Columbia's All-Stars represent county well

The seventh annual CSRA Basketball All-Star Games were held last weekend at T.W. Josey High School's brand-new Roundtree Athletic Complex.

Each year the games feature the top basketball players in Georgia against the top players in South Carolina. All players must have played for a high school in the area.

Four players from Columbia County saw action over the weekend, and each represented the county well. In the girls game, Team Georgia knocked off Team Carolina 91-83.

Harlem standout April Woodard had five points despite playing only in the second half. She really impressed the coaches with her ball handling and versatility during Team Georgia workouts. She also showed flashes of brilliance that certainly will earn her some extra calls from college coaches in the coming weeks.

Team Georgia also picked up an eight-point 105-97 win in the boy's contest. Three Columbia County players suited up for Team Georgia. Harlem's Ajay Miller and the Evans duo of Glenn Miller and Jerome Manuel each performed well, guiding Georgia to a victory.

Ajay Miller had six points in limited playing time. He poured in more than 17 points per game for the Bulldogs this season.

Evans sharpshooter Glenn Miller did not have his usual hot hand, but he did manage to score eight points including a couple of long-range bombs. All of Miller's points came in the second half.

Finally, Columbia County Player of the Year Jerome Manuel chipped in six points for Team Georgia. He also surprised many onlookers with his performance in the Slam Dunk Competition. Manual was certainly not one of the favorites before the contest; however, he quickly brought the crowd to their feet with a creative array of slams. He finished second in a very solid field of sky walkers.

Congratulations to each of our All-Stars.