Russell Conwell for River Radio Sports Central

INA — Many of the area’s top senior basketball players took to court at Rend Lake College for the 47th Lions Club All-Star Game.

As with most all-star games, defense was optional with the Purple team rallying from a 20-point second half deficit to win 137-134.

Woodlawn’s Baylor Rollie scored 18 points for the Gold team and took home Game MVP honors. Mt. Vernon’s Cale Maurer added 13 and NCOE’s Jaxen Simmons 11. Carbondale’s Jaxon Marlow-Evans led the Purple team with 13 points. Webber’s Nathaniel Marlow added 11 and Carlyle’s Zach Persing 10.

Cairo’s Vance Tuck won the slam dunk competition, while Goreville’s Zech Green won the three-point shootout in a shoot off with Benton’s TJ Hamilton.

In the girls game, the Gold team beat the Purple team 87-77. West Frankfort’s Evyn Lemmon led the Gold squad with 22 points. Mt. Carmel’s Macee Randall added 13. Edwards County’s Lola Nussmeyer scored 20 points for Purple and was named Game MVP. Nussmeyer’s Edwards County teammate, Grace Bishop, led all scorers with 23 points for Purple.

Massac County’s Kenna Hight won the three-point shootout in a shoot off against Hamilton County’s Rayci Phelps.

The Lions Club uses proceeds from the All-Star Games to support its charitable efforts, including the eyeglass program for individuals in need.