Jackson makes another All-Star squad

Clinton County’s most decorated boys’ basketball player, Jackson Harlan, has been named to yet another All-Star team – this one likely the most prestigious in Kentucky.

Although it was leaked out earlier in the week, official word came Sunday in a press release from the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches that Jackson had been named as a member of the Kentucky All-Star Team that will face off against the Indiana All-Star team later this summer.

Harlan, who was the 4th Region KABC Player of the Year, recently competed as a member of the Kentucky All-Stars who competed against the Ohio All-Stars.

That outing didn’t work out so well for Kentucky with the Buckeye All Stars picking up the 112-108 victory – what a defensive battle that must have been.

In what has been described as a showcase disaster for Kyky Tandy, the Kentucky All-Stars gave up a late lead against the Ohio All-Stars before suffering the loss in the game that was played at Thomas Moore University in northern Kentucky.

In that outing, Jackson saw about 10 minutes of action, grabbing two points on three shots.

The best way it was described to me by a fan was that Jackson’s unselfish style of play on the floor simply wasn’t a style that would make him a good All-Star game player.

Still, he will hit the hardwood again to enjoy the honor of being named to the All-Star team that will take on the Indiana All-Stars in the game that is the most heralded of the two.

The June 7 and June 8 contests will be played on the floor of Bellarmine University in Louisville that Friday night, moving the next night to Indianapolis to the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

This year’s game will be the 79th in the two-game series between Kentucky and Indiana.

Jackson, who will don the red and white Hilltopper uniform for Western Kentucky University next season, is the son of Sheldon and Jennifer Harlan of Albany.

Derby action just around the corner

Kentucky’s premier sporting event, the Kentucky Derby is just ahead with the Run for the Roses set for Saturday, May 4. The Kentucky Oaks will of course be run the day before, Friday, May 3.

I’m already lining up my list of Al’s favorites for the Derby – we’ll get to that next week.

Oaks post time (12th race) will be 5:12 central time. The Derby is set for a 5:50 central time post.

Stepping up to the plate

It’s always pleasing to see local support for our young athletes and school athletic programs.

Word comes this week that a local business, Junction Station, recently showed their local support by purchasing a new set of warm-up jackets for the Clinton County Middle School baseball team.

Described in an email to me this week, the “awesome” jackets were very much appreciated by the CCMS team members, as well as the coaching staff and parents.

Nice to see local businesses stepping up to the plate to support our youth – one of the reasons small town living is so great. Below is a photo of the team sporting the new jackets – thanks Junction Station!

In the meantime – let’s take it outside for a few months!