Edmundson Readies for LC Football Career

GREENSBORO -- Certainly, there was a sense of finality on several fronts for Darius Edmundson and Robbie Kennedy at Monday's East-West All-Star Boys Basketball Game at the historic Greensboro Coliseum.

The contest was slated to be the last-ever hoops competition for Edmundson, who starred this past season at Southern Nash High School under Kennedy's direction.

Edmundson led the Firebirds to the third round of the Class 3-A State Playoffs this past season and was selected as the Big East Conference Player of the Year.

But Edmundson considers his future to be on the gridiron as he has inked a deal to join the prolific program at Louisburg College.

So Edmundson was closing out his career Monday in second-chance mode as he wasn't an original East Team pick -- but earned a late invitation due to a cancellation.

At the game, Edmundson joined up one last time with Kennedy, who was the East Team head coach.

Also, this would be the first and last opportunity for Kennedy to serve in the matchup, as coaches are only picked once for the prestigious event.

Kennedy and Edmundson were surrounded by several talented teammates, but the East got off to a slow start and never recovered against an on-fire West squad.

While the East shot just 27 percent in the first half, the couldn't-miss West group shot over 52 percent en route to taking an unbelievable 33-point advantage at intermission.

The West could go on to defeat the East by a 119-80 margin at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Edmundson came off the bench for the East and played 15 minutes, scoring three points while adding one rebound and a trio of steals.

He entered the outing midway through the first period and made an instant impact by scoring on a baseline drive off an inbounds pass.

Almost as soon as the game was completed, Edmundson reshifted his focus back to football as he is eager to begin his freshman campaign at Louisburg College.

Edmundson was a standout defensive back and big-play wide receiver for the Firebirds in 2018 and helped Coach Brian Foster's club roll to the Big East Conference Championship.

Edmundson then added his basketball heroics to his senior resume' before deciding to sign with Louisburg after exploring options in both sports.

"Darius didn't do badly (in the East-West Game) -- it was a great experience for him,'' Kennedy said. "He got the opportunity to see some great players.

"He has been in summer school at Louisburg and indicated right after the game that he was heading back for classes on Tuesday.

"With his size (6-foot-1), football was the way to go for him on the next level. He now has the chance to go to Louisburg for two years and see what his (next-level) options can be after that.''