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While the George Rogers Clark High School Cardinals boys and girls basketball seasons have concluded, that doesn’t need to mean the game itself has to stop.

As the offseason continues, potential future superstars continue staying active.

The first annual Middle School City vs. County All-Star Game pitted some of the best upcoming stars from the local area against the city of Lexington’s competition.

“It gives recognition for some [students] around the central Kentucky area,” said Dwaine Gay, head coach for Robert D. Campbell Junior High School boys basketball. “[It] gives a chance for some people to see the next wave of high school kids that are coming through.”

While this was the first for male athletes, female athletes have previously participated in a similar basketball competition.

The event occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26th, with Beck Gymnasium on Transylvania University’s campus being the game site.

After an open tryout process, fifteen students got chosen to represent each team.

From Robert D. Campbell Junior High School, Tybee Flanery and Montez Gay made the team.

While Flannery contributed to a squad that lost just two games the entire year, Gay – an eighth grader – would do the same before joining the high school team after the middle school team’s regular season ended and saw playing time mainly on the junior varsity level.

Teammates included players from Woodford County Middle School, 2nd Street Middle School in Frankfort, Royal Springs Middle School in Georgetown, McNabb Middle School in Montgomery County, Boyle County Middle School, Scott County Middle School, and Lincoln County Middle School.

Opponents included players from Tates Creek Middle School, Crawford Middle School, Leestown Middle School, and more.

Several coaches, including Gay, were reached out to in preparation for the event.

In the end, during a close game, the county team came out victorious by a 75-70 score largely thanks to solid defense, timely three-point shooting, and the skill set that made each player a popular choice.

While admission at the door had a cost, there was a good reason for it.

All proceeds went to the non-profit Humble Beginnings Child Care on Kennesaw Drive in Lexington.

Humble Beginnings provides licensed childcare/tutoring services and has become a popular destination for those seeking a stellar preschool education.

With a long family history in basketball, Gay looks forward to seeing his son and other athletes prepare to excel at the next level regardless of the final score.

Asked what one primary focus was, Gay explained.

“Sportsmanship and just camaraderie,” he said.