Demetric Horton, Marquis Godwin Put On A Show In The HBCU All-Star Game
Demetric Horton, Marquis Godwin Put On A Show In The HBCU All-Star Game
North Carolina A&T's Demetric Horton and Hampton's Marquis Godwin made their mark on Final Four weekend at the HBCU All-Star Game.
In a 2023 HBCU All-Star Game boasting no shortage of highlight material, North Carolina A&T's Demetric Horton and Hampton's Marquis Hampton delivered more than their share.
The two Colonial Athletic Association standouts scored in double-figures for Team Dr. Dick Barnett, 113-99 winners over Team Willis Reed. Godwin finished with 11 points, while Horton scored 10.
Congratulations to Team Dr. Barnett for winning the 2023 HBCU All-Star Game! #HBCUAllStarGame #TheBestInBlackCollegeBasketball pic.twitter.com/4jaR8Yofob
— HBCU All-Star Game (@HBCUAllStarGame) April 2, 2023
Eight of Horton's came in a whirlwind stretch during the first half.
The A&T wing pulled up off the dribble for a smooth, stop-and-pop 3-pointer. Then on an ensuing defensive sequence, Horton leaked out and took the outlet for an easy lay-in. Then, moments later, Horton struck again with a corner triple.
The entire deluge took less than two minutes of game time.
Godwin, meanwhile, scored two of his points on a thunderous dunk off a steal in the first half. Godwin's rim-rattler further amplified an electric crowd at Texas Southern's H&PE Arena, host for the second-ever HBCU All-Star Game.
Located in Houston's Third Ward, just a few miles from NRG Stadium and the site of the 2023 Final Four, the HBCU All-Star Game added to the magic of March Madness' final destination.
Horton, who said Final Four was "amazing," touted the chance to shine on this platform.
"It meant a lot, playing on the same weekend as the Final Four...getting to see people of my culture be able to come out here and showcase they talent the same way as North Carolina, NC State," he said.
Demetric Horton on representing
— FloHoops (@FloHoops) April 3, 2023
@ncatmbbat the #HBCUAllStarGame and a special #MFinalFour weekend "It's a blessing from God...it meant a lot to see people of my culture be able to come out here and showcase they talent the same way as North Carolina, NC State." pic.twitter.com/BGCnwThLSf
Final Four weekend is, in no small part, a celebration of basketball's rich history.
The HBCU All-Star Game put the spotlight on contributions to the past like those of the legends for whom each team was named: Grambling alum and NBA Most Valuable Player with the New York Knicks, Willis Reed; and Dr. Dick Barnett, an NBA All-Star, two-time NBA champion, and one of the greatest NAIA players of all-time in his tenure at Tennessee State.
The All-Star Game also celebrated the present as a stage recognizing the outstanding college careers of squads featuring Horton, who averaged 10.8 points in a solid first CAA season for the Aggies; Godwin, a 40.1 percent 3-point shooter who averaged 12.5 points per game at Hampton; and 22 more, like Norfolk State's two-time NCAA Tournament participant Joe Bryant Jr.
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What's more, the HBCU All-Star Game set the scene for the future.
Godwin's three 3-pointers in the event demonstrated, one more time in his college career, the Hampton product's potential as a professional sharpshooter.
"I think I'm very good at it, and I want to show the world," Godwin said of shooting from outside.
Marquis Godwin on repping @HUAthletics1868 at the #HBCUAllStarGame, his 3-point shooting at the next level, and props for @Aztec_MBB's Lamont Butler on the #MFinalFour buzzer-beater. pic.twitter.com/1MaqfNVlHp
— FloHoops (@FloHoops) April 3, 2023