Elite Stars take second place

The North Alabama Elite Stars – including three players from Russellville – won second place in the AAU Nationals in Orlando last week, bringing home the silver medals.

The Elite Stars played teams from all over the nation, racking up the stellar season using the skill of players from throughout north Alabama as well as Tupelo, Miss.

Franklin County was represented by Collin Bonner, Will Bonner and Chandler Dyas, all of Russellville High School.

In the AAU Nationals game one, the Elite Stars faced Niagara out of New York. Dyas and Will Bonner helped propel the team to the win by scoring 10 points each.

The duo racked up major points again in game three versus West Melbourne Select out of Florida. Will Bonner was top scorer in the game with 18 points, followed by Dyas with 10.

In game four, Dyas added another 10 points to his total for the day. In game five, Will Bonner scored 13, and Dyas scored 11. In game six, Dyas added another 12.

In the final, the Elite Stars faced Niagara again, but the game would be their undoing. Despite the Elite Stars loss, 73-63, Dyas managed to contribute another 11 points.

In the three-point shootout competition, Dyas came in second, and Will Bonner came in fourth.

“We want to thank everyone and all the local businesses that help us along the way with donations,” said a team spokesperson. “We greatly appreciate it.”