The overflow crowd that filled St. Joseph’s Madrigrano Gymnasium on Saturday night signified one thing to Brandon Morris.

“We might have to find a bigger gym next time,” the St. Joseph graduate and former UW-Green Bay star said with a wide smile.

The inaugural Brandon Morris All-Star Charity Basketball Game, which included a six-game AAU showcase throughout the day, was a rousing success as evidenced by the packed bleachers. In an entertaining main event, the Racine All-Stars pulled away from the Kenosha All-Stars, 111-97.

“I can’t believe it,” Morris said. “I’m very proud of both Kenosha and Racine with this turnout. I’m so happy right now.”

The proceeds from the event are going to Root of Jesus Ministries. Rev. William Harris, the pastor of the organization, works as a youth activities director at Frank School.

“I’m very pleased that everybody came out and had a good time,” event organizer Kentay Varnell said. “People came from all over to show their support. This is what it’s all about. It’s all about the community.”

Racine was led by the talented trio of Jamil Wilson, LaVontay Fenderson and Devron Bostick, who combined for 83 points.

David Tolefree led Kenosha with 25 points and former NBA star Nick Van Exel added 17.

Trailing 63-58 at halftime, Kenosha took its final lead at 72-71 on a basket by Van Exel with 15:57 remaining before Racine put together a 26-9 lead to put the game out of reach with six minutes left.

Here are some other noteworthy items from the main event:

* Off the bench: Initially reported as one of the coaches for the Kenosha squad, Van Exel was in uniform and left the coaching to Tony Moore.

The St. Joseph graduate, who wrapped up a 13-year NBA career in 2006 with the San Antonio Spurs, drilled four 3-pointers in the first seven minutes.

“They wanted me to coach, but I had a little energy left in my knees, so I decided to play,” Van Exel said.

A potential comeback was quickly dismissed, however.

“Aww, hell no,” he said. “Too fast, too young for me now. I just enjoy watching.”

* No Caron: Listed as one of the coaches for the Racine squad, Washington Wizards All-Star Caron Butler was not in attendance due to a commitment with NBA Cares, according to Varnell.

Butler is hosting a charity event in Racine next weekend.

“He sent a bunch of tickets down to give away to the crowd,” Varnell said. “He still does a lot for the people of Racine.”

Mark Duckworth handled the coaching duties for Racine.

* Impressing: Wilson, the youngest player on the floor, was also one of the most impressive.

The 6-foot-7 University of Oregon recruit, who guided Racine Horlick to a WIAA Division-1 State runner-up finish in March, canned five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 30 points. He was often matched up during the gamet with 7-footer Maurice “Stretch” Barnett, a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Wilson capped his night with an eye-popping windmill dunk in the final minute.

“That kid — the high school player ... unbelievable,” Morris said. “He’s going to be good.”

* Still connecting: Tolefree showed that he hasn’t lost his shooting touch.

The former St. Joseph standout finished with a game-high seven 3-pointers. The teams combined for 29 triples in the game.

Morris was asked who would win a long-range shootout between Tolefree and Van Exel.

“Wow,” he said. “Wow. ... I’ll leave it at that.”

Tolefree smiled when asked the same question.

“I don’t know, man.” he said.

When pressed, Tolefree said, “I’m going to win that one.”