Scott’s All-Stars held its third annual banquet Aug. 3 at Club Stewart on Fort Stewart.
The keynote speaker was Kerwin “Buck” Harris, an assistant coach at Laney High School, which won the 2012 Class AA state championship.
Harris, who also coached at the collegiate level, outlined to the All-Stars the level of dedication it takes to compete at the college level.
“He explained how important it is to be committed to the sport of basketball,” All-Star coach and founder Marcus Scott IV said. “He said that you have to really want to be a college player and must practice daily.”
Scott said Harris went on to say that many student athletes desire to be great but are not willing to put in the extra work necessary to make it to the next level.
“This was a great message for the kids,” Scott said. “When the sixth-grade season ended in the Elite Eight at the national tournament in Virginia, I stressed to them the importance of remaining committed and maturing as players.”
The All-Stars honored players from last year who graduated. Seven out of eight graduates are headed to college, with five earning scholarships.
“The one student that is not in college will be joining the military,” Scott said. “I am very proud of our first group, whom we only had one year in the program. I believe our current seventh graders, whom we had since fourth grade, will have several Division I players and academic scholars.  The program will also donate $200 to our seniors to cover other college expenses that may not be covered with their scholarships.”
In addition to honoring the players, Scott said community members also were recognized for exhibiting the ABCs (Academics, Basketball and Community) of Scott’s All*Stars.
Scott said the organization is proud of what the kids have accomplished on and off the court.
“This is the third year. Our combined numerical grade point average has been an 87,” Scott said. “There are not many programs in the nation that have a group of kids with an 87 average for one year.  We have done it three years in a row.”
The emcee for the banquet was Donald Lovette.
Awards
Trophy recipients
MVP: Marcus Scott, Daqaun Humphreys, Jaylen Jackson
Offensive Players of the Year: Marcus Scott
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaylen Jackson
Rebounding Leader : Daqaun Humphreys
Most Improved: Zack Moser
Sportsmanship: Tamaurio Jenkins
Academic Award of the Year:  Jaylen Jackson (94), Zachary Moser (91), Marcus Scott (90)
Other awards
MVP: Isaiah Scott
Offensive Player of the Year: Deven Merchant
Defensive Player of the Year: Allan Dock
Rebounding Leader: Khy Collins
Most Improved: Timothy Powell
Sportsmanship: Simon Steele
Academics of the Year:  Roshen Bulter (92), Simon Steele (92), Isaiah Scott (90)
Community members honored
Parents of the Year: The Dandy Family
Academic Impact Award: Debra Frazier
Basketball Coach of the Year: Faye Baker
Community Service Award: Leah Poole
Drug Prevention: Linnie Darden