By Joshua Huff, sports editor
PINSON — It only seems fitting that Pinson Valley senior Kam Woods will conclude his Alabama high school basketball career under the watchful eye of longtime mentor and head coach Darrell Barber.
Woods, one of the most electric shooters in the nation this season, was announced on Wednesday to the 30th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Classic, which is scheduled to be played in Mississippi on March 13. He joins 11 other high school senior all-stars who look to carry Alabama to its second consecutive victory in the Classic.
Pinson Valley head coach Darrell Barber. Photo by Joshua Huff.
The announcement comes as no surprise as the senior concluded his final high school basketball season averaging 37 points per game. Woods departs Pinson Valley as one of the best, if not the best, basketball player to don an Indians’ jersey. Woods finished his final game with the Indians in the regional championship round against Huffman with 34 points, four assists and four rebounds.
Woods’ constant throughout this past decade, Barber, was named the Alabama All-Star boys’ basketball team head coach on Feb. 1.
This season, Barber guided Pinson Valley to a 28-4 record and to No. 1 in Class 6A, according to the ASWA. In his career, Barber has won four state championships with three at Midfield (2012, 14, 17) and one at Pinson Valley (2018).
Both Woods and Barber have a long-lasting relationship that exceeds the court.
“Kam is like the son I never had,” Barber said. “We’ve been together for seven years now and I’m just extremely proud of him for what he’s done for himself. It’s been a pleasure watching him grow up from a young boy into the young man that he is today. There is no doubt in my mind that he is destined for greatness.”
Woods concluded his five-year high school varsity basketball career as a two-time state champion and as the 2019 ASWA Class 6A Player of the Year, as an ASWA 2019 Super All-State Team honoree and as the 2019 Class 6A state tournament MVP. More awards are expected.
Alabama Boys’ All-Stars
Antwan Burnett, Sidney Lanier, G, 6-5
Austin Harrell, East Limestone, G, 6-6
Colby Jones, Mountain Brook, G, 6-5
Duke Miles, Lee-Montgomery, PG, 6-2
Jadan Coleman, Bob Jones, F, 6-4
Jalen Myers, Bob Jones, F, 6-8
Kameron Woods, Pinson Valley, G, 6-1
Reginald Perry, Fairfield, C, 6-7
Rongie Gordon, Jeff Davis, F, 6-8
Thad Williams, Bessemer City, PG, 5-10
Tony Toney, Mae Jemison, G, 6-2
Zondrick Garrett, Oxford, F, 6-7
Coaches
Darrell Barber, Pinson Valley, Head Coach
Audwin Howard, Wenonah, Assistant Coach
David Good, Mountain Brook, Admin. Coach
James Jackson, Carver-Montgomery, Admin. Coach
Meg Ikeda, Encore, Trainer
