Story by Mark Everett Kelly mark@emilysoutherntorch-com

Fort Payne and DeKalb County will be proudly represented when the ASHAA North/South All-Stars square off this week in Montgomery (July 15-19).

At the ASHAA North/South All-Stars event, athletes around the state demonstrate their prowess in a wide range of sports.

The AHSADCA, which operates under the auspices of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), hosts all-star games in baseball, softball, boys' and girls' soccer, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girls' tennis, and boys' and girls' golf.

The coaches nominate players, and the final selections are decided by a committee across the eight districts in the state. 

Here are the players representing Fort Payne.

Baseball

Brannon Oliver, OF

"We are all excited about Brannon representing our baseball program and high school at the AHSAA all-star event. He's an extremely hard worker and has earned this opportunity to showcase his skills among some of the best players our state has to offer." - Eric Varnadore, Fort Payne head baseball coach.

Volleyball

Cooper Garrett, Setter/Hitter

"Coop possesses such a comprehensive skill set for volleyball. When you take into account her hard-core work ethic and love for the sport and for her teammates, anyone can see why she was chosen for this honor and why her teammates and coaches were thrilled for her opportunity to compete in the North-South All-star Game." - Heather Mayes Powell, Fort Payne head volleyball coach.

Boys' Soccer

Rene Juan

"Extremely skilled player that is a legacy in the Fort Payne school system as he has had two older brothers play with us." - Tom Shanklin, Fort Payne head boys' soccer coach.