By Bart Moss for the FCT

After an outstanding performance in the USA Junior Nationals all-state high school basketball competition in Alabama, Jessica Wilson, daughter of Tim and Pam Wilson, who just completed her junior year at Tharptown High School, was invited to participate in the USA Junior Nationals International Basketball Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, from July 12-15, 2016.

Coaches agree Jessica is an outstanding athlete. She has been an all-county and all-area first team player.  She is an excellent student and loves to volunteer in her community.

“It was an honor to be able to compete in this event,” said Wilson.  “I had a lot of fun until I got hurt. I made a lot of friendships and played the game I love.”

Jessica helped her team in Columbus proceed to the finals and win the Girls International Championship Tournament.

Based in Pennsylvania, the USA Junior Nationals provides one of the top amateur competitions in the United States and offers its program to all athletes who have a high talent level in basketball and want to develop their skills and techniques through statewide, national and international competition.

This is a unique opportunity for all athletes to improve their basketball talent through highly organized competition.

The USA Junior Nationals offers competitions across America, throughout the South, Midwest, East and West coasts. Athletes who demonstrate advanced skills, team leadership, competitive spirit and good sportsmanship go on to the next level of play, which is the USA Junior Nationals International Sports Festival.

Jessica’s sponsors for this event were North Alabama Paving, Fast Track Auto, Hines Tire & Auto, Kiel Equipment, Rancho Viejo, Green’s Dependable Hardware, Family Pharmacy, M&N Towing, Lovett Car Care, Chevron Downtown Russellville, Country Insurance and Sam’s Flowers.