BARBERTON: The objective in any all-star game is to have fun.
Earning a win is always nice, too.
Firestone senior Imani Scott and Twinsburg senior Brooke Smith experienced both Monday night in the Women’s Tri-County Basketball Coaches Association Senior Girls All-Star Games on Greynolds Floor at Barberton High School.
Scott led the City All-Stars to a 41-35 victory over the Medina-Suburban All-Stars and Smith guided the Summit All-Stars to a 56-30 triumph over the Portage All-Stars.
Scott scored 15 points to help the City All-Stars overcome a 19-18 halftime deficit and also earn MVP honors in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
“I didn’t really think I would make it this far,” Scott said. “I have come a long way from junior year to now. My junior year I was barely getting playing time.
“I am just glad I had this experience and got to play with the best people.”
Smith, a Cleveland State University recruit, won MVP honors in the opening game as she scored 16 points along with recording four rebounds, four steals and three assists in a strong all-around game.
Smith played alongside Twinsburg teammates Char-dell Dunnigan and Mercedes Hobbs.
The trio helped the Tigers finish the season as Division I state runner-up Saturday in Columbus following victories in the Division I state title game the previous two seasons.
“I have played with these girls for a really long time,” Smith said. “I just wanted to play with them one last time. I enjoyed it. We just had fun and played ball. We also wanted to take the victory with us.”
Dunnigan added 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals for the Summit All-Stars, which were led by Hudson coach Dennis Lawler.
“Being able to coach kids from other schools is nice,” Lawler said. “Being able to see kids work together from different schools is great. Seeing the three kids from Twinsburg and coaching my kid from Hudson, Kelly Gough, is an honor.
‘‘It is fun to coach an all-star team. It would be nice to have a team like that all the time.”
Barberton’s Katie Wright scored seven points, while Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy’s Megan Foley added seven points and Norton’s Cara Cook contributed five points.
“This was kind of sad, but an exciting moment too,” Wright said. “I was more comfortable with it being on my court.
‘‘I was excited that Barberton was able to hold this type of event. This was a lot of fun.”
Smith said playing with Gough and other all-stars from rival schools is memorable.
“When we played against Hudson, they were really nice people,” Smith said. “I enjoyed playing with Kelly and all of the other girls.”
Aurora’s Allison Howard paced Portage with six points.
Firestone coach Audley McGill guided the City All-Stars with a smile as he watched Scott and fellow Falcons senior Brea Forney.
“It is a pleasure being able to coach such wonderful kids,” McGill said. “It is an all-star game and you get to coach all-stars. This is a game where the coaches can relax, and the kids and coaches can have fun.”
Scott wasn’t the only Akron Public Schools product who shined, as Porshae Hearn (Kenmore) and Brianna Sojourner (Ellet) both scored six points.
“It is an honor to be chosen to play in an all-star game,” said Donohue, a Siena recruit who grabbed nine rebounds. “It is a game to have fun and play with the girls from your city. It was nice to get the win.”
Wadsworth’s McKenzie O’Brien helped Medina-Suburban to the first half lead. She finished with nine points and three steals.
Twinsburg’s Ashley Morrissette won the 3-point shootout, but did not play in a game.
Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the high school blog at http://www.ohio.com/preps. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MBeavenABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.
