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West Wins 2015 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Kevin Hart Picks up his 4th MVP Award Despite Being on the Losing Team; and Paralympic star Blake Leeper Makes History

The NBA All-Star extravaganza has something for everybody. The week started with NBA House, several days of community outreach and fan-interaction programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. However, the 2015 NBA Sprint Celebrity All-Star Game did as it has done since its inaugural in 2003, kicked off the weekend's events with glitz and glam.

It's an exhibition game featuring celebrities and past/current NBA/WNBA players, some more notable than others, depending on your pop culture knowledge.

This year's cast was no different. I am knowledgeable about pop culture thanks to social media. However, even I did not know a handful of the celebrities who selected to suit up.

East and West 2015 NBA Celebrity All-Star Breakdown

Each team, East and West, provided a unique blend of celebrities and basketball stars.

For the West squad, WNBA Star Skylar Diggins and NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin provided the actual basketball talent.

And rounding out the celebrity roster were: actors Nick Cannon, Jesse Williams, Ansel Elgort, Anthony Anderson, and Sarah Silverman, Little League sensation Mo'ne Davis, musician Win Butler, and Memphis Grizzlies owner, Robert Pera.

The East squad actually provided more basketball talent in former Knicks guard Allan Houston, New York Liberty forward Tina Charles and Atlanta Dream guard Shoni Schimmel.

And then your celebs in rapper and actor Common; director Michael Rapaport; comedian Kevin Hart; actor Chadwick Boseman; Paralympic star Blake Leeper; NBA reporter Kristen Ledlow; and Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan.

As for the coaches, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony; filmmaker and no.1 New York Knicks fan, Spike Lee; ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg; and NBA Cares Ambassador Isaiah Austin coached both teams.

You would think that the East Celebrities would have the advantage, boasting three basketball professionals to the West's two, but in the end, the West, led by Mullin and Diggins, complimented by Pera, proved to be the difference. The West beat the East 59-51.

Diggins finished with 13 points and 4 assists while Mullin scored eight, displaying the perimeter game that made him a household name, connecting on 2 threes.

With the defensive priorities targeted at Diggins and Mullins, Pera was able to raise some eyebrows, silently shooting 5 of 6 from the field along with Butler, who found the rim on countless occasions, chipping in with eight points.

Mo'ne Davis Schools Comedian Kevin Hart; but Hart Stands Out with the Crowd

With all that being said, there was one celebrity that stood out from the pack, and the argument could be made that even though Elgort brought a significant number of adoring teens to MSG, Kevin Hart is as must-see TV as anyone these days.

Other than being one of the best Comedians in the world, Kevin Hart, prior to Friday's celebrity contest, was already a 3-time MVP, sharing his 2014 MVP award with United States Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan in last year's game.

It was evident Hart was going for his fourth, but had the tall task of doing so against Little League star Mo'ne Davis.

Davis became a household name last summer becoming the first girl to pitch a win and a shut-out in Little League post-season history, but prefers basketball as her primary sport. Currently an 8th grader, Davis plays varsity basketball for the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, PA.

At 5'4, Davis, all of 14 years-old, matches the 35 year-old Hart in height. Davis took Hart to school going around him with a beautiful crossover spin move finishing with a lay-up that drew plenty of oohs and aaahs to go along with the high fives. As great a move as it was, Davis was unable to prevent her fellow PA native from securing his fourth Celebrity MVP award.

Mone-Davis-takes-Kevin-Hart-to-school-with-spin-move 2015-NBA-Celebrity-Game Photo-Credit Brad Barket Getty ImagesLittle League Legend Mo'ne Davis putting a spin move on comedia Kevin Hart at 2015 NBA All-Star Sprint Celebrity Game. Photo Credit: Brad Barket/Getty Images

Was Davis upset?

"Coaches just told me to play up on him," Davis said following the game. "It was all in fun, no hate or anything just a good time."

Hart stole the crowd with his comedic personality and basketball skills, going 5 of 12 from the field for 15 points enabling him to get the NBA Celebrity All-Star MVP award.

"You can't hate Kevin; he is the show," said Allan Houston post-game. "The good thing is he can play and I think that's what makes it fun."

And how can you?

In the first quarter alone, Hart received 2-shots for trying to post-up Davis and flopped, falling on the court to sell the foul from a 14-year old girl.

Kevin Hart Remembers Stuart Scott

For all of Hart's 24-hour comedic personality, during his post-game speech at half-court as he was honored with his fourth Celebrity MVP award, he took the time to acknowledge the late ESPN sportscaster, Stuart Scott, who died from cancer on January 4th. Scott's daughters were in attendance.

Scott loved the celebrity game and it was fitting that Hart, along with the ESPN cast, acknowledged Scott's daughters during the game and after.

Good Job.

Kevin Hart Channels Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

Hart also stated he is retiring, from basketball that is. Hart stated that he will not compete in future NBA Celebrity All-Star games due to the fact that, as he says, "Can do no more."

"It's Kobe, Lebron, Me, it's all the greats," said Hart during his MVP acceptance speech.

And it is great.

Since 2012, Hart has owned the Celebrity All-Star game. He furthered his brand in comedy and pop-culture and provided us with some solid basketball and laughs.

It will be tough to replace this Celebrity All-Star game legend, but I'm pretty sure the NBA will figure it out.

Shoni Schimmel Flies Under the Radar

As for the game itself, the performance that seemed to go un-noticed was Atlanta Dream's Shoni Schimmel.

Schimmel danced her way around the court, creating space with her dribbling prowess for 17 points, even matching up with Diggins at times.

It was not the challenges that the WNBA offers, but still an impressive outing for one of the WNBA's youngest stars.

