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Shelby County cross-country runners had a banner day at the North-South All-Star races as Oak Mountain’s John Shoemaker won the boys race and Briarwood Christian’s Mary Grace Parker finished second in the girls race. (Contributed/AHSAA)

By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

MONTGOMERY – It was a big day for Shelby County cross-country runners as they showed why they are among the best in the state with their performances at North-South All-Star week.

Oak Mountain’s John Shoemaker won the boys North-South cross-country race, while Briarwood Christian’s Mary Grace Parker took second place in the girls race on Tuesday, July 16 at Gateway Park in Montgomery.

Shoemaker claimed first place in the boys race with a time of 15:39.27, beating out fellow North All-Star Luke Alverson’s second-place time of 15:50.83 by 11 seconds.

Parker earned runner-up honors in the girls competition with a time of 19:13.14, finishing only behind Emma Brooke Levering’s time of 18:41.80 as part of a Northern sweep of the top three.

As a result of both of their successful times, the North All-Stars won the team competition in both races over the South All-Stars. The North won 20-41 in the boys race and claimed the girls race with a 17-38 victory.

Both Shoemaker and Parker had great junior seasons in 2023 that solidified their selections to the All-Star teams.

At the state championships, Shoemaker finished runner-up in the Class 7A boys race with a time of 15:11.2 and Parker took third in the Class 6A girls competition with a time of 18:10.6.

Shoemaker won five races during the 2023 season with Shelby County Championship, Oak Mountain Invitational, St. Bernard Oktoberfest, Last Chance Invitational and sectionals. He also finished runner-up at the Spain Park Twilight Meet in addition to the state championship.

Parker won the FWB Viking XC Classic to start the season before finishing fourth at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational and seventh at sectionals along with her third-place finish at state.

The North-South All-Star race features the top rising seniors from around the state across all classifications. 10 runners from the north and south regions of the state were selected to compete in the boys and girls showcase races.

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