On March 20, the annual girls basketball all-star game took place at Augustana College. The top players from the Quad Cities meet for challenges and a full game against one another. Pleasant Valley sent seniors Addie Kerkhoff and Megan Schiltz. 

The game is set up Iowa versus Illinois. Teammates and former opposition join forces to compete against the other state. This offers a fun but competitive way for these girls to play one last time. “I really enjoyed playing with girls that I have competed against for years, and getting the time and place to truly get to know each other,” Kerkhoff said. In many cases, the girls have known each other for years but have always played against each other. Now, they get to team up together for their last battle against a common opposition. 

Year after year, this game has been treasured by the players. “It’s awesome to be part of such a great group of girls,” said Kerkhoff, “ It’s really cool to not just represent PV, but also the MAC conference and the Iowa side of the Quad Cities as a whole.” The girls get to go represent their respectable schools during this time. Being a part of this game is truly special and something that the participants will cherish for years to come. 

Representing PV is a huge part of what makes this all-star game so important to the players; however, it is not the only great thing the game has to provide. “I really appreciated having one last chance to represent PV, but also to play with the people that I have grown up playing basketball with my whole life,” said Schiltz. The way that these players get to complete their high school career as teammates instead of opposition is something that many love. 

The all-star game is a great way for teammates and opponents alike to team up with each other for their final game. The community gets on last time to watch the coaches and players show off their skills together. The all star game is a great way to celebrate these girls’ fantastic careers for their schools.