By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Some of the Wiregrass’ top rising senior athletes represented the region on one of Alabama’s biggest stages this week, helping the South All-Stars earn victories in multiple sports during the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) All-Star Sports Week.
Hosted annually in July, All-Star Sports Week is one of the premier traditions in Alabama high school athletics. Selected by the Alabama High School Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA), more than 350 of the state’s top rising seniors earned roster spots this year based on their athletic achievement, leadership, and varsity performance.
Running alongside the games, the week also serves as the AHSAA’s Summer Conference, bringing thousands of middle school and high school coaches, athletic directors, and officials to Montgomery for professional development workshops and mandatory rules clinics ahead of the upcoming school year.
Golf: South Sweeps Both Divisions Behind Strong Wiregrass Performances
In Monday’s opening rounds at Arrowhead Country Club, Wiregrass golfers played key roles in helping the South sweep both the boys and girls golf competitions over the North.
Kam Kelley of Providence Christian defeated Athens’ Adalyn Pike, 11.5-6.5, in girls match play.
Shaelyn Kennedy of Enterprise teamed with Auburn’s Summer Yoo for an 11.5-6.5 victory over Maylee Stewart of White Plains and Allie Freeman of West Point.
On the boys side, Parker Trawick of Enterprise teamed with Spanish Fort’s Murray Walker for a 10-8 victory over Susan Moore’s Payton Pannell and Sumiton Christian’s Drew Rice.
The Wiregrass was also represented by Anna Claire Wright and Elizabeth Sarpalius of Providence Christian, John David Croft of Enterprise, Andrew Lisenby of Providence Christian, and Tripp Robinson of Houston Academy.
Baseball: North Sweeps Annual Doubleheader
The South baseball roster featured two Wiregrass standouts at Paterson Field, but the North swept the annual doubleheader, winning 5-2 and 7-3.
Enterprise catcher Drew P. Danner and Ariton’s Addison Senn represented the region on the South squad.
Senn saw action as both a pitcher and infielder, while Danner handled catching duties during the two-game series.
Soccer: Wiregrass Well Represented on South Squads
Wiregrass athletes were well represented on both South soccer teams during the North-South matches at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex.
The North boys defeated the South, 2-1. The South roster included Nathan Childers of Dothan High School, Noah Howell of Houston Academy, and EB Joye of Providence Christian School.
The South girls responded with a 3-1 victory over the North. Wiregrass representatives included Ava Bell of Dothan High School and Elsie Shirley of Houston Academy.
Cross Country: South Captures Team Championship
Wiregrass distance runners also competed Tuesday morning at Gateway Park, where the South claimed the cross country team championship. Official results and split times were compiled by XpressTiming.
Wiregrass Representation
Houston County: Eight athletes representing Providence Christian, Houston Academy, and Dothan High School.
Coffee County: Three athletes representing Enterprise High School.
Dale County: One athlete representing Ariton High School.
With athletes representing schools across Coffee, Dale, and Houston counties, the Wiregrass once again showcased the strength of its high school athletic programs during one of Alabama’s premier events for rising seniors. From championship golf performances to key contributions in baseball, soccer, and cross country, the region’s student-athletes left their mark on Alabama’s annual All-Star celebration.
