SPANISH FORT — Spanish Fort’s Felicia Smith was named to the South team for the girls all-star basketball game in the 11th annual North-South Alabama All-Star competition set for July 14.

The match ups takes place during the Alabama All-Star Sports Week in Huntsville July 9-13

Smith, a junior at Spanish Fort High, said she was very excited and looking forward to the event..

“I went to one of the (All-Star) games a couple of years ago and I thought it would be fun to get to play in it, but I never thought it would happen,” she said. “I’m really excited about it.”

In her second year at SFHS, which is also only the second year of existence for the two-year-old school and athletic program, Smith scored 14 points per game, averaged nine rebounds and two steals per outing for the Toros and head coach George Brown.

“It’s a big honor for her and of course it’s well deserved,” Brown said. “I think she’s one of the best players in the state. We have a couple more also that were nominated, but they decide all that in Montgomery and we’re all excited for her. All the players, her teammates are supportive of her and so is the school. It’s a great accomplishment. She works hard as all of them do and she will be representing Spanish Fort High School.”

The Toros won their 5A Area championship for the 2006-07 season in one of the toughest 5A areas in the state. Only 14 players are invited on each side of the North-South divide which for the south includes Mobile county players Jamila McKinnis of Blount and Jasmine Bendolph of Davidson.

Smith said she will prepare for the event by continuing to play with her AAU team the Bama Storm coached by Ray Marsh, but also plans to stay in shape by getting ready for her senior volleyball season in August.

Smith said she had a lot of people to thank for helping her achieve state-wide recognition. “Coach Brown, my teammates, my parents and God,” she said. “I’m really thankful for getting the chance to play. I’m excited about it, too. It should be a lot of fun.”

Brown said he goes to the game every year as a basketball coach and attends the coaching clinic that coincides with All-Star Week.

“We go to the clinic and attend the game every year, but it will really be nice to watch one of my own players in it this year.”

The girls and boys games will be played at Spragins Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama Huntsville.

Coaching the SOUTH GIRLS team are Terry Gray of Ashford and Jackie O’Neal of Reeltown. Tony Stallworth of Brantley serves as administrative coach for the South girls and boys teams.

The coaches for the NORTH GIRLSt eam are Jimmy Jones of DAR and Dale Beason of Ashville. Randy White, former Athens coach, is the administrative coach for the North girls and boys teams.