Jaylen Johnson 2014 Kentucky Derby Classic Photo by Mark Blankenbaker

Kentucky Derby Festival Classic Recap

Mark BlankenbakerApril 18, 2014

A crowd of 5,518 was on hand tonight at Freedom Hall as the White Team defeated the Green Team 128-104 in the 41st annual Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by Papa John’s. Georgetown recruit Isaac Copeland was named Green Team MVP. University of Louisville signee Quentin Snider was named MVP of the White Team. Indiana recruit Robert Johnson was named the “Fan Favorite” in text-message voting by spectators in attendance at the game.

The game featured one McDonald’s All-American, 2 Parade All-Americans, as well as three University of Louisville signees and two Indiana recruits. At halftime, it was announced that the team of Leron Black (Illinois signee) and Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State signee) won Thursday night’s 2-on-2 finals at Floyd Central High School during the Horseshoe Foundation Derby Festival Night of the Future Stars.

“It’s always basketball season in Kentucky,” said Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry. “We have the most dedicated fan bases in college basketball. Tonight they were treated to a game with outstanding talent and we’ll be watching these young players closely as they continue their careers.”

The Finals for these competitions were held at halftime of tonight’s game.

3 POINT SHOOTING CONTEST

Max Hoetzel

20 points

Attending: Indiana

SLAM DUNK CONTEST

Isaac Copeland

79 points

Attending: Georgetown

First held in 1973, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic is the oldest high school all-star game in the nation. The game has featured such players as Jamal Mashburn, Rex Chapman, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Eric Bledsoe, Deron Williams and Nolan Smith, among many others.

The Basketball Classic is presented by Papa John’s, with Contributing Sponsors Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, Under Armour, 99.7 DJX and B96.5 FM. Media Partner: SLAM Magazine. Broadcast live on WDRB TV.