Melton helps Blue team to victory in KBCA all-star game

By Andy Brown
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: July 6, 2021

Submitted Photo

Madilyn Melton stands a center court with her parents, Meghan and Andy Melton, following her performance in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game on June 19 in Salina.

Before venturing off into the world of college basketball, Madilyn Melton had one more obligation when it came to the high school hardwood.

Melton, who graduated this past May from Louisburg High School, was selected to participate in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association all-star game that took place in Salina.

It was an honor and experience that she won’t soon forget.

“To be asked to play in the KBCA All-Star game with some of the top players was such an honor,” Melton said. “To be chosen to represent my team and community and our accomplishments was truly a once in a lifetime gift. I was beyond excited and thankful to be given this opportunity.”

Melton played for the Blue All-Stars and she helped them to a 101-86 victory over the Gold on June 19 at Mabee Arena on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University.

The all-star game is made up of the best senior basketball players in the state and Melton was one of those. She was a first-team all-league selection this past season and also earned all-state honors.

“The whole experience was exciting and nerve-wracking all in one,” Melton said. “On one hand I was so excited to play in the game and challenge myself, but on the other to play a game with girls you don’t know and a coach you are not familiar with made me a bit nervous.

“I spent the entire day with the team. We began with practice which led to lunch together and time to just hang out and get to really know the girls. By the time the game rolled around, all my worries went away and I felt like I was playing with friends.”

***Louisburg’s Madilyn Melton (back row, 4th from left) helped the Blue team to a victory last month in Salina.***

Melton played 19 minutes for the Blue team and recorded four points, had two rebounds and an assist in the victory. Osawatomie graduate Amiah Simmons led the Blue team with a game-high 23 points.

McPherson’s Grace Pyle led Gold team in scoring with 14 points and Spring Hill’s Allisyn Frank had 11 points and five rebounds.

“Playing a game with new teammates, brings on challenges,” Melton said. “You don’t know each other like you do your school teammates. You don’t their next move and so it makes you have to step up even more and just play. Everyone on that court that day just loves the game and were honored to be there and be a part of something so special.”

Now, Melton’s focus is toward her college career as she gets ready to take the court for the Benedictine women’s basketball team later this year.

“I am super excited and ready for Benedictine,” Melton said. “This summer I have been able to play some games with the Lady Ravens and help with their high school camp. It makes it very real that I am going to do this. I am going to get to play ball in college. The team has some amazing athletes on it and I am ready for the challenge of pushing myself to rise to their level of ball. I am so thankful for this opportunity. Benedictine has given me such a gift to play ball and earn my degree at the same time.”