This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Tigers Basketball Guard Plays His Hand in 2011 All Star Labor Classic

Marple Newtown senior Kurt Johnson scores seven points in regional all star basketball game tournament April 3 at the Tom Gola Arena at LaSalle University.

PHILADELPHIA–Taking inventory of the basketball scenery at the All Star Labor Classic at the Tom Gola Arena at LaSalle University April 3, and having witnessed the physical specimens who towered over the court, Kurt Johnson drew one conclusion.

"It really didn't feel like I fit in," he said, laughing. "You don't get kids with that kind of talent in the Central League."

By his estimation, the senior felt severely out of his league as a member of the Suburban team of all stars who downed the City squad, 114-111, in the annual All-Star Labor Classic basketball tournament. The rosters were filled with players heading to Division 1 programs like Pitt, Georgetown, Rider, LaSalle and Drexel.

Find out what's happening in Marple Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Johnson, who is undecided, but hopes to play baseball or basketball in college, scored seven points and recorded three rebounds, in line with his average for the Tigers this season. During his 12 minutes on the court, he also hit a three-pointer, which he called his "personal favorite" from the game.

"It turned out alright, I think," he said. "I was happy to contribute and we won."

Find out what's happening in Marple Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The annual charity event, now in its 24th year, brings together the area's best high school athletes to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy and high school athletes. The monies collected help fund programs and services for people with disabilities in the five-county Philadelphia area.

While Johnson's basket was mathematically necessary for the three-point victory, it faded into the backdrop of an electric afternoon. The highlights for the paying crowd and players were provided by the athleticism and dunks from Georgetown-bound Jabril Trawick.

The West Philly product who starred for Abington Friends stood out among a sea of all stars with a number of acrobatic jams, including three in a row at one point in the second half, each one drawing louder cheers from the crowd.

Trawick even received praise for one he missed, when he came in too high and clanged the ball off the rim.

"I was getting tired by that point," Trawick said.

Johnson shared his thoughts on the overall tournament experience.

"There were some amazing players," Johnson said. "When [Marple Newtown head coach Jerry Doemling Jr.] told me I made the team, I didn't believe it until he showed me the paper. It was such an exciting experience."

Johnson and Upper Darby's Terrance Bridgers were the only Central League members to participate on the boys' side. Penncrest's Charlotte Beebe played for the Suburban girls, who lost 84-82.

Trawick and his Abington Friends' teammate Kenneth Johnson scored 14 points apiece for the Suburban team, and Penn Wood's Darian Barnes added 12. Suburban led 60-58 at halftime, and never relinquished the advantage. Imhotep Charter's Earl Brown, playing for the City team, led all scorers with 16 points.

At 6-feet tall, Johnson modestly savored every minute of court time with the group, including the team's lone practice last Wednesday.

"They were having a dunking contest," Johnson said. "I can't dunk, so I didn't have much to do. I was the one throwing the [alley]-oops, so I'll take that."

He'll take plenty of memories from the game, though, and use it as a suitable replacement for a difficult final season for Marple Newtown. The Tigers went 7-12 overall (5-8 in the conference).

"We had a subpar regular season," he said. "We really underperformed. This was a great way to bring my season to an end, something like this for a good cause. It was a fun event and hopefully it will help some people."

BOX SCORE: Suburban: 114, City: 111.

Suburban Team: Earl Brown 16; Erik Copes 15; Juan'ya Green 14; Jerrell Wright 11; Eddie Mitchell 10; Markeith Mont 10; Ameen Tanksley 9; David Appolon 8; Devonte Chance 5; Joe Getz 4; Xavier Harris 1 4; Reggie Charles 3; Aquil Imon Younger 2.

City Team: Jabril Trawick 14; Kenneth Johnson 14; Darian Barnes 12; Terrance Bridgers 11; Maurice Jabr Nelson 8; Dylan Moody 8; Kurt Johnson 7; Cory Blake 6; Ky Howard 6; DeQuann Walker 6; Longji Yijep 6; Shawn Valentine 5; Lamon Church 4; Joey Gripper 4; Tyler Juchno 3.

3-point field goals: Suburban–Mitchell 2, Green 2, Tanksley, Chance, Charles, Copes; City–Blake 2, Nelson 2, Bridgers 2, Kenneth Johnson 2, Moody 2, Juchno, Kurt Johnson.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?