Local athletes play key roles for North All-Stars

Rheagan Harvel, an all-state basketball player for Brewer’s Lady Patriots, and Baylee Holt, an all-region softball player for Hartselle’s Lady Tigers, played key roles for North teams in the Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Star games in Montgomery last week.

Harvel, who played at the point guard position, was credited with an assist that led to a game-tying field goal with time running out. The North stars went on to pull out a 68-67 OT win. The game was played at the Acadome on the Alabama State University campus.

“I lobbed a pass to our post player from the three-point line and she made the lay-up and tied the score at 59,” Harvel said. “I was thrilled I was able to get the ball to her in time for her to score.”

Harvel had two points, six assists and a steal in the game.

“It was a great experience,” Harvel pointed out. “I feel like it made me a lot better player. I had to step up my game in order to keep in step with players that will be playing at the college level after next season.”

She added, “I felt a little timid at first because we played after practicing only three times. But it didn’t take me long to get into my rhythm.”

“We’re lifting weights, conditioning and having shootarounds this summer,” she added. “I’m really looking forward to my senior season.”

Holt played at shortstop and second base positions for the North team in two all-star softball games, which were played at Lagoon Park.

The first game developed into a pitcher’s duel and ended in a scoreless tie. The South team prevailed in the second game, 7-2.

Holt started both games but was surprised when her name was penciled in at second base for the first game after practicing at shortstop. As a junior, she played third base.

While she failed to get a hit, Holt made good contact with the ball each time at bat and played flawlessly in the infield.

“I had a lot of fun,” she said. “I pretty much knew everyone on the team from travel ball.”