NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco-Hernando Community College coach Bobby Bowman travels throughout the North Suncoast and beyond in search of talent.
Wednesday night, he brings some of that talent to his school's gym on the New Port Richey campus with a high school all-star game for seniors from Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.
"Almost every county has (a postseason all-star game)," Bowman said. "This is something that should be done for the kids in our area."
Pasco's Poncho Broner, who will share red team coaching duties with Land O'Lakes' Dave Puhalski, echoed a sentiment shared by those involved.
"It's definitely a great idea," Broner said. "It was something, if coach Bowman didn't get going, I was thinking of getting going. Our area kind of gets overlooked when it comes to basketball."
Actually, six seniors in the game were not overlooked for postseason recognition. Citrus' Joel Miller, Ridgewood's Chris Halkitis, Gulf's Joe Phillips, and Wesley Chapel's Zach Mills, Eric Sorensen and David Simpson made all-state squads.
Other Citrus County players in the game are Scotty Johnson, Lecanto; and Ryan Ludwick, Seven Rivers. Lecanto's Chris Nichols is on the coaching staff.
Playing in an all-star game, Bowman said, "is kind of a reward for the players in our area to get some recognition and have fun."
Plus, it could lead to a scholarship offer, Bowman said, noting that he expects college coaches and scouts in the stands for the game.
"If a (college) coach is not quite sure about a kid, he can get another look at them," Puhalski said. "It gives them one more chance to be seen." Broner said: "This could help a kid who hasn't garnered any interest at all." The game will have a patriotic theme, with Bowman bringing his red, white and blue ball from his CBA days.
[Last modified April 8, 2003, 01:31:46]
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