Blake Leeper Makes NBA History

And the biggest contribution of all came from Paralympic star Blake Leeper.

With a resume that contains silver and bronze medals at the 2012 Paralympic games in London, among other accomplishments as a competitor for the United States in track and Field, Leeper became the first disabled and double-amputee to ever participate in the NBA Celebrity All-Star game.

That's big. That's how you make an impact.

What's The 411 TV Releases Its List of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012

What's The 411TV's List of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411TV correspondents during 2012

BROOKLYN, NY; December 20, 2012 - What's The 411, an entertainment and lifestyle television show, released today its list of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012.

What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411 reporters from January 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012. The list consists of celebrated personalities to ordinary people doing extraordinary things to the American people rallying for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin. Many people are local to the New York City metro area, while others are global figures.

"Throughout the years, What's The 411 has interviewed so many interesting people," said Ruth J. Morrison, CEO and Founder, Whats The 411 Networks. "This year, we decided to create our list of 25 Most Interesting People. It wasn't easy, but the reporters and producers narrowed What's The 411's Most Interesting People of 2012 to a list of 25. Some are known to almost everyone and some will be names heard for the first time."

"After developing and releasing our list of 25 Most interesting People of 2012, we learned that the Brooklyn Nets fired head coach Avery Johnson. Coach Johnson's firing was shocking and What's The 411 still stands by its decision to include Coach Johnson on its list. In our interview, we saw excitement, conviction, a warrior's attitude, and a commitment to bringing a competitive basketball team to Brooklyn," Ms. Morrison added.

The people making up What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 fall into the categories of entrepreneurs; kids doing great things; sports; fashion and beauty; health; non-profits; media and public relations; and even a former mob wife. The list also includes the winners of What's The 411's Jay Z Concert Ticket Giveaway, a couple so engaging they should have their own reality TV show.

Below is a list of What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 with hotlinks to their respective video interviews:

1. Marlena Ortiz - a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor who created the non-profit Beating Cancer in Heels to help women keep their self-esteem while undergoing cancer treatment
2. Trayvon Martin Vigil in Union Square, New York City - representing Americans standing up against racism
3. Hal Jackson (Posthumously) - legendary radio pioneer who broke many color barriers in radio broadcasting. Hal Jackson died on May 23, 2012 at age 96.
4. Danny Jacobs - a boxer who survived cancer and is now back in the boxing ring with two wins in two months
5. Magic Johnson - because he's Magic
6. David Stern - NBA Commissioner who bucked the prevailing sentiment at the time and developed a salary system which created many young black millionaires, a rising tide floats all boats
7. Sue Simmons - An iconic newswoman; anchor of WNBC-TV News for 32 years
8. Avery Johnson - the goody two-shoes head coach of the Brooklyn Nets; who knew he had so much fight
9. Billie Jean King - an iconic tennis champion and advocate for gender equality
10. Helen Shelton - an African-American woman who rose to executive ranks within a global public relations agency by providing value to her clients
11. Allan Houston - Assistant General Manager, New York Knicks and a former NBA player now leading the way advocating and demonstrating the importance of fathers through hisFather Knows Best initiative
12. Beauty/Fashion Trifecta: Vera Moore, Sofia Davis and Thomas Lavone: - Vera Moore is a beauty entrepreneur of 34 years in the competitive cosmetic business and now making a huge breakthrough with national distribution through Walgreen's; Sofia Davis, Editor, Fashion Avenue News Magazine; and Thomas Lavonne, an award winning New Jersey based fashion designer and entrepreneur with a celebrity following; known for his exceptional talent in Ready To Wear gowns, suits and fine apparel
13. Leslie Allen - a retired professional tennis player and keeper of the legacy of tennis champion Arthur Ashe through the Arthur Ashe Foundation
14. Alia Jones-Harvey - a Broadway theatre producer putting a new spin on classic Broadway theatre productions, thus creating diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity on Broadway
15. Dr. Devra Davis - an environmental health scientist ringing the cell phone environmental alarm bell16. Cheryl Wills - author and 20 years of making a difference in TV news in New York City
17. Constance CR White - a multi-dimensional fashionista running a magazine for Black women (no disrespect to Susan Taylor)
18. Dionne Williams - a fashion entrepreneur providing a professional platform for emerging fashion designers during New York Fashion Week
19. Alfred Edmond Jr. and Windsor Neckwear - creators of the Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection and other men's accessories; helping men everywhere to stand out while fitting in
20. Terrie Williams - CEO and Founder, The Terrie Williams Agency; author; mental health advocate; and mentor; for her honesty about depression and for mentoring young men
21. Leslie Chang, Scholarship Winner of Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health's Health Science Academy and Winners of Arthur Ashe Kids Day Essay and Art Contest - these kids are definitely going places
22. Pamela Quinzi - a fabulously sensational shoe designer with savvy marketing skills
23. Saffiyah Rodgers and Valerie Morrison - owners of My Girlfriend's Closet - making a business out of a childhood passion
24. Kim Benson and Qadir Muhammad - winners of What's The 411's Jay-Z Concert Ticket Contest - a comedic, smart and sassy couple; they should have their own reality TV show
25. Toni Marie Ricci - survived being married to the mob and now an author and mentor to other women

About What's The 411TV

Based in Brooklyn, New York, What's The 411TV is a division of What's The 411 Networks, a media/news and information company connecting sophisticated multi-cultural audiences through its distribution platforms of television, online, mobile, and social media.

What's The 411TV's celebrity portfolio consists of interviews with Magic Johnson, Beyonce, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson and many, many more.

What's The 411 Networks has the largest video celebrity interview portfolio of any Brooklyn-based independent media company.

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