While Gerarde Shanks and Darryl Watts are banging around on the gridiron, another Southside player will be strutting his stuff during the Alabama North-South All-Star games.

But Deonte Williams will be wearing sneakers instead of cleats as he competes for the South in the North-South Basketball game.

Williams, who will be a senior for the Panthers, will be united with former Wilcox Central teammate Yamene Coleman.

Though he looks forward to reuniting with his former teammate, Williams said the move to Southside has been very beneficial.

Williams was a big part of the Panthers late-season surge.

After struggling through the first half of last season, coach Velton Robinson went to his youth and the team gelled.

They made a run deep into the playoffs, coming close to a trip to Birmingham.

Robinson said that Williams’ selection is a nice honor for the young man and the program.

Out of nine returning players, Williams and Jarvis Washington are the only two seniors.

Robinson said he expects a lot from his leaders next season.