‘Everything I hoped it would be and more’: Russellville’s Copeland reflects on All-Star experience

Following one of the best individual seasons in Russellville High School varsity girls’ basketball program history, rising senior Ella Copeland was rewarded with the opportunity to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Girls’ Basketball Classic—and an experience she won’t soon forget.

Last week, on Tuesday, June 21, at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery, Copeland suited up for the North All-Stars and helped her team to a 71-63 victory over the South All-Stars, scoring two points and adding a rebound. 

The All-State guard’s bucket came early in the game when she hit a turnaround jumper to give the North an 11-9 lead with 1:45 to go in the first period.

For Copeland, the chance to share the court with many of the state's elite players was an exhilarating and memorable one.

"It was an awesome feeling to be on the court with some of the best players in Alabama," she told the Franklin Free Press. "Being selected for the North-South All-Star Game was a huge honor, and it was exciting to compete alongside and against so many talented athletes. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to represent the North team and be part of such a special event."

But the all-star activities extended beyond the game itself, giving Copeland and her fellow all-stars the chance to bond while giving back to the community.

"The all-star experience was everything I hoped it would be and more," Copeland said. "It was an all-day event that started with practice, followed by lunch, then a basketball clinic with kids at a Boys & Girls Club summer camp before we played the game that evening.”

The All-Star Week experience served as yet another milestone in a career filled with memorable moments. Copeland, heading into her final basketball campaign at Russellville, will leave the school as one of the most decorated players in program history, highlighted by becoming the first player in school history to score 2,000 career points. Now, she can add AHSAA All-Star to an already impressive resume.

"This experience ranks near the very top of my list (of experiences)," Copeland said. "Being chosen for the North-South All-Star Game is such an honor, and it's a unique opportunity that only a select few players get to experience. It's something I'll always remember, and being able to keep the jersey makes it even more meaningful! To top it off, the North brought home the win!"