Tiger trio teams up in all-star game

ST. LOUIS--Michael Dixon joined the likes of Richard Jefferson, Keon Lawrence, and Marcus Denmom by winning the MVP award of the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation National High School All Star Game.

After the display of dunks in the lay-up line before the game, the game was a lot like other all-star games, high scoring. Three future Tigers started for National All-Stars against the Midwest Local All-Stars. Dixon started alongside Tyler Stone and Jonathan Underwood. All three made positive contributions in the 126-123 victory for the National All Stars.

Dixon had an unofficial 24 points and 5 rebounds, and 10 of the National All Stars' first 14 points. The freshman-to-be said he did not know what to expect from the game, but that he enjoyed playing. And even though he was the game MVP, he said he thought he could have played better.

"I played alright," said Dixon. "I had a couple bad turnovers."

Stone was also critical of his performance.

"It was okay, could have been better," said Stone.

Stone had an unofficial 11 points and 6 rebounds, but, ultimately, it's a team game.

"We went out there and had fun," said Stone. "It's not always about scoring, but we had fun as a team, we did our thing, we got the W."

Underwood, who flew in from Maryland on Thursday to play, had an unofficial 11 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. He also added an unofficial 8 blocks. And he said we could expect more of that when he is wearing a Tigers' uniform.

"I helped with a lot of blocked shots and that's what I am going to do at Mizzou," said Underwood.

He said he felt he played well, but he knows needs to cut down on the fouls. Underwood would have fouled out of an NBA game, and then some.

It was the first of what they hope will be many wins for the Tiger trio.

Underwood on Track

Underwood flew into St. Louis to play in the game, but he is spending his summer in Maryland.

Underwood, who will come to Mizzou in August, said he is just working on some things in Maryland.

"So I can make sure I am good, when I go to Missouri," said Underwood. "No problems or nothing like that."

Underwood is taking classes this summer in Maryland and keeping up with his game.