2024 AHSAA All-Star Sports Week | North Volleyball All-Stars Capture Thrilling 3-2 Victory
Montgomery, AL – In one of the most fiery matches in AHSAA North-South volleyball history, the North team secured a dramatic 3-2 win over the South on Thursday afternoon at the Cramton Bowl MultiPlex. The set scores were 23-25, 26-24, 23-25, 15-9, underscoring the intensity of the competition.
This victory boosts the North’s lead in the series to 16-10 and marks the conclusion of the 2024 All-Star Sports Week sports competition, which began in 1997.
Key Players and Highlights
North Team
- Lauren Buchanan (Chelsea) – Named North MVP, she recorded two kills and two service aces in the final match, totaling 13 kills overall, tying with Kennedy Vaughn (Bob Jones High School).
- Jasmine Terry (Shades Valley High School) – Contributed 10 kills and six digs.
- KeAra Bowen (Huntsville) – Achieved nine kills.
- Eevy Bellar (Hazel Green) – Added seven kills and five service aces.
- Riley Lovell (Bob Jones) – Delivered 26 assists and five digs.
- Cooper Garrett (Fort Payne) – Provided 23 assists and four digs.
- Sydney Durban (Hoover) – Totaled 16 digs.
South Team
- Elle McBride (Montgomery Academy) – Awarded South MVP, she led her team with 12 kills and nine digs.
- Addi Vinson (Montgomery Academy) – Tallied 32 assists and six digs.
- Hannah Pearce (Saraland) – Showcased an all-around performance with 10 kills, seven assists, eight digs, and two blocks.
- Taylor Ismael (Spanish Fort) – Recorded 10 kills and three digs.
- Paris McQuirter (McGill-Toolen Catholic) – Contributed nine kills and four digs.
- Sophia Saxon (Saraland) – Added 15 assists.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
First Set
The South won a nail-biting first set 25-23, thanks to strong performances from McQuirter, McBride, and Ismael. All three outside hitters notched five kills each, with McBride adding three service aces. The North kept it close, with Buchanan and Vaughn each securing four kills.
Second Set
The second set was equally competitive, ending 26-24 in favor of the North. Bowen’s athleticism and Vaughn’s strong front-line play were crucial. Buchanan served three consecutive points to break a 24-24 tie, and Terry’s clutch plays sealed the victory.
Third Set
The North gained early momentum in the third set with an ace from Bellar. Despite strong efforts from Vinson and other South players, the North pulled ahead 17-9. The South rallied to tie it at 23 all, but a serving error gave the North the edge they needed for a 25-23 win.
Fourth Set
The South fought back to win the fourth set 25-23, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Fifth Set
In the final set, Buchanan’s two kills and two service aces led the North to a 15-9 victory, clinching the match.
The North-South volleyball competition wrapped up the All-Star Sports Week, leaving fans eager for next summer’s showdown.
AHSAA NORTH-SOUTH ALL-STAR RESULTS
Girls’ Golf: North 51, South 39 (North girls lead series 4-1)
Boys’ Golf: North 39, South 33 (North boys lead series 5-0)
Baseball: South 4, North 1 (North boys lead series 24-17-4)
Girls’ Cross Country: North 17, South 38 (North leads series 5-2)
Boys’ Cross Country: North 20, South 41 (North leads series 5-2)
Girls’ Basketball: North 87, South 46 (North leads series 24-3)
Boys’ Basketball: North 97, South 85 (North leads series 51-30)
Girls’ Tennis: Cancelled due to rain; only doubles completed (North leads series 4-0)
Boys’ Tennis: Cancelled due to rain; only doubles completed (North leads series 3-1)
Softball: South 3-11, North 1-11 (game 2 ended in tie) (North leads series 29-25-2)
Girls’ Soccer: North 4, South 1, (North leads 19-3-1)
Boys’ Soccer: North 4, South 1 (North leads 16-4-1)
Volleyball: North 3, South 2 (253-25, 26-24, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9) (North leads series 16-10)
Featured Image: South MVP Elle McBride of Montgomery Academy (9) battles at the net with North MVP Lauren Buchanan (7) of Chelsea and Eevy Bellar (10) of Hazel Green. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
