March 24, 2010
Young players something to see at All Star Saturday
By TOM WILLIAMS
Sports Columnist
Four years ago, in the 8th grade boys all star game as part of All Star Saturday, the Camden
County Grammar School All Stars defeated the CAJr All Stars from the Cape-Atlantic League
area, 64-61.
Two players who will play in the Ocean City Home Bank Dixie Howell Classic on Saturday played
in the 8th grade game four years ago. Ed Parker of Absegami, then playing for Galloway Township
Middle School, scored three points. And Ocean City's Tyler Reich, representing the Intermediate
School, scored two points.
Dan Lovett, part of Camden Catholic's state champions this year, scored 22 points for Camden
County, which also featured another current Camden Catholic member, Tim Crawford.
In the Girls 8th Grade game that year, the CAJr team was a 46-37 winner. Jess Combs of Hammonton
had 12 points, Ocean City's Kelsey Boylan scored eight and Holy Spirit's Joanna Persiano,
then playing for Ventnor Middle School, scored five points. All three are expected to play
on Saturday in the Just Four Wheels Girls Classic.
This Saturday two more games featuring area eighth graders will start off another All Star
Saturday. In those games, we will watch the future Ed Parkers, Tyler Reichs and Joanna
Persianos display their talents just a few months before starting their high school careers.
Through the years, players in the 8th grade games have included Dave Beyel, Jane O'Donnell,
Charles Johnson, Tasha Cannon, John Oliver, Krissy Rosario, B.J. Jones, Whitney Walker,
John White, Sarah Marakos, Josh Wakefield, Tenisha Mobley, Anthony Taylor, Emily Gillian,
Ernie Harper, Mackenzie Wimberg, Jate Chesul, Brandon Pascucci, T. John Casiello and
Keyshawn Reynolds.
Most are household names among high school basketball fans.
All Star Saturday usually turns out to be a fun day. Not only a three-point shootout for
both the girls and the boys, but a three-point showdown between the boys champ and girls champ.
The games are always very entertaining, showing off the creative skills of the CAL players
as they get to play in their high school uniforms one last time.
But, if you are planning to come out to Ocean City High School on Saturday to see the high
school seniors play. Or to see the impressive lineup of former players in the Legends Game.
Why not come out a few hours earlier and see two 8th Grade games that will undoubtedly
feature some of the CAL stars of the future.
You won't be disappointed.
Read more of
Tom Williams' columns