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For 68 years, the Kentucky Lions All Star Basketball Game has matched the best Kentucky high school players with the Indiana All Star teams.  The game has been played annually since 1940.  It has produced a rich history and an intense rivalry in the two “Basketball States”.  The Kentucky Lions All Star Basketball Game is the longest running all-star game in the country.

 The highlight of each year’s game is the naming of Kentucky’s Mr. and Miss Basketball.  A special press conference is held to announce these recipients and they, of course, tell about the work of the Lions.

 As well as a premier sporting event, the Kentucky Lions All Star Classic benefits The Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation.  The game traditionally has been a major funding source for the Foundation.  The Foundation has received over $2,000,000 in proceeds from this game. The Foundation supports the Eye Banks, Eye Clinics, Eye Research, Vision Van and KidSight programs throughout the state.   This has allowed a great number of people of all ages to have the best eye care possible; has allowed us to provide funding for research into causes and cures of blindness and diseases and helped fund the Eye Banks in Kentucky.  There are over 20 Doctors with the University of Louisville Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences doing eye research at the Kentucky Lions Eye Center.  We have been able to launch two programs:  Vision Van,  taking eye screening across the State along with the State Fair and KidSight, a program taking photos of children under age 6 who may have lazy eye and don’t even know it. 

 There are so many stories out of this basketball game.  Jim McDaniels was Mr. Basketball in 1967, played in the NBA and told of receiving eyeglasses from a Lions Club in his community when he was a small child and then playing in the game to fund the Eye Foundation.  Clem Haskins was an All Star in 1963 and in 1983 his daughter Clemette Haskins was Miss Basketball.  Wade Houston coached the team in 1975 and his son, Allen, still with the Knicks, was Mr. Basketball in 1989.  In 2001, Josh Carrier was Mr. Basketball and his father was an All Star in 1960 and also on the 2001 team were Brandon Bender and his father, Vic, was an All Star in 1961.  Mina Todd played on the 1980 All Stars and then Coached the girls team in 1995.  Gene Rhodes was an All Star in 1946 and coached the team in 1959 and 60.  Darrin Horn played on the 1991 team, went on to become the Head Coach at Western Kentucky University and is now the Head Coach at University of South Carolina, Mary Taylor Cowles from the 1987-team coaches the Western Kentucky Lady Hilltoppers.

 Players went on to greatness.  Ralph Beard of the 1945 team was part of the “Fabulous-Five” at University of Kentucky and won NCAA championships in 1948 and 49 for legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Frank Ramsey of the 49 All Stars starred for many years with the Boston Celtics. Frank Selvy of the 1950 team played nine years in the National Basketball Association, the final four with the Los Angeles Lakers; and some like Larry Conley of the 1962 team played ABA ball and went into broadcasting the games.

 The 2009 teams will be lead by Miss. Basketball - Adia Mathies from Iroquois High School and Mr. Basketball - Jon Hood from Madisonville-North Hopkins High School.  Miss Mathies helped her team win the State Championship in 2009. Both Miss Mathies and Mr. Hood will be attending the University of Kentucky to continue their academic and athletic careers.

 This year along with the game, we will put on the second Kentucky Lions All-Star Eye Ball and host many of the past players as well as the 2009 All Stars. The Mr. Basketball Fraternity will also be presenting the Ralph Beard Life-Time Achievement award. 

What a great way to have stars shine so others can see!

Contact the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation at 1-800-232-5308 or (502)583-0564 to purchase your tickets.

To order tickets for the basketball game click on the TICKETS button below:

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at info@kylionseye.org.

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