BARNEVELD — Organizer Michael Flanagan announced last week that the 15th annual Six Rivers Conference All-Star Basketball Classic has been cancelled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The games were originally scheduled to be held at Barneveld High School in June, and then were rescheduled for Friday, July 31, after Wisconsin governor Tony Evers shut down access to all school districts in April.

The Six Rivers Conference had hoped the games could still be held in July, however ongoing issues due to the pandemic forced the league to make the tough decision to cancel the event.

“It is with great regret that we cancel the 2020 version of the Six Rivers East-West All-Star Classic. Since its inception by (former Black Hawk boys’ basketball) Coach Jerry Mortimer, the games have consistently achieved two goals: to spotlight the incredible boys and girls basketball talent within the conference and to make a meaningful contribution to support hospitalized children and their families,” said Flanagan, who has coached the Black Hawk girls’ team to four consecutive Six Rivers East title and three straight WIAA Division 5 state tournament berths. “We held out hope that we would be able to conduct the games in a postponed, modified-fashion, but athletic directors eventually voted to forego this year’s event. We look forward to bringing the games back next summer.”

In the 14-year history of the All-Star event, the Six Rivers Conference has donated more than $20,000 to the American Family Children’s Hospital.

The All-Star Classic features the top senior players from the Six Rivers Conference Western Division going head-to-head against the standouts from the Eastern Division in a game consisting of two 20-minute halves.

Flanagan and his Black Hawk assistant coach Angie Butler were set to guide this year’s East All-Star girls’ team against the West All-Stars led by River Ridge head coach Caren Townsend and assistant coach Joe Schulte. 

Lady Warriors seniors Hannah Butler, Kristen Knapp, Natalie Leuzinger and Maddy Huschitt were ready to suit up as teammates one last time to lead the East All-Stars along with Argyle’s McKenzee Granberg; Monticello’s Miah Brokopp; Albany’s Kristin O’Bel; Juda’s Taylor Golackson and Montana Steinmann; and Barneveld’s Grace Gordon.

Shullsburg’s Calli Jerry was scheduled to play for the West All-Star squad along with Benton’s Alexis Redfearn; River Ridge’s Skylar White, Faith Schier, McKenzie Graf, Rylee Zinkle, Chloe Stagman and Bayli Mason; Potosi/Cassville’s Justice Udelhofen; and Highland’s Carlee Kosharek.

Monticello head coach Mark Olson and Ponies assistant coach Gabe Zielke were set to lead the East All-Star boys’ team against River Ridge head coach Tom Neises’ West All-Stars. 

Black Hawk’s Lucas Flanagan, Jaylen Rufenacht and Avery Baumgartner were to be members of the East All-Stars along with Pecatonica’s Bo Hendrickson; Argyle’s Payton Flannery and Gavin Johnson; Barneveld’s Jack Thompson, Seth Sullivan and Spencer Sullivan; Monticello’s Simon Blohowiak, Devin Holtz and Reece Rufer; and Juda’s Gavin Kammerer.

Shullsburg’s Dylan Heim and Belmont’s Luke Kamps for ready to guide the West All-Star’s along with Benton’s Caleb O’Neill, Zander Jones, Holden Murphy and Will Lawrence; River Ridge’s Brayan Barrita and Cole Crubel; Potosi’s Ben Udelhofen, Ryan Kruser, Nick Edge and Austin Uppena; Cassville’s Sam Ihm; and Highland’s Iassac Kutzke and Grant Hying.

In the 14 years of the event, the West holds a 10-4 advantage over the East in the girls’ All-Star game, while the East boys hold a 10-4 all-time record over the West All-Stars.

At last year’s Six Rivers All-Star Basketball Classic, the Six Rivers East girls snapped a three-year slide with a 39-31 victory, while the West boys also ended a three-year skid with a come-from-behind 65-63 last-second win.

In the sixth annual 3-Point Challenge, the West shooters evened the all-time series at 3-3 with a 117-90 decision over the East shooters.