Locals give ‘All-Star’ performance

When an all-star game takes place on any level, the focus is never on winning, as much as it is on having a good time and putting on a show.

For three local players, that adage rang true in the LHSCA All-Star games—have fun, whether you win or lose.

Ellender Memorial was represented by Brittany Lewis (West) in the girl’s all-star game and Walter Jones (East) in the boy’s all-star game, while E.D. White was represented by Ben Martin (West).

During the season, Lewis helped lead the Lady Patriots to a Class-5A State Championship. Meanwhile, Martin helped lead E.D. White to the Class-3A State Runner-Up, and Jones played a key role in Ellender’s Class-5A State Runner-Up finish.

All three agreed that the experience was one they will not soon forget. “It was a blast tonight,” said Martin. “It was probably the most fun game I’ve ever played, besides the playoffs.”

Martin contributed 12 points on the night, all coming off of three pointers. Still, it was not enough to lead his West team over Jones and the East team.

The East squad won the run-and-gun affair, 118-111.

Jones scored just four points on the night, but recorded dazzling assists that are often seen in all-star games, including an early alley-oop, and a behind the back pass. “It was a great experience,” said Jones. “All of us came together as one. We came out with the win, and that gives us an opportunity to go on in the future and do something with ourselves.”

Both Martin and Jones agreed that the talent level made the game special. “The talent over here is tremendous,” said Martin. “They have guys that are Division-I guys everywhere. It’s kind of hard to take them off the dribble because they’re so quick. I got a couple of shots, and I was fortunate to hit a couple.”

Still, the fast-paced nature of an all-star game was a stark contrast to what Martin is used to. “Coach warned me before, because he knew I came from E.D. White,” said Martin. “He knew we like to slow it down and keep (the score) in the 50’s. He said, ‘Ben, you know it’s going to be in the 100’s tonight’.”

“It was fun playing with these guys,” agreed Jones. “I love playing, and I met some new friends.”

An old friend of Jones played in the game before his. Lewis took part in the girl’s all-star game, scoring two points, and recording three blocks and a number of rebounds. Lewis’ West team lost 74-57. “I felt like I had to come out and represent for Houma,” said Lewis. “A lot of people told me they were coming see me, and I had fun.”

Lewis added that the laid back atmosphere of the event made it even more enjoyable. “It wasn’t even about competition,” she said. “It was just about having fun. Basically, it was talent against talent.”

Lewis’ night was not finished at the final horn of the girl’s game. “I’m going out there and watch my bud (Jones),” she said. “That’s my buddy. He always supported me in every game, so I’m going to go out there and support him.”