Editorial

Basketball stars

As the high school basketball season comes to a close and March Madness approaches, it's appropriate that we recognize some Southeast Missouri basketball stars.

Scott County Central High School sensation Otto Porter was recently selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic high school basketball all-star game April 16, which will be televised on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. Porter, a 6-foot-9 forward, has led his team to an 18-2 record this season and Class 1 state titles over the past two years. The Braves are ranked No. 1 in Class 1 again this year. Porter was also a force to be reckoned with during the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament, leading his team to a third consecutive title with 30 points in the championship game.

Another recent honor for Porter, along with Notre Regional Dame High School's Jacob Tolbert, was a nomination for the 2011 McDonald's All American high school boys basketball team. Allyson Bradshaw, who also attends Notre Dame, was nominated for the girls team.

Over the past few years Southeast Missouri has seen several incredible basketball players -- some who have gone on to the next level of competition. One of these players is Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough, a Poplar Bluff High School standout, gained attention on the national stage during his years at the University of North Carolina. After his college career, Hansbrough moved on to the professional ranks with the Indiana Pacers.

Tyler's brother, Ben Hansbrough, has also gone on to have an outstanding college basketball career at the University of Notre Dame. The younger Hansbrough is a candidate this year for the Big East player of the year award and was profiled recently in a USA Today article.

Southeast Missouri should be proud of these athletes, as well as the other local standouts who have gone on to have successful college basketball careers. And for some of these stars, the best may be yet to come.

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