This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Collision All-Star Game, a legendary Los Angeles basketball showcase founded by veteran journalist and community leader Kenneth Miller. What began as a simple yet bold idea—to celebrate the best high school talent from the Los Angeles City Section and Southern Section—has evolved into a deeply respected tradition and a rite of passage for countless young athletes.
“This is a basketball game that’s a celebration and culmination,” Miller said in an interview with the Los Angeles Sentinel. “L.A. City Section vs. Southern Section athletes actually being celebrated in the form of basketball. I firmly believe these kids being honored are being honored both on and off the court.”
The event was held at St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey. The gym was pulsing with energy as fans, families, alumni, and scouts filled the bleachers to witness the next generation of L.A. basketball greats. The 2025 showcase featured both boys and girls exhibition games, each delivering thrilling performances that reflected the intensity of the storied prep basketball rivalry in the city.
In the girls’ game, Jade Fort and Kinidi Curl from Hamilton High School shined for the City Section. Both were recently named Co-Players of the Year and honored with the prestigious City Wooden Award, a testament to their leadership, athleticism, and impact on and off the court.
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Another standout was Aliyahna “Puff” Morris from Etiwanda High School, a McDonald’s All-American and one of the top players in the country. Morris, known for her elite scoring ability and court vision, will be continuing her basketball career at the University of California, Berkeley, proudly representing the Golden Bears next season. Her presence added star power and national recognition to an already talent-loaded roster.
Midway through both the boys’ and girls’ games, the event paused to celebrate individuals making a difference in basketball and beyond. The Steve Lavin Family Award—named after the former UCLA and St. John’s coach—was presented at halftime of both contests, honoring players who demonstrate excellence in character, leadership, and sportsmanship.
In addition to the Lavin Award, this year introduced two new honors to the Collision legacy: the Barbara Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals who have made impactful contributions to their communities, and the Jim Harrick Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the legendary former UCLA coach who led the Bruins to a national championship. These awards reflect the event’s growing commitment to acknowledging the values of service, longevity, and leadership in and around the game.
The boys’ game delivered its own share of highlights, headlined by Caleb Versher, who starred for the Southern Section team.
“To be a part of a game like this is a blessing,” Versher said. “You always want to compete and play hard—that’s what we do.”
Still undecided on a college program, Versher is focused on growth.
“I just try to keep working. I’m looking for a program to help me get better and take the next step,” he told the Sentinel.
For Miller, the 25th anniversary was both a milestone and a mission accomplished.
“Collision is about giving these kids a stage,” he said. “Not just to ball out, but to be seen—as students, as athletes, and as leaders in their communities.”
With alumni that include Darren Collison, Russell Westbrook, and countless others who have gone on to shine in college and beyond, the Collision All-Star Game continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity, representation, and excellence.
As the event enters its next chapter, the message remains the same: Pride. Purpose. Power.
And for the athletes who take the court—Once a Collision All-Star, always a Collision All-Star.
