By AUSTIN PHILLIPS/City Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson’s Trent Lucas and Jordan Chism should have no trouble understanding what their coaches expect of them Monday as the two Warriors will join the North squad during the annual Alabama All-Star baseball game.

Lucas and Chism will be familiar with at least one of the coaches as Thompson head coach Pat Hamrick will serve as one of the five coaches for the North squad.

“It’s fun to go up there and play with people you compete against during the season,” Hamrick said. “You get to know them on a more personal level.”

While Hamrick is eager to see his North squad and the competition from the South, he is always ready to see how his players compete against some of the best rising seniors in the state.

“It’s great to see how you compete against the best in the state,” Hamrick said.

In addition to giving the players more playing time against the highest quality of competition, Hamrick also said such games as the North-South All-Star game gives players extra exposure and a better chance at moving on to the next level.

“This is a great chance to be seen by some major college and pro scouts,” Hamrick said. “Hopefully it with give (Lucas and Chism) some extra confidence by playing with the best players in the state.”

Briarwood’s Ben Bracewell will also join Lucas and Chism on the North squad, and that is also something that excites Hamrick.

“Watching Ben pitch… I was really impressed with how he throws a baseball,” Hamrick said.

The festivities will get underway Monday morning, as the scouts will time players in the 60-yard dash. The players will also throw the ball around and hit batting practice.

The All-Star doubleheader will begin at 4 p.m. at Huntsville’s Joe Davis Stadium