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County players are among all-stars

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 Hernando, Citrus 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," Broner said.

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.

Hernando County players in the game are Tadd Hill, Springstead; and Joel Hoogelvind, Hernando. 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 against other seniors."

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 days in the Continental Basketball Association.

Bowman coached the Florida Suncoast Stingers (1985-88) in the defunct league.

The PHCC coach hopes Wednesday's game will not be a one-time showcase. "I think this will be a nice event that, hopefully, we can have every year," Bowman said.

WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Wednesday at PHCC gym, New Port Richey campus.

WHO: Top seniors from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

ADMISSION: $3.

Red Team: A.J. Brown, Land O'Lakes; Kyle Cregan, Mitchell; Calvin Cross, Gulf; Kyle DiMartino, River Ridge; Kent Dokendorf, Zephyrhills; Zach Mills, Wesley Chapel; Daryl Nelson, Land O'Lakes; Joe Phillips, Gulf; David Simpson, Wesley Chapel; Eric Sorensen, Wesley Chapel; Jason Weaver, Mitchell. Coaches: Dave Puhalski (Land O'Lakes) and Willie "Poncho" Broner III (Pasco).

White Team: Louis Geckas, Hudson; Chris Halkitis, Ridgewood; Tadd Hill, Springstead; Joel Hoogelvind, Hernando; Scotty Johnson, Lecanto; Ryan Ludwick, Seven Rivers; Mo Maisonet, Hudson; Joel Miller, Citrus; Matt Mirabella, Ridgewood; Brandon Presley, Ridgewood. Coaches: Gary Anders (Ridgewood) and Chris Nichols (Lecanto).