The 2007-2008 season was a memorable season for the Talladega’s boys and girls basketball teams. It was especially special for basketball players Jessica Merritt and Darnell Tuck; both will be playing in the Alabama High School Athletic Association All Star Week North –South basketball game on July 17 in Huntsville.Merritt, who will be a senior at THS this fall, will cap off her excellent junior season by playing in the North-South game. Merritt was named first team All State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association after leading the Lady Tigers to the 5A state championship game for the first time in school history. Merritt is considered as one of the top players in the state next season.
“This is well deserved,” head coach Jannie Keith said. “I have no doubt that she will do well in the game.”
Merritt has been busy this summer working on her game with an AAU team. According to Keith, Merritt has been playing at a high level against her AAU opponents. She has been consistent through out AAU play, scoring between 16 to 20 points per game. Keith believes that these experiences will help her become a better player.
“I believe that these experiences will be confidence builders for her,” Keith said. “She will be coached by several good coaches that will give her tips that will help her this up coming season.”
Merritt will have another highly regarded rising senior making the trip to Huntsville with her in guard Darnell Tuck. Last season Tuck was part of a well balanced THS team that finished with a record of 27-4. Tuck filled up the stat sheet last season averaging 12 points per game. He also averaged seven rebounds, three assists and two steals per game for the Tigers.
“I am excited about it,” Tuck said. “It is something that could help you be seen by college coaches.”
THS head basketball coach Chucky Miller said “Darnell should do a good job. It will be a great experience for him to meet players from all around the state.”
Tuck is just getting healthy after having shoulder surgery in March. Tuck played last basketball season with a torn rotator cuff and chipped a piece of his bone, which was injured during football season.
“He looked really good during summer camp and I expect him to play really good in the All Star game,” Miller said.
THS Athletic Director Bill Granger is excited for both Tuck and Merritt as they get ready to go to play in the All-Star game.
“They are quality individuals and leaders of this school,” Granger said. “I expect both of them to do well.”
The games will take place on the University of Alabama-Huntsville campus on Thursday. The girls’ game will tip off at 6 p.m. and the boys’ game will follow at 8 p.m.
