The MVP of the Green Wave basketball team will get to test his mettle against some of the top basketball players in the state this weekend.
Summerville center Mario Pendarvis has been selected to participate in the North/South All-star Basketball Game March 20. As one of 12 members of the South team, Pendarvis will team up with other seniors from the lower part of the state as they take on 12 of the best players the northern part of the state has to offer. Tip off for the boys’ game is scheduled for 2 p.m. at North Myrtle Beach High School.
Pendarvis was the foundation of the Green Wave team this season. The 6-5 center averaged 17.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Summerville coach Greg Elliott says the senior’s versatility and coachability make him unique.
“Mario is very physical inside, but he also has a nice touch outside,” Elliott said. “He is a low maintenance kid and I’m sure he will be able to help his all-star team in its cause.”
Pendarvis is a three-year letterman for the Wave who helped Summerville earn a state championship during the 2007-08 season. However, it was his performance in this year’s playoffs that likely clinched his invitation for the all-star team.
“One of the coaches for the South team saw him when we played Irmo,” Elliott said. “He had a great night and scored 20 points in that game so I think that had something to do with them selecting him.”
Pendarvis has drawn the interest of college scouts, but so far all of the larger colleges who have made offers are too far away from home for his liking. His family and coach are hoping his stock will rise after scouts see him this weekend.
“It should increase his visibility,” Elliott said. “I sure hope we get a chance to see him play at the next level.”
The weekend will also include other festivities, including the induction of a Summerville coach into the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. During halftime of the boys’ game, Summerville girls’ coach Teresa Kendle will be among those inducted into the hall’s inaugural class.
Festivities for the association’s all-star weekend kick off March 18 with a banquet at the Crown Reef Resort featuring speaker Les Robinson. On March 19, there will be a Slam Dunk and 3-point contest at Myrtle Beach High School for the all-stars and players selected for the Carolinas All-star Classic game that pits a different grouup of South Carolina all-stars against all-stars from North Carolina.
On March 20, the North-South girls’ game will tip off at 11:30 a.m. with the boys’ game to follow. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
The girls’ Carolinas All-star Classic is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Socatstee High School with the boys’ Carolinas All-star Game to follow. Fort senior R.J. Slawson will play in that game.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com.