Top Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas Stars Shine at Sixth Annual 'Last Dance' All-Star Game

Girls' 3-point contest and double-overtime thriller in boys' game cap off annual showcase of top regional talent.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a high school basketball game, with players' forms fractured and abstracted into overlapping planes of color and shape.The 'Last Dance' all-star showcase captures the raw competitive spirit and athletic talent of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas' top high school basketball players.Poplar Bluff Today

The 2026 'Last Dance' All-Star Game featured some of the top high school basketball talent from Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, with the girls' 3-point contest and a dramatic double-overtime finish in the boys' game highlighting the evening's action.

Why it matters

The 'Last Dance' has become an annual tradition that brings together the best players from the region, providing them a chance to showcase their skills and compete against elite competition before moving on to college. The event also generates excitement and community pride around high school basketball in the area.

The details

The girls' game saw Team Purple defeat Team White 77-63 after a late push in the first half. E'Marriha Johnson of Team White scored over 30 points, while Halle Jamerson of Senath-Hornersville won the 3-point contest. On the boys' side, the game went to double-overtime before a winner was decided. CJ Wallace of Delta C-7 received a scholarship during the event.

  • The 2026 'Last Dance' All-Star Game took place on Friday, March 27.
  • Halle Jamerson won the 3-point contest earlier that evening.

The players

Becky Hale

The head coach of the Neelyville girls' basketball team, who led them to a state championship in 2018.

E'Marriha Johnson

A standout player for Team White who scored over 30 points in the game. She is headed to Louisiana Tech and was selected as a McDonald's All-American nominee.

Halle Jamerson

The winner of the 3-point contest, representing Senath-Hornersville High School.

CJ Wallace

A player from Delta C-7 who received a scholarship during the event.

Kinsey Barton

A player for the winning Team Purple, representing Bunker High School.

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What they’re saying

“I think everybody out there on that floor and on the bench is competitive. Yeah, the win matters. It always matters.”

— Becky Hale, Neelyville Girls' Basketball Head Coach

“It's just fun getting to be around the kids. These girls have played against each other so many times through the years, and that's the most fun part about it.”

— David Heeb, Delta Girls' Basketball Coach

What’s next

The 'Last Dance' All-Star Game will return next year, continuing to showcase the top basketball talent from Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

The takeaway

The 'Last Dance' has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the region's high school basketball excellence, providing a platform for elite players to compete against each other one last time before moving on to the college level.