2024 AHSAA All-Star Sports Week | North Boys Surge in Second Half to Claim 97-85 Victory in All-Star Hoops Classic
Montgomery, AL – Ramsay High School’s 6-foot-6 guard, Jayden Williams, and Fairfield High School’s 5-foot-10 guard, Demarcus Williams, led a powerful second-half charge to secure a 97-85 victory for the North All-Stars in the 81st AHSAA North-South All-Star Classic on Tuesday night in the Capital City.
Despite trailing 50-44 at halftime, the North team found its rhythm in the second half, thanks to the standout performances of Jayden and Demarcus. Jayden Williams, who scored 12 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter, also contributed eight rebounds and three assists. Demarcus Williams added 10 of his 15 points in the final half, providing a crucial boost to the North’s offense. Huffman’s Peyton Higgins also came alive, scoring eight of his 12 points in the last 16 minutes and playing a key defensive role that limited the impact of the South’s top scorers.
The South initially built their lead with strong contributions from Central-Phenix City’s Jacoby Hill and Baker High School’s Desmond Williams, who had 11 and 13 points respectively by halftime. However, the second half saw a reversal of fortunes. Hill and Desmond Williams were held to a combined seven points in the final two quarters, thanks in part to the North’s stifling defense.
Additional support for the North came from Gadsden City’s Devin Barksdale, who chipped in 13 points, and Buckhorn’s Fred Derrick, who recorded four assists, four rebounds, and six points.
Despite the loss, Desmond Williams earned South MVP honors with a total of 17 points. Hill finished with 14 points, while Calhoun’s Tyler Robertson added five points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Georgiana’s Nasir Cheatam contributed 12 points, and Selma’s Tristin Blocton had nine points and four assists.
The North coaching staff, led by Patrick Davis of Vestavia Hills High School and Brian Pounders of Deshler, celebrated their third win in four years. The South was coached by Tereance Pinkney of Hillcrest-Evergreen and Sheroderick Smith of Loachapoka.
This latest win increases the North’s lead in the series to 51-30 since it began in Tuscaloosa in 1953. Since becoming part of All-Star Sports Week in 1997, the North has won 20 of the 27 all-star games.
In the earlier game on Tuesday, the North girls’ team also triumphed, defeating the South 87-46 at the Cramton Bowl MultiPlex.
Featured Photo: Ramsay guard Jayden Williams (24), the North MVP, drives past Florala’s Rayshon Coleman (11) for two of his game-high 21 points. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
