Central Christian’s Keevan Woods came off the bench to close out the scoring of a 74-61 loss to the AISA East All-Stars.

Sweat pouring down his face, his lighthearted claims of coming away from the game as team MVP did not come to fruition. But even in defeat, he and the two other Selmians on the West team — Meadowview’s J.R. Lowe and Morgan’s Sam Tate — enjoyed the experience.

“It was a very fun experience,” said Woods. “I’m very honored to have been a part. It’s a good way to go out.”

Tate concurred with Woods’ feelings, realizing that Friday’s game — though ending in a loss — was more of a reward for the season.

“Our side had more fun,” said Tate. “We still wanted to win, but I feel like we had more fun.”

Lowe did as well, though the night did not go as well for him as it did for Woods and Tate. Tate and Woods tied to lead the trio with six points, but Lowe was held scoreless. To his recollection, it was the first time that had happened since ninth grade.

“I could’ve played better,” he said.

Perhaps the outcome was the result of more than the West players’ performance. It could have been East MVP Eric Van Beek as well. He finished with 12 points to lead the East effort.

Despite an early first quarter the lead, the West team could not stop Van Beek early on. He hit a 3-pointer and layup in an 11-1 run that put the East up 18-9 at the 12:41 mark.

The West responded with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to four, and a Tevin Moore layup made it a 31-28 disadvantage as the half approached, before going in down 35-28.

The west remained in striking distance for the first nine minutes of the second half before a Zach Hornyak layup sparked a 14-3 run to put the East team up 63-45. The East held the West to only one field goal over a five-minute span during the run.

John Carlton led the West with 13 points and Moore added 10.