It’s the beginning of August – about as far from basketball season as it gets – but it sure hasn’t seemed like it for former Free State High standout Brady Morningstar.

“I’ve had about three weeks straight of basketball,” he said. “My legs are a little tired.”

After leading his Kansas City Pump ‘N’ Run summer AAU team to a tournament title last week at the Price Chopper Invitational in Shawnee, the 6-foot-3 Morningstar will compete in the annual Kansas Basketball Coaches Assn. All-Star game at 8 tonight in Washburn’s Lee Arena.

The game will feature the top 24 players in Kansas. Morningstar is the only representative from Lawrence.

“I’m just going to come out and represent Free State as well as I can,” Morningstar said.

The guard arrived Tuesday in Topeka for practice and to meet his teammates. Though the roster is made up of players from all over Kansas, Morningstar has reunited with many familiar faces on his North squad.

Clint McFall, Wade Knapp and 2005 Mr. Basketball Jay Tunnell all previously played summer-league basketball with Morningstar on the K.C. Pump ‘N’ Run team.

“It’s going to be a fun time,” Morningstar said. “Hopefully, we’ll come out with a win.”

Morningstar, who will attend prep school next year in New Hampton, N.H., said his main focus in the All-Star game would be to help his team win.

“I don’t care if I score two points or 20 points, as long as we get the win,” Morningstar said. “I’m going to try to get everyone involved. I’ll probably be running the point some of the time, so I’ll have my opportunity to score.”

After playing competitive basketball during the summer – often in front of a handful of college coaches – Morningstar said the exhibition setting would be a nice change.

“I’ve only been playing with these kids for a couple of hours,” Morningstar said, “so really there’s no extra pressure.”

So far, Morningstar has enjoyed his All-Star experience, even though it has meant delaying his well deserved break for a few more days.

“I’m having a fun time, meeting new kids and practicing with them,” Morningstar said. “I’m a little exhausted, but I’ll be all right for one more day.”