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First the Bonds, Then Baskets
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There were a few players who appeared ready for play at the collegiate level. Shekinna Stricklen, who will attend Tennessee, scored a game-high 17 points. Brooklyn Pope (Rutgers) recorded 13 points. Elena Delle Donne (Connecticut) posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
East assistant coach Corry Irvin said the big stage has a lot to do with what makes this all-star contest different from all the rest.
"It's such a high-profile game," Irvin said of the nationally televised event. "It's the same players but the atmosphere is so different."
Both Kizer and Shegog, who will play for North Carolina, said the best part of the experience may have been the trip to the local Ronald McDonald House on Sunday. Kizer and Shegog helped the kids make T-shirts and key chains. They gave out hugs and high-fives, too.
"To see what those kids and their families go through, just to interact with them was heartwarming," Kizer said.
The next night the players were allowed to participate in skills contests ranging from a coed 2-ball challenge to a three-point shooting showdown. Kizer paired up with soon-to-be North Carolina Tar Heel Tyler Zeller in the 2-ball challenge and took fourth. Shegog wanted to enter that event, but "everybody already had a partner. I don't know any of those boys."
For all the fun Kizer and Shegog had and for all the perks they received -- the rings they were awarded at Tuesday night's banquet for making the all-star team were "real big," Shegog said. "Real big." -- the game, for once, may have taken a back seat.
"I cared about the game and I wanted to win, but nothing can match this whole experience," Shegog said. "The friendships and bonds that were created over the past couple of days is amazing."
