Kennard entered the game about five minutes into the first half. He finished the contest with nine points, four rebounds, one dunk and an assist. Players on both 12-man rosters rotated frequently. He started the second half and missed his first shot.
Kennard’s East team won, 111-91. Cheick Diallo of the East was the MVP, scoring 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting to go with 10 rebounds.
The game traditionally features many eventual NBA players, including LeBron James. “This is a chance to see the stars of tomorrow,” said TV commentator Jalen Rose.
Unlike Kennard, who has signed with Duke University, eight of the 24 players have yet to sign national letters of intent. That’s because many of the unsigned are waiting to find out how many players leave Kentucky and opt for June’s NBA draft. Among the unsigned and uncommitted is Diallo of Our Savior New American (N.Y.).
Kennard, 6-5, won a 3-point shooting contest between the players Tuesday. He swept Ohio’s Mr. Basketball awards as a junior and senior and ended his Wildcats career as the No. 2 all-time scorer with 2,977 points. Also this week the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association named him Mr. Basketball.
Kennard had a large contingent of family and friends at the game, including Franklin head coach Brian Bales.
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