Athens-Area All-Star Basketball Game Announced

Carlos Strong Foundation and Next Up Sports to host elite showcase event

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:22am

The Carlos Strong Foundation and Next Up Sports, a local sports nonprofit, have partnered to host the inaugural Athens-Area All-Star Classic basketball game on Saturday, April 4. The elite showcase event will feature top high school players from the region competing in an all-star format.

Why it matters

The All-Star game aims to highlight the area's top basketball talent and provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of college scouts and recruiters. It also serves as a community event that brings together local sports organizations to celebrate the region's athletic achievements.

The details

The Athens-Area All-Star Classic will feature two teams of the best high school basketball players from the Athens, Georgia region. The rosters will be selected by a committee of local coaches and basketball experts. The event is being organized by the Carlos Strong Foundation, a local nonprofit, and Next Up Sports, an organization that hosts the annual Piedmont Orthopedic and Sports Medicine awards.

  • The Athens-Area All-Star Classic will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Rosters for the two all-star teams will be announced in late March 2026.

The players

Carlos Strong Foundation

A local nonprofit organization that supports youth sports and community development initiatives in the Athens area.

Next Up Sports

A sports foundation created by Andiasean Johnson and Terrell Jackson that hosts the annual Piedmont Orthopedic and Sports Medicine awards.

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What they’re saying

“This game represents more than just competition, it's an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent we have in this community and inspire the next generation of athletes.”

— Andiasean Johnson, Co-Founder, Next Up Sports

What’s next

Rosters for the two all-star teams will be announced in late March 2026, ahead of the April 4 game date.

The takeaway

The Athens-Area All-Star Classic showcases the region's top high school basketball talent and brings the local sports community together to celebrate athletic excellence and inspire the next generation of players.