Alabama All-Star squads energetic in Thursday preps
CLINTON, MS (ahsaa.com) – Alabama All-Star coaches Andy Blackston of Madison Academy and Ronnie Stapler of Westminster Christian figure the 12 senior members of the Alabama All-Star boys’ squad have put their high school basketball careers behind them.
That’s why their approach this week has been to try and show them just what they might have to expect at the next level.
“Coach Stapler and I divided things up with me handling the offense and him working with the defense, and we have tried to emphasize just how it might be when they get to college,” said Blackston, 218-117 in 15 years as a head coach. Stapler just finished his 45th season with 730 wins. “We have both been impressed by all the kids. They are all very talented and all have certain skills they can bring to a team. We worked them hard (Thursday morning) in a 2 1/2 –hour practice and they’ve all responded well.”
The 26th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star boys’ and girls’ games will tip off Friday, March 18, at A.E. Wood Coliseum on the campus of Mississippi College at Clinton. The girls’ game is set for 5 p.m., and the boys’ clash will follow at 7 p.m. Alabama holds a 13-12 edge in the girls’ series and a 14-11 edge in the boys’ competition. The Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) is hosting the event this year in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA). Alabama has hosted 18 of the 26 years with an 11-7 edge in the boys’ and girls’ series as the home team. Mississippi has won 4 of 7 boys’ games it has hosted and 5 of 7 girls’ games.
Alabama’s roster includes seven players already committed or signed by Division I-A schools. The front line is big with 6-foot-8 Kevin Morris of Dothan, a South Alabama signee, and 6-7 Shamarkus Kennedy of Northridge, a Chipola (FL) Community College recruit, both shined in Thursday’s practices.
“Both of them have been pleasant surprises,” Blackston said. “We have a great group of kids who have worked hard, are listening to us and are working hard to try and bond as a team. They have shown great poise and a lot of energy so far. We want them to have fun, and we want them to win the game.”
Alabama’s squad also has 6-6 Reginald Todd of Blount, a New Mexico State signee, and 6-6 Montevallo signee Albert Luke of Ramsay inside. Among the most decorated guards is 6-foot-4 UAB signee Javien Williams of Woodlawn.
Brant Llewellyn of Lauderdale County, 521-86 in 17 seasons, and Emanuel Bell of Wenonah, 498-180 in 22 years, are coaching the Alabama girls. Llewellyn’s resume lists five Class 3A state championships in a row, and Bell’s portfolio includes three straight Class 5A state titles.
Llewellyn (521-86) said they are emphasizing the little things in practice this week. “All the players are outstanding,” he said. “Coach Bell and I both coach an up-tempo style and for some of the girls, that is new for them. So we are doing a lot of teaching and emphasizing the little things. They are embracing it well and working hard.”
Llewellyn said he has been impressed especially by Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year and Florida State signee Jasmine Walker of 7A state champ Jeff Davis. He also is coaching two of his own players, guards Ivy and Emma Wallen, who, along with their sister Ella formed the most famous triplets in AHSAA prep sports history. Lauderdale County won state titles in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2014 and 2016 with the Wallens.
“One of the reasons I am coaching in the game is because of them,” said Llewellyn. “They have meant so much to Lauderdale County’s program and to me personally, I wanted to be here with them one last time.”
Wenonah’s Bell has his star forward Kaitlyn Rodgers in the game as well. The 6-2 Rodgers is heading to Ole Miss.
One Alabama player, Auburn-bound guard Tyra Johnson of Austin, missed practice Thursday due to a leg injury. Her playing status was undetermined and being evaluated Thursday afternoon.
