LOS ANGELES, CA - It's game time on Saturday. At least, it is for one group of high school senior basketball players. For the first time, Sunkist Growers is supporting the Encore All-Star Games that brings together teams from the greater Los Angeles, California, region.

"We're excited to support the Encore All-Star Games, which is right here in our hometown," said Christina Ward, Senior Director of Global Marketing at Sunkist. "Thanks to our collaboration with sports nutritionists, we are able to deliver fun health hacks for hoopers and showcase the health benefits of Sunkist citrus to our next generation of athletes and all-stars. Sunkist is California-grown and has been for 130 years. As a farmer-owned citrus cooperative, community is at the core of what we do."

In total, 24 girls and 24 boys will make up the selected seniors representing the greater Los Angeles region—spanning from Orange County to the Inland Empire to the San Fernando Valley.

In a recent Sunkist blog, Health Hacks for Hoopers, by Sports Nutritionist Kat Barefield, she lists five health hacks using in-season Sunkist citrus varieties. According to a press release, this includes helping to fuel on the go, recover after a workout, support your immune system, add collagen to your routine, and satisfy your sweet tooth.

“Growing up playing basketball in Los Angeles, there was nothing better than playing and watching the best compete against the best. These All-Star games provide a stage for the entire LA region to come together one final time,” said DJ Gay, the former All-City guard, San Diego State University Hall of Famer, and organizer of the Encore All-Star Games.

There will also be activities for kids, giveaways, a live DJ, and fun for the entire family. Special guests include King of NBA Twitter Josiah Johnson, Pro Dunker Chris Staples, Emcee and Influencer Brandon “B dot” Armstrong, a dance group featuring Ferly Prado, and more.

Best of luck to the players as they hit the court!

Sunkist Growers