Central Maine basketball fans can get a close-up look at the type of game they rarely see in person at the Cony High School gym Saturday at the Back to School All-Star game.

The game is the brainchild of former University of Maine at Augusta star and Chicago native Antrone “Juice” Moore. Not only will it include some top-notch talent from Maine and elsewhere, the game will feature a DJ, a couple of rap artists at halftime, a dunk contest, raffles and a three-point shooting contest.

“This game will excite (fans) because most of these guys are creative,” Moore said.

The game serves two purposes: It’s a fundraiser for Moore’s AAU 7-8 grade team, “The Juice Express,” and it will introduce fans and prospective players to Moore’s uptempo style of basketball. Moore planned to bring this game to Augusta last year, but those plans were derailed when he suffered a stroke that put him in a coma for a few days and sent him on a long road to recovery.

“It’s coming along well now,” said More, who has conducted six youth basketball clinics in Augusta over the past few months. “People are starting to see what I’m doing in the community.”

Moore will coach one team while Audrey Felix, who has assisted him in clinic will coach the other. Felix will brings four players with him from the Boston area. They include Sedale Jones who graduated from St. Notre Dame prep before going on to play for UMass Amherst and later Curry College where he became league MVP. Danquah Rollins played at Tabor Academy, Endicott College, Newbury College and Bunker Hill College. Lynn, Mass. native Tony Gallo, who played at Cabrillo University before moving on to Coppin State, will also play.

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“These are top level athletes who have played all over New England,” Felix said. “Very athletic, very explosive.”

Central Maine fans will recognize some of the players, among them former Skowhegan standout Levi Barnes, who plays for Thomas College and his Terrier teammate Franklin Salvador. Former University of Maine standout Troy Barnies is expected to play along with former Lawrence and Central Maine Community College guard Josh Berard. Former UMaine captain Ramone Jones is also expected to play.

Several prospective UMA players will also play, all of whom attended Albany High in Albany, N.Y. They include Jessie Smith, Tevon Erwin, Desonte Welsh and Tiki Conyers. Keith Chelsey, who played for Lawrence and currently plays for UMA, will also play along with recruit Jonas Ehlde of Stockholm, Sweden.

Halftime entertainment includes rap artist LOC D.A.B. who played for UMA several years ago and The Block, an inspirational group from Lewiston. In addition to raffle items from Dick’s Sporting Goods and the dunk and shooting contests, Moore will briefly tell his story with input from his physician, Dr. David Sedar.

“For a guy to go through that and continue to be in the game is an amazing thing,” Felix said.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for high school an college students. Kids under 12 will be admitted free.

Gary Hawkins — 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

 


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