Kai Christiansen Samuel from Ludowici has been selected to participate in the prestigious All State Game, a defining event that illuminates the best middle school athletes in the state. The process was competitive, with athletes nominated by hundreds of coaches across the region, but Samuel’s outshining performance across multiple sports ensured his selection.

Participating in the Georgia event, Samuel, who plays for Long County Middle School basketball, Long County High School JV basketball, Long County Recreation Department basketball, Long County Middle School track and field, Skills Sports Academy Basketball 2029, and Fort Stewart Youth Bowling League, will now compete in a multi-day event with top-level coaches.

The story of Samuel’s athletic journey is a tale of effort and determination. Despite an initial setback in not making the middle school basketball team during his sixth-grade year, Samuel turned this disappointment into fuel for commitment. His hard work paid off when he and his team had an undefeated season and secured a district championship, and second place at the regionals while representing Long County in the recreation’s all-star championship. The subsequent seventh- grade year saw him secure a position on the school team and then further ascend onto the high school’s summer junior varsity team, where he plays as a starting guard and power forward.

Samuel has shown his prowess in other sports, being a two-time selectee to the Pepsi State Championship for bowling and holding numerous firstplace finishes in tournaments. Furthermore, he claimed a first-place finish for hurdles in track and field while securing third place in regional track and field.

When asked about what the All-State game means to him, Samuel said, “Being a part of the All-State game shows me that my hard work is paying off. It shows me that I have the skills to play with some of the best players in my age group.”