The University of Kentucky Barnstorming Tour made its annual stop in Warren County on Tuesday night at Greenwood with Wildcat fans expecting a little razzle-dazzle.

Seniors Patrick Sparks (Central City) and Brandon Stockton (Glasgow) brought a little local flavor, having grown up less than a hour from Bowling Green. The duo signed autographs following the game, which the Big Blue won 121-91. Having a chance to say goodbye one last time is something both say they’re enjoying very much.

&#8220This is a great experience. We have a lot of fans from all over the state that don’t get to make it into Rupp (Arena in Lexington) to see you play and they still support you throughout the year,” Stockton said. &#8220It’s always good to get out and get a chance to meet some of those people and just let them know you appreciate their support.”

Sparks’ return to Bowling Green may have been more special, having played two years at Western Kentucky. As fans lined up for his autograph, a fair amount were packing both Wildcat and Hilltopper paraphernalia.

&#8220I like doing things like this,” Sparks said. &#8220It’s good to give something back to the fans.”

Former UK standouts Eric Daniels, Chuck Hayes and Keith Bogans were unable to make it, leaving the UK squad a little shorthanded. Although the team had a few stand-ins, they still had to look for another player. They didn’t have to look far. Sparks called an old acquaintance from his Hilltopper days and managed to bring another local favorite in – Hilltopper senior Anthony Winchester.

Arriving just minutes before the scheduled tip-off, Winchester emerged from the lockerroom with a blue and white Kentucky practice uniform on. Although this was not previously planned, Winchester said the decision to play with his former teammate and friend was an easy one.

&#8220It worked out about 30 minutes before the game,” Winchester said. &#8220I’m really good friends with Pat. We talk a lot. It turned out that they had a couple guys that couldn’t come so he called me up.

&#8220I would have played anyway, but he called and I told him I’d do it.”

The sight of Winchester wearing blue and white is enough to make diehard Hilltopper fans run for the restroom.

When asked if Hilltopper fans would be freaking out, Winchester said: &#8220I’m sure they are. It’s for fun, for the fans really. Me and Pat back together again, that’s what it’s all about, just for fun.”

Everyone in the gym was freaking out at the shooting display the two former teammates put on. Sparks led all scorers with 44 points, hitting 11 3-pointers, while Winchester posted 34 with six 3-pointers. Stockton struggled shooting, but still put in 19.

The Greenwood team featured the Gator senior basketball players as well as former players and current administrators. Although the game was never in doubt, it was an opportunity to rub elbows with players who many have admired from the distance of their television sets.

&#8220It’s pretty exciting. I’ve always watched college basketball on TV. I’ve never really been a big UK fan, but I still like watching them,” Greenwood senior Jacob Davis said. &#8220It will be the best competition I’ve played against.”

The event helped raise money for Greenwood athletics, specifically ones that do not generate much revenue. The Gator pep band kept all earnings from the concession stand as well, making it a win-win for all involved.

&#8220This will help our general athletic fun, particularly those sports where we don’t have any revenue coming in,” Greenwood athletics director Todd Tolbert said. &#8220It’s more of an entertainment thing more than anything. It’s a lot of fun.”