& 

(Louisville, KY) It’s all about the bragging rights in the All-Star Showdown 2017 on Sunday, September 3^rd at Old Male High School Gym, 911 S. Brook Street (corner of Brook and Breckenridge). Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for youth 12 and under.

At 3:00 p.m. there will be a championship league game.  So, the East End Team of Louisville, Lou-Ville Champs will go up against the Buffalo All Star Pro Team from Lexington coached by 1978 NCAA Champion and Kentucky Wildcat James Lee.  It’s the battle for bragging rights.  During halftime fans, will get to enjoy a dunk contest.  You need to be in attendance to see the unbelievable dunks that will be attempted.

You will get your money’s worth with this event.  A second game has been added.  It’s the All-Star Game featuring former NBA & NCAA champion for the Kentucky Wildcats Derek Anderson, former Louisville Cardinals stars BJ Flynn, Nate Johnson and Alvin Sims will participate in the game. We’ve also confirmed that two Louisville Metro Police Officers Joplin Johnson and Thomas Coleman will play in this game. Louisville native and NBA star D’Angelo Russell graciously sponsored the official All Star Showdown Nike uniforms for the 5pm game.

Two former University of Louisville athletes Tony Williams and Mario Urrutia along with their dynamic teams created this concept to give back to the youth in the community.  Williams played 10 years in the European professional basketball league and works tirelessly to assist the youth in the community.  After playing for the Cardinals, Urrutia played in the NFL and currently helps other youth seeking the same success by developing them at the Super Student Athletes, LIFE Center. They provide guidance both on and off the football field.    Throughout the day, you will see youth be showcased in various ways so they can be exposed to positive figures in the community.

You will also get to see Kentucky State University’s Marching Band. They will travel from Frankfort to be a part of the game. There will be a step show during the HBCU halftime explosion.

This event is for the sharp shooters because there will be a Montgomery Chevrolet 3 Point Contest. Former Harlem Globetrotter, Dirt Bowl legend and Louisville native Gerald Gray will participate in Beat the Pro Challenge.

There will even be a $1,000 Lawyer for the City Half Court Long Shot Challenge sponsored by Attorney Brandon Lawrence.

This family friendly event will not only recognize the youth in the community but due to Hurricane Harvey, organizers felt the need to assist with aid by holding a moment of silence at the start of the game and introducing Derek Anderson’s AOK Foundation for hurricane relief fund and explain how you can help throughout the event.  Organizers have family and friends affected and want to let them know they care.

The response has been overwhelming when it comes to giving back.  We would like to thank some 30 sponsors that made this event which include Denny & Susan Crum, Bias Tilford Jr., Beargrass Missionary Church & Iron Sharpens Men’s Church Group, UPS Store St. Matthews Woodlawn Plaza, Derby Oil-Man, Lawrence “Red” Herring, Parkland Laundry, Media-Pros, Wade Houston and Frank Minnifield and family.

All four of the urban radio outlets in the area have agreed to be a part of the event by hosting different hours throughout the day.  B96, 93.1 The Beat, WLOU/104.7 and 107.9 The Beat in Lexington will all broadcast from the event.  There will be on-site interviews with KySports.TV. They will also live stream the games. To keep the activities moving Mario Martin of “The Mario Show” will be the emcee for the day.

Members of the Aspire Academy, which features some of the top high school prospects in the country will be in attendance. Hoops for Christ Philip Morrison will do a dribble dance routine with youth on the court.  With all this fun, you will get hungry so we have the 502 Café food truck serving food just outside the door.

If you would like to setup an interview with Tony Williams and Mario Urrutia please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

Crews will be setting up on Friday and Sunday if you would like to do a preview story.  We also invite you to do live shots during our games.  There will be plenty of things going on and we will have coordinators, supporters and players made available to you.

###