By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Basketball’s regular season may be in the books, and it was a very good season for Tribune teams in 2022-2023, but the season continued for a few of the area’s best players. Hewitt Trussville’s Jordan Hunter and Reid Stodghill and Pinson’s Caleb White travelled to Montgomery for All Star Week, competing in the boys’ and girls’ all-star basketball games on Tuesday.
First up for the day were the girls and Hunter and her North squad dominated the South, winning by a score of 80-44. Just like she did for the Huskies during their season, Jordan led her team all the way. In 16 minutes of play, she scored 15 points and snatched 5 rebounds. “The experience was really good, especially my coaches, “said Hunter. “It was so good playing with some of my teammates and also playing with some of the players I am used to competing against makes for a great show.” As is usually with the case with great athletes, Hunter was not completely satisfied with her performance. “I thought it wasn’t my best performance but overall, I was enjoying the moment and enjoyed cheering on my teammates. It was just a blessing to go out there and do my thing.”
Hunter’s mother and coach, Tonya, was proud of her incoming senior leader and daughter. “It is always exciting to see a student athlete represent your program and community in an AHSAA All-Star event, said Coach Hunter.” “It was a better feeling seeing your daughter play and represent the community the way she did tonight. We are so proud of her for her performance on the basketball court but here off the floor character is what makes her one of the best players in the state.”
The boys did not have the same success, but they fought hard in their game, losing 81-79 on a last-second shot by the South’s Jamicah Adair from Jeff Davis High School. Reid Stodghill from Hewitt Trussville said, “I wasn’t satisfied with the shots I took on the offensive end, but I was very pleased with how I performed on the defensive end.”
“The biggest factor that played into me being able to be an all-star is God giving me the ability and gifted me at the game I love to play,” said Stodghill. “Also, my parents who are always supporting me and pushing me to do more every day. And also, just being blessed with the facilities I have from just living in Trussville and being able to go train and work on my craft every day. I had a lot of fun being able to go out with the best players in the state for a day to hang out and play basketball. Of course, it feels great to be a state all-star and I’m very grateful to have been nominated and be able to play in the game. I have to let it motivate me instead of satisfy me. I just have to keep working so I will be ready to have a great season.”
Pinson’s Caleb White also participated with the North boys in the game. White was a part of a Pinson Valley basketball team that finished the 2022-2023 regular
season undefeated and made it deep into the playoffs but fell short of the state title. The Indians and coach Darrell Barber look to build on the undefeated season and finish the 2023-2024 season with a blue map in their hands, as they return a number of White’s teammates from that team.
Coach Barber had the following to say about his star player, “I was extremely happy that Caleb had an opportunity to represent himself, our school and community. It’s always a blessing to have a player nominated. I thought Caleb played well with the minutes he got. Being one of the top three players in the state, I really would he would have had more time to showcase his abilities. Nevertheless, I’m sure he’s looking forward to his senior season.”