On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the 2nd Annual CPS All-Star Basketball Showcase will return, taking place at Woodward High School. After a successful inaugural event, Cincinnati Public Schools, the University of Cincinnati, and Activities Beyond the Classroom are collaborating to bring the event back strong for 2023.
Each of the 14 CPS high schools will get to send all-stars to participate in the event, consisting of a skills competition, 3 point contest, dunk contest, cheerleader contests, and all-star games (boys and girls).
At the same time, there will also be a college and career fair taking place at Woodward. This presents a great opportunity for students to learn more about college and job opportunities.
“On behalf of ABC, I am so excited to be involved in this year’s CPS Basketball All-Star Showcase, presented by the University of Cincinnati, as the lead for sponsorships and donations,” says Ricky Miller, ABC’s Senior Manager of Athletics. “The support we’re receiving from the Cincinnati community and beyond has given us a great chance to increase our donation to Project Connect, through the proceeds of this year’s event!”
The University of Cincinnati has stepped up tremendously to support the event in 2023. Not only is UC stepping in as the presenting sponsor, but UC is also giving their students an opportunity to be involved in planning and working the event, to strengthen their work-study experience.
Dr. David Kelley, Associate Professor in the Sports Administration program at the University of Cincinnati, is instrumental in making the connection between UC and the All-Star Showcase. Dr. Kelley is heavily involved in the planning and organizing of the event, and connects students in his classes to the event as well.
From Dr. Kelley, “the partnership between the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Public Schools, as well ABC and Project Connect has really evolved into a very powerful relationship. I am so pleased and honored to be a part of helping coordinate this All-Star Basketball event which includes an education/career fair. Overall, having my UC Sport Administration Program students involved as interns and volunteers provides them with the hands-on/applied experience of event management and simultaneously, teaches them that we are ultimately focused on Community Service and generating funds to counteract the real-world challenges of homelessness within the Cincinnati Public Schools.”
Josh Hardin, the Athletics Manager at Cincinnati Public Schools has played a vital role in collaborating with Dr. Kelley to plan and organize the event. Hardin says of the partnership, ” Cincinnati Public Schools is grateful for the growing partnership with the University of Cincinnati. We are looking forward to working with UC & our great partners at Activities Beyond the Classroom Classroom, to host a phenomenal event for our students & community, with our call to action for Project Connect, and students experiencing homelessness.”
Due to a limited capacity at Woodward High School, spectators will be limited to student athletes, family members, and sponsors. Tickets are not available for purchase and will not be available at the door. The Showcase will be livestreamed, giving those who can’t attend in-person the opportunity to view this incredible event and support CPS student athletes.
ABC is leading the sponsorship committee in efforts to raise money to donate to Project Connect, benefitting students in CPS that are experiencing homelessness. Sponsorships and donations are available and open to negotiation.
Click below to support the 2023 All-Star Basketball Showcase, and support Project Connect!
