Chelsea’s Lauren Buchanan wins North MVP honors, Spain Park, Pelham players also feature in North-South Game

By TYLER RALEY | Special to the Reporter

MONTGOMERY – Four players from area schools shined for both the North and South All-Stars when the volleyball North-South All-Star Game took place on Thursday, July 18 in Montgomery.

Chelsea’s Lauren Buchanan and Spain Park’s Alexa Benda represented the North in its 3-2 win while Pelham’s London Wynn and Camryn McMinn played for the South.

Buchanan posted two kills and two service aces in the dramatic fifth set, and tied the game high in total kills with 13. She also added four digs, three assisted blocks and two aces while hitting +.320. Her efforts earned her MVP award for the North as she played a crucial factor in the win.

She also served three straight points in the second set, giving the North some momentum after being down one set early.

Benda also made appearances, using her height to help out as a middle blocker on the front lines for the North. She earned seven total blocks, including one solo block, and three kills while hitting +.125.

On the other side for the South All-Stars, utility player London Wynn was a key asset in helping her side bounce back late and keep this match tight.

As the North went up 17-9 in the fourth set, Wynn made some clutch plays along with many of her other teammates to help the South eventually draw even on the scoreboard at 23 each. That comeback was a major reason why it pulled out the penultimate set with a 25-23 victory, forcing the deciding fifth set.

She ended the match with eight digs and three service aces while featuring in all five sets.

Her teammate in McMinn also used her height to her advantage, as the outside hitter earned three kills off 11 swings in the two sets she played in.

In a phenomenal junior campaign, Buchanan was a master of helping the Hornets finish off points. She ranked second in the county with 526 kills with 78 assists to go along with it. She coupled her offense with a fantastic defensive performance, racking up 218 digs and 35 blocks, helping her earn a place on the All-State First Team and All-Area team.

Like Buchanan, Benda also pumped out a fantastic year on the stat sheet with 158 kills, 10 aces and 49 blocks. Her efforts made her an All-County Honorable Mention.

Wynn posted 305 kills to go along with her 63 aces on the offensive side of the ball, while recording 260 digs and 38 blocks on defense. With one year left, she looks to improve on her All-State Second Team spot and All-County Honorable Mention from the 2023 season.

As one of the most electric outside hitters in Class 6A, McMinn made 372 kills and recorded 43 aces this past season, along with her 282 digs and 38 blocks. She earned an All-State First Team spot to pair with her All-County First Team selection.

All four county athletes now prepare for the 2024 season with high hopes of excelling even more in their senior years while also looking to lead their teams to new heights on the court.

The post Chelsea’s Lauren Buchanan wins North MVP honors, Spain Park, Pelham players also feature in North-South Game appeared first on Shelby County Reporter .