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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Billingsley High School’s Sadie Primm suited up for the South All-Stars in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Softball Game in Montgomery on July 17. Part of the 28th annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Week, Primm was selected as a member of the South All-Stars team to showcase some of the best rising senior softball players in Alabama, and she represented Billingsley and its softball program in the process.

“I had the best time ever, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to play with such amazing, talented and kind girls,” Primm said. “As someone from a small town, and a very small school compared to who I played with, it is very humbling and it makes you think about all of the hard work it took to get there. I am beyond blessed to have been there.”

Primm said her and the rest of the all-stars were treated like celebrities throughout the day, and they all got to know each other during a practice the morning of the games. Coaches Daryl Otwell from Wetumpka High School and Michael Ebert from Foley High School worked with the South All-Stars, and Primm said the two coaches were very helpful and easy to learn from.

“I am so thankful that I was able to meet so many other girls that love the game just as much as I do,” Primm said.

Jerseys were handed out at the practice, and Primm was excited to see the No. 3 on hers. The group of players had lunch at Faulkner University before heading to Lagoon Park for the evening doubleheader.

The Billingsley product was one of only a handful of Class 1A all-stars throughout all the games during all-star week. She felt a sense of pride representing not just the Bears, but all of the smaller schools in Alabama during the game.

“I love my little town and school, and being able to represent them in my athletics, it was amazing,” Primm said. “I love representing the little 1A schools because we can do it and it is possible, and it does not matter how small your school is, it is possible to get to the bigger opportunities out there.”

Primm had a large contingent of support for the games, including former Billingsley head softball coach Dustin Jones who drove four hours to walk with her during the introductions. When the games started, Primm was back in her element and put on a solid showing. She caught three innings in game one while collecting two singles, boosting the South All-Stars to a 3-0 shutout win.

Game two was the complete opposite, as both teams scored at will posting 22 runs combined. In the end, they were evenly split after seven innings for a 11-11 tie, and Primm ended her night a combined 3-for-4 after another single in game two.

She commented about the competition and talent levels of the other all-stars being elevated during the game, but enjoyed the opportunity to soak in all of the knowledge from them and compete against some of the best.

“It was terrifying, and I was very nervous, but I just trusted my mechanics, my muscle memory and the Lord, and I got out there and did it,” Primm said.

Billingsley Athletic Director Lanny Jones, Billingsley coach Angela Jones, new Billingsley Principal Jason Griffin, Billingsley softball teammates and friends, members from Primm’s church and her family also made the trip to Montgomery to make sure the Bears contingent was heard loud and clear.

“Just being up to bat, and having my little Billingsley fan club cheering me on, it felt so surreal, and I love that feeling because it felt like ‘I made it, and I am here,’” Primm said. “The lights, the nostalgia of the field, I just loved being there.”