The men’s and women’s South teams were each victorious Thursday night in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star basketball games hosted for the first time at the Brownwood Coliseum.
In the women’s game, the South defeated the North in a tight game ending 52-48. Local players on the team included Aubrey Horton and Hannah McDaniel, both graduates of Early High School. The South women’s team was coached by EHS’s own Kristi Sandoval with assistant coach Tate Lombard of Wall High School. Horton contributed 9 points in the game.
The women’s Julie Goodenough MVP award was presented to #15 Margaret Lemke of Mason High School.
Coach Sandoval summed up the game stating that she felt the women played hard and gave it their all.
“The game was so much fun. Sometimes you love those intense games and that was an intense game. I thought defense was our strong point,” said Sandoval. “We had stressed defense all week and I think the girls did a really good job at defense.”
Aubrey Horton, playing just two weeks post op from knee surgery, took a little fall at the end of game, but she was able to have a great game, said Sandoval.
Sandoval commented on McDaniel’s play and defense.
“I thought Hannah really did a great job, she stepped up and really played well. She shot the ball, she drove, she got a lot of steals on defense, she just did a great job,” Sandoval said.
Of the MVP, Margaret Lemke, Sandoval stated, “She is a great girl, she’s really a creative player. She plays great defense, she plays great offense, and they made the right choice. It was a lot of fun, those kids are amazing kids.”
The South dominated in the men’s game, 71-62 over the North. Local players of the South team included Early High School’s Cameron Denison and Brownwood High School’s Bryant McDaniel. The South men’s team was coached by Robert Buxkemper of Ballinger High School with assistant coach Russell Perkins of Wylie High School. McDaniel scored 9 points and Denison made 3 during the game.
The men’s Max Williams MVP award was presented to #10, Dante Lowry of Abilene Cooper.
Big Country Chevy Dealers are the title sponsor of the FCA All Star games. Bruner Chevrolet General Manager Jim Stanley presented a $28,000 check toward FCA scholarships. Scott King of Action Sports also presented at $7,000 donation to the FCA scholarship fund.
Coach Buxkemper stated that he felt the South team did a great job and played well.
“Our kids did a great job. We had a pretty good lead on them and then let them come back. Our big guys really played well at the end,” Buxkemper said. “It came down to their defense and their scoring to pull it out for us. I really appreciate Coach Russell Perkins for helping me out.”
He stated that he hoped the FCA experience would live on in the players’ lives even after the game.
“The kids had a great week. I really do appreciate it,” said Buxkemper. “I hope they carry all of this out into their futures.”
Pictured at top, the men’s South team celebrates their victory.
Click the photo gallery below for pictures from both games.
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