Three weeks after Selma’s early exit from the Class 5A regional basketball tournament, Selma center Wendell Lewis was informed he still has one game left to play before he wraps up his high school career.

Lewis will join the ranks of Alabama’s finest in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, slated for March 20 at the Pelham Civic Center in Pelham, Ala.

“I was a little surprised,” said Lewis. “It’s a big honor. Many people don’t get selected.”

Lewis finished the season averaging 16 points a game, 11 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and three assists.

Despite his stats, Lewis sees the contest as an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.

“Some people doubt me,” said Lewis. “I feel like I’m going to do a lot. I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do.”

Lewis’s coach, Woodie Jackson, can probably give him a few pointers. Jackson coached the Alabama squad in the first Alabama-Mississippi Classic in 1991.

“It’s a great honor to represent your family, school, community, district and state,” said Jackson. “Every year I’m thrilled when I have a kid to play in Mississippi-Alabama game. It’s an honor to have a player to participate.”

March 20 will mark the last time Lewis puts on a high school uniform, but the 6-foot-9 center’s career is far from over. He will move on to the college ranks this fall. For Lewis, that time can’t arrive soon enough.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said Lewis. “I can’t wait to go to college.”