Miller joins Hopson and Mack on Ky. All-Star team

HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

The Kentucky All-Stars boys’ basketball team was announced on Wednesday, and for the first time in more than 50 years, no players from Louisville are on the roster.

Mason County star and University of Kentucky signee Darius Miller was guaranteed a spot on the team.

Four Lexington players were selected: Shelvin Mack of Bryan Station, Victor Moses of Henry Clay, Michael Sparks of Tates Creek and Taylor Stewart of Lexington Catholic.

Aaron Morris of Madison Central was another 11th Region player who made the cut.

Also making the team: Tyler Brown of Apollo, Arrez Henderson of Holmes, Scotty Hopson of University Heights, Desmond Johnson of Cumberland, Corey Sorrell of Covington Holy Cross and Landon Slone of Paintsville.

All-Stars Coach Tim Davis of Campbellsville said he thinks this may be Kentucky’s best team since 2004 when Chris Lofton helped the boys from the Bluegrass split with Indiana. That was Kentucky’s last victory in the rivalry. Indiana has won 16 of 18 games since 2000.

While most of the all-stars are high-profile players, one exception is Johnson. A 6-foot-5 forward/center, he averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds for Cumberland.

“The (selection) committee was very impressed with his athleticism, attitude and work ethic,” Davis said. “We hadn’t heard much about him throughout the year, but he got our attention in the tryouts.”

This Kentucky team doesn’t have much size to counter Indiana’s Mr. Basketball, 7-foot Tyler Zeller, who has signed with North Carolina.

But Davis thinks Kentucky’s overall athleticism and unselfishness give them hope.

“I watched most of our 12 players this season, and they’re very unselfish,” Davis said. “That’s a key to this all-star game. Kids have to put away their egos if we’re going to have a shot at beating Indiana.”

Kentucky and Indiana will play in Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 13, and in Louisville Gardens on June 15.

For tickets, call (502) 361-3100, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.