Russellville’s Ray selected to play in AHSAA North-South Baseball All-Star Classic this summer

Following in a long line of talented Golden Tiger baseball players, Russellville High School rising senior Tristan Ray is the latest to have been selected to represent RHS and the North in the 30th annual AHSAA North-South Baseball All-Star Classic, set to be played at Montgomery during the AHSAA’s All-Star Sports Week July 20-24. The AHSAA announced this year’s North-South All-Star baseball squads in a press release May 24.

“It’s an honor, really, and shows that all the hard work is paying off,” Ray told the Franklin Free Press. “I’m really excited to be able to show my talents off to other coaches.

“It wasn’t just me that got me here, it was my coach and all of my teammates. I want to go out there and do it and show off my talent for them,” he added.

An FFP All-Franklin County First Team selection this past season, Ray batted .306 in 111 at-bats his junior campaign and finished the year with a .450 on-base percentage, four home runs, nine runs scored and 24 RBI. The everyday catcher behind the plate, he also helped manage a formidable Golden Tiger pitching staff. Ray’s contributions in 2026 helped RHS win the Class 5A Area 14 title and reach the second round of the playoffs.

Ray said he’s looking forward to the opportunity All-Star Week provides to play with and against some of the best players in the state.

“I’m expecting some great competition that will really push me to my limit. I’m expecting to push myself further than I’ve ever pushed,” he said. “There will be some really good players there, so I’m going to try to keep up with them and show them and coaches there what I can do.”

In the state’s capital, Ray will be joined by 17 other teammates, a group of the top rising seniors representing the North. This year’s North All-Star team will be coached by Alexandria’s Zac Welch, Appalachian’s Brandon Johnson and Saint James’ Keith Lucky.

A confident Ray believes he brings talent and intangibles that can help the North top the South in this summer’s competition.

“I’m a hard worker and I think just knowing that I can do it is important. I might not be better than some of the other people there, but I’m going to fight to the end for the win,” he said. “I bring a really productive leadership; even if we get down I know that we can come back and win it.”