- published: 04 Mar 2009
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Shawn Travis Kemp (born November 26, 1969) is an American retired professional basketball player, who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team member.
Kemp attended Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana. A four-year varsity starter, he was considered one of the top four or five players nationally his senior year, and led his team to the state championship finals. Kemp ended his high school career as Elkhart County's all-time leading scorer and the owner of Concord's career, single-game and single-season scoring records. Despite his achievements and accolades, Kemp was bypassed for the coveted title of Indiana Mr. Basketball. Woody Austin won the award that year instead. There has been some speculation that Kemp was purposely passed over for the award because he verbally committed to Kentucky and didn't express interest in staying in-state to play college ball. ( Austin committed to Purdue University.) Kemp was selected to the 1988 McDonald's High School All-American team (considered one of the best classes of all-time), along with such notable players as Alonzo Mourning, Billy Owens, Todd Day, Lee Mayberry, Chris Mills, Anthony Peeler, and Stanley Roberts. Kemp scored a team-high 18 points for the West in a losing cause. The final score was 105-99 in favor of the East.