ALL-STAR SPORTS WEEK: St. Bernard’s Peterson, Sweeney contribute to pair of North wins

Published 9:05 pm Wednesday, July 19, 2017

MONTGOMERY — Christian Peterson and Andrew Sweeney represented little St. Bernard in a big way during Wednesday’s North-South All-Star Sports Week competitions.

The former helped the North basketball squad storm to a victory over the South, while the latter scorched the trails in the early morning hours to make it a clean sweep with a cross country win at Auburn University at Montgomery.

The 21st annual event will conclude on Thursday with volleyball and football outings. Baseball, soccer and softball contests kicked off the festivities on Tuesday.

See below for complete capsules on Peterson, Sweeney and Holly Pond’s Kolby Holcombe, The Green and White softball standout didn’t complete her performances until late Tuesday.

Christian Peterson

Result(s): North 74-64

Series: North leads 48-26

Stats: Played seven minutes. Had one block that led to a transition dunk.

Quotes: “It was pretty cool. I would’ve liked to have shot the ball, but I felt like I contributed out there for the team. I’m happy with how it went.” — Peterson on playing against the state’s best.

“It was a great time. I learned a lot. It was fun to be around such a great group of guys. Overall, it was a really good experience. I’ll take a lot back with me.” — Peterson on his North-South All-Star selection.

“I’m proud Christian received this opportunity. He didn’t get it by accident, either; he earned it in tough company. It’s a big honor for him to get to play with these guys. I’m just proud of him and proud for him.” — St. Bernard coach Greg Boatright on Peterson’s moment.

“He’s a very deceptive player. You look at him and don’t think much of him. But when you watch him, you see a great shooter and a great ball handler. He also has a great motor. It was good to see him play. I think he’ll have a great senior season for St. Bernard.” — North/Paul Bryant coach Shon Peck-Love on Peterson’s skills. 

Andrew Sweeney

Result(s): North 16, South 47

Series: North leads 1-0

Stats: Finished fourth out of 16 runners with a time of 17:35.

Quotes: “It was a really good race. I felt good and wanted to race with the top dogs in the state. I saw a lot of strategy out there that I can bring back with me this fall. I was trying to place high, because I knew that would mean my team won.” — Sweeney on his performance.

“This showcased how cross country races work and how two teams have to strategize in order to win. They planned it well and did a great job coordinating it. I can’t say anything other than that. It was really fun.” — Sweeney on his North-South All-Star experience. 

“We’re elated Andrew got to participate in this race. He’s a fine choice. I don’t know if I’ve ever coached anybody more dedicated than Andrew. He loves cross country. He studies it. He’s a student of the sport who does a lot of little things to improve. Nobody is going to outwork him.” — St. Bernard coach William Calvert on Sweeney’s dedication. 

“One of the coolest things about the North squad is how equal they all are. Numbers. Mileage. Body types. Andrew and the other guys are made for this. He’s put in the work. I thought he ran a really good race. That’s a great testament to him and the coaches at St. Bernard.” — North/American Christian Academy coach Charles Tiller on Sweeney’s effort. 

Kolby Holcombe

Score(s): North 12-6 (Game 1), South 11-1 (Game 2) 

Series: North leads 25-10-3

Stats: 0-2 (walk) in Game and 0-1 in Game 2.

Quotes: “I guess I’m OK with it. Everybody likes to hit, but there were some good pitchers down there.” — Holcombe on her at-bats.

“It was really fun getting to meet new people and play with new people. We did a lot of things as a team. It was a good experience.” — Holcombe on her North-South All-Star inclusion.

“Very few players get to come down here. She’s worked her tail off to be one of them. All that work is paying off. There’s a bunch of things I could say about Kolby. She started in the seventh grade. Anybody could see this coming. She’s got the talent.” — Holly Pond coach Chad Folds on Holcombe’s growth.

“She’s one of the best catchers I’ve ever coached, and I’ve been around 17 years. Knows the game. Hits it. I’ve coached her in travel ball as well. Great leader and a great kid.” — North/Mortimer Jordan coach Shawn Maze on Holcombe’s talents.