The Carolinas All-Star Basketball Classic and North-South All-Star games tip off today in Myrtle Beach and, as always, the Pee Dee is well-represented when it comes to players.
And this year, that holds true for coaches as well.
Three of the four South Carolina squads will be coached by someone from the Pee Dee, and the fourth coach is a familiar name to the area.
Lake City’s Willie Thomas will coach the boys and Wilson’s Ann Talbert will coach the girls in the North-South games at North Myrtle Beach High School.
“You’re always grateful for the opportunity to coach in an all star game,” Thomas said. “It’s been a good week, getting to know the players and getting them to adapt to your style of play.”
Thomas’ Panthers won the Region 7-3A title and made their way to the third round of the state playoffs. Talbert’s Tigers, meanwhile, made their first lower state championship game appearance.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Talbert said. “Being able to coach players of this caliber has been a great experience, and of course it’s always a great honor when you’re chosen to be a part of this type of game.”
Pee Dee players on the North-South squads are Lake City’s Desmond Haygood, Timmonsville’s Lerondi Ceaser, Darlington’s Donnie James and Antionette McPhail, Hartsville’s Ashley Toney, Marlboro County’s Jessica Grooms, Wilson’s Brittany Davis and Hemingway’s Tashan Fredrick.
“It’s great to finish your career like this,” Fredrick said. “I always wanted to be a part of an all-star game and play with and against the best talent in the (area).”
The South Carolina girls squad in the Carolinas All-Star Classic is coached by Hartsville’s legendary Pat Hewitt. Hewitt has led the Red Foxes to more than 400 wins in her career and guided Hartsville to the lower state championship game last season.
Former Wilson and current Socastee coach Tommy Johnson will led the boys squad.
Pee Dee players on the rosters are Wilson’s Shahmel Brackett, Mullins’ Stacy Wilson, Lee Central’s Whitley Smith and Darlington’s Kierra Patterson.
NORTH-SOUTH ALL-STARS
WHAT: North-South Senior All-Star Games
WHEN: Girls 11:30 a.m., Boys 2 p.m.
WHERE: North Myrtle Beach High School
TICKETS: $8 adults, $5 students,
Free for kids three and younger
CAROLINAS ALL-STARS
WHAT: Carolinas All-Star Basketball Classic Games
WHEN: Girls 6:30 p.m., Boys 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Socastee High School
TICKETS: $10 per person
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement