team members were Chris Blue, Za’Quan Walton, Kelsey Jarrett, D.J. Dillon, Kemone Wyche, Isaun Harden, Nate Yeary, Triston Evans and D.J. Sykes.

The West Junior team roster included Jake Fowler, Vikari Jarrett, Rae’Marcus Warren, Semaj Moore, Jamond Council, Kendal Blythe, Jae’Den Warren and Indiya Reid.

All members of each All-Star team received certificates after each game. In addition, an All-Star Game MVP was crowned for each division. Adin Brown, was awarded the Midget Division All-Star MVP award scoring 15 points in the game.

Other noted performances in the Midget game were Tyler Cabral with five steals and Nasir Williams, Timothy Jones and Savion Graham with four points each.

For the West, Jaleel Woodley, Jaquar White, Tyler Branch and Zavien Malone each at four points in the contest. Semaj Moore, from the West, received the MVP award for the Junior Division game having 20 points in the game including three 3-pointers. Jake Fowler had 12 points and Rae’Marcus tallied 11 points. Vikari Jarrett contributed six points and Jae’Den Warren had five points. Finally, Indiya Reid had two points.

For the East, Za’Quan Walton lead the scoring with 17 points. Followed by Isaun Hard with 12 and Kemone Wyche with 11. D.J. Dillon tallied nine points. Finally, Triston Evans had six points and D.J. Sykes contributed 2 points.

“We hope to expand the All-Star Weekend next year to include shooting and dribbling contests,” said C.C. Cooper, executive director of Kids Kab. “I think we have something really special here, and to watch these kids excel was very rewarding to me and my staff.”

The Kids Kab Shining Star Award was presented to Cameron Everette for his positive attitude and love of the game.

“When Cam received his award, I think my heart actually smiled. He is such an inspiration to all of us,” added Cooper.

“I am grateful to all parents, players and volunteers,” he said. “Riverdale Elementary, Southampton Middle School and Meherrin Elementary were key to making this happen. Big thumbs up to Principal Tasha Ricks for her support of the program and for helping bring action-based learning to our organization.

“Mr. Bell and Mr. Melbye were great to work with also,” added Board President Jackie Robertson.

The organization will provide a Summer Basketball Skill Academy for $65 and a Summer Basketball League for $35.

Registration can be completed through the website at www.kidskab.org. You can also contact Cooper at 653-6239.

STEPH WOOD can be reached at stephwood@2givemanagement.com.