Neither of the Knights basketball teams were able to accomplish the goal they set for themselves at the beginning of the season: a championship, but there is one more time the best of the best can put on their uniform, the City-County All Star Game.
Seniors from Urbana, Catoctin, Brunswick, Walkersville and Linganore will join the Knights stars to play for the County squad. Governer Thomas Johnson, Frederick, New Life Christian and Tuscarora will make up city squad.
The boys participants from Middletown are: Brad Rinehart, Tim Schumacher and Ben Panther. Girls playing in the event: Jess Racz, Megan Harne and Karlye Pick.
“I feel honored to be able to represent the school,” said Rinehart. “It’s great to be able to put the uniform on one more time.”
The two teams will tip-off in what has been a 35 year tradition, which started in 1980. The games will take place at Governer Thomas Johnson High School, girls at 6:00 pm, boys at 7:55 pm.
“It’s really important to me,” said Racz. “It’s awesome to be able to represent Middletown one last time.”
Other events interspersed throughout the event include the girls free throw shooting and three-point competetition. Boys will participate in a dunk contest and three-point shootout.
Racz will be competing in the free throw shooting competition.
All seniors and county high schools, were eligible to send players, but due to prior commitments some schools and players are unable to participate. Zach Thomas, Frederick County’s all time leading scorer, is the most notable absence.
There has always been a rivalry between the city and county squads, and expect that to continue this year.
“The rivalry is simply the city team in this game,” said Rinehart. “All the players on my team were rivals before, but in this game there is no rivalry between us.
“We are just teammates.”
No matter what happens, this is a great opportunity for the Knights players to get some exposure, but most importantly put on the Knights black and orange one more time.
“It’s just going to be a great opportunity, and a whole lot of fun,” said Rinehart