By James Blackburn
The first annual Forsyth County All-Star game took place this past weekend where over 200 spectators witnessed a dunk contest, 3 point shootout, skills competition, and oh yeah, an All-Star game in the gym at Piedmont International University. Seniors from Forsyth County Schools competed against each other in the All-Star game with players from West Forsyth, Forsyth Country Day, North Davidson, Reynolds HS, and West Stokes forming the West Team pitted against the East team featuring players from Southwest Guilford, East Forsyth, Winston-Salem Prep, Bishop McGuiness, and North Forsyth.
Carl Tyson (G, West Forsyth HS) ran through cones, completed passes, and made enough shots to win the skills competition with a time of 27 seconds. Jordan Hanner (G, Southwest Guilford HS) won the 3 point contest with some precise shooting in all the rounds. Alex McCalister (F, West Forsyth HS) won the dunk contest and an invitation and spot in the Basketball Elite Southeast Summer Showcase and dunk contest. Alex is committed to play football for the Florida Gators.
Jordan Hanner carried over his hot shooting from the 3-point contest to the game itself and helped carry the East team to 36-35 lead at the end of the 1st quarter by not only hitting multiple 3’s but leading the break, playing defense, and racking up assists, making an early case for MVP. In the 1st quarter the guards dominated the ball and it featured practically zero defense, but the crowd was treated to a ton of buckets, fast breaks, and highlights.The players looked a little tired throughout the second quarter and the scoring dyed down a bit with the teams going into half time tied at 60. The second half featured a back and forth battle until the West made a late push and hung on after an East rally to win 118 to 107.
Top Players
Jordan Hanner (South West Guilford HS)
Jordan came out focused from the beginning and played well on both ends throughout the game. He is a great shooter with limitless range. He gets good elevation on his shot and showed the ability to get to the rim and score with creative finishes. He played both PG and the off-guard today and showed off his passing ability.
Carl Tyson (West Forsyth HS)
Shifty and athletic guard who can get to the rim at will. His ability to both slash to the rim and shoot from the perimeter makes him dangerous and hard to defend.
Brandon Clyburn (South West Guilford HS)
Was a beast on the backboards on both ends tonight and scored multiple times in transition running the floor and finishing above the rim.
Charles Brunson (North Davidson HS)
Strong guard with a solid arsenal of scoring and finishing moves. Has a nice floater in the lane. Comfortable with the ball in his hands.
John Massengill (West Forsyth HS)
Good shooter and scoring guard. Great midrange game. Smart guard who doesn’t force shots- seemed to be in the right place at the right time tonight. Scored 28 points to help his team secure the win.
