AUBURN – Organizers of the Maine McDonald’s High School Senior All-Star Basketball Games are looking for nominations for two awards —  the Maine McDonald’s Spirit of the Game Award and the Maine McDonald’s & Maine Red Claws Team of the Year Award.

The deadline for both is Feb. 20.

The Maine McDonald’s & Maine Red Claws Team of the Year Award honors two Maine high school varsity basketball teams – one boys and one girls – that have made an exceptional impact on Maine high school basketball and in the lives of others through contribution to community, exemplifying sportsmanship, team competitiveness and spirit, and commitment to academic excellence.

Teams selected will receive a $1,000 donation to their schools’ basketball programs.

The Maine McDonald’s Spirit of the Game Award honors two high school seniors – one from the East division, one from the West — who embody the spirit of the sport, exemplify sportsmanship, support and inspire their teammates and coaching staff, and show an ability to overcome obstacles and boundaries. The award honors 2009 recipients Joshua Titus of Auburn and Patrick Thibodeau of Cumberland.

Titus has overcome the challenges of autism and Thibodeau has Downs Syndrome.

Coaches, parents, principals, community organizations, athletic directors and sports fans are encouraged to submit a nomination form for either or both awards.

Spirit of the Game and Team of the Year nomination forms can be completed electronically at http://vote.mainemcdonaldsbasketball.org/. Or, to request a nomination form, call Kevin Mitchell at (207) 755-9470, ext .105.

Recipients will be announced at the Maine McDonald’s All-Star Weekend in Bangor scheduled on March 13-14